Chapter 39-A strolling date
Audrey's POV...
"I've known Jonathan since I was three. We did everything together. Attended the same high school. Wore the same outfits most times. People actually mistook us for siblings,"
She turned and looked at me. "Do you know what it feels like to grow up thinking someone is yours?"
I didn't respond.
"That was how it was with Jonathan. At thirteen, my parents got me betrothed to one of their business partners son. I already had a crush on Jonathan. I had to go behind my parents' back to cancel the betrothal with the boy, making sure he convinced his parents that he didn't want the engagement,"
She leaned on the rails in the balcony. "I did that for him. You met him when he was already built" she looked away and scoffed. Her gaze returned back to me. "I knew him before he knew how to tie his shoelaces. I gave up something important for him."
"So how exactly am I connected in all this?" I asked, unsure where she was heading.
"I gave up my engagement for him. I can't lose him now."
I sighed. "You gave something up, hoping it would buy you a future with him. That was your choice. So why are you trying to burden me with the choices you made?" I said and turned to leave.
"You always come off as strong and confident. But be careful, because just when you think you have the upper hand, someone around the corner could lay hands on something they can use to destroy you" she said, her voice dropping.
I froze, a chill running down my spine. My fists clenched at my sides, but I forced a calm smile. Was that a threat? I turned, trying not to show the impact her words had on me.
I was still curious about what happened to his mother. I'd have to ask Jonathan myself.
Days later...
"I have a shoot today, two major ambassadorships back-to-back and Lena is not around. I'm going to have to juggle the whole circus alone," I grumbled, pushing a piece of toast around my plate.
Jonathan sat across from me while we were having breakfast.
"I can help you out," he opted.
I eyed him. "You're not a manager. You don't know the first thing about lighting, call sheets, or how the industry works." I slumped back, the weight of the day already settling in. "I just need a vacation,"
"Then let's go on one."
I looked up, caught off guard by the ease in his voice. Before I could protest, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm with a grin that made my heart skip a beat.
"Starting with a date tonight. No cameras, no media... just us,"
"What do you say?" He asked. I saw the eagerness in his eyes, waiting for me to agree.
I smiled. "Sure. It's a date then,"
He tilted his head to the left as he watched me, amusement in his eyes.
"What. Do I have something on my face?" I asked as I touched my face, in search of something there.
"Yeah you do," he stood up and walked over to my side and sat by the table as he touched my cheeks softly. "You have excess beauty there,"
"Oh my," I placed my hand over my mouth as I gushed when he said that. I playfully hit his hand away. "What was that?"
"I mean it," he defended. "You're so pretty. You're drop dead gorgeous, especially in the morning,"
"Yeah I know. My beauty was the first thing that attracted you to me,"
I placed my elbow on the table and rested my chin on my hand as I looked at him.
He just shrugged. "You remember the morning I made fun of you because of your hair," I nodded. "That wasn't true. You were actually making me uncomfortable that day. I couldn't help but notice you, and I didn't like it, so I decided to make fun of you,"
"You're so evil," I hit his leg.
He raised a brow at me. "I know," he said and we burst into laughter.
His hand reached to my face and he tucked a few strands of my hair behind my ear.
His eyes bore into mine as we stared at each other. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me," he said.
We stayed in that position and ever so slowly, his face drew closer as he leaned down and our lips met. My heart fluttered as soon as his lips met mine. It wasn't the first time we've kissed but each time, it feels like my first experience.
He deepened the kiss, his hands reaching down and cupping my cheeks. My hands instinctively flew up and wrapped around his neck... then I remembered. I had to go to work.
I put my hands on his cheeks and pulled back a bit, our faces inches apart. I could see the disappointment in his eyes. "I have to go to work. I've got deals, remember?"
"Can't you delay a bit long?" He asked, sulking.
I stood up from my chair immediately, facing him in disbelief, with my hands on my waist. "I can't believe you, the workaholic that goes to work by 5am, is asking me to wait a few minutes, just so I can kiss you,"
"Well that's a valid reason," he shrugged. "Besides, not everyone gets to kiss me. My kisses are special," he said and blew me a kiss.
"Whatever you say, but I'm still going," I countered and started moving away.
"In case you don't know," I turned to face him. "My new goal is to surpass you in wealth. I'm going to beat your net worth,"
He dramatically widened his eyes. "No way,"
I nodded. "Yes way. But here's something for you," I blew him a kiss and he jumped up immediately and acted like he caught it and placed his hands to his chest.
"It's safe here," he added.
I turned around smiling. "He's so naughty," I muttered.
I never knew love could make someone feel this happy. I had never been happier before.
Wait... do I really love Jonathan?
I looked at myself in the mirror for the last time. I was putting on a blue knee-length dress. The sleeves were slim and the v cut in front of the dress matched the v-shaped necklace I wore. I wore matching heels, with flower shaped earrings.
My makeup was just right. It wasn't heavy, just perfect.
'You're drop dead gorgeous' his words rang in my ear.
I smiled. Of course. If I were someone else, I'd fall in love with me.
I carried my bag and stepped out of the room. I was a bit worn out from all the activity today, but I had been waiting since today for this evening.
I descended the stairs and saw Jonathan sitting on the cough. He turned around and the moment he saw me, a smile lit up his face.
He stood up and faced me. Wait... my eyes ran over his body. Why was he dressed like that? I wasn't expecting the next thing he said.
"Don't you think you're a bit over dressed?" He asked.
"What do you mean?" I furrowed my brows.
"We're not going to any fancy restaurants or important places. There will be cameras and remember," he gave me a knowing look. "It's just us,"
"So what are you saying?" I asked. I already knew what he was saying, but refused to admit it.
"We'll be visiting local bars and eateries..." he paused. "It's a strolling date,"
"As in..."
"We're walking,"
Oouu, who's excited to see how this turns out?
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