《Secret Doors》


 Chapter 1: Enchanted

    Prologue


    I feel the warm breeze of air as it hits my face. I¡¯m loving the salty smell of airing from the nearby beach. The sun is kissing my skin like it is my lover. I look through the clouds for a while before I drive again. ¡°How lovely?¡± I questioned myself in astonishment. I look at the photo in my locket. If mom was here surely she¡¯ll tell me stories about dad.


    How she met dad one summer night and how the stars are watching them lit the fire of love. She tells their love story as if it was just the wildest dream she had. I drove again smiling as I remember how she will squeal like a high school student falling in love.


    I dropped by at the nearest Cafe before heading to my hotel reservation. The Cafe looks cozy with its vintage ent and a touch of bohemian vibes. The song ying was cool too. It¡¯s ssic that sounds peaceful to my ear.


    I ordered a caramel mhiato and sat down near the view of the beach. It¡¯s so beautiful. I checked my phone and it was near 4 pm. I make myselffortable in my seat and look around the shop when my eyes spotted a man weirdly holding his cup of tea.


    He¡¯s holding it at the mouth part of the cup, not on its handle. He¡¯s reading a newspaper on his other hand. His dull eyes suddenly looked at me as if I were a prey He was slicing me into pieces so I looked away. Those eyes look so enchanting despite that deadly re he gave me.


    And man that face is perfectly sculpted to make him so handsome. He looks so sexy in his neat attire. How fascinating that I can smell his perfume and how manly he is by just staring at him. He looks so neat and fine.


    I blushed as my heart raises its heartbeat as I heard him talking. The voice sounds so glorious that it makes me flinch from my seat. It¡¯s cold that sends shivers to my spine. It¡¯s so dignified that it makes me feel meek. I search for my phone and look for the time. I snatched a nce at him again and took all the courage to take my leave as his whole existence make me feel weak.


    When I get on to my car I can¡¯t help myself but smile. ¡°Mom, is this the feeling you had when you saw dad for the first time?¡± I asked and look at the sky. I looked down and saw him riding his Bugatti Divo. This man got his taste. I drove away too as he takes his leave.


    I drive away blushing hard straight to my hotel reservation. Wonderstruck and wondering if you ever noticed me. Praying that this was just the first page of the story. Hoping you are not in love with someone else, hoping we will meet again. You filled every empty spot of my brain with the thoughts of you.


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    (Ball Dance)


    7 pm @ the Ballroom of Le Grande


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I arrived at the party exactly at 7 pm. I¡¯m wearing a white 18th-century type of ballgown to match the vintage Victorian Motif of the party. My hair is in an updo with pearls and gold pins. I wore a pearl and ruby ne to match the outfit. This ne was from my mom. I wore a white flower pearl-studded stiletto for my footwear and acy bracelet for a more chic look. I am wearing a red mask to match my ruby ne.


    This party is being held every year for every visitor to the hotel. They call this matchmaking party or a ¡®Get to know you¡¯ party.¡± Everyone looks so fancy when I stepped into the room. From the maid, escort up to the visitors it looks so luxurious. I look around each corner of the ce. It¡¯s very magical and majestic.


    The ssic instrumental music is very soothing to the ears. A woman in her 40¡¯s step up the big staircase and calls for everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°To all the visitors of Le Grande Hotel, Wee to the 67th year of the Royal Ballgown party. Thank you to all the sponsors of this party for making this possible. May you find love at the end of the evening. Again Everyone good evening.¡± She happily said and with that instruments start ying and everyone gathers to meet someone to talk and here I am being left alone.


    I roomed around as I didn¡¯t know how to start a conversation as I feel so shy. The bell rings as it was time for eating but I didn¡¯t find anyone to talk with. Everyone just looks so intimidating to me. I got some food to my te and sat at the table near one of the windows. I put down my te and look around. Everyone seems to find a match for the danceter.


    ¡°May I sit with you?¡± A man in a white pearl stud mask said. His ocean green eyes are very calm and soothing his tone of voice is deep but feels impulsive. His musky scent lingers in my nose it¡¯s calm. ¡°Sure. I¡¯m all alone.¡± I answered. ¡°The name is Jacen.¡± He said after he takes the seat in front of me. ¡°Hey, you ruin the guessing part,¡± I said jokingly and heughs a little.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. After all, I¡¯m still hiding under this mask.¡± He said and smiles at me. What a beautiful smile showing up. ¡°Portia.¡±  I informally introduced myself. ¡°Nice name.¡± Hepliments and grabs the wine beside him. ¡°Oh, I forgot the shaking hand part.¡± He said a little of a joke. ¡°It¡¯s fine I don¡¯t mind informal talks,¡± I said. ¡°Me too. I like informality better than the old way like they did.¡± He said giving another round of a soothingugh.


    We ate and had fun talking. Then the lights went off and were reced with dancing lights bouncing everywhere. ¡°The dance already starts.¡± He informs and I nodded. I¡¯m being shy again. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have your first dance.¡± He said and stand up. ¡°Shall we dance Portia?¡± He offers me a hand that I dly ept. We got to the dancefloor and the ssic music began.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°This dance willst 25 minutes before the main dance. Dancers will switch ces to their left side at the first turn and will turn on the right side at the second turn before scattering again. I¡¯ll leave you my number so we could be friends in case we won¡¯t end up meeting again.¡± He informs me again. ¡°Thank you for informing me Jacen. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± I said and gave him a smile. He slides his phone card to me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk sometimes.¡± He said and I nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t be shy okay? I¡¯ll hope you get the main dance.¡± He said smiling. ¡°Yeah! thank you.¡± I thanked him. ¡°Good luck Portia.¡± He said and pass me to the next dancer. He has blonde hair and I can say that it is a bit of apple-cut hair. ¡°H-hello! Hope you had a nice evening.¡± The guy introduced the talk. This guy is a little timider than Jacen. ¡°Hi! Thank you. I¡¯m having fun. How about you?¡± I said and smiles at him as he is like me shy and timid.


    ¡°Doing good. What¡¯s your name?¡± He asked. ¡°My name is Portia. What¡¯s yours?¡± I introduced myself to him. ¡°My name is Aleksei.¡± He answered me. ¡°Nice to meet you Aleksei,¡± I told him and his thin lips smiles. We dance for a few more minutes and it¡¯s time to take turns again. ¡°See you around Portia.¡± He whispered before handing me to the man next to him.


    ¡°Oh! Hi! I¡¯m Conrad.¡± He immediately introduced himself. I giggled at his quick remorse. ¡°Portia. Nice to meet you.¡± I respond. ¡°Feelfortable okay?¡± He said and I nodded. We had fun talking while dancing. The music is so soothing as it turns slow. Another turn hand will take mine again.


    He handed me to a tall and undeniably handsome man. His haircut was undercut and it was blonde like the guy from earlier. I have the guts that I met him somewhere but I can¡¯t remember. His icy blue eyes are so dominating but he¡¯s wearing a calm and collected aura.


    He looks deeply into my eyes which made me wanna free myself from his lock-gazing challenge but I was drowned by his eyes. He¡¯s lovely. ¡°My pleasure to meet you I¡¯m Erin Kaito.¡± He formally introduced himself. ¡°My name is Portia Zira. It¡¯s also my pleasure to have you dancing with me tonight.¡± I shakingly answered back. A smirk just curved from his lips. His hand grabs my hips as the new set of music yed.


    We are both quiet. Nobody wants to talk also none of us wants to miss every inch of the moves we are sharing. He¡¯s like a price from the heaven-sent above. The music stops and I hear him whisper into my ears. ¡°Until next time mydy.¡± He said and escort me to the front as the light start dancing surely the spotlight is picking its victim.


    The light stop at the man with a ck diamond stud mask in a ck tuxedo with a rose on his left chest. And the next spot stops at the top of me. The guy looks so majestic in his suit and cape. My heartbeat fasten so much that it raises my temperature as we started to move and meet each other.


    As soon as my eyes falls into his trap I felt like I was caged. His sea grey eyes look deeply onto my soul, his gazes are sharp that it pains me. Why does it feel sad? Those eyes are dull and very intimidating. His aura reminds me of a deep-sea very calm and dangerous. He¡¯s not so tallpared to Erin but he¡¯s taller than me to think that I¡¯m only 5 t in height. I¡¯m only under his chin.


    We started to move our feet and dance. How magical that from the moment we take the first steps everything seems to vanish into thin air and I was the only one left for him. Rose petals are falling like rain drops from a rain shower. In a split moments, everything turns red as the petals field the ce.


    Our eyes are locked and none of us dare to break the thread. No one wants to end the silent war between us. Seems like both of us are already trapped in each other¡¯s thoughts. Who are you to mark me like a blood stain when I only met you here at the haunting forest?


    ¡°Hey, Brat.¡± He sinfully calls up my attention. ¡°Hmm?¡± I hummed suddenly like I¡¯m a submissive cat. ¡°Levi¡¯s the name.¡± He said and without another word, we continue to dance. ¡°Portia.¡± I whispered. ¡°I thought that I need to pull out your tongue for you to talk.¡± He said with vulgarity. My heart beats fast as I can¡¯t hold a word because his eyes are locked with me again.


    We continued to dance like we are some kind of royals very majestic and elegant to the eyes of everyone. We both heard a ss clinging sound. I looked up at the crowd back to him. ¡°Hey,dy those pigs want us to kiss.¡± He irritatedly told me. I was about to say a word when¡­


    He bluntly kissed me. That was so vulgar and shameless. His skillful lips sinfully devouring my lips and everything that I am. His tongue didn¡¯t ask any permission to enter like he is. He gave me an unforgettable first kiss that will prison me for a lifetime. I will be convicted after this kiss for longing on his lips. Yes, that first kiss will be my bad habit.


    He left my lips with a smirk that perfectly match that very gorgeous face. ¡°I want to meet you again.¡± He whispered at my ears and he slid a card into my gloves. I was left hanging still drowned in cloud nine. We take a vow but I was soulless. This man take my soul and he chained my heart.


    That was the day I met Levi Everett.


    The man that turns nightmare beautiful and makes every dream the wildest.

 Chapter 2: Wildest Dream pt. 1

    (After Party)


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    It¡¯s been 2 days since the dance happened and I¡¯m currently looking at the number where Levi Everett is imprinted in gold inks. I¡¯ve been tossing and rolling in my bed with questions in my head. Should I make the first move? Should I call him? What will I say? Wait if I do the first move he might think I¡¯m a bitch with a low-ss attitude. Is he busy? What was he thinking? Does he still remember me?


    ¡°Urghhh!¡± I groan out of fuckin frustration. ¡°Surely he won¡¯t remember about me. Who am I to be remembered? I¡¯m just an insane woman trying to cope with my shy type personality because I¡¯m already in my twenties but still don¡¯t know how to flirt.¡± I tell myself out of frustration. Negativity is killing my brain cells again.


    Because of my momentum, I forgot that I typed his number on my phone and I identally hit the call button. Now it¡¯s ringing and for the hell, everyone would know my body is trembling, my brain is screaming and my heart fell to the ground when I heard his handsome voice. Holy shit! What to do now Portia? ¡°Hello.¡± A stern voice answered the call. I didn¡¯t utter a single word so I heard a hiss at the other line.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± I hear him. God that was sexy. ¡°Hey! Boar stop ying pranks on people whose busy. If you have nothing to do just die.¡± He seems bored and in bad mood. ¡°Ahm.¡± Finally, a voice came out to my throat. ¡°What?¡± He asked. He¡¯s giving me a what the fuck aura in his voice. ¡°Ahm¡­ it¡¯s me, Portia.¡± I speak nonsense to him. This is the moment I knew I screwed up. But¡­


    ¡°The girl from the party?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes, t-the lst dance.¡± I didn¡¯t know what to answer I feel nervous. ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t interested.¡± He said. ¡°I¡­ I am ahm¡­ I¡¯m shy.¡± I told him the truth. I don¡¯t know but to this guy, I wanted to be true. ¡°Eh? Where are you?¡± He pops a question that¡¯s out of the blue for me. ¡°I¡¯m still at the hotel,¡± I told him.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Why did you call then?¡± He asked. ¡°I-I ahm¡­ I wanna know you.¡± Damn me for telling a guy I wanted to know him. ¡°Y-you know we could be fr¡­ ¡± I added but he cuts me off. ¡°Meet me at the South Bistro at 7 pm sharp.¡± He sternly invites me for a dinner. Is it a date or what? ¡°Sure,¡± I answered. ¡°Don¡¯t be atedy. Gotta hang up.¡± He warned me and finished the call.


    I scream in excitement. That man really gives me one whole ride to another world. ¡°Hmm? What should I wear?¡± I roam around my closet to find a good dress. And I found a pastel yellow sun dress. It has a good flow and it feels cozy. I paired a white stiletto and a pearl ne to it then grab a small white purse to match the checkered white of the dress. It feels vintage but workable and cozy.


    It was already 5 pm so I prepared my bathtub with some warm water and bath salts. I scrub myself and I hopped into the tub with bath bombs. I pampered myself and freshen up so I will befortableter. After 30 minutes of soaking and bathing, I prepare myself. I only wear light makeup since it is the first meeting. I just put some nudish color pallete and a pumpkin red lipstick. I don¡¯t like to make it so dramatic so I choose a light texture perfume. Sweet and floral.


    At sharp 6: 40 pm I arrived at the said Bistro. Since he didn¡¯t book a table for two. I have decided to wait outside but near the front door. The ce looks so elegant from here the beautiful scenery of the beach makes it romantic. I texted him to tell him I already arrived at the Bistro. I looked at the beautiful sunset and took some photos of it when I feel that someone sit in front of me. I turned to look.


    Damn this man always looks so fine and neat. He is wearing his ck suit and tie like it¡¯s still in the morning. His sharp eyes looked at me his brows are frowning maybe because the lights from the sky are hurting his eyes. He gives a dull expression no maybe a tired expression? Hmm? Or more likely a cold expression. The sun is finally going down and before it says bye it kisses Levi¡¯s lips and Levi is shining like diamonds.


    ¡°You¡¯re early than I expected.¡± Hepliments my arrival. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to upset people, especially on the first meet,¡± I said. ¡°Great.¡± He nodded to me and hand gestured at the waiter for the menu. The waiter immediately gets the signal and hands us the menu. ¡°You what¡¯s the best seller today?¡± He bluntly asked the man.


    ¡°For today¡¯s top pick is Beef wellington.¡± The waiter answers him. ¡°Give us one. For the appetizers what are your top rmendations?¡± He continued. ¡°For appetizer Lobster Risotto is on the deck today.¡± Waiter said. ¡°Give us one. And for the sd?¡± He asked again. ¡°We have Red Quinoa Sd as mainstream today.¡± The waiter confidently told him. ¡°That one too. And for the dessert what¡¯s your all-time favorite?¡± He said ending the order.


    ¡°Thest show is honored to Sticky Toffee pudding.¡± The waiter said gracefully. ¡°What¡¯s for the wine sir?¡± The waiter added.  ¡°Yes, for the wine just give us the best pair with the food.¡± He answered and motioned to the waiter that it was final. So the waiter leaves for the order. ¡°You.¡± He said. ¡°Hi!¡± I awkwardly wave at him. Hey man, I didn¡¯t know how to start a conversation. ¡°What¡¯s your name againdy?¡± He asked. ¡°Portia Zira. That¡¯s my name.¡± I answered and his dull eyes looked at me.


    ¡°Levi Everett.¡± He informally introduced his name and lean his hand on the table looking at me nearly. ¡°You look better without that shit mask.¡± I think that was aplimenting from him. ¡°T-thank you.¡± I thanked him feeling shy at his throwing nces at me.


    The first course of our dinner arrived. It¡¯s a Lobster Risotto that looks so yummy and elegant. ¡°Let¡¯s start to know each other here at every food that¡¯s going to be served.¡± He initiate a rule that I dly obeyed.

 Chapter 3: Wildest Dream (pt2)

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    ¡°So how old are you?¡± Levi asked me after he puts his fork down signaling his appetizer are done. I think he¡¯s not a talker while eating. ¡°I¡¯m 24 years old and you?¡± I answered trying to be cheerful as possible to lighten the mood. ¡°I¡¯m 34 years old.¡± He simply answered. ¡°My turn to ask?¡± I asked him and he nodded. ¡°What¡¯s your favorite color?¡± I asked so nonsense but I find it important. ¡°How about you answered first?¡± He asked me and his eyes are looking at me so sexy again. I find it intimidating so I answered.


    ¡°My Favorite color is Grey but I find Red cool too.¡± I simply answered as my eyes are looking at his orbs too. ¡°I like white.¡± He answered inly. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s sure about his answer. The sd arrived and look how gorgeous the ting was from its fascinating beauty surely this one tasted so good. ¡°Eat.¡± He sounded like he orders me so I did for some minutes we had silence to eat. And he puts down his fork and knife again. He cleans up his lips and talks.


    ¡°What keeps you busy?¡± He asked another serious question again. ¡°Well, I¡¯m a graduate of web engineering and currently I¡¯m working with apps but I have to study at a graduate school to earn a master¡¯s degree,¡± I answered. ¡°So currently you are not working?¡± He questioned me again. ¡°Still working but with my own team this time.¡± I proudly said. Don¡¯t know if I should be proud of who I am. Because to this man, it seems that I¡¯m a nobody. ¡°Good. Familiarize me sometime about your work.¡± He told me.


    ¡°How about you what makes you very busy?¡± I asked too, trying to put up a smile but it turns awkward. ¡°I¡¯m working on mypany.¡± He again answers so quickly and I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s getting bored of our conversation. ¡°Your body looks so tense. Wanna go to the powder room?¡± He invites me to chill out a little and that shames me. Oh no! I feel sorry for myself. ¡°Oh! Thank you. I¡¯m sorry, excuse me for a while.¡± I excused myself and he just nodded.


    I fix myself in the powder room as I was shaking.  Goddammit, I¡¯m so nervous and I feel like my world is bing small. I remember again how my old ssmates are making fun of me for being single. I grab a tissue and soak it in water and I put it on my forehead to release some tension as I am hyperventting right now. I breathe in and breathe out for one minute then fix my makeup in the mirror.


    I grab a little bottle of my favorite perfume in my purse and put a little on my wrist and smell it. It cools down me. I get out of the powder room with confidence again as if nothing happened. I get back to our seats. ¡°Feeling okay now? What took you so long the food has already arrived. I thought you run out of fear.¡± He told me as soon as I sit back and I swear that turns me off but¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t get nervous. It¡¯s just me.¡± Heforts me. God his voice didn¡¯t send any remorse but his eyes tell me to getfortable. ¡°Collect yourself and befortable. Wear your confidence. ¡± He calms me with words but I still don¡¯t see his remorse. ¡°Thank you that calms me down let¡¯s eat.¡± I thanked him and I smiled. He looks at me again. ¡°You can talk while we eat.¡± He gave me permission to talk. ¡°Ahm? Levi?¡± I called for his attention as he was focused on eating.


