Chapter 21
“WHAT the? Is that Ken?” Janine asked with a knotted forehead. “But Ken is not the type of guy that publicly flaunts his wealth.”
Janine’s heart fluttered as she stood in front of her apartment building, her eyes drawn to the sight of a luxurious sports car parked elegantly on the curb. For a moment, her mind raced with the thought that it could be Ken, with his extravagant taste and wealth.
However, her assumptions faded when she saw Paulo stepping out of the car, a warm smile lighting up his face.
“Janine,” Paulo greeted, his voice filled with genuine warmth. “I’m glad I found you.”
A mixture of surprise and curiosity danced in Janine’s eyes as she returned his smile. “Paulo, what brings you here?”
Paulo extended his arm towards the nearby coffee shop. “I was hoping we could sit down and talk over coffee. I want to continue our interrupted discussion earlier.”
Janine hesitated to answer. She wanted to rest her mind, but then she remembered that she and Paulo had to discuss her contract as his personal makeup artist. She signed an agreement that needed clarification before moving on to another project.
“Sure, but you should have called and met me at the coffee shop. You don’t have to come here with your…” Her eyes darted to his sportsman and the people around the street gawking at the car and at them. “…your expensive car.”
Paulo smiled at his remarks. “My apologies. I didn’t think of that because I wanted to talk to you. So, let’s go?”
***
THE aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they settled into a cozy corner of the cafe. Paulo’s eyes met Janine’s with a mix of sincerity and apology.
“Janine, I want to apologize for what happened at the mall,” Paulo began. “I didn’t mean to put you in an uncomfortable situation. It was unfair to you.”
Janine listened intently, her heart warmed at Paulo’s genuine remorse. “I appreciate your apology. It means a lot to me, Paulo.”
Paulo smiled and offered a toast to his coffee mug. Janine giggled, but then her mind insisted on asking Paulo about Ken and the girl he was with a while ago. Based on her observations, it seemed that they were not that close to each other. Janine was stealing glances at Ken while they were at the mall.
But Janine fought the urge to ask. She doesn’t want Paulo to suspect her of being interested in Ken after telling her his feelings for her. That was just inappropriate.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, their bond growing stronger with every word exchanged. However, their tranquility was interrupted as enthusiastic young girls approached them, their eyes gleaming excitedly.
“Paulo! Can we have a photo with you?” one of the girls asked eagerly.
Paulo glanced at Janine, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but I’m here with someone. Maybe another time?”
The girl looked at Janine; disappointment was evident in her eyes. Janine was about to speak and urged Paulo to have a picture with them, but the girl walked away out of embarrassment.
Janine looked apologetically at Paulo. “It seems that I upset your fan,” she said and looked around, anxious with people staring at them. “I must have expected that you’re famous to teenagers with that looks.”
Paulo just laughed and continued with his explanation about clearing their contract. Since Janie worked for him in several events in one month, Paulo paid her double for each successful event. Janine was shocked by how generous Paulo was to her and tried to decline. Still, Paulo told her she deserved it to start processing her business license.
“Thanks, Paulo. But this is really too much,” Janine shyly returned the check to Paulo.
Paulo gave her a reassuring smile. “Janine, if you keep returning the check to me, I will send you triple the amount in your bank first thing in the morning.”
Janine laughed and took the check immediately. “Okay, I’ll take this.”
As word spread through the crowd that Paulo, the famous model, was present, more people gathered around, hoping to glimpse the charismatic figure. Sensing the growing commotion, Janine offered a solution.
“Why don’t we continue our conversation at my place?” Janine suggested, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “We can have a more peaceful environment there.”
***
“I HOPE you don’t mind my cramped space,” Janine told Paulo as she let him inside her apartment. “But I plan to get a bigger one soon for my shoot and clients.”
“It’s actually cozy,” Paulo commented and looked around. “No doubt Ken took time when he used your toilet. He must have felt comfortable immediately.”
Janine swallowed hard, hoping that Paulo wouldn’t ask more about what happened.
“Ken likes nature,” he said suddenly, looking at the hanging plants by her window. “It gives him peace.”
Janine and Paulo settled on the couch, their conversation continuing effortlessly, their hearts opening up to each other with every topic that could easily squeeze one after the other.
In that intimate space, Janine couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, a feeling that she had found someone who truly understood and cared for her. The walls of her past experiences with Ken started to crumble, making way for new possibilities and the warmth of a budding romance.
Janine felt safe, cherished, and loved in Paulo’s presence. And as their laughter filled the air and their eyes met with affection, Janine couldn’t deny the burgeoning feelings within her, whispering that this unexpected encounter might just be the beginning of a beautiful love story.
“You know, Janine, you’re gorgeous,” Paulo said, looking straight into her eyes. “You’re beautiful in and out.”
Janine chuckled. “What makes you say that?”
Paulo shrugged his shoulders. “I just felt it,” he said and scooted closer to her. Their arms touched. “Would you mind…?”
Janine knew what would happen next. As Paulo lowered his lips onto her, she looked away and avoided his lips. Her heart was racing, and she didn’t know what to do.
“I shouldn’t do that—”
“Paulo, who was that woman with Ken at the mall?” Janine asked, trying her best to make it sound neutral, her gaze fixed on him.
She knew that was not the right question to ask to change the topic, but her mind wasn’t working.
Paulo’s eyes softened, understanding the unspoken worry in Janine’s question. “Oh, that’s just our childhood friend from Bulacan. She came with our mother. They’re currently staying at Ken’s house.”
Janine’s heart sank slightly, though she tried hiding her disappointment. The thought of Ken spending time with someone else, especially their childhood friend, stirred a mix of emotions within her. But she quickly pushed those thoughts aside, not wanting to let them cloud the moment with Paulo.
“I see,” Janine replied, her voice steady. “It’s nice that they have each other’s company.”
“Janine, I’ve been thinking about something,” Paulo began, his eyes filled with enthusiasm. “I’ve always admired your talent as a makeup artist, and I believe we make a great team. What do you say we partner up and build our cosmetic brand?”
Janine’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and excitement filling her heart. Building a cosmetic empire had always been her dream, and the thought of working alongside Paulo made it all the more exciting. However, her mind couldn’t help but be clouded by the connection to Ken.
“That’s a good idea,” Janine replied. “I hope there will be no complications when we start our partnership.”
Paulo reached out and gently took Janine’s hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Janine, you don’t have to worry about Ken if that concerns you. He’s planning to go back to France soon. Trust me, we can make it happen.”
Janine laughed awkwardly. This man seemed to be a mind reader. “It’s not about Ken—”
“I noticed that you’re becoming uncomfortable whenever he’s around,” Paulo cut off and laughed. “I’m not surprised because Ken is really different around women. He’s a chic magnet.”
Janine let out an awkward laugh. “Well, he really looked like a chic magnet.”
“But he’s a good person,” Paulo said. “Ken is a caring and loving man, especially to our mother.”
As Janine looked into Paulo’s eyes, a sense of trust and comfort washed over her. She could feel the genuine sincerity in his words, and she couldn’t help but be drawn to his unwavering support. The prospect of realizing her dreams alongside someone who believed in her was difficult to resist.
But Janine knew deep inside her heart that she should keep her distance from the two brothers if she wanted a peaceful life. She reminded herself that Ken Sizone was nothing but trouble.