Chapter 34 Chapter 34
Mr. Photographer’s mouth fell open, and I saw his eyes sparkle at what my husband said. His smile widened as if he didn’t expect to hear that from Hendeix.
Mr. Photographer prepared his camera. Hendeix, on the other hand, held my waist.
"What’s happening? Maybe you want to include me in your conversation? I don’t understand," I complained.
He brought his mouth close to my ear, making me feel ticklish. "Just smile. He'll take pictures of us, my wife," he whispered sweetly.
"O-okay."
I smiled at the camera. With the way Mr. Photographer was smiling, he looked like he had won the lottery, and it was rubbing off on me. I knew I was smiling the same way because no matter how you turn the world upside down, I felt like I had won every gamble in the world when I married Hendeix. And luck? I didn’t even place a bet. He just suddenly arrived in my life like a blessing from God and answered all the prayers I used to make.
"Bacio."
My forehead creased when Mr. Photographer spoke.
"Bacio," he repeated while smiling. What is he saying—basyo? In my language, it means empty? Does he mean no money? Wait, is he giving us instructions? Because his hand is gesturing. Does he want us to get closer?
Wait, I didn’t even notice how many pictures Hendeix and I already had taken. Maybe I only had one pose in all of them.
"Baci sua moglie, signore!" the photographer shouted, making me nervous.
"What is he saying, Hendeix? I’m getting scared," I whispered discreetly to Hendeix, but he wasn’t answering, so I looked up to check on him.
But what I did was a mistake... the moment I looked up was the moment he reached for my lips. Along with his kiss was the flash of Mr. Photographer’s camera, which fully snapped me back to reality.
No, this is not happening. Why does my heart beat so loudly and fast? It feels like it wants to escape from my chest.
And what’s even more maddening is that that’s the only thing I can hear. It’s as if we’re not surrounded by people. It’s like we’re on Mars.
No, this is impossible. We’ve kissed many times already. I shouldn’t be this affected.
Slowly, I closed my eyes as I felt every moment I didn’t want to end. A single tear escaped from my eye.
The unexpected happened. In a split second, I held onto him...
Why?
Because I’m falling.
FOR A FEW SECONDS I just stared blankly at Hendeix after he kissed me in Italy. Even after Mr. Photographer finished giving us the pictures, I still couldn’t speak. I just stared into nothing while they exchanged money and the camera. Wait, it looked like Hendeix paid the photographer a huge amount? And why was he carrying the photographer’s camera? And why did the man leave looking so happy?
"Here, my wife. I saw you earlier. You wanted to take pictures of this place, but looks like your phone is dead. Take this," Hendeix said calmly and handed me the photographer’s camera. I was still gaping at him because I couldn’t recover from what he did and what I realized. This can’t be. Maybe I’m just mistaken! It’s impossible for me to fall that quickly! We argue all the time, so how could I like him right away? That’s not realistic! Maybe I just need to eat. Yes, that’s right! I’m just hungry!
"Huz, can we eat now?" I asked, stuttering. I couldn’t bear looking at him. Shame was eating me alive. Is this really happening? But it’s impossible! I’m not falling for him!
"Why? Are you hungry? You don’t want to stay here anymore? I thought you still wanted to take pictures," he said, making my heart grow even warmer. Why is his tone so gentle? How am I supposed to stop myself?
He pointed at the camera he clearly made an effort to buy. Wait, was trading the camera what he and the photographer were talking about earlier? Damn, he’s really so business-minded. And if I remember correctly, he gave the man five thousand. So generous!!! I wish he just gave it to me!
But never mind, I already have a Rolex, so that’s fine. I’m not allowed to be greedy.
I forced myself back to reality to erase the realization I had earlier. I’m still not convinced. My mind is still functioning properly. That kind of thing doesn’t happen instantly. I shouldn't like this man because I don’t want everything to end miserably. I shouldn’t even entertain the thought because it might become even more real. I must not.
"So? Are we leaving or do you still want to stay here? Well, we already have pictures anyway. We can use that camera somewhere else," he said, making my heartbeat pound even harder. No, this can't be. This is just me being overly dramatic. Me? Liking someone? Am I insane? I know it would be stupidity, so as much as possible, I shouldn’t do it. It’s like I never learn. And besides, he won’t like me back—someone who only thinks about business. If I don’t want to get hurt, I shouldn’t start anything!