    ¡°Eh?¡± He said with the dullest tone. Ugh! This man really got these boring looks. ¡°Why did you invite me for dinner?¡± I asked as I¡¯m so confused. ¡°It¡¯s my mom¡¯s birthday. ¡± He answered and his eyes shifted to the food from looking at me. ¡°Let¡¯s greet your mom then. What¡¯s her number?¡± I cheerfully invited him to call her. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s greet her.¡± He said and looks at the sky. That confused me. ¡°Hurry up. Eat faster and Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± He said but I don¡¯t know what he feels.


    After eating we just waited for our bill and chatted a little. It¡¯s fun to talk with him even though I find him no remorse. His words are vulgar and that makes him hot. We walk near the beach and decided to sit at the top of a big rock. I remove my heels before we walked on the sand. ¡°Remove your shoes too,¡± I told him and he shakes his head. ¡°I wore socks.¡± He said. ¡°Hmm? But will you befortable walking with your shoes on?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry. Let me escort you.¡± He answered me. This guy has a gentlemanly side.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    We reach the top of the big rock and sit there. He looks at the sky and I looked at him. There it goes again his eyes that feel sad. ¡°Hey! Levi, you told me that we are going to greet your mother.¡± I reminded him to greet his mother. ¡°Yeah! greet her there.¡± He said and point out to the sky. ¡°Hello! Mrs. Ackerman happy birthday! I¡¯m with your handsome son. Surely you are so gorgeous. How are you up there?¡± I said to the sky and waves. I let out a sigh and look at him. He smiles shyly.


    That¡¯s his first smile. So I grab my phone and snap it secretly. ¡°Hey!¡± He said and his smile are gone. ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± He asked and grab my phone dly I switched it to the front cam. ¡°I was trying to take a selfie,¡± I said. He looks at the phone and gave it back to me. ¡°Okay.¡± He said. ¡°My mom passed away too.¡± I shared it with him when we get back from watching the sky. ¡°Did you feel sad?¡± He asked me while looking at the sky.


    ¡°Of course. And I miss her a lot to the point that the only escape is to cry.¡± I answered remembering mom and herst day holding my hand and telling me to live my life as I wanted. Drops of water hit our faces. ¡°Eh? It¡¯s raining.¡± He said and he watches the drops of water fall to his hand. I closed my eyes and feel the rain it¡¯s been a while since thest time I enjoyed the rain. ¡°Heydy. Let¡¯s go down before it pours heavy.¡± He told me and he stands up. I opened my eyes and¡­


    I saw him standing already his face and front hair are wet already and water drizzled from his forehead down to his pointy nose. Some water drips from his hair down to his neck. He already removed his suit so his white polo is slowly soaking. He offers his hand to me and I ept it immediately. While going down at the rock the sky cries out so heavy. He covered us with his suit.


    ¡°I know a cabin. Let¡¯s stay there. It¡¯s a few minutes from here.¡± He offers and I agreed. The heavy rain adds a heavy wind with thunder. So, I panicked I wanted to stop and curled up.  He covers his suit to me and pulled me closer. ¡°Calm downdy.¡± He whispered to me. We walked as he leads the way. When we reach the cabin, he looks for the keys in his pocket. The rain starts to get more heavy. He opens the door and lets me in.


    ¡°Sit here for a while.¡± He said and he pointed at the wooden chair near the window and door. He goes straightly to the other room and 3 consecutive thunderbolts out and I scream in fear. I hugged myself as tight as I can.


    Narrator¡¯s P. O. V:


    Levi hurriedly apanied Portia as he heard her screams and sobs. His eyebrows frowned and her behavior. ¡°What happened?¡± Asked while going near him. He saw fragile Portia chilling in cold and fear. Her eyes are closed but crying. She¡¯s hugging her legs as tight as she can so he hurriedly pulled her for a hug. But it seems like it¡¯s not working so he looks at her and ps her. Portia opens her eyes in shock. Levi then cupped her face with his hands. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± He said in a loud not sure either because the thunders are loud or he is annoyed by the situation that he can¡¯t understand.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared. No. Please help me.¡± She cried and Levi shakes her. ¡°Look at me, Portia.¡± Hemands and she obeys. ¡°Pull yourself together.¡± He said and Portia seems to go back to herself. Portia then realized that she was with Levi and hugs him sobbing. Levi is now left in shock by her action but caresses her hair. ¡°Shhh.¡± He hums calming Portia. He carries Portia like a big ball to the next room he looks for earplugs in a drawer and gets them.


    He seated Portia at the countertop of the kitchen and plugs the earplugs on her ears then he carries her again like a child. ¡°Let¡¯s get you changing and don¡¯t panic okay?¡± Levi said and Portia nodded. They headed straight to the bathroom and Levi sat her in the tub and sat in front of her. He tucks her hair behind her ear. ¡°Let¡¯s wash you and change your clothes. You look like a lost rabbit now.¡± He said vulgarly without thinking about what was in Portia¡¯s mind.


    Portia is not responding and just closing her eyes and biting her lips maybe she¡¯s copping up with herself. Levi then starts to remove his suit from her and opens the shower. The shower soaks both of them. Levi starts to clean her feet removing the sands. ¡°Portia.¡± He calls for her name as he is now an inch apart from her face. Portia finally opens her eyes and their eyes went locked on each other.


    Both got the urge on each other¡¯s lips and the next thing they knew their lips are locked to each other and both of them battles each one¡¯s urge and no one dares to lose. Breath panting filled the bathroom as each of them gasp for air as they battle for dominance. That kiss inmed with desires went sinful that took away their pain and turns it into a wondend of pleasure. As they enter the gates of each other¡¯s hearts another chapter will unfold.

 Chapter 4: Everything Has Changed.

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I woke up at the sun hitting my face. It¡¯s already morning but my eyes are closed remembering every bit ofst night. The night I won¡¯t forget, where I give up and lose a battle I won¡¯t regret. I buried myself in the bed as if this is my grave. Its soft mattress hugs me tight. I feel so light like I just reached cloud nine. I snuggle with the nket that smells like him. My thoughts are running breathlessly at every bit of moment we share. I can feel my cheeks burning as my blood rushes to my heart making me feel excited to look at him.


    I open my eyes to find him but he was nowhere to be found. Where is he? I asked myself and cover myself with the nket to stand up. I look at the room it¡¯s now tidy as fuck and no traces of him will be found. But here and there is a shback I am seeing of what happenedst evening. Is it just me dreaming about him? If then I must be shy for a crime thinking how he could be my drugst night. I fixed myself in the bathroom and even here I can¡¯t find him.


    Maybe I am really just dreaming. But it was so real that my mind won¡¯t forget it. After cleaning up myself I found my clothes on the sofa near the bed neatly, clean, and freshly arranged. Did heundry this? Even my undergarments are neatly folded. There¡¯s a note.


    ¡®Sorry I fucked up your undies.¡¯


    And I saw new pairs of undies. I blushed hard red at his words. How could you be so vulgar at your casualties Mr. Ackerman? My thoughts add up all the scenesst night to shame me. Now I¡¯m so shy to even look at his feet. I wear my clothes again and go straight to the kitchen. I saw a food well prepared at the table with a food cover and a note.


    ¡®You, sleepy head I have to go. Eat breakfast before you leave. Take the keys with you and wait for my call.¡¯


    With thest note of.


    ¡®Don¡¯t ever try to call me without me calling you first.¡¯


    What does he mean by this? What¡¯s all of this for? My mind suddenly overthinks that he¡¯s not interested in me at all and I just gave up myself on him. How dare you trust a man so easily Portia? You¡¯ve been avoiding rtionships and suitors and now you just gave yourself to a man you just met at the party. I feel so embarrassed so I ate the food he prepared clean up and take my leave.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Calm down Portia you can do this. If he calls you up act normal. He will only get his keys to you.¡± I reminded myself and get back to my hotel room. I packed my things at the hotel to prepare for my check-out. Hope he will call earlier than tomorrow because I will be leaving after the day tomorrow. After packing my things, I get out of my room to walk around and refreshed myself.


    I visit the famous ces I haven¡¯t visited yet during my stay here. I took pictures after pictures and eats a lot. I enjoy too much that I forgot it was already evening. I gathered all the stuff I bought and walk as fast as I can to reach the hotel when I bumped into a tall man that feels familiar. He talks and catches me before I fall. ¡°Careful.¡± He said. That deep voice I heard that already.


    ¡°Oh. Thank you.¡± I thanked him for helping me and stand straight before I pick up my things. He helped me pick up my things and our eyes suddenly met gazes. We stand up while our eyes are locked on each other as if we are scanning each other. ¡°Erin Kaito?¡± I spoke first. ¡°Yeah! Portia Zira right?¡± He asked to confirm and I nodded. ¡°Well nice to meet you here,¡± I said happily as we were not able to meet again.


    ¡°What a coincidence right? Nice to meet you here.¡± He replies. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a while. By the way, I just roamed around. I might get you busy.¡± I said trying to excuse myself because I felt shy that I might disturb him. ¡°Oh, I just finished a meeting nearby.¡± He answered and we became silent for seconds. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave then. By the way nice seeing you around.¡± I excused myself. And he replies ¡°Sure have a great evening.¡±


    As soon as I turn my leave He suddenly turned around and calls up for my name. ¡°Hey, Portia!¡± He calls me up. ¡°Wanna join me for coffee?¡± He continued to ask so I turned to look at him and without any second thought I said. ¡°Yes sure.¡±


    We stopped by a nearby cafe to grab some coffee and a little chit-chat. I¡¯m having fun talking to him. He gives me aforting vibe and he¡¯s an intelligent man that makes him humorous at talking. ¡°So yeah, as I said I¡¯m also taking up a master¡¯s degree,¡± I told him. ¡°Really? At what school?¡± He responded to me. ¡°At Harrington University,¡± I replied to him and his brows frowned. ¡°I¡¯m also taking up my master¡¯s degree on Harrington.¡± He said and we both look at each other andugh about it. Hisugh sounded so manly. It¡¯s indeed music to an ear. Now I remember why he looks familiar maybe I already crossed paths with him.


    ¡°Hey, what a coincidence that we go to the same school and we also got in the same ss in a particr subject. That¡¯s so fun. Let¡¯s meet there too sometimes.¡± I excitedly told him and he agrees. ¡°Sure.¡± He agreed with me. After a little more chit chats we decided to leave the Cafe and walk around. He apanied me in buying some souvenirs and we both ended up buying matched bookmarks.


    He decided to walk me home to my hotel room. ¡°See you around Portia.¡± He said and waved goodbye at me. That was fun. I looked at my phone to see the time. It¡¯s already 11 pm. I took some rest and pampered myself in the tub. I saw a message on my phone one from Levi and one from Erin. Whom I should open first?

 Chapter 5: One more night. Pt. 1

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V.:


    Before I could even choose whose message to open first I already got a call from Levi. ¡°Heydy.¡± He greeted me first. I felt a blood rush as soon as I heard his voice. I¡¯m feeling cold and nervous but my cheeks are blushing hard. ¡°H-hey. What¡¯s up?¡± I nervously asked him. ¡°I¡¯m good let¡¯s meet tomorrow evening. I¡¯m gonna get my keys.¡± He said like he doesn¡¯t even remember what happenedst night.


    I was shocked by his attitude but I keep myposure.  ¡°Okay just tell me where, I have to hang up now. I just have an errand.¡± I alibi to drop the call. ¡°Eh? Sure.¡± He said and he drops the phone. As soon as the phone call ended my world feels like spinning my thoughts starts to run wild. I feel a sudden pain in my chest like I¡¯m being sad. Am I overdoing things? Am I being dramatic? A tear left my eyes so I hurriedly run straight to the washroom to wash my face.


    I should not cry and I should not make this a big deal. But his voice at the call. It feels like I¡¯m a stranger again. ¡°Hey! Portia get to yourself it¡¯s just a one-night stand that¡¯s a usual thing nowadays.¡± I reminded myself but it pains me even more. ¡°This is just a hormonal imbnce,¡± I warned myself again and I got a message.


    It was from Levi. ¡°7 pm at the Bistro again.¡± He said and I got a call from Erin. ¡°Hello?¡± I greeted the call with a good hello and I turned on the video call request he gave. ¡°Already sleeping?¡± He asked me. ¡°No, not really,¡± I answered and put a smile on my face so he won¡¯t notice that I cried. ¡°Hmm? Can¡¯t sleep?¡± He worriedly asked me. ¡°No, I¡¯m drying my hair and having some wine,¡± I told him. ¡°Hmm? How about you?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m currently reading some of my notes because I don¡¯t feel sleepy at  all.¡± He answered with a littleugh. Erin¡¯s voice feels soothing. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s cool of you,¡± Imented. ¡°Hey! Portia, you forgot the photos that you took on the photo booth.¡± He told me. ¡°Oh really? Do you have it?¡± I asked as I totally forgot about it. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s on my book.¡± He answered and waved the photos. ¡°Can I just have this copy?¡± He asked for one particr photo and shows it on the screen. ¡°But why?¡± I asked confused.


    ¡°I just find this the most beautiful.¡± He said and look at me oh no we are one screen away but his gazes are making me shy. ¡°Ahm? S-sure.¡± I agreed and smile shyly. He smiled too and wow that¡¯s gorgeous. ¡°I¡¯ll keep this with my favorite book.¡± He said to me. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re making me shy,¡± I told him what I feel and we justughed together. We talk for a little while longer until we feel sleepy.


    At morning¡­


    I woke up early at 6 am and extend my stay at the hotel because I have to meet Leviter at 7 pm. I prepare for my morning routine and had a good shower. I wore a pastel blue dress and a white cardigan for my morning walk. Erin invited me for breakfast. I stepped out of the hotel to see Erin standing in front of the main door leaning on his Ferrari f60 America. He has good taste.


    ¡°Good morning mydy.¡± Erin greeted me and opens the car door. I smiled at him ¡°Good morning. You look good in grey polo.¡± Iplimented him. He smiled at me and looked at me with full of respect in his eyes. ¡°You look gorgeous too.¡± He said. ¡°Ready for the ride?¡± He added and I nodded. We arrive fast at the restaurant near the hills. The ride was smooth and fun. Erin is a quiet shy type of guy but he¡¯s so manly and full of authority and indeed leader of the pack.


    ¡°We are here.¡± He said and remove my seatbelt and opens the door for me. ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast then let¡¯s walk around near the hill.¡± He said and I agreed. We had so much fun eating. Then we walked around the hill and took a lot of pictures. Erin is good at taking shots. So I surely had a lot to postter. ¡°Let¡¯s have a picture together Erin,¡± I told him and he agrees.


    ¡°Okay lean closer so we can also capture the view of the mountains.¡± He said and he opens his front cam. His perfume smells so good I can smell it here as I lean closer to him. The shot is incredible it¡¯s beautiful. ¡°You look beautiful,¡± Erinmented that making me feel shy. ¡°But you look outstanding.¡± Iplimented him too and we bothugh. We bought some ice cream at the ice cream bar and stroll around the vintage market. We took some photos too as it feels so vintage.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    After our trip to the hills, he offers me another ride on the safari. The zoo is indeed beautiful you get face to face with the roons and the tigers. We reach the spot where the snakes are in gigantic aquariums. I jumped out of scared as one of the snakes approached me, luckily he was able to catch me in time. ¡°Scared of snakes?¡± He asked me with a concerned look.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said almost murmuring and trying to put on a smile as I feel shy and awkward. ¡°I¡¯m really scared. When I was 5 I almost got bitten by the snakes.¡± I told him the story. ¡°Hmm? What happened?¡± He said and listen to me like he was so interested. ¡°Then did you know that my mom is always my hero?¡± I asked him and he motions me to continue. I look at him and he¡¯s really into my story. ¡°She protects me from the snake and she¡¯s the one who gets bitten three times as she tried to take it down for me.¡± I continued remembering that day I swear that mom will always be my everything.


    ¡°Then what happened next?¡± He asked waiting for more. ¡°The snake almost killed her as she was poisoned with that venomous snake. But she did survive for me, she knows I have faith in her.¡± I continued and I can feel a heavy pain in my chest, I know I¡¯m about to cry. ¡°Hey, Portia it¡¯s alright.¡± He said with the mostforting voice I have ever heard beside my mom in my entire life. Our eyes met and locked. He stared at me and our face was slowly inching away but I get back to my senses so quickly.


    No this is wrong, I have the feeling it¡¯s wrong to kiss this guy. Levi¡¯s face came to meet my imagination. ¡°I- I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said feeling guilty. His eyes went to look at the right side and scratch his nape. ¡°Y-yeah we got carried away.¡± He said not looking at me. ¡°Shall we continue our tour?¡± He asked and offers his hand. I feel embarrassed at my actions but still, take his hand.

 Chapter 6: One More Night. Pt.2

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Erin drops me off at my hotel room and he said he¡¯ll be checking out tomorrow too and offered me a ride home but I told him that I have to extend my stay as I am expecting to meet someone. Both of us just agreed to meet each other at school if we have some free time. It¡¯s already 4:30 and I¡¯m choosing an outfit to wear forter.


    I have decided to wear a sleeveless nude satin crisscross dress and a pair of ck heels. I also wear a very thin gold ne to match my dress. I fill the bathtub with warm water and bath salts to get ready. After taking a shower I dry my hair and do my make-up. I put on light makeup as always but instead of red lipstick, I wore the same lipstick I used when I had breakfast with Erin.


    Speaking of Erin, I got a message from him telling me had a nice day with me. I told him I also feel the same way. And I received another message. It was from Levi he said that I should be there before 7 pm so I immediately finished my routine and didn¡¯t open Erin¡¯s reply. I immediately got out of the hotel and hopped into my car. I drove just slow enough to reach my destination in time.


    It was already 6:30 pm as soon as I parked my car, I made my way to the front doorstep of the Bistro where I saw Levi Standing handsomely. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I camete,¡± I said as soon as I get near him. ¡°I thought I can eat 2 full courses before you arrived.¡± Hemented. ¡°Come on. We have to ride a Yacht.¡±  He said and offer me his hand.


    I epted it and we walk into the fast phase I¡¯m struggling with my heels he noticed it and looks at me with a confused look then he carries me like a sock of rice. ¡°Hey, honey! I know you look gorgeous in your outfit but you are taking so long as a turtle.¡± He bluntly told me his opinion about me. ¡°H-hey it¡¯s embarrassing,¡± I told him, and literally, I blushed so hard at my position.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like a pig and calm down.¡± Levi kinda scold me. Maybe he¡¯s having a hard time carrying me. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± I apologized and stay still until we reach the deck. He puts me down and escorts me to the yacht. Where a candle-lit dinner is awaiting us. My n went busted as soon as I saw the view and the candle-lit dinner. I only n to hand him his keys and leave but¡­This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Now how would I even leave him with this effort and all? Is this a way of saying sorry about his attitude earlier? ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner first. Before the yacht sails.¡± He announced. The ssical music starts ying and he offers his hand to me. I dly ept his hand and he escorted me to sit on one of the seats.


    ¡°So how are you?¡± He asked with his dull expression again. ¡°I¡¯m doing good. How about you?¡± I asked back and he just looked in my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m doing good.¡± He inly answered. The first course of food was served and we both didn¡¯t find the urge to break the silence. After the first course, he speaks again. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll have a nice evening here.¡± He said I can feel the sense of tension in my body because he was looking at me. ¡°We will see,¡± I answered. I¡¯m feeling defeated to find his emotions. Maybe that night really just means nothing to him.


    We ate silently and I never bothered to utter a word. I might crack up if I talk and he never bothers to at least make the situation easy. After we ate he spoke. ¡°Wait here.¡± He said and he goes somewhere on the yacht and the musicians are gone too. I wandered around the deck and in a few minutes, I can already feel the yacht leaving the port. I feel the air that¡¯sing towards my way and God the smell of the ocean breeze smells so good that made me feel nostalgia.


    I suddenly felt a kiss on my shoulder move its way up to my neck to the back of my ear. I froze in action. ¡°You smell so good,¡± Levi whispered to my ear. ¡°L-Levi?¡± I call for his name. ¡°Hmm?¡± He hummed as he continues what he was doing. ¡°Wait.¡± I stopped him before he ced another kiss on my shoulder. I faced him and he surprised me with a kiss. A kiss that¡¯s sinful enough to melt down my pride and guard.


    The kiss was breathtaking and sloppy as both of us fights for each other¡¯s rights. I disconnected myself to catch some air and to remind myself it was wrong. ¡°Levi wait I think-¡± He cuts me off by giving me another skillful kiss. ¡°Just please let me prove something.¡± He said in between our heated kiss. His tongue enters my cavern without any permission and invades my privacy again. I gasped for air again and he let me breathe his eyes are closed he looks gorgeous as the light of the moon touches his face. He pulled me to kiss again this time it was gentle, slow, and gave me a loving feeling.


    His left hand supports my waist and his right-hand guards my hand so I can¡¯t pull out easily from the kiss. We seem to surrender to each other finally and our kiss ended with an eye to eye contact. ¡°I like how your lips fits to mine did you know it?¡± He whispered and licked my lips. I can feel the rush of blood to my cheeks and for God knows I know how I turned red like the sunset.


    ¡°I feel the urge not to stop kissing you every single bit.¡± He whispered in my ear and turned me around like he was back hugging me. I feel his warm breath on my skin and his warm feeling that made me speechless. ¡°Look at the starsdy. I wanted all of them to witness how I will mark you mine. I wanted the moon to remind you every night of this day.¡± He whispered and his kisses went to my hair down to my ears and travels to my neck down to my shoulders. He stopped at the traces of my cor bone and marked it like a blood stain. The feeling is burning and it¡¯s reaching my edge. He carries me bridal style and the rest of the story will be written in thepany of the starry night.

 Chapter 7: One more night pt.3

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    My satin dress leaves my body and it falls down to the wooden floor of the deck heid me down on the soft mattress of the sofa. I came to meet the stars witnessing this wildest dream I¡¯m drowned. His kisses went down searching every inch of my skin. Levi is imprinting my body, my mind, and my soul.


    He came to face me, eye to eye he looks deeply at me. ¡°Will you entrust your everything to me tonight?¡± He asked me formally this time, not like the first time.  I closed my eyes and nodded ready to give myself to him. He leaned down to kiss my lips a deep but passionate one. He devoured every each of me from my lips down to every part of me. I know heavens a thing but I go there with every touch he made. His lips became my religion and my hips became his altar. We worship each other like love.


    He asked his permission for his entrance and I dly ept every bit of him. The pain and pleasure mixed gave us a glimpse of heaven. Panting and groans became the music of the room. We reached the part where we surrender at the battle both tired but winning what we are fighting for. He looks at my eyes like I¡¯m his favorite town and put that devilish smirk, Oh! Boy, why do you look so pretty like a devil?


    ¡°Can¡¯t get tired of you.¡± He whispered to my ear andy beside me. My face automatically turns red at his statement. ¡°Up for another round?¡± He whispered and lick the back of my ear, it sends so much electricity to my body that it makes me feel so hot and tempted.  I looked at him and he positioned on top of me, a sexyugh left his lips and here we go again. I rolled my eyes as he started kissing me again. ¡°You¡¯re so aggressive and greedy,¡± Imented to him and he doesn¡¯t even bother to defend himself.


    ¡°Yes, too greedy to own you.¡± He answered me as soon as he reached my belly button. He left small kisses there and boy that was sensational. This night was the most beautiful night I had. No, every night with him will be the prettiest.


    I woke up with the smell of fresh air¡­


    I¡¯m now in the cabin, my hand immediately went looking for Levi but again he was nowhere to be found. I open my eyes immediately to look for his traces but I didn¡¯t see anything so I quickly go to the bathroom to find a robe and find him. I got out of the cabin to look for him. I search room to room but he¡¯s nowhere to be found.


    I reach the deck part but he¡¯s not there also, I suddenly got to the part where should be the helmsman is driving the yacht. There I saw him standing holding the maneuver of the yacht. I backed hug him. ¡°Hey! I thought you left me.¡± I whispered to his back, my lips lightly brushing on his back. ¡°Eh? I¡¯m just here. Why do you fear that I will leave you?¡± He asked me and turn around to face me.


    ¡°Because you leave mest time,¡± I answered and snuggled to his scent. He frowns a little puzzled about what I¡¯m doing. He lifted me up and looked at me. He looks confused about my actions. He now carries me like his child, ¡°Hey, woman you don¡¯t wear anything under that annoying robe.¡± He whispered to my ears. I nodded and slightly p his shoulder. ¡°Did you know it¡¯s a crime not to wear anything under around me?¡± He said smirking and kissing me rough that will send me to the edge.


    He leaned me against the wall and his left-hand traveled around my waist to support me and his right hand yed with my chest I moaned at the sudden friction and he let out a littleugh on our kiss. He let go of me and fixed my robe. ¡°Fix yourself we¡¯re going to have breakfast and will go somewhere.¡± He said and left me hanging. What¡¯s with that? I asked myself and feels embarrassed.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    I go to our cabin and find a box on the bed. I look at the box and saw my name written on it. I open the box with a note of ¡®wear this.¡¯ It¡¯s a long bohemian-inspired dress. It has a long slit on the right part and an off-shoulder type too. It looks elegant and sexy. I saw a pair of undergarments too.


    ¡®Bought you new pairs because I toss them somewhere and can¡¯t find them anymore.¡¯


    That¡¯s the note he left and it made me shy. I saw a pair of ts too for footwear. ¡°Hmm? What is he nning?¡± I talked to myself while fixing my things. I go the bathroom and saw some bath bombs there. I quickly filled the tub and throw the bath bombs there. I soaked in for 15 minutes and wash myself. It took me 45 minutes to prepare myself.


    I got out of the room and saw Levi Standing at the door. ¡°What took you so long?¡± Levi speaks as soon as I opened the door. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to keep you waiting.¡± I apologized to him and he just nodded and takes my hand. ¡°I thought you got drowned in the bathtub.¡± He suddenly utters. I giggled at his words and he gave me a deadly re. It sends a scary feeling to me but I kinda find him cute.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± He asked me and his brows are raising up. Such a rude man. ¡°You look hot raising your eyebrows.¡± Iplimented him with a giggle and I saw him smile a little. ¡°Such a brat. Let¡¯s eat breakfast okay?¡± He said with his dull expression. This man can never be deciphered. We arrived at the deck where the food was served. Everything looks so delicious.


    We ate breakfast silently, he really dislikes talking while eating. After we finished the food I dare to talk. ¡°Where¡¯s the helmsman?¡± I asked him and he looks at me, then put down his utensils. ¡± I asked him to go back by boat because I¡¯m gonna bring you to one of my houses.¡± He told me. ¡°But how about my hotel reservation?¡± I asked him and he looks at me.


    ¡°Call the hotel and tell them to extend your stay. I¡¯ll pay for it.¡± He offers me. ¡°Oh! Yes, you have a point. I¡¯ll call them after eating.¡± I told him and he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go ready our yacht.¡± He asked his permission to leave. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll call the hotel.¡± I also tell him and he nodded already turning his back on me. I proceed on taking my phone and I saw messages from Erin.


    I call him right away after seeing his messages. ¡°Hello.¡± He answered at the other line. ¡°Hey, Erin I¡¯m sorry for myte response. I just have an errandst night.¡± I excused myself. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m d you picked up, So how was your day so far?¡± He asked me with full of concern. ¡°I¡¯m doing fine. How about you?¡± I answered him. ¡°I¡¯m doing good also. I¡¯ll be checking out today. How about you? How long will you stay here?¡± He asked me. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Maybe at least 3 more days.¡± I said and remembered that I had already extended my stay for 3 days.


    ¡°Well I guess, I¡¯ll see you around the school.¡± He said and bid his goodbye. Exactly when I hung up the phone I felt a hug from behind. ¡°Ready to sail?¡± Levi asked me almost a whisper in my ear. ¡°Yes of course,¡± I answered excitedly and he grabs my hand and lead me to the operating room of the yacht. The view there was also nice. He holds the helm and starts maneuvering the yacht. We are now sailing, the next stop at his house.

 Chapter 8: Small talks and Cuddles part 1

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    We arrived at a beautiful modern mansion in the middle of the hill near the sea. As soon as we stepped into the house my eyes can¡¯t get enough of how beautiful the scenery inside the house was. You have a full view of the beach and the city on the other side. The interior was ss and very fine. It¡¯s like you are on a watch tower. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll get some drinks.¡± He said and I nodded.


    I look at the view of the city from the other side of the ss. The city lights look like diamonds shing. You can see how busy and lively the city is from the view here. This house is really cozy and rxing. I look at the coffee table to find a photo of ady wearing white she was holding a kid that definitely looks like Levi. She¡¯s so gorgeous that I feel shame looking at her. I was going to pick up the frame when Levi arrives with a champagne ss in his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s mom.¡± He introduced thedy in the photo. ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous.¡± Iplimented his mom. He nodded and looked at the city lights view. ¡°She died when I was four.¡± He told me and I saw the pain in his eyes. You can never tell what¡¯s on Levi¡¯s mind he is usually expressionless and his eyes are dead cold but ever since I first look into his eyes, I can feel pain, sadness, hatred, and anger.


    ¡°No one is even there to support both of us. I was helpless looking at her deathbed.¡± He said as if reminiscing what happened that time. I feel the urge to hug him. We had the same fate but we go through a different story. Everyone was there for me that time but I refuse them and I ended up with nothing but this man in front of me he had no one and he have everything now.


    I wanted to be with him and let him share everything with me. I wanted him to let his guard down and be his shelter. Why? I feel this urgency to protect him from all the pain he¡¯s carrying. ¡°You feel so warm just like her.¡± He said holding my hands from the back hug. He turns me over to face him. He cupped my face and look into my eyes. An eye to eye contact that let all my walls back down. ¡°Your eyes look as beautiful as the stars. Like mom it was bright and lovely.¡± He said.


    He kiss my lips light as feathers and made eye contact with me again. ¡°Portia make me fall deeply in love with you in three days. If we can¡¯t I¡¯ll let you go and you won¡¯t see a single trace of me anymore.¡± He proposed and it pains me, the thought of not having any traces of him like stardust joining the flow of the wind. It hurts to think about it but I dly ept the challenge as if I was sure of winning. ¡°But how to tame the heart of the great Levi Everette?¡± I asked tracing his lips that perfect lips I will surely miss if I lose to the war he wants to y with me.


    ¡°Do it without my clue.¡± He answered me and pressed his lips against mine a kiss I don¡¯t want to miss, But how? How will I make you mine?


    At morning¡­


    I woke up in the bed we sharedst night, he was nowhere again so I go straight downstairs and find him cooking. The smell of garlic made me hungry and the smell of brewing coffee is so rxing. I quickly run towards him but makes sure not to give any noise. I backed hug him and he stops saut¨¦ing the moment I hugged him. He has a nk expression like he doesn¡¯t appreciate hugs. Maybe he¡¯s not used to hugging and attention like this. I want to put positive thinking towards his action because if I did think negatively I will surely lose him.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    I may not know the answer to why I can¡¯t afford to lose him one thing is for sure at this moment, I want him beside me. I snuggled at his back and he continues what he was doing. I can sense that he¡¯s waiting for me to talk but I¡¯m enjoying his warmth and so busy snuggling with his scent. He cleared his throat to catch my attention.


    ¡°Good morning. ¡± I greeted him and loosen the hug. ¡°Are you feeling cold?¡± He asked me, maybe he doesn¡¯t really know why I hugged him. ¡°No. I just want to feel you.¡± I answered then he turns off the stove to face me. He yed the end of my hair. ¡°What do you want huh? Lady? You are so clingy and it¡¯s ticklish.¡± He said wandering at my hair. ¡°It¡¯s a simple gesture of affection Levi.¡± Iughed a little at his actions. His eyebrows frowned and flicked my forehead. ¡°You love goofing around. Let¡¯s eat.¡± He said.


    He sat me at the dining table and kissed me. It¡¯s rough but tasty. ¡°Wait there.¡± He murmured and pull out of the kiss. He goes straight to the kitchen and brings the meal here to the dining table. He prepared some omelets and slices of bacon teamed up with some fresh vegetable sd with ck tea. Such a yummy breakfast. ¡°What¡¯s our n after breakfast?¡± He asked me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s buy some things from the grocery. Your fridge is empty. I¡¯ll cook for both of us and let¡¯s have a movie marathon and cuddles.¡± I suggested.  ¡°Never tried to do things like that.¡± Hemented. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do things you want.¡± He agrees and looks into my eyes. ¡°Yes?¡± I asked him with his sudden action. ¡°Tsk. Nothing you just look cute right now.¡± Heplimented me and he looks down is he shy?


    ¡°Hmm? Levi? Let¡¯s start by getting to know each other.¡± I suggested again. He looks at me ¡°What do you mean?¡± He asked. ¡°I mean let¡¯s get closer by having small talks,¡± I answered. ¡°Sure, you do the first move.¡± He said like a child. Iughed at his cuteness. ¡°What are youughing at woman?¡± He asked me frowning. ¡°I just find you so cute.¡± I giggled between my words. ¡°Eh?¡± He utters so confusedly. So cute of him.


    We enjoy our breakfast together and had a little chit-chat. This morning is indeed fun.

 Chapter 9: Small Talks and Cuddles Part 2

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    After eating we showered and headed to the downtown area to buy some groceries. This town is just small and everybody seems to know each other. We stopped at a bakeshop. ¡°Hey! Levi, how are you, my kid?¡± An old man asked Levi excitedly as soon as we got out of the car. Levi looked at him and got in his direction so I followed him. ¡°I¡¯m doing good. How about you?¡± Levi answered the old man filled with concern but you won¡¯t see how he cared. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind this old man. I¡¯m kicking well as ever.¡± The old manughed at his question and mess with his hair.


    ¡°My kid you brought a littledy with you. Is she finally your wife?¡± The old man added. Levi looks at me his smile turns to a smirk and his eyes only searched for my eyes to connect. ¡°You think she will fit? Grandpa?¡± Levi asked the old man. ¡°Thedy is pretty my kid I can sense her heart too. Don¡¯t mess with her my kid.¡± The old man answered. ¡°Well, then she will be meeting the altar if she wins.¡± Levi then answered the old man. My heart starts to beats faster at his statement. The blood rushes so hard that turns into a blush. Does he mean what he said or he¡¯s ying coy with me?


    ¡°No matter what both of you are ying don¡¯t lose your heart at the end, my kid.¡± The old man advised him and Levi nodded. The man prepared some fresh pieces of bread for us. It looks so delicious, the bread is ginormous and smells so freshly baked. ¡°Here take this with you.¡± The old man said and handed the paper bag full of bread. ¡°I told you, you don¡¯t have to give me so much every time,¡± Levi said to the old man.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright my Kid I want you to eat a lot and be healthy. Come on bring this with you.¡± The old man insisted to us. I take the bag of bread with me. ¡°Thank you so much, sir.¡± I thanked the old man and he smiles at me. ¡°What¡¯s your name, youngdy?¡± The man asked for my name. ¡°My name is Portia. Thank you so much for the bread, Grandpa.¡± I introduced myself formally and bow to him. ¡°Such a beautiful name my youngdy. Take care of this young man beside me. He¡¯s getting old.¡± The old man told me jokingly.


    ¡°You can count on me grandpa,¡± I answered and giggled along with him. ¡°Call me Grandpa Andy, Portia.¡± He introduced himself and Levi looked at us confused. ¡°What are you looking at my kid?¡± Grandpa asked Levi. ¡°Nothing, you just told her I¡¯m getting old,¡± Levi said like he is annoyed by the fact and Grandpaughed at him. ¡°You never change my kid,¡± Grandpa told him. ¡°Anyway, both of you go now. You might have a lot of things to do. Come back here at some other time, costumers wille now your grandpa will be busy.¡± Grandpa added and Levi nodded.


    ¡°Okay, Grandpa but don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡± I agreed with Grandpa. ¡°Yes dear, I will,¡± Grandpa said. ¡°We will be going now.¡± Levi bid farewell to Grandpa. ¡°Okay my kid, take care,¡± Grandpa says bye and waves when we reach the car. ¡°Put the bread here,¡± Levi said and open a giant thermal bag used for food deliveries. ¡°Let¡¯s go and get some groceries.¡± He said. After we close the car we walked around before we go to the grocery. I love these short walks with a little chat with him. It¡¯sfortable and feels exciting.


    ¡°Why did you be silent so suddenly?¡± Levi asked me. ¡°I just realized that I love these simple walks with you,¡± I told him and he turns me around to face him and give me a peck on my lips. ¡°There love it more.¡± He said then looks away. I blushed hard at his quick action. We headed to the grocery quietly and shy. We bought some groceries and have some fun talks. I love this side of Levi just joking around with me even though he doesn¡¯t smile often.


    ¡°I grew up here with my two best friends.¡± Levi continues. ¡°Where are they now?¡± I asked him and his brows frowned. ¡°They left me like mom. They died in an ident. Again, that time I was helpless.¡± He casually said. His words cut through me. How many times does Levi be broken which led him to be so empty? This man was shaped perfectly by tragedy. I smiled shrugging off the sad feeling. ¡°Hey! Levi, it¡¯s alright.¡± Iforted him. He smiled a little and speaks ¡°Thank you for telling me it¡¯s alright. You are the first person to tell me it¡¯s okay.¡±  He thanked me and I looked up at him. I turned his face to mine and made eye contact with him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always make you feel that everything will be fine Levi. I¡¯ll keep your heart safe and sound until I die so worry no more.¡± I said while caressing his beautiful face. ¡°E? They are looking at us.¡± Levi interrupts and gets my hand then put it in his cardigan pocket along with his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s finish buying groceries, littledy.¡± He said and looks away at the crowd. Iughed at his reaction. ¡°Stopughing.¡± He said and tries his best to hide his smile.


    This is the first time I saw him smile a lot. I hope I can see this often, Levi¡¯s soft side. I feel so happy and excited at the thought of our everyday. ¡°Can you add some tea to our cart? I just have a phone call. ¡± He told me and I obeyed. I¡¯m looking for some good tea on one of the shelves and found my favorite brand but it¡¯s on the top of the shelves and I¡¯m having my hardest time getting it, when a man reached it for me and handed me the box of tea.


    ¡°Here miss.¡± The man said and handed me the tea. I know that voice so I turned to him immediately. ¡°Jacen?¡± I asked and he looks at me confused. ¡°Wait? Portia is that you?¡± Eren said. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me from the party,¡± I told him. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s been some time since west talked. How are you?¡± Jacen catches up with me. ¡°I¡¯m doing good. How about you?¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯m good as always. What brings you here?¡± Eren asked me.


    ¡°I have a special friend living here,¡± I answered referring to Levi as my special friend. ¡°And you?¡± I added to my word. ¡°I¡¯m visiting my hometown near here, my friends and I agreed to stroll around here.¡± He answered. ¡°I see-¡± I was about to tell something when ady¡¯s voice calls out for him. ¡°That¡¯s my friend. See you next time Portia. We have to go, message me to catch up okay?¡± Eren bids goodbye to me which I ept. I turned to my cart and saw Leviing.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the guy?¡± Levi asked as soon as he gets near. ¡°That¡¯s a friend of mine. They are having a vacation here.¡± I exined to him and he nodded. ¡°Are you finished with the groceries?¡± Levi changes the subject immediately. ¡°Hmm? Are you jealous?¡± I popped a question out of nowhere. ¡°Of whatdy?¡± He asked innocently. ¡°About my friend,¡± I answered. ¡°No. What will I get jealous of aside from you two are so skin-to-skin close?¡± He said which Iughed. ¡°You saw us talking? You should havee so you came to meet him. He is a nice guy.¡± I told him.


    He let out a sigh and pinch the top of my nose. ¡°So cute. Let¡¯s pay this.¡± Levi said giving up his jealousy. Such a cute guy.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

 Chapter 10: Small talks and Cuddles part 3

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    After having fun at the downtown side we arrived at the house at 11 am so I had to quickly prepare something to eat for the both of us. I prepared Vian Crab Linguine and a tropical season juice for both of us. He came to the kitchen while I was cooking.


    ¡°That smells so good.¡± Leviplimented the dish I¡¯m cooking. He grabs a can of soft drinks from the fridge and goes to my back. He traces small kisses from the back of my ear down to my shoulders. ¡°Hey! Levi that¡¯s ticklish.¡± I stopped himughing and face him. I cupped his face kiss the tip of his nose. ¡°Wait for me to finish my cooking okay?¡± I told him and give him a peck on the lips.


    I continued cooking and he stays behind me, watching how I cook. ¡°It looks appetizing. ¡± He said once I already put it on the te. ¡°You think? Well, wait until you taste it.¡± I said in between my smallughter. I just remember how mom alwaysined about my cooking, and one day we just realized that I already mastered how she cooks.


    ¡°It looks fancy. Where did you learn cooking?¡± He asked me. ¡°Mom made me do it. At first, I hate it because I only want to eat the food she cooks. But she insisted.¡± I told the back story to him. ¡°E? Then what happened?¡± He said interested in my story I giggled at his expression he looks cute with his confused look. ¡°She alwaysins about how bad I am at cooking so she made me try and try until one day we just realized how I fell in love with cooking and I mastered already how she cooks.¡± I continued and my voice cracked up a little. I¡¯m missing you, mom.


    He only looks at me waiting for more as if he knows that I¡¯m holding back a lot of words so I continued. ¡°I don¡¯t cook for people who know mom because they thought it¡¯s mom who cooks. And they will always tell me how I turned so much like her. I only cook for the people who didn¡¯t know mom so they won¡¯t bring her up.¡± I said and tears fell down I can¡¯t hold back anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m missing her so much that I can¡¯t stand my hometown anymore. Every people and everything about my town is all about her so I run away from them even though they are the only ones to take care of me.¡± I cried to him and he hugs me. I sobbed on his chest like it was dad whoforts me. He kisses the top of my head. I cried all the heavy feelings I¡¯m holding for how many months now.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t hold back anymore.¡± Leviforts me and gives the mostforting hug I have ever received now. ¡°How I wish I didn¡¯t grow up so I will always have her.¡± I rant on him and Levi just receives it like a best friend. ¡°It just hurt so much and every day makes it even harder.¡± I continued. ¡°When she left me I feel so different like the world is so big and I can¡¯t even stand alone. It feels so lonely.¡± I keep on telling him and he listens to me all ears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Portia.¡± He said stopping me from crying. He calls my name so soothingly. He came to me face to face and remove all the tears flowing to my face.


    ¡°You can stand alone. Surely you learned a lot from her and it makes you who you are right now. Brave and ready for each day. Make her proud.¡± Levi said and kissed my forehead like how dad always does to mom. ¡°Stop now you look like Rudolf the red nose reindeer. Stop crying you look like a drowned swan.¡± He said and flicked my forehead. ¡°Well, thanks for lifting me up and telling me I¡¯m ugly.¡± Iughed my tears away and wiped my tears with the end of my sweater sleeves.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat before it gets cold as dead.¡± I changed the topic and when I was to turn my back on him. He made me stay in my position and hugged me again. ¡°I¡¯m always all ears to listen about your rantsdy.¡± He reminded me and I nodded. ¡°Thank you. It makes me feel lighter than it was before.¡± I thanked him. He messed with my hair. ¡°Don¡¯t keep it all to yourself,¡± Levi told me.


    I know he feels heavier than what I feel but that¡¯s what makes him stand alone, brave and strong, and I admire him for just the way he is. ¡°You too, Levi, let your guards down with me. You have all of me to support you, listen to you, and take all of you.¡± I told Levi without any hesitation. He just smiled at me and kiss me. ¡°You are more than enough right now and let¡¯s just savor the moment.¡± He said and get the food and then go straight to the dining table.


    I¡¯m left in the kitchen looking at his back. When will you entrust yourself to me too Levi? Like how I already give up everything that¡¯s left to me on you. I¡¯m certainly unsure about us but I will bet every bit of me to this game we had even if it will surely break me to pieces.


    I snapped back at my thoughts when he calls for me. ¡°Heydy you said let¡¯s eat this before it gets cold but the food is already dead cold now.¡± He said like he was annoyed or what so I quickly go where he is. ¡°What were you thinking back there?¡± He asked as soon as I sit. ¡°Nothing. I just cleaned my eyes.¡± I alibi and he nodded and takes a spoonful of the food.


    ¡°It¡¯s lovely. The taste is very good.¡± He praised me again or more likely the food. ¡°Really? That¡¯s good to know.¡± I said. ¡°Cooked more for me.¡± He said munching the food. He looks gorgeous. We eat and we washed the dishes together. The scene we are in right now is surely lovely to the eyes so I decided to film our small-time. I¡¯ll give the copy to him win or lose. I¡¯ll capture every unforgettable moment we share like there will be no tomorrow.


    We watched a horror film that scares the hell out of me and it makes him happy to see me jump out of scared so we had a little pillow fight. This moment is so pleasing to my heart that I don¡¯t want to end this anymore. He fell asleep on the couch with me. He snuggles next to me but I can¡¯t sleep so I tried my hardest not to wake him up and get off of him and get my IPad.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I drew him sleeping I didn¡¯t realize how the time flew fast I just stopped when I saw him sit and look at me. dly I already finished my art that looks like I photographed him. I can¡¯t believe I finished a realism so fast just by looking at his beautiful face. Then suddenly I felt the cramps on my hand so I whined in pain that quickly makes him worried about me. ¡°What did you do?¡± He asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine this is just an artist¡¯s pain. Don¡¯t worry about me?¡± I assured him and he gave me a puzzled look. ¡°E?¡± His eyebrows frowned. I smiled at his reaction. ¡°Let¡¯s have some cookies and tea.¡± I changed the topic and pulled him with me to the kitchen.

 Chapter 11: Sparks Fly Part 1

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I woke up to the sun hitting my face and I can smell the summer breeze. Levi is not with me again. I saw a tulip on the table with a note.


    ¡®Get dressed and follow me at the Garden Scapes Mansion. Rent a carriage when you step out of the house.¡¯  ¨C Levi


    He said and that made me blush in excitement. I hurriedly goes to the bathroom room and prepared myself. I wore the dress he bought for me. It¡¯s a floral white dress so I paired it with some doll shoes and I wore mom¡¯s green sapphire ne to match the vintage vibe of my outfit. The ne pendant is minimal which adds aesthetic to my outfit. I wore fresh look makeup with a nude blush and lipstick.


    I make sure that the house is securely locked and got out. I wore my barrette and look for a carriage. I saw one and stopped at me. ¡°Looking for a ride madame?¡± The coachman asked me. ¡°Yes sir, can you drive me all the way to Garden Scapes?¡± I asked the coachman. ¡°Sure madame.¡± He replied and got down to open the door for me. ¡°Feelfortable madame.¡± He said as I went inside the carriage. He closes the door and gets back to his ce. ¡°To the Garden Scapes.¡± He said out loud and we leave the house.


    The ride was exciting since this is the first time I will be riding a carriage. I look at the ce outside from the carriage window, this ce surely has a vintage vibe. We arrived at the Garden Scapes from the gate itself looks so magical. The smell of fresh flowers joins the wind as it blows. It smells like an expensive perfume. The coachman opens the carriage door for me. ¡°Thank you for bringing me here. Here is the card.¡± I handed the card Levi put on the note to the coachman and the coachman taps the card on the side of the carriage.


    The coachman handed me the card again. ¡°Have a nice day madam, I¡¯ll go ahead.¡± The coachman said and leaves. I entered the Garden and look for Levi. I had fun looking around almost I almost forgot that I have to find the middle of the garden. I saw a middle-aged woman who may happen to be a staff of the garden. ¡°Hello madam. Can I ask where will I find the middle garden gazebo?¡± I asked thedy.


    She smiled at me. ¡°The guy must be so sweet to bring you there. It¡¯s in the middle of theke of this garden turn right when you reach the white roses aisle at one of the fields you will find d ake take a boat to reach the middle.¡± Thedy instructed me. ¡°Thank you so much for your help, madam.¡± I thanked and bow to thedy.


    I walk around the fields of flowers until I reach a little park in the middle with swings and other things on a yground but this park is a little different everything is covered with flowers like the ones in magical movies. At the right corner, you will see a field of white roses as what thedy told me. I quickly run towards that part and go to the right corner you will see a signboard telling ¡®to the garden¡¯ske.¡¯


    I walked for almost ten minutes but I think I¡¯m only in the middle of the field of roses. dly I wore t shoes. I walk more and more for another ten minutes and I saw a glimpse of theke already. I fasten my phase to reach theke. I saw boats with beautiful flower arrangements. The deck is also wrapped with flowers and vein-crawling nts that make this ce so magical. The fairy lights add more magic to the ce too.


    I walked at the deck feeling like a princess then approach a man at the end of the deck. ¡°Excuse me Mister can you bring me to the middle of theke?¡± I ask the helmsman. ¡°You must be Portia. Mr. Levi is waiting in the middle.¡± The helmsman already recognized me.


    I saw some riding a regr boat with flower arrangements but the helmsman leads me to a red boat bigger than the others and it hasnterns and flower arrangements too and a dragon head on its end, it looks like a royal boat in the fairytale. ¡°Getfortable on your sit madame.¡± The helmsman said as he escorts me to the boat. In two more minutes, we start moving. ¡°This boat is bigger than does Blue ones,¡± I said to the helmsman. ¡°Yes, madame because this is the only one who boards to theke gazebo.¡± He exins.


    ¡°So that means not everyone can visit the gazebo?¡± I asked him. ¡°Everyone can visit the gazebo but only one pair at a time because that gazebo is used to confess love so it should be peaceful and privacy safe.¡± The helmsman then exins again. Does that mean that Levi will say something important to me? What was it?


    Theke is very mystical the big flowers hanging withnterns and fairy lights that look straight from a fairytale book is drop-dead gorgeous. I saw Koi Fishes swimming excitedly in the water and also I can see a glimpse of swans on the other side of theke. The birds and butterflies fly freely. I admire the ce a little more until we reach our destination. I had already reached the deck of the gazebo which made my heartbeat raise and made me blush.


    The wooden deck is full of flowers. The helmsman man escorted me to the deck. ¡°Good luck on your day madame.¡± The helmsman said and sailed to the other side of the gazebo. I walked through the deck and when I reached the end of the deck the whole thing excites me. The flowers here are big and very healthy. There is a cobalt stone pathway with some gold lining at the edge. The pathway is full of Japanesenterns too.


    I walked until I reached the center of the gazebo where Levi is standing like a prince charming waiting for me. ssical romantic music ys everywhere but I don¡¯t see a band performing. The gazebo is very pretty, especially with wisteria hanging around everywhere.


    What are you nning Levi? With such a romantic and historic ce you brought me here unaware.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

 Chapter 12: Sparks Fly Part 2

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    As soon as I reached his spot my heartbeat starts to fasten my cheeks feels burning surely I am tinted red right now.  ¡°I thought the flowers will already eat me alive. You took so long.¡± He said in his dull tone again. ¡°I-i am sorry for always keeping you waiting,¡± I said sorry, and look at his beautiful eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m willing to wait.¡± Levi said and gets my hands. He kiss both of my hands which made me blush harder. ¡°Shall we dance?¡± He asked his permission to dance with me. ¡°Yes of course. What¡¯s with this sudden dance?¡± I asked him and the music from that party started ying. He initiate the dance that I followed, We dance the same dance we had that evening when he stole my first kiss.


    ¡°I just want to remember the first night I craved for you,¡± Levi stated it sends a burning feeling on my body that makes me blush like tomatoes. I looked up at him and closed my eyes, I let the wind kiss my lips and felt his kiss light as feathers. ¡°Can we stay like this?¡± Levi speaks after moments had passed. I nodded as an answer. ¡°Of course, you can dance with me Levi anytime you want,¡± I answered him kind of feeling weird about his action.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Stay when everyone wants to leave.¡± He said and rest his head on my shoulder. ¡°I will for sure,¡± I said finding the correct answer to his statement. ¡°Levi?¡± I called out for his name. ¡°Will you be the one to stop me when all I knew was to run away?¡± I whispered to his ear, he then cupped my face and our nose touches each other. ¡°I will run away with you until we run out of everything if that¡¯s the only way to make you stay.¡± He gave a deep look into my eyes like he is imprinting my whole soul.


    ¡°Then I will be the one to stay when everyone takes their leave,¡± I said and took all my courage to kiss him. I¡¯m a little more brave than I was to have fearlessly kissed the man in front of me. I kissed him passionately with all that I am. I want him mine like how I belong to him. We catch air as we parted. ¡°E? We are being dramatic.¡± He said and turn his eyes to the other side of the gazebo. I grabbed his necktie to make him look at me.


    ¡°Hey, Levi it¡¯s okay if you are out of character even just for this minute. Let your guard down it¡¯s me okay?¡± I said and kiss him again while giggling. He then grabbed my waist and deepened the kiss. We parted and he smiled, ¡°I was supposed to tell you that I want you but words keep on messing with my head.¡± He said like he is shy. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I feel so nervous going here actually. Thinking what you might actually wanna say to me.¡± I bit my lips after I spoke. He actually scared me.


    ¡°E? Why so cute?¡± He confusedly asks and his brows frown which makes him hot. ¡°Stop doing that you are making me blush,¡± I said and hit his shoulder then his left eyebrow twitched and it made me smile.


    Am I being in love with this man?


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop this nonsense and go to our next destination.¡± He changed the topic. He took my hand and intertwined it with his. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the greenhouse behind thiske.¡± He invites me to our next stop. ¡°Okay then.¡± I agreed and we walked outside the gazebo hand in hand. His warm hand feels just right to mine. ¡°I¡¯ll share something with you when we arrived there.¡± He said then escorted me to the boat I rode a while ago. ¡°Bring as to the greenhouse.¡± He ordered the helmsman. ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± The helmsman then obeyed.


    We arrived at the Green House whose very spacious and very elegant with a magical ent. We reached the deck and he helped me get off the boat. We walked for five minutes before we reach the front door of the greenhouse. The whole interior of the Green House is ss so you can see the whole thing from the outside. Its front porch step is made of cobble stone and grass. The ce looks so enchanting with fairy lights hanging everywhere.


    Lanterns are also hung up on each branch of a tree where a floral vein swing is also hung. Levi then opens the door of the Green House and the inside amazed me more. All of the exotic and rare flowers are everywhere. ¡°Like it?¡± He speaks to me and I nodded. ¡°To be honest I just don¡¯t like this ce it makes me fall in love. This is drop-dead gorgeous Levi.¡± I utter in amazement. He smirked and look down as if telling himself that he made the greatest decision on bringing me here.


    ¡°There is a tree house here. Let¡¯s go there to take a rest.¡± He said and grabbed me to walk fast and reach the middle of the greenhouse where a tall tree stands proudly with a not-so-big house but it¡¯s aesthetic and looks so cozy in the eyes. He helped me climb the ropedders. The feeling of climbing into a tree house makes me feel excited. It¡¯s been my dream to have a tree house for so long. We reached the door and he opens it for me. ¡°Sit on the sofa first.¡± He said.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I answered and sit on the sofa near the door. The ce looks like the one you see in the fairytale where the honey is ced on a honeb-style jar with a honey wand and there are barrels for drinks in the kitchen. Almost everything is made out of wood and fabric. There¡¯s a wooden rocking chair too. And the bed looks like on a fairy house too it has a see-through curtain and it¡¯s made of wood and I can tell that its mattresses are soft too.


    ¡°My bad that I can¡¯t prepare an elegant lunch for you. I¡¯m only going to prepare some soup and bread so we can eat quickly.¡± He said while preparing in the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything Levi. Thank you for preparing a meal for me.¡± I thanked him, not minding whatever he prepare for us. ¡°Can I take a look outside?¡± I asked for his permission. ¡°Are you going down? I¡¯m gonna pull down the stairs so you won¡¯t need to climb thedder.¡± He answered. ¡°No, I¡¯m just gonna go to the patio,¡± I told him and he nodded.


    ¡°Okay let¡¯s just eat outside too.¡± He said. I got out and stare at the beautiful scenery. I could live a simple life like this with him I said to myself and pictured the life we will have living so simple as we are right now but I quickly returned to myself as a butterfly kisses my nose and fly I followed her with my eyes where she headed and that made me speechless of the sight.


    Big flowers are everywhere and tones of butterflies are going back and forth like they are traveling. I enjoyed watching the busy life of butterflies when I felt a back hug and a kiss on the top of my head. ¡°Let¡¯s eat? It feels like you lost.¡± He whispered and I smiled. ¡°They are beautiful,¡± I said and pointed to the butterflies with my hand. ¡°Indeed, but you look more stunning.¡± Hepliments me. ¡°Now let¡¯s eat.¡± He said and made me sit on one of the chairs. The food was all ready and looked yummy. ¡°Let¡¯s eat and have a tour after we rest.¡± He suggested and I agreed with him.

 Chapter 13: Sparks Fly Part 3

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    After eating we decided to walk around outside the Green House. The scenery was indeed beautiful especially the flower fields. We reached the carnations part of the field every color was aesthetically arranged from the lightest color to the darkest color. Levi took some photos of me around the carnation field. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the sunflower field. I have a surprise for you behind that field.¡± Levi invited me to go to the sunflower field.


    We walked hand in hand to the field of sunflowers. There are parts where gigantic sunflowers are nted and there are some parts with dwarf sunflowers too. It¡¯s beautiful and ssic in the eye. Levi then picks one dwarf sunflower and put it on my ear. ¡°Smile Sunshine.¡± He said then quickly snap a photo of me including my shocked face before I even put up a smile. ¡°You look gorgeous, shock face included.¡± Levipliments me that made me blush. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that I look like a mess in that photo.¡± I disagree with him when he said that my stolen shot is beautiful.


    ¡°E? But I do think it¡¯s beautiful.¡± He said and I smiled at his statement. ¡°Thank you for making me feel beautiful Levi.¡± I thanked him shyly. He takes another shot. ¡°This is demure.¡± Heplimented and I looked at him. ¡°Hey! You took another stolen shot.¡± I tried stopping him but he just gave a deadly re. ¡°Just trust me.¡± He stubbornly said to me then take my hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the next field,¡± Levi said and walks with me.


    A field of tulips wees us it¡¯s so gorgeous that I wanted to perform some ballet dance in the middle. ¡°Shall we go in the middle?¡± I excitedly ask Levi. ¡°Sure, we are going to watch the tulips bloom by the way.¡± He said and my eyes widen at his statement. ¡°Really?¡± I jumped into excitement and kiss him on the cheeks. ¡°H-hey don¡¯t get so excited the tulips might get shy.¡± He said and looks away. Is he getting shy too?


    We waited for a few more minutes and slowly one by one the tulips are opening their buds it looks so elegant and the scent lingers on my nose. How extravagant. Levi wrapped his arms around me and we watch the tulips bloom like how our rtionship started too. He kissed the top of my head and speaks. ¡°I wanted the nature speaks out what I wanted to tell you that¡¯s why I brought you here.¡± He stated that startled me.


    ¡°Levi let¡¯s bloom together like those tulips¡± I speak while intertwining our hands. I can feel him nodding at the top of my head. We stayed for a little while until the rain joins the sun. I panicked a little but Levi held me in his arms and didn¡¯t mind the rain. ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy the blessing of the rain.¡± He said and didn¡¯t bother to move. ¡°Well, then can I invite you for a dance?¡± I invited him to dance with me. He might be a little hesitant at first but he follows me. We dance even if it feels awkward as it kinda feels muddy on our feet.


    We justughed off the awkwardness and we continue to dance. We identally tripped on the slippery ground that held us into an awkward situation. Weughed and he got yful by putting mud on my face. I smacked his chest as I feel betrayed and ended up putting mud on his face too. We yed chasing each other and it gets a little harder as we are trying to avoid the flowers.


    Laughter filled our memories as we run back to the Green House. We shared a kiss on the front porch step while the rain is pouring. Cleaning our muddy faces and body. ¡°You smelled like soil.¡± He said smiling while our lips are still connected. ¡°Well, you stink too,¡± I saidughing. He gave me a deadly re and I giggled at his reaction.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get cleaned before we both smell like fertilizer.¡± He said then carry me bridal style. ¡°Hey.¡± I tried to stop him but still carries me. There is a bathroom with a tub in the down part of the tree house. The walls are clear, he closes the curtains so nobody will see us. ¡°Let¡¯s clean you first woman.¡± He said then clean my feet. ¡°Hey! I can do this alone. You are making me shy.¡± I told him but he continues.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t stand the dirt anymore.¡± He said rolling his eyes. In almost three days of staying with him, I knew how clean freak he is when ites to everything so I just let him share a bath with me. Why would Iin after all we had already seen each other naked. We took a bath and got out feeling free from dirt. We got up at the tree house and he prepares some tea for us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s cuddle.¡± He said after I took thest sip of my tea and carries me to the bed. He opens a cassette tape and we listen to some ssical music.  I leaned into his chest as he rest beside me. ¡°Remember when I told you I¡¯m going to share something with you?¡± He asked me and I nodded. ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± I gave him the cue to continue. ¡°About this ce.¡± He started.


    ¡°Three years ago this ce was already dead and for sale. My secretary told me that the one who bought this will destroy this ce and turn this whole ce a mall or a marketce.¡± He continues and it makes me shocked because it doesn¡¯t look like this ce came from a tragic story. ¡°Then how does this ce stay in its own glory?¡± I asked him very interested in the story.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°I- I bought this ce triple the price. I just can¡¯t really lose this ce.¡± He continues which makes my eyes widen. Surely this ce costs very expensive and for him to triple the price, maybe this ce holds on too much of a memory.


    ¡°This is the only ce where I can still see memories of mom. And this is the only ce I have traces of my father.¡± He said and I can feel the pain crawling to me. ¡°I never saw dad. I didn¡¯t even have a picture of him, even an old piece of cloth from him. Even a piece of single evidence to tell that I am his son.¡± He continues I can feel how hard it may cause him so I hugged him.


    ¡°But mom, she will always bring me here. Told me that their story started here. From the first Hello to thest vow it was made here at that gazebo. She always waits there even she¡¯s weak on her knees, she will always hold up to my father¡¯s promise.¡± He told me that makes me cry. Her mother must have been suffering a lot.


    ¡°This Green House? She  will always save up to rent a boat just so we can see this from outside because this was locked before. She will always tell me that father lives here with his sister. One day mom told me before she left that, father leaves for work but he never returns with his group. No one can ever tell her what happened to him. Father¡¯s sister ended up marrying a guy beating her up everyday and mom couldn¡¯t just do anything.¡± Levi continued the story and I feel so sad for his aunt.


    ¡°Mom told me before she left that my aunt died as a battered wife and nobody stands for her. Mom said if only was father is here. She knew he can make things better. She told me not to be a coward like her. She told me to do something about life because watching life as it falls into pieces is like being dead alone.¡± He continues more.


    ¡°That¡¯s why when I heard about the news I run research about the ce and to my surprise my uncle told me that this ce really belongs to father¡¯s family but since my aunt doesn¡¯t have enough money to pay for her debts to her husband she gave the rightful of thisnd to her husband. I did everything to fight for the rights of this ce as I remember how mom really loves this ce especially when someone proposes here. She will always remember father.¡± Levi still continues and I listen to him. Collecting the words I wanted to say.


    ¡°I promised mom that I will bring the girl I like here. Just like father when I finally get the ownership of this ce.¡± He said and looks at me. ¡°I told to her grave that I will rename this ce next to the woman I like. Did you know Portia that this ce does not have a name until I found the person I like?¡± He asked me and I just look at his orbs nkly. I didn¡¯t even know what he was trying to tell.


    ¡°This ce doesn¡¯t have a name until I found you.¡± Levi said that left in a nk state. Is he going to name this ce after me? Levi then pulled out a ne with a slim bar-like pendant and on it a word is engraved ¡®Moon Garden¡¯ and moon-shaped sapphire blue is at the end of it. ¡°This ce belongs to us. Especially you.¡± He said and put the ne on me. I touched the pendant still processing what¡¯s happening right now. ¡°Since your name¡¯s meaning is the moon I have decided to name this Garden, Moon,¡± Levi exins so I face him.


    ¡°Levi this is too much. I don¡¯t even deserve a ce in your heart or even just a glimpse of your world will never fit mine.¡± I told him as I feel overwhelmed. His eyes look dead but his actions seem shocked. He held me into his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t freak out.¡± He whispered. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that finally someone means to me and someone makes me talkative and feel mixed emotions. And it¡¯s you.¡± He whispered again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a wild boar. Lady I just want to share the life with you.¡± He confessed to me and it makes me cry. Someone finally wants to share a life with me. And it doesn¡¯t mention mom. Someone already wants me in his life not just because of mom. I embraced him and cried so much. ¡°Shh! Don¡¯t cry now. Why are you even crying? I told you, You look like Rodolf when you cry.¡± He said and caressed my back.


    ¡°I¡¯m crying because you are letting me in as who I am not because you owe something to mom,¡± I told him honestly. ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t even know your mom. Tsk! Such a kiddie attitude.¡± He said and his brows frowned at me. ¡°But I really owe her something.¡± He suddenly said that made me shocked. Did he know mom?


    ¡°And it¡¯s you. Brat.¡± He continued and flicked my forehead. ¡°What were you thinking? To give me that look? You look like you met a haunting ghost.¡± He said and I was about to talk but he leaned in for a passionate kiss.

 Chapter 14: Promise Ring

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:     I found Levi down the tree house sitting at a breakfast table. He then saw me and go in my direction. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± He said smiling at me and walking me to the table. The breakfast looks so delicious it¡¯s a bowl of fried rice mixed with vegetables, ham, egg, and bacon paired with ck coffee and a slice of strawberry shortcake. ¡°It smells so delicious Levi.¡± I excitedlymented about the food. ¡°E? You seem so excited eating.¡± He said in shock. ¡°Well, this is my type offort food,¡± I admit to him and ruffle my hair.     ¡°Then eat a lot.¡± He said and motion us to eat. ¡°Anyway, Portia meet me at the church after we eat. I just have something to do downtown.¡± He said. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the church.¡± I agreed happily. We had so much fun talking while eating. Talking about our childhood and embarrassing moments. ¡°You are so silly Portia.¡± Hemented when I told him about my elementary first crush. And how I recklessly told that person how much I feel for him.


    ¡°I know and I will never deny it. He justughed at me Levi and from that they on I feel so shy around him.¡± Iughed along with him. I looked at his eyes and it made me blush. Everything feels in slow motion when heughs. To this person, I can see the future even though I don¡¯t know why. With Levi, I wanted to dream and achieve more. I¡¯m not shy and I¡¯m confident walking with him. To Levi, I am empowered and I know I can do more.


    ¡°How about you? Have you ever told to a person how much you like them?¡± I asked him in between my smallughs. His expression went serious and looked directly into the depths of me. ¡°You are the very first person I told about how I feel,¡± Levi said. For the first time, I can feel his emotions passing through me. It¡¯s genuine and touched my heart so sweet that made my blood rushes causing my cheeks to paint red.


    ¡°Y-you are making me blush.¡± I tried to stop him and avoid eye contact. He smiled and looks away too. ¡°But indeed I am telling you the truth.¡± He said and sip his coffee. I tried to avoid the awkwardness by changing the topic. ¡°Let¡¯s finish eating so we can both prepare for our itinerary for today,¡± I said changing the topic. ¡°Oh, yeah. Let¡¯s finish eating.¡± He said after looking at his watch. ¡°Meet me at sharply eleven at the church,¡± Levi said. ¡°Sure,¡± I answered.


    After eating I quickly prepare. I saw a whitefy white dress with puff sleeves on the bed. ¡°Levi bought me a dress again. Maybe because I didn¡¯t bring my luggage with me.¡± I said to myself.


    ¡®You¡¯ll definitely look beautiful in this white dress.¡¯ Levi said in his note. He is making me blush again.


    I only put on some light makeup from the pallet I brought with me for retouch when we had dinner in the yacht. It¡¯s a church so my makeup should not be dramatic. dly I have a lip and cheek tint with me. I look for a curler, and I¡¯m d to find one. I did my updo hair and wears the ne he gave mest night. The sapphirepliments my overall look.


    After making sure that everything is locked at the Green House I walked to the deck and pushed the red button to call a boat. The boat that took us here stop in front of me. ¡°Let me escort you, madam.¡± The helmsman said and he helped me ride the boat. ¡°Please bring me to the front deck,¡± I told him and he nodded. After a few minutes, we reached the front deck and the helmsman helped me out. ¡°Take care, madam.¡± The helmsman bid goodbye to me. ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked him and starts to walk. I thanked the old woman who helps me with the direction when I came across her at the front gate.


    I looked around the front gate and saw the ark that which is not there yesterday. It says ¡®Moon Garden.¡± There is also a statue of a beautifully carved moon in the middle. I came near the statue. Portia is written using a very thin gold line on the moon. You won¡¯t notice my name carved unless you take a closer look. The statue looks so elegant, sophisticated, and full of art. I blushed at how thoughtful Levi is. He really named this garden next to my name.


    Big elegant flowers that show power are around the moon statue, which is about my height. This statue surely looks stunning at night. With its ent and lights around it. In the morning the gold veins where Portia is carved will make it stand out. How creative.


    I rented a carriage again to drop me off at the church. The church is so beautiful, it looks like a castle and everything is vintage. Surely this church is founded a long time ago. I tour myself since I was one hour earlier than Levi. This whole town is very vintage and beautiful. This really reminds me of the Victorian Era and this ce is really good for vacation and rest. I lit candles and pray at the side of the church. After some strolling around I received a message from Levi.


    ¡°I am already inside the church. Waiting here.¡± Levi said so I hurriedly go to the church.


    Upon entering the church my eyes went in awe. This church is like from the books. Everything just looks so fancy and enchanting. I walked inside and at the very end of the aisle there he was proudly standing adding up to the elegance of this church. Every step I made my heartbeat danced to the rhythm of the music in my mind. The sound of romance and happiness is filling in my brain. At that very moment, I stop at his front Levi reaches for my hand.


    ¡°Portia,¡± Levi calls for my name. ¡°Hmm?¡± I hummed as an answer. ¡°I have been thinking about this for a while and I¡¯m certainly sure about it now.¡± He continues. I¡¯m puzzled but only look at him waiting for his next statement. ¡°I already want you in my life and I never want to miss it.¡± He said and pulled out a ring. My eyes immediately water as I understand what this whole thing means.


    ¡°Portia, will you be the home I look for when I¡¯m tired of everything? Will you be the one who waits with me for the right time? Will you hold into my promises with this promise ring that I will only see the future with you? Will you take all of me and wait for myeback?¡± He speaks and it breaks my walls and I cried the feeling of joy of winning him and the feeling of worries about unsure crawls all over me. But I am brave to say the word yes.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I hit his chest and nodded as words filled up my mouth and can¡¯t utter a single word. ¡°I will wait for you Levi. I will keep you in my heart until youe home.¡± I said in the middle of tears. Why am I being so emotional? He hugs me to stop me from hitting his chest again. He then put the ring on my ring finger while hugging me. ¡°After this day I will be so busy preparing for both of us. I may not be able to reach you from time to time but please trust me when I say I will go home.¡± He whispered and kiss the top of my head.


    ¡°I will only trust your words, Levi. I¡¯ll wait even if it takes a thousand years to wait for your single Hello again.¡± I said kissing his hands whose holding my hand. ¡°Levi?¡± I call for his name, which I will never get tired of doing. He only kisses my forehead and hummed as a response. ¡°Thank you for letting me in your life. I somehow find a shelter in you so I¡¯m really happy you finally ept me as part of your life. In this short period of time we share you made me forget everything I feared of.¡± I said and hug him tight.


    His warmth makes me feel safe and brave. His scent calls for home and his presence makes me a warrior. I wanted to hold on to this until the end of me.

 Chapter 15: Until we meet again.

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    We walked hand in hand out of the church. ¡°Where do you want to eat?¡± Levi asked me. ¡°Anywhere will do Levi,¡± I answered him. ¡°By the way, we only have a few hours left before I return you to your hotel reservation. ¡± Levi stops for a while. Oh, yes I almost forgot this is thest day of our dare and we have to go back to our own lives after this day. ¡°I¡¯m gonna miss you.¡± A said in a slip of a tongue. He cupped my face and kissed my forehead.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°Why do you have to look so sad? I¡¯m gonna be just everywhere you are.¡± He said and kiss my nose. ¡°Are you still going to call me?¡± I asked him like I¡¯m not even sure whether I win or lose. ¡°Of course, I will.¡± Levi convince me while looking directly into my eyes. ¡°Come on Portia, you won against me. I already proved to myself how much I want you in my life so regret no more. All you have to do is wait for me.¡± He said and kiss my chin. ¡°Let¡¯s talk this over while having lunch. You are thinking too much.¡± Levi said and put his arms around my shoulders.


    We walked at the streets of Cameron and find a fast food chain. ¡°Levi, do you eat in ces like this?¡± I asked him. He just looked at me, ¡°Many people are in line to grab some food and look at the burgers it looks so delicious.¡± I squealed in excitement. ¡°You like burgers?¡± He asked looking so shocked. I nodded, giving him an exciting look. ¡°Okay, okay. Why do you have to look so cute?¡± He agreed with me. ¡°We will have burgers and fries for lunch.¡± He whispered and drag me inside the fast food.


    I look at the menu board, everything looks so delicious. ¡°Can I have some ice cream too?¡± I requested to him and he eyes me. ¡°Why are you so addicted to ice cream?¡± He said with a questioning look. ¡°I don¡¯t know just give me some please.¡± I pleaded to him and he nodded, his brows are frowned. ¡°Mom calls me ice cream enthusiast when she was alive.¡± I suddenly brought up a topic and I know he is listening.


    ¡°You are really close to her.¡± Hemented. ¡°Yes, Father isn¡¯t always at home and I wasn¡¯t so good at meeting new friends so my mom does all the roles of being a father and a best friend to me,¡± I told him. ¡°Mom and I are very close too.¡± He stated and I can sense that he is missing his mom. ¡°Let¡¯s order food.¡± He added when it¡¯s finally our turn to order. We order two burgers, a load of fries, two sundaes, and tworge-size smoothies andadd some brownies as dessert. After ordering we find a seat outside with a great view of a small garden.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat and then let¡¯s have some tour around this town,¡± Levi said. ¡°Sure,¡± I answered him. We started eating and I initiate some talk about our childhood so I can keep some details about him. The food is indeed delicious and our talks are surely fun. We rested for a while before leaving the fast food ce. ¡°So where are we heading first?¡± I asked him and holds his hand. ¡°There¡¯s a circus here,¡± Levi suggested to me. ¡°Let¡¯s go there,¡± I said excitedly.


    ¡°Okay okay.¡± He agrees with me and we walk ourselves to the circus. We reached the circus and my eyes are so full of every beautiful color. This ce is different from every circus I¡¯ve been to before. This circus has a witchy ent and is very colorful. Everyone is having so much fun even though it¡¯s only 3 pm. I saw a big teddy bear and it really caught my attention.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He asked and I looked at him puzzled. ¡°You¡¯ve been passing out. What are you looking at?¡± Levi speaks again. ¡°I¡¯m thinking how will I be able to get that,¡± I confessed to him. ¡°Hmm? Let¡¯s get it for you.¡± Levi said and brings me to the dart game where the bear is hanging. ¡°Look at him he looks like he needed my help to get out from hanging,¡± I told Levi pitying the poor teddy bear. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll try to get it for you just don¡¯t pass out again.¡± He said then ordered three darts.


    He aim the grand prize without any hesitation, my heart feels nervous as the dart went in slow motion to my eyes. In split second the dartnded on the balloon and pops it. We got the grand prize. I¡¯m taking home the baby bear, everyone is pping celebrating his victory. ¡°Man you got it. That freaking balloon never popped but I guess you put a great force.¡± A man praised him and he just nodded.


    The man I charge hands him the prize and Levi gave it to me. I hugged him and the bear. ¡°Thank you for saving Mr. Eve,¡± I said and kissed his cheeks, he just frowned at me maybe he is finding it weird and cringed. He holds my hand, ¡°Where are we heading next?¡± He asked me. ¡°Can we ride a Perris Wheel?¡± I asked for his approval. ¡°Okay then. Let¡¯s ride Perris Wheel.¡± He agreed. Before we even reached the Perris Wheel a clown approached me and gave me some cotton candy.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked the clown. ¡°Watch our circus show beautiful if you find a time.¡± The clown invited me. I have never been to a circus show because mom is scared of the circus so I usually go alone or with my Nanny but mom always forbids to let me watch a circus show. I didn¡¯t know she have such trauma about the circus at that time.


    Levi waved his hand on my face. ¡°Do you want to watch a circus show?¡± He asked me and I nodded shyly. ¡°I-i have never watched a single circus show,¡± I admitted to him. ¡°Why?¡± He asked me letting me continue my story. ¡°Mom has a trauma about circus things. Especially the shows on the circus. You will watch it with me, right? And I won¡¯t have to feel scared?¡± I asked for assurance from him. ¡°There is nothing to fear at circus shows. Plus I¡¯m so you don¡¯t have to fear anything. Do things you wanted to do when I am with you, so you will not regret any in the future.¡± Levi assures me.


    We walked ourselves to the circus tent we bought two tickets and popcorn with drinks. We entered the tent and wow how a majestic scene can fit in a tent? Everything is just so beautiful. Both Levi and I enjoys the show, especially when the clown and puppets performed. Iughed a lot. The show took an hour and a half before it ended. When we got out of the tent a big bear handed me a rose and he handed Levi a big lollipop. ¡°Let¡¯s eat this together.¡± He said and shares the half with me. I also opened the cotton candy and hand him half of it.


    After eating the sweets we decided to ride the Perris Wheel. It¡¯s already five o¡¯clock and a little dark already. The scenery up above here is so stunning. ¡°Portia? We only have 45 minutes left before the helicopter arrives at my house.¡± Levi tells me. I feel a sudden sadness that our day will finally end. ¡°Look at the sky the sun is already setting.¡± Levi then changes the subject. ¡°Levi I really enjoyed this day. Thank you for making this unforgettable.¡± I thanked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s my job to make our day always unforgettable because I am the man. Am I right?¡± He asked and kisses my hand. ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy this ride okay?¡± He continued and we watched the night crawling. After the ride, we walked hand in hand outside the circus. His driver is already waiting for us. We got inside the car and we both didn¡¯t dare to talk. Will he miss me?


    As the car drives off loneliness crawls into my veins I didn¡¯t wanna end this day with him but we have to go back to reality before we can reunite again. My hands grip tightly to his hand as I¡¯m holding back my emotions. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± He asked getting worried maybe. I nodded as I didn¡¯t want to talk because I¡¯m one slip of a tongue my emotions will run quickly.


    We arrived at the house and go straight to the helipad. The ride will only take 15 minutes.


    I only have fifteen minutes left with him and god knows when will be the next time our eyes will even meet each other. ¡°When we reached the helipad at the hotel you will have to wait for my call or missed call as a signal we will talk or meet.¡± He suddenly breaks the silence. I met his gaze finding the answers to his eyes as to why we have such restrictions. But his eyes are empty.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry we have to do this for the sake of work and living. But I will fix things for us bare with this for a while.¡± He assured me. ¡°I understand Levi. You don¡¯t have to worry about me, I am fully aware of your life status. I will be writing.¡± I also gave him assurance. We will get back to our own lives after this day and our cooperation with each other is a must to make our current rtionship work.


    We arrived at the helipad and I gulped every sadness I am feeling as I should feel positive. He escorted me out of the helicopter. ¡°Here we are.¡± He said as soon as we got off the helicopter. ¡°Please take care of yourself for my Portia.¡± Levi pleads and kisses my forehead. I nodded and tears fell down my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯ll try to call youter. I¡¯ll be heading now because I still have a business flight.¡± Levi ending our day. It hurts even though I know he will be calling me.


    He didn¡¯t even leave yet but I am already missing him. I just nodded and lowered my head not wanting to look at him. He kisses my head, ¡°Okay, Okay I understand that you don¡¯t want me to leave but you have to do this with me remember? We talked about this a while ago.¡± He said and turns around walking his way to the helicopter. I hugged Mr. Eve the teddy bear and sobbed. I cried now, I wanted to call for his name but I¡¯m too shy.


    Levi then turns around to face me again and walks fast in my direction again. ¡°Hey, Portia.¡± He calls out for my name and I looked up at him walking. ¡°Yes, Levi?¡± I asked even though my voice are cracking up. ¡°You know what I forgot something.¡± He said and the next thing I knew our lips collided as one. He dragged me head first and our kiss was fearless. It was breathtaking almost not wanting to leave each other¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Wait for me,¡± Levi said after our shared kiss and walks away. ¡°Take care ande home to me.¡± I half shouted and he looks for onest time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going home soon.¡±


    He answered.

 Chapter 16: After Farewell.

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I walked down the helipad¡¯s stairs and the staff escorted me back to my hotel room. I sit Mr. Eve on the chair and lose my hair from its bun. I sit in front of Mr. Eve and stare at him for a while. ¡°I guess we are alone for now, Mr. Eve,¡± I eximed as I thought about Levi. I removed my pieces of jewelry and look at our promise ring before removing it. ¡°I¡¯ll hold on to your promises like your mom did to your father,¡± I murmured as if Levi was just here.


    After removing my pieces of jewelry and clothes I put on my robe and prepare my bath. I also grab some champagne from the fridge and put it near the tub I also yed some ssical music on my phone. I soaked myself in the tub and feel the rxing water on my body. Tears fell down my cheeks, I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m feeling like this. Maybe, just maybe I am feeling afraid of him noting back to me.


    I clear my thoughts as I drink the champagne in the ss. I put another shot and rx at the sound of the ssical music. I¡¯m in deep thoughts when my phone rings. I hurriedly dry my hand and grab my phone. It was Levi¡­


    ¡°Hey! Have dinner and don¡¯t forget to take a rest early it¡¯s been a tiring day.¡± He said at the other line. I giggled as soon as I heard his voice. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna take shower then eat. How about you?¡± I asked him and I¡¯m blushing right now. ¡°I will have a dinner meeting in five minutes so I sneak in and calls you.¡± He answered. ¡°Aww. Okay, Take care and don¡¯t get yourself overworked okay?¡± I told him, worried about him.


    ¡°Yes, I will. You too. I need to hang up now. I may be busy the whole night and I may not be able to call you.¡± He said. ¡°It¡¯s fine I understand,¡± I answered. And we both hang up. He¡¯s so busy that he has to hang up so quickly. I received a message from him.


    ¡®Please bare me for being busy. Open your door after 5 minutes.¡¯Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    He said feeling sorry for hanging up the call. I replied to him.


    ¡®I understand. Please take care for me.¡¯


    I wore my robe and go to the door. When I heard a knock. ¡°Mr. Everett wants to give this to you madam.¡± The room service staff gave me a box of cake and a full course meal. It¡¯s a blueberry cheesecake with a note.


    ¡®Take care, Brat.¡¯


    Eh? What¡¯s with the Brat thing? I took a photo of my meal and sends it to him. He didn¡¯t reply, maybe he was in a meeting. I bring a slice of cake with me to the tub and continue taking a bath. After the shower, I ate my dinner with Mr. Eve Bear. I opened my messages and found a bunch of emails from different people.


    My friends and colleagues have been chatting with me but I didn¡¯t notice it because Levi and I didn¡¯t use the phone for three days. One message got my attention aside from office work. It¡¯s from Erin.


    ¡®Hey, How are you? It¡¯s been days now. I hope you are okay.¡¯ ¨C Erin


    How sweet of him still remembers to check on me. It was a message from yesterday, I scrolled up from our threads to find I¡¯d he has more than one message dly it¡¯s only one message. I replied to him.


    ¡®Hey, Erin, I¡¯m doing good. How were things going on with you? I got a little busy.¡¯ ¨C Portia.


    I got a quick reply.


    ¡®I¡¯m doing good, d you answered. I have a meeting with my friend. I¡¯ll call youter.¡¯


    He replied. How boring everyone around me seems to have a meeting. Iy on my bed and just y games on my phone then look at the photos I had with Levi. ¡®Hey, man why am I missing you so badly?¡¯ I said to myself. I hug Mr. Eve and look through social media to keep me informed. I have been in a social media detox since my first day here.


    I saw bunches of posts from my old ssmates about family bonding and about parents¡¯ stuff it feels awkward to look around social media these days. My ssmate who used to make fun of me for being single is now pregnant with her second child. Surely she¡¯s gonna make fun of me again like I¡¯m some kind of a joke to her because she is a happily married woman with kids. I rolled my eyes at the thought of it again but leaving the group chat won¡¯t make things easy they will surely point out how weak I am again.


    ¡°Argghh!¡± I eximed and buried myself in the pillow. ¡°Why is it a big deal that I am a single woman?¡± I ask Mr. Eve as if he¡¯s going to answer me. I opened my phone again and start to turn off notifications about the group chat. I just wanted to breathe out for a while. I¡¯m going back to city tomorrow for work and school so I have to feel fresh not only physically but also mentally. dly something took my attention, Levi message me so I opened it quickly.


    ¡®Done eating dinner? I¡¯m done with my meeting.¡¯ ¨C Levi


    ¡®Yes thank you for the dinner. How was your meeting?¡¯ ¨C I respond quickly.


    ¡®Everything is good. It¡¯s a friend of mine so as expected this meeting run smoothly. But it is tiring.¡¯ ¨C Levi


    ¡®I¡¯m d to know that everything went smooth on your transaction. Take a rest already when you go home.¡¯ I replied to him.


    ¡®Yes, I will. You too take a rest now you still have to travel back to the city tomorrow.¡¯ ¨C Levi


    ¡®I will take care, Levi.¡¯ I replied to him. I didn¡¯t bother him anymore as I can feel how much tired he is. It¡¯s already eleven o¡¯clock in the evening. After exiting our conversation, I saw a message from Erin. It was 5 minutes ago.


    ¡®I¡¯m done with my meeting. Still up?¡¯ ¨C Erin.


    ¡®Yes, so how was it?¡¯ ¨C I responded to him.


    ¡®It¡¯s a deal as expected.¡¯ ¨C Erin.


    Erin replies to me then he calls me. ¡°Hello?¡± I pick up the phone. ¡°Hey, It¡¯s been some time since I heard your voice. How are you?¡± He said at the other line. How thoughtful he is. ¡°I¡¯m great. I¡¯ve been a little busy this past few days.¡± I answered him trying to avoid the topic of what happened a few days ago. I wanted to respect Levi¡¯s decision of keeping this rtionship lowkey.


    ¡°You must be tired. By the way, I just call to check on you. So when will youe back to the city?¡± Erin asked me not digging deep into my whereabouts anymore. That¡¯s so respectful of him, I know I choose a great friend. ¡°Tomorrow I will be back in the city,¡± I told him. ¡°That¡¯s great, let¡¯s meet at the school if you have time.¡± He said looking forward to meeting me.


    ¡°Sure. Just tell me when you have time too.¡± I answered. ¡°Anyway, I still have to drive home. Let¡¯s talk tomorrow when you are already home.¡± He excuses himself to me. ¡°Oh, yes sure let¡¯s talk tomorrow. Be careful on your way home Erin.¡± I said to him and we both hang up the phone.


    I put my phone on the top of the bedside table and hug Mr. Eve. ¡®We will have a long day ahead tomorrow Mr. Eve, let¡¯s take a rest.¡¯ I said to Mr. Eve and kiss the top of his head.

 Chapter 17: Back to the City, New Portia

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I packed all my things early in the morning and had breakfast at the Bistro before checking out. I ate at the spot where Levi and I ate for the very first time. After eating I go to my room and get my things then carry Mr. Eve with me. ¡°You need help with your baggage?¡± A sweet customer service crew lend me some help. ¡°Thank you, You are so sweet.¡± I thanked her as I hand her some of my things. I return the keycard of my room and put my luggage in the back of my car. I put Mr. Eve in the backseat and the chauffeur hand me my keys.


    ¡°Take care, Ms. Portia.¡± The chauffeur told me. ¡°I will thank you so much.¡± I thanked him before he closes the door for me. ¡°So we are going home now Mr. Eve. Ready?¡± I talked to my teddy bear and drove away. It takes four hours to reach the main city so I decided to stop at a fast food chain to buy something to eat where I bumped into a blonde-haired man. I think I have seen this man but I can¡¯t remember where.


    ¡°Can I get one cheeseburger pound, a strawberry milkshake, one pudding, and one extrarge fries?¡± The blonde guy said. Is this Aleksi the one I danced with at the party? I asked myself while looking for a meal. After he gets his order our shoulders bumped into each other. ¡°Sorry.¡± He said and he looks at me. I guess I I right but I¡¯m shy to approach him. His eyes are blue like the ones in the mask. ¡°Ahm excuse me, ma¡¯am? May I get your order?¡± The cashier snatched my attention.


    ¡°Oh! Yes, sorry.¡± I told her and proceed with my order. ¡°Give me a cheeseburger pound and chocte milkshake, arge fries, and a caramel sundae.¡± I gave my order to her. After I paid my bill I look around for a ce where I can eat but it seems like the ce is too busy and there are no vacant seats. I found the blonde guy again sitting alone so I tried my luck and approached him. ¡°May I have this seat?¡± I asked politely, he eyed me and nodded.


    ¡°Sure you can upy that space it¡¯s empty.¡± He agrees. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I thank him and ce my tray of food in front of him. He was busy with his phone while eating and taking down some notes. Wow, what a great man dealing with three things at one time. I eat quietly as I don¡¯t want to disturb him. I open my phone and look if I got a message from Levi but I didn¡¯t receive any. Maybe he¡¯s so busy right now. I wonder what he was doing right now. Is he done having lunch? Where is he? Did he skip breakfast just like what he told me?


    A tap on my right hand gets me back to my senses. ¡°Yes?¡± I asked the guy. ¡°The crew gives you a cup of soft drinks.¡± The blonde guy said to me. ¡°Oh, but I didn¡¯t order one,¡± I replied to him. ¡°I guess this is a free drink because I also receive one.¡± He exins to me. ¡°Oh, really? Thank you.¡± I thanked him and he handed me the cup of soft drinks. ¡°Anyways my name is Aleksi.¡± The blonde guy finally introduced himself to me.


    I was right he is the one I danced with at the party. ¡°I¡¯m Portia. Nice meeting you.¡± I also introduced myself to him. ¡°I think I have heard about your name but I can¡¯t remember where. Anyways nice to meet you too.¡± He said thinking but offering me a handshake. I ept the formality and we bothugh. ¡°You know what I think I have met you somewhere but I wasn¡¯t sure.¡± I honestly confessed to him.


    ¡°Really? Where?¡± He asked with excitement in his tone. ¡°Have you attended the Le Grande Hotel¡¯s Party?¡± I asked shyly to him. ¡°Oh yes, the masquerade party?¡± He asked maybe remembering something. ¡°Are the girl in the ruby ne? The one who won the spotlight?¡± He asked me. It made me shy as the thought shes to my memory, especially the part where Levi and I kissed. I nodded to him, ¡°Yes it was me.¡± I answered and he smiles at me.


    ¡°I think we both paired at the dance,¡± Aleksi said to me. ¡°Me too. By the way, it was nice seeing you here.¡± I answered feeling a little awkward as I feel shy talking to him. ¡°Yes, I feel delighted seeing you here also.¡± He said feeling shy too. We had a little more conversation trying to ease the awkwardness up until we feelfortable with each other. It feels so exciting talking to this person, he has goodmon sense and humor.


    We ended up exchanging numbers. ¡°Here¡¯s my calling card Portia. Call me if you need some help.¡± Aleksi handed me his calling card. ¡°Thanks for the wonderful lunch with you Aleksi. Here¡¯s my calling card too.¡± I handed my calling card to him in exchange. We both leave the fast food chain and parted at the parking lot. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. I still have to pick up my friend.¡± He excused himself. ¡°Me too. Let¡¯s talk sometime.¡± I replied to him and I hopped into my car.


    We both drive at the opposite road and I smile at the thought of meeting a stranger. I guess I¡¯m learning to cope up with my very shy attitude. Maybe I¡¯m returning to my old self slowly.


    Another long drive before I get to see the town where I currently reside. As I am entering the boundaries of the city and the rural, I felt butterflies in my stomach and it aches. I am back with my reality, the tiring, boring, and lifeless life alone came rushing to me. The reality also hits me that I will never fit into Levi¡¯s world. That sophisticated and full of color life he has will never ept me. I feel the rush more when I finally reached my house and open the door. It¡¯s all dull, the color of the living room, the lifeless kitchen, and of course my messy office and the bedroom which I never get the chance to clean and decorate.


    It¡¯s still the same old space from the very start I bought this house. The only thing that is changing here was my bed sheets and pillow case which are all in the same colors. Even me I didn¡¯t change I just work and work and work. I can¡¯t even remember when was thest time I spend holidays here as I always work during holidays. When was thest time I even cook a meal in my kitchen? Do I have any food in my refrigerator?


    I didn¡¯t even know because I¡¯m always out. Eat the most affordable or sometimes the fanciest I can eat then go home to sleep then walk up to work again. This was because I¡¯m too afraid I will only miss mom. I never dare to move on or go out of myfort zone. All I know is to run away from all the feelings I didn¡¯t want to feel. I never figure out a thing for myself. All I know was to escape that strange feeling of being left alone but the pain is all left here in my heart and I never get the chance to express it.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I put up a mask that made me look strong and tough but to be honest, I¡¯m weak and scared. I left for vacation to Le Grande to escape the toxic reality before with Levi he made me feel I can move. I can forget the things in the past, he gave me the reason to somehow let me out of my shell. The feeling that I can be who I am without any fear of beingpared. The feeling of being wild, young, and fearless¡­


    I cried and shattered everything in my room my living room and every corner of my house. I scream all the pain I¡¯m feeling like I¡¯m some kind of a crazy psycho. I might look pathetic but I let it all out all the unwanted feelings I¡¯m scared to express. ¡°After all this mess mom, I will move on from you to dad, to the first guy who broke my heart, and to all the people who try to break me from giving me this unwanted feeling of beingpared and left alone.¡± I sobbed and continue breaking all the things I have.


    After I clean this mess the old Portia will be dead. I will be the greatest version of myself. I will not wear that mask anymore. I will embrace being a strong and empowered woman. I¡¯ll make sure to fit in your world Levi when youe back, I will bepatible with you because you are perfectly matched to me. You won¡¯t fight with this alone.

 Chapter 18: A Friend Of Mine

    Someone¡¯s P. O. V:


    I knocked at Portia¡¯s door, today is her arrival from vacation and I decided to wee her and bring her some food. I didn¡¯t receive a reply from her so I entered her house. I was shocked at the state of her house, What happened here? Did someone enter? ¡°Portia I¡¯m already here. I opened the door because you weren¡¯t answering.¡± I shouted but ready myself for an attack. I entered slowly into the kitchen and put the bags of food on the counter. It¡¯s so messy here, like most of the items are distorted or broken. I look around but I didn¡¯t find Portia.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I need to call the police but I have to find her first. I decided to go upstairs and look around the rooms but she was nowhere. I reached thest room which is her room and I find her there in the middle sitting like a child sobbing. I hurriedly go to her. ¡°What happened? Oh my, Portia. Stop crying.¡± I tried tofort her first and hugged her. She looks up at me and removed tears from her eyes. ¡°Oh, Airi it was you.¡± She said and smiles. That bitter smile she always has. It pains me to see her in pain like this.


    ¡°What happens? Why everything is in a mess?¡± I sit beside her ready to listen to her rants. She leans on my shoulders. ¡°Thank you foring today.¡± She said. ¡°What happens? I thought you¡¯ll have a vacation to ease your mind and free yourself from heavy thoughts?¡± I asked her waiting for her to tell the story. ¡°I met my reality at that resort over a dream of fantasy.¡± She said that puzzled me. But I let her continue.


    ¡°That dream woke me up from reality and for the very first time, I was sure of something. I am in love.¡± She said and my eyes widen. ¡°So are you telling me you find a guy there and hurt you?¡± I said still in shock. She shakes her head so I just let her continue. ¡°He¡¯s so gorgeous inside and out but since he¡¯s worth a diamond and it pains me to reach him.¡± She continues. ¡°Oh no Portia what have you done?¡± I asked her worriedly. ¡°For the first time, I am determined to win over something. I will not lose and I even want to get out of myfort shell.¡± She continues her riddles again.


    She never sounded this happy so I caressed her long ck wavy hair. I met Portia on her biggest doom, nothing is left for her but pain and sadness. She¡¯s notpetitive at anything nor interested in winning something but today she is so determined to achieve something and it makes my heart so happy to see her finally getting out of the box. ¡°So why is everything ruined here?¡± I asked confused. ¡°I simply destroyed my house to start over.¡± She simply told me. Portia never fails to shock me with her decisions. ¡°What? What nowdy after you destroy this?¡± I said in disbelief.


    ¡°I¡¯ll re-arrange it from the top like when I bought this house. As I clean this up a new chapter will be opened.¡± She exins. I stand up and give my hand to her. ¡°You always know I believe in you right?¡± I asked her and look into her eyes. I¡¯m looking for her answers and the moment her eyes glitter in happiness I know the answer already. ¡°Get up now and let¡¯s start writing this new chapter of yours,¡± I told her and she gave me her hand. I helped her stand up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s clean this mess. But before that let¡¯s eat first I bought some of your favorites. Mushroom soup and spicy chicken with mashed potatoes.¡± I told her and her smile widens. She hugged me and so I did too. ¡°Thank you, Airi for always taking care of me.¡± She thanked me and I messed her hair. Portia is like a sister to me she¡¯s the only person I could only rte to and ryed on. The person with who I can get along well but it makes me sad that she can¡¯t even dare to move on. But now let¡¯s see how she will open this new her.


    We go downstairs and eat the food I bring for her. ¡°So what¡¯s the next n after we clean up?¡± I asked her. ¡°Let¡¯s buy some paint, I will change the color of this house to woody and white.¡± She told me and I agreed. After eating. We started to clean up every mess and nned the things to do in her house.


    ©\¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    After cleaning we went to a hardware shop where we will buy the paints and wood that we need. ¡°Let¡¯s start at the kitchen first,¡± Airi suggested to me. ¡°Sure. I wanted it woody and minimalist.¡± I told her and we find vinyl oakwood for the flooring of my house and some white prints for my countertops and cabs for my kitchen. ¡°Let¡¯s go home now,¡± I told Airi after I make sure that I put everything in the car.


    After going home we ate the macaroons we bought on the way home with some peach tea. We excitedly start mixing paint after eating, Airi then opens her speaker for some soothing music. ¡°So how did you meet the guy?¡± She asked while mixing paint. ¡°Well.¡± I paused as I think of that day. ¡°Well?¡± Airi asked and her beautiful eyebrow arched. ¡°I met him at the party, out of all the stunning men out there he stands out the most,¡± I told her and I smiled at the thought of him. ¡°You seem so excited huh?¡± Airi gave me a goofy smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s because that day is just so enchanting,¡± I exined to Airi. ¡°So what does he looks like?¡± Airi asked me with a yful grin. ¡°He¡¯s gorgeous. ¡°He has grey eyes that look so intimidating his sharp gazes will surely make everyone blush. I feel very shy around him.¡± Iughed at my statement because I remember how silly I was with him.


    ¡°Okay, okay. Now I get it my best friend is in love.¡± Airi said like she is defeated in the battle between herself. ¡°But please take care of your heart, Portia.¡± She reminded me and I nodded. ¡°I will,¡± I answered her. ¡°I¡¯ll kill that dumb ass if he hurts you like your ex-fiance,¡± Airi said ready to fight and it made meugh. We bothugh at her silly actions. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed to fix the kitchen.¡± She suggested and I nodded.


    We have fun doing the renovation while singing like some high schooler. ¡°Make sure to tell me more about your stay there. Because this girl of yours is so eager to know what gotten to you to ruin your house like this.¡± Airi said whileughing. ¡°Yes sure, I¡¯ll tell you everything from the top.¡± I giggled. We finished the kitchente at midnight. Airi got us some champagne to end the night.

 Chapter 19: House Renovation

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Airi and I decided to renovate my room and office next. It¡¯s funny that both of us can manage to renovate the house even though we are both girls. Since we are going to rece one of the walls with ss Airi called her cousin Jean he¡¯s a close friend of mine too. ¡°Hey, Jean can youe over? Here at Portia¡¯s house.¡± Airi said at the other line. ¡°Why? Did she break her bones again?¡± Jean said jokingly.


    ¡°No, not this time. But she needs help fixing her house.¡± Airi told him and Iughed at how cute they talked. ¡°Sure. I¡¯lle over.¡± Jean agrees. ¡°Wait for me, I¡¯ll be there in an hour,¡± Jean said before hanging up. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he have any schedules today?¡± I asked Airi. ¡°Maybe he takes a leave today. He said he feels tired and awaytely.¡± Airi told me. ¡°Being a doctor must be so hard,¡± I answered her.


    ¡°I guess, he looks grumpytely,¡± Airi told me. ¡°Anyways let¡¯s prepare lunch so we can have energyter,¡± I suggested to Airi and we both go downstairs to prepare avocado sd and some chicken and garlic bread. After eating we rest for a while and paint some parts of the house. We heard Jean calling for us downstairs. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Jean calls out. We go downstairs to meet him.


    ¡°Hey, nice to have you helping, Jean,¡± I said as soon as I saw him. ¡°It¡¯s been a month since I saw you,¡± I told him. ¡°Yes, I thought you broke your leg but seems like this time you broke your house.¡± He joked. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not that clumsy dude.¡± I tried to nudge him and weughed. ¡°Anyway, I bring a cake with me so we can eatter.¡± He said and handed it to Airi.


    ¡°So let¡¯s get working?¡± Jean said Prepare to work with us. ¡°Come on let¡¯s go upstairs so you will see,¡± Airi told him and we go upstairs. ¡°We need a hand to install this ss in this area so she will have a divider between her office and bed,¡± Airi exins to Jean. ¡°I see. Let¡¯s work on it now.¡± Jean understands the instructions and we started working on it.


    We have some talk while working in the room and office. ¡°So what¡¯s next after we put this ss wall?¡± Jean asked. ¡°We are nning to renovate the living room,¡± I told him. ¡°Let¡¯s do it now because I only have this day as a day off. I¡¯ll spend this day helping with you guys.¡± Jean said. ¡°Really? That¡¯s thoughtful of you. Thank you.¡± I thanked him. ¡°Anytime.¡± He said and smiles at me.


    ¡°So how was work and love life for you Jean?¡± I popped a question while putting the vinyl flooring for my office. ¡°Oh, about that.¡± Jean suddenly became serious. ¡°Lately I feel detached from my current life situation. Work has been very tiring and my girlfriend became stubborn and we almost fight every day.¡± Jean confessed his problems. Airi and I looked at each other and then turn to him. We didn¡¯t know that it became this hard for him.


    ¡°Hey, dude, what happened?¡± Airi asked Jean full 0f concern. ¡°Lately she be thisplete stranger to me. She doesn¡¯t understand my job anymore.¡± Jean said that worries us. He continued adding the hanging shelves while telling the story to us. ¡°Have both of you talked about it?¡± I asked him. Jean and his girlfriend are lovers since his college days.


    I admire both of them in their rtionship as they grew strong together. His girlfriend was always at his side when everything falls down for Jean through thick and thin they survived. But why now? When everything is starting to feel good. ¡°We haven¡¯t had a good talk since ourst fight.¡± He said and I can feel he¡¯s frustrated already.


    ¡°Maybe both of you need a vacation,¡± I suggested to him. ¡°Yes, Portia is right maybe you both need a vacation as she did. Look at her she realize a lot in her life when she had a rest.¡± Airi added to our conversation. ¡°Yes, try to find the spark again Jean.¡± I agreed with Airi. We finally finish the setup of the office and my room. We headed next to the next room where I am going to make crafts and DIY room.


    ¡°I was nning to open an online craft store so this extra room will be my crafts and DIY room,¡± I told Jean who is now polishing some of the plywood we are going to use. ¡°Wow, Portia you had a big change since you got on vacation. I can sense positive energy in you.¡± Jeanplimented me. ¡°Yes thank you for noticing. I havee to realize a lot of things and events in my lifetely.¡± I told him.


    ¡°I wanted to do a little change in my life and try to move on from the past.¡± I continued and he smiles again. This best friend of mine is literally handsome when he smiles. ¡°I am so proud of you for taking a big step in your life,¡± Jean said proudly and hug me as a congrattion. ¡°Aww, so sweet thank you for staying with me through thick and thin Jean.¡± I also thanked him and tap his back in between the hugs. He messed with my hair when we parted.


    ¡°Maybe my girlfriend and I needed to take refreshments like you. So we can fix things in ourselves too.¡± Jean said and I happily agreed. ¡°Yes try out the resort I went into. They have the best deals. A fancy and luxurious amodation at a great price.¡± I excitedly share with him my experience in the hotel. ¡°Oh, sure send me the details.¡± He said them Airi enters.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°I wish I can have a vacation too. But we have a lot of work since you have a one-month leave, Portia.¡± Airiins and we bothugh at her. ¡°After we finished our current project. I promise you can have your vacation.¡± I promised to Airi and hug her. ¡°Aww, you are so sweet my dear Portia.¡± She said in excitement. The three of us had more conversations until we finish the DIY room and the living room.


    ¡°Time flew so fast it¡¯s now three am,¡± Airi said while looking at the stars. We are currently on the rooftop of my house having some strawberry champagne. It was a gift from the hotel owner to me since I am chosen for thest dance. ¡°Yes we had so much fun to the point we didn¡¯t realize it.¡± Jean agrees while tasting the champagne.


    ¡°By the way, this champagne tastes so good Portia.¡± Airipliments the champagne. ¡°Oh, yes it was a gift from the hotel since I won thest dance,¡± I told them. I took a gulp as I only wanted to taste the champagne and not drink so much. ¡°They are generous. What a great service.¡± Jean said while taking a sip on his ss. My phone rings with an unknown number.


    ¡°I just have to take this. Enjoy yourselves guys.¡± I told them and go down to the terrace of my house. ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s this?¡± I answered the phone and I heard his hiss. Oh boy! Didn¡¯t you know I miss you?


    ¡°Levi? Is this you?¡± I asked. ¡°Miss me?¡± Levi asked as a way of confirmation. ¡°Of course, I always miss you,¡± I said almost crying. Why am I being like this to him? ¡°Don¡¯t worry you will see me next week brat.¡± He said. ¡°Is this your new number?¡± I asked him. ¡°No, I broke my phone so I am using the Hotel¡¯s phone.¡± He exins.


    ¡°I see. How are you? I miss you. Did you eat on time? What happened to your day? Is everything alright?¡± I asked non-stop questions as I feel so worried about him. Heughed at the other line. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you next week and ask me that when we see each other. I have to hang up now.¡± Leviughed at my questions.


    ¡°Hey dude is it wrong to ask you when I miss you this bad?¡± I asked him. ¡°I do miss you too but stay calm okay? Take care. Got to hang up now.¡± He said and he hangs up. Tsk, that man he will only call to tease me.

 Chapter 20: A surprise gift

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I woke up early to get to the office real quick. I am avoiding the traffic everyday so it¡¯s better to be so early thante. I stopped by a nearby Cafe to grab my favorite coffee and my favorite sandwich. I bought some in ck coffee and vani ice cream to put on the coffee. Then I also ordered one egg sandwich. I drove fast but moderately to reach the office.


    Once I arrived at the office I greet all the people I cross paths with and then go straight to my office. I opened everything in my office from my lights to my curtains. I alsomand my A. I to open my system then I put the vani ice cream on my coffee. I opened my sandwich and take a bite.


    I open my email immediately and read it one by one and reply. I took a sip of my coffee and thisbination makes my mood elevate. I look at my wrist watch and it¡¯s already 7:30 in the morning. The office feels empty, nobody arrives yet. I look through my ss wall and look at the city outside, Seems like everybody is busy.


    I go back to my chair and opened some letters on my basket. Mostly it¡¯s a billing statement that is already paid. And thest letter was from my father so I immediately put it in my bag as I don¡¯t want to read something private here. I came across the folders on my right side it¡¯s business proposals and project offers that are waiting for my approval.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    I saw peopleing as their cubicles is starting to light up. I look at my watch it¡¯s exactly 8 in the morning. 8:30 is our work time so technically they are notte at all. My secretaryes in, she also arrives at this hour. I saw hering inside as my door is inside her office. She immediatelyes in as soon as she noticed me.


    ¡°d you are back Ms. Portia.¡± She greeted me and I smiled at her. ¡°I have my gifts for you from my vacation.¡± I excitedly told her. ¡°Thank you so much for your kindness, Ms. Portia.¡± She thanked me already. My secretary is such a sweet type ofdy and she has a good rtionship here with every people around us. Even the clients like her as I do. ¡°Here, that¡¯s my gift for you,¡± I told her and handed her a paper bag. ¡°And this is for them. Distribute this once they are alreadyplete outside.¡± I ordered her and handed her 4 big paper bags.


    ¡°Roger that Ms. Portia.¡± She said obeying me. ¡°I already put names on it so you will not get confused. I¡¯ll just review these contracts and report to me after you distribute that.¡± I said and scan through some papers. She gets out of my office and sits on her chair. I listed all the deadlines of each project and calcte all possible oues then started to note contracts who needs adjustments.


    I saw my Secretary Persephone distribute my gifts to our colleagues. As soon as she gets back to her table I called her on my inte. ¡°Persephonee here to my office I have something to discuss with you,¡± I called her and she immediatelyes inside my office. ¡°Yes, Ms. Portia?¡± She walks near me. ¡°I wanted you to call this once in circles if we can make adjustments on the target dates. After that call everyone for a meeting at 3 pm sharp.¡± I ordered her and she quickly move to action.


    I worked with myptop and then review the games we are working with. Persephone then enters my office. ¡°Ms. Portia?¡± She calls my attention. ¡°Yes?¡± I answered back. ¡°A delivery man drops off a gift box here under your name.¡± She said carrying a big box. ¡°A gift? What¡¯s with the asion? Who¡¯s the sender?¡± I asked her and she scanned the gift. ¡°The sender didn¡¯t put details on it, Ms. Portia. Do you want me to put this in the security team for inspection?¡± Persephone answered.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Just let me check on that. Go ahead and do the follow-ups I sent to your email.¡± I disagree with her suggestion. ¡°Where do you want me to put this Ms. Portia?¡± She asked. ¡°Put the box here near me,¡± I instructed her and she do as I said. I continued typing things on myptop and my phone beeped. It¡¯s a message from Levi.


    ¡®Did you get the box?¡¯ Levi said.


    ¡®I got your mailing address at your calling card.¡¯ He messages next.


    ¡®Got it but haven¡¯t opened it yet. I¡¯m currently working on an important matter.¡¯ I replied.


    ¡®Open it now brat. -,-¡® Levi replied and I find it cute.


    ¡®Okay, okay wait up.¡¯ I replied to his message and put the box on my free table.


    When I opened the box it was full of pastel-colored Styrobeads and my phone beeps again.


    ¡®Make sure to dig in¡¯ Levi said in his message so I did.


    I dig in and I first got a chocte bar, then I dig in again and I got a perfume that looks so luxurious. I dig in more and the third thing I get is an eyeshadow palette that I¡¯ve been eyeing sincest night. It¡¯s thetest version of a luxury brand, it was just postedst night. The fourth thing is lipstick from the same brand.


    I found a total of eight items with letters on them. The other three items are a wallet from a top brand, a luxurious skincare set and thest one is a small box of jewelry from a famous jewelry shop. The letter says ¡®I MISS YOU.¡¯ Then I dig in more when I found a ck ribbon with a note ¡®Pull me.¡¯ So I pulled the ribbon and the box corners tear apart. I immediately call Persephone for help as the styrobeads scattered all around the floor.


    ¡°What happened Ms. Portia?¡± She asked me as she entered the office. ¡°I pulled a ribbon and this box made a mess,¡± I told her but I stopped when the box revealed a doll that looks so beautiful. It¡¯s in a ss cage ying music. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s a music box, Ms. Portia. The doll is so beautiful.¡± Persephone told and I nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡± The only word I can say as I feel speechless at how beautiful the doll looks like.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± Airi said as soon as she enters. ¡°Someone sends a gift to Ms. Portia, Ms. Airi and it messes up a little bit,¡± Persephone informs her. ¡°I¡¯ll help her you go back from your workstation,¡± Airi said to her. ¡°Are you sure Ms. Airi I can just clean the mess?¡± Persephone still offered her help. ¡°It¡¯s fine, you still have a lot to do.¡± Airi refuses and Persephone takes her leave.


    ¡°Is this from him?¡± Airi asked as soon as she turns off the inte. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered still looking at the doll. Airi also looks at the doll and takes a closer nce. ¡°It looks exactly like you,¡± Airi said. Could that be the thing I¡¯ve been searching for about this doll? Is it really looks like me? ¡°Really?¡± I asked Airi. ¡°Yes from the eyes to nose and lips exactly like yours.¡± She said.


    I smiled at the thought of Levi. How sweet of you to send me something so special like this. ¡°The guy has a good taste.¡± Airipliments the gifts at my table as she roams around my desk. ¡°You think so?¡± I asked and she nodded. ¡°Anyways I came here to invite you for a lunch,¡± Airi informs me to change the topic as she sees how mesmerized I am. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s have lunch together. Just wait for me, I¡¯ll get my wallet.¡± I agree with her.


    A message popped on my phone so I read it first. ¡®Like it? A friend rmended it. He said it can make a girl happy.¡¯ Levi said in the message. I smiled at his silliness. He blew up his own surprise. ¡®Thank you, everything is just so perfect.¡¯ I thanked him.


    Airi then cleared her throat to grab my attention. ¡°I know, I know my bestfriend is so in love but please my dear Portia let¡¯s eat first.¡± She said dragging me out of my office while carrying my wallet so Iughed. ¡°Okay, okay let¡¯s eat now,¡± I said. ¡°Make sure to tell me about it at the lunch.¡± She whispered and I nodded.

 Chapter 21: A Surprise Visit

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    I arrived a littlete at the house because I have to overtime the things in my office. As soon as I arrived at my house I ate the food Airi and I bought on the way home. I had a quick shower and wear my pajamas. I put some facemasks on my face and watch some shows on the T. V. ¡°It¡¯s getting boring.¡± I exhaled at my thought.


    I removed my facemask then I massaged my face. It¡¯s been like two weeks since thest time Levi contacted me and I¡¯m missing him so bad. I look at the doll he gave me and yed with the music box. After his surprise gift, he never had the chance to chat with me again. How is he right now? Iy on my bed and the boredom is hitting again so I decided to open my phone.


    I chatted with Airi but she¡¯s not online. Then I saw Erin that he was online but I am too shy to chat with him, so I ended up just scrolling through my cellphone reading old conversations. I heard a tap on my window but I didn¡¯t mind it maybe birds y around my window again. But I heard a tap again and this time its a knock. So I stand up to go to my window. I was shocked at the person behind does window ss.


    I opened the window and my eyes feels watery. I miss him so much. It¡¯s been weeks that turn into months since we have seen each other this close. Levi enters the window and we are now inches away my feet are glued to the floor and my heart feels relief that he¡¯s just looking okay and as fine as ever. He closes the gap between us by hugging me.


    His army green hoody feels warm and smells home. Tears left my eyes and the only thing I wanna do is feel him this close. I don¡¯t wanna talk or break the silence between us. I¡¯m just loving the feeling he¡¯s here in my arms. He kisses the top of my head. I hugged him tight so close that I don¡¯t want to let go yet.


    Levi kisses the top of my head as he hugs me tighter. He was murmuring something but I didn¡¯t mind too much about it as I was busy with the feeling of being safe in his arms. All the boredom, tiredness, and loneliness goes away as soon as he stepped in here. Levi then parted us a little to kiss my forehead down to my nose down to my lips. He gave me a peck that I miss so much.


    ¡°I only sneak in here just so I could kiss you.¡± He said. ¡°Hey, I miss you so much.¡± To all the words I wanted to say to him the only word left in my mouth is I miss you. ¡°I came from an overseas trip and I only have an hour to prepare for another flight.¡± He told me so I worried. ¡°Did you ever get a good sleep or have you eaten your dinner? Why are you working so hard like this?¡± Questions immediately left my mouth as I worried too much.


    He just looks at my face staring at every inch of me. ¡°Why do you have to look so beautiful even at night like this?¡± Levi asked me not minding my questions. ¡°Let me prepare food for you,¡± I said quickly as I¡¯m so afraid he didn¡¯t get to eat. I was about to leave when stopped me by kissing me. It¡¯s slow like he doesn¡¯t want to miss any inch of me. ¡°Stop right here. I just want to spend my 45 minutes here with you.¡± He said after we parted for some air.


    ¡°Do you need to sleep?¡± I asked him and offers him to go to bed. But all he did and pulled me to the sofa near my bed and Cuddle me. ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat or sleep. All I want is to spend my whole free time with you here awake.¡± He said and lean his head on my shoulder while she hugs me tight. ¡°Why do you smell so good andfortable Hmm?¡± Levi whispered to my ear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either but I feel the same way with you too,¡± I said and cupped his face and gave him a peck. ¡°Stay still woman I wanted to remember your face right now.¡± He said when I let go of him. ¡°You are so weird.¡± Iughed at his actions. ¡°Thoseugh feels so soothing in my ears.¡± He said and hugs me again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like we are not gonna see each other again. You promised me that you will soon spend a week with me because you are not able to date mest two weeks ago as you promised.¡± I said to him. ¡°Yes, yes that¡¯s why I¡¯m working hard so you could have me soon.¡± He said not forgetting his promise. ¡°But don¡¯t work yourself too hard. You know I can wait for you forever.¡± I said worrying about his health.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t like it when I keep you waiting,¡± Levi said which makes my heart tter. He checks on his watch. ¡°I only have twenty more minutes to spend with you but it feels like I¡¯m only here five minutes ago.¡± Heins. ¡°It¡¯s fine I¡¯ll wait for you again at my window until you sneak out again and spend your 60 minutes with me again. Don¡¯t get sad okay?¡± Iforted him and he nodded and give me a kiss again.


    ¡°I wanted to ask you how was your day. Or what makes you so beautifultely? But that would take up so much of our time if I do that.¡± He eximed at his thoughts. I hugged him. ¡°Ask me more than that when the right timees that you and I are in the same phase. When no deadlines will kill us.¡± I answered. ¡°But I you wanna know what makes me beautiful? It¡¯s you who makes me this inspired.¡± I said and kiss him.


    We spend another minute kissing and hugging each other until his rm rings. It¡¯s time to say goodbye. It¡¯s sad but it¡¯s something we should not bother to feel at all. ¡°Time to go now,¡± I said and kiss his forehead. Levi stood up and goes to my window. He gave me a peck on the lips. ¡°I won¡¯t say a thing because I¡¯ll only end up missing you.¡± He said and gets out of my window.


    A helicopter then leaves too as he left my window. I watched as my Peterpan flies away. Someday I¡¯ll be reaching you too and you don¡¯t have to sneak in like this. I¡¯ll reach your level too. And from that day Levi you won¡¯t have to go alone for us.

 Chapter 22: Portia鈥檚 Makeover

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I woke up feeling excited and feeling beautiful,st night is just like a dream that is so real. I make coffee on my espresso machine and called Airi. ¡°Hello good morning.¡± She greeted me very grumpy. I must have woken her so suddenly. ¡°Hey, sleepy princess wannae over and have some salon makeover?¡± I invited her and I sense that she stand up so suddenly in her excitement.


    ¡°Woah, wait what happened to the girl who didn¡¯t like makeovers?¡± She questioned me. Iughed at her cute reactions. ¡°I wanted to do a makeover because I wanted to look more pleasing to our clients,¡± I said whileughing. ¡°So will youe now and suggest the best look for me?¡± I asked Airi and she giggled. ¡°Okay, okay. Wait for me and let¡¯s go to the best salon.¡± Airi said so excitedly. Yes, she¡¯s my best friend who¡¯s always excited for me.


    Airi arrived at my house 45 minutes after the call. I heard a beep from her car motioning me toe down and ride in her car. ¡°Let¡¯s go now, princess. Let¡¯s get you a makeover.¡± She half shouted when I looked at the window. ¡°Okay wait for me. I¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡± I half shouted too. I hurriedly close everything with my A. I bot and got out of the house.


    I hopped into her car as soon as I got out. ¡°Ready for the makeover?¡± Airi asked me and I nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m very ready,¡± I said excitedly and she drives us to one of the great salons in our town. ¡°I know a trusted stylist here and they do have a spa too. So let¡¯s go and have some rxing time first to pamper your beauty.¡± She said while fixing her sses. We got out of the car and enters the salon.


    As soon as we got in a woman in a pink uniform greeted us with good service. The salon is very minimalist in style and I love how the decorations are perfectly elegant and sophisticated but keeps its style minimalist and modern. Airi grabs me with her on the information and cashier desk. ¡°Can you suggest us a package for an overall makeover?¡± Airi asked the receptionist.


    ¡°Let me check a good offer you madam.¡± The receptionist said and scrolled on theputer to give us an offer. ¡°We have a package for a full body massage and a rose bath to soften skin with a facial and scalp massage for a more youthful look. How does it sound for the spa madam?¡± The receptionist gave us a good offer after a few more scrolls.


    A woman in her middle agees to Airi. ¡°Hey, darling here for a makeover?¡± The woman said to Airi then Airi turns to her. ¡°Yes I¡¯m with my friend and she wants a total makeover,¡± Airi exins to her and she introduced me to the woman. The woman then looked at me head to toe and then go to the receptionist. ¡°Gave them a package for hair and makeup than a total hand and foot care under my name. My secretary will do her foot and hand spa and nails.¡± The woman who is also the head stylist said.


    After booking us the said makeover I needed the cashier handed us the receipt which Airi gets for me. ¡°Tell me darling when you are done with your spa session.¡± The woman said before she takes her leave and entertain other customers. ¡°She¡¯s a great stylist and many people came here for her,¡± Airi whispered to me while a therapist is escorting us to the spa. We had a nice hot quick shower first after changing our clothes to robes.


    After the massage we go to a sauna before having a bath then we rx for thirty minutes more before heading to the salon makeover. The woman¡¯s assistant made the hand and foot spa on us then the nail tech do my nails while the hair stylist is busy with my hair makeover. It took almost like four hours to get my entire look done. From nails to hair and the face.


    The stylist also gave me some tricks on how to do my makeup and how to match outfits for me while we are working on my makeover. It took a lot of hours but when I saw my nails being done and my hair being done my whole wait is worth it. I look totally different from the mirror. It¡¯s like I am a brand new person. ¡°Who¡¯s this chic in the mirror?¡± I joked to my stylist and she giggled. ¡°You look so gorgeous Portia.¡± Shepliments me.


    My nails are abination of ck and nude colors with a bow and heart design that shows of more texture and boldness to my look. My hair is colored raven ck which matches its long wolf cut finish that makes my entire look different. My makeup is a mixture of nude and pinkish pallet that show of more of a bossdy aura because it fits perfectly with my green earthy eyes. My eyebrows are arched than their usual arch which add a more charismatic and intimidating feeling.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Airi enters the salon and got shocked at the changes I had. ¡°Oh my Portia you look so upgraded and beautiful. You are indeed the boss right now. You are rocking it chic.¡± She squealed in excitement and we hugged. ¡°This calls for shopping too so let¡¯s hurry up,¡± Airi said in excitement. ¡°Thank you Ms. Pony for making me beautiful today.¡± I thanked the stylist and gave her a goodbye hug. ¡°Thank you so much Ms. Pony. I know you will never fail my expectations.¡± Airi said and hugs her too.


    We went out of the salon to go shopping for clothes. ¡°I think cks with zer attire will suit you,¡± Airi suggested while we are looking for clothes. ¡°I go with her suggestion and Ms. Pony¡¯s color palette suggestions too. We bought some pairs of shoes too after that we headed to the cosmetic section where I had a glimpse of Erin.


    What brings him here? My mind wonders but I didn¡¯t dare to go straight at him because I wasn¡¯t sure also if it was really him. I was about to cross a corner when I bumped into a guy. My eyes went shocked at who I bumped with¡­

 Chapter 23: Ex Fiance

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    It¡¯s been a year since I have seen this man. The man who broke his promise to me. The man who makes my world a joke that everyone shouldugh about. How dare you be so perfectly fine after you broke my heart in a blink of an eye? My thoughts are ruined when he broke the silence.


    ¡°Portia?¡± He calls for my name like I am some kind of an old friend. He smiles beautifully which made me feel insane how could he be casually cruel to act innocently after throwing me away? If only he knows that those smiles irritate me. If only he knew how I¡¯d want to take those smiles on his face like he did to me. But I have to act normal too like him. Why do I always have to y his games that always satisfied him?


    Not this time I won¡¯t y your games anymore. I won¡¯t answer like what you always expected me. ¡°Oh, Sherlock? It¡¯s been a long time.¡± I greeted him like he was a nobody. ¡°Yes, how are you?¡± He asked me still ying innocent. ¡°I¡¯m doing good,¡± I said not looking at his mockery. ¡°Would you want to go for a coffee?¡± He asked changing his game n. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t go with you right now.¡± I declined his offer.


    ¡°I have an errand,¡± I said and I saw Airi approaching me. So I immediately turned him down because if he ever cross paths with him he would be ended up dead. ¡°How about some other time?¡± He friendly asked me. ¡°If you may excuse me. I don¡¯t know if I do have free time.¡± I said and didn¡¯t wait for his answer and took my leave.


    I go to Airi and change route. ¡°Shall we go to the shampoo section I badly need to try out a new scent of shampoo they offer at that side?¡± I alibi and point to the salesdy holding a bottle of shampoo. ¡°Ahm? Okay?¡± Airi said and just followed me. ¡°You know what I saw a glimpse of your demonic ex-fiance here. And my blood boils immediately.¡± Airi said over dramatically that she could hit him if she saw her. dly I went out of the earlier conversation immediately.


    ¡°Maybe it was someone who looks like him. He¡¯s in London. He won¡¯t be here.¡± I said and she nodded. ¡°Maybe.¡± She said and goes through the shelves of shampoos to smell them. While looking around, I saw a tall man from earlier, and I confirmed it was Erin as we are inches away only. He looks troubled so I approached him. ¡°Need help?¡± I asked and he immediately turns his head to me.


    ¡°Hey Portia, it¡¯s been awhile.¡± He said scratching the back of his head while holding a napkin in his hand. ¡°Yes, need help with that?¡± I answered and pointed at the napkins. ¡°Oh yeah, this.¡± He said and looked at the napkins. ¡°A ssmate asked me to buy something about a period thing.¡± He said unsure of what he is going to buy. ¡°There are things for period such as Tampons, pads, or cups,¡± I informed him.


    ¡°What does she prefer?¡± I asked and he thinks for a minute. ¡°She didn¡¯t tell but I remember she said pads,¡± Erin answered. ¡°I understand she¡¯s talking about napkins,¡± I told him and get the napkin brand I am using. ¡°Here try this. This one is good.¡± I offered him and he smiles. ¡°Thanks for the help, Portia.¡± Erin thanked and a woman enters our conversation.


    She has long red hair and looks so sexy in her dress. ¡°What took you so Erin?¡± She said and cling to Erin like a girlfriend. My brow arched at her attitude it¡¯s so rude to just drag Erin with her when he is talking to someone. Erin pulls away with her and gave her the pads. ¡°Here, is this what you are looking for? Pay at the counter.¡± Erin said that made her shocked.


    She smiles awkwardly and tried to cling again to Erin but Erines near me. ¡°Go and pay now for your pads. Here.¡± Erin took out his wallet and hand her some cash. ¡°No, I have my money.¡± She said and walks out, I can sense she was really mad. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about her.¡± Erin apologized for her actions. Well, I don¡¯t really mind it. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I don¡¯t mind it.¡± I calmed him and smiled.


    ¡°By the way you look gorgeous with your new haircut.¡± Erinpliments me. ¡°Oh, you noticed. Thank you.¡± I thanked him for hispliment. ¡°Who won¡¯t notice that pretty face of yours? Anyways as much as I wanted to have chit-chats I have to go back to my office to catch up with a friend. See you soon Portia.¡± Erin bid goodbyes at me and so I did. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner when you have free time.¡± He added and I nodded.


    I turned back to see Airi at my side. ¡°Whose that hot guy?¡± She asked and Iughed. ¡°He¡¯s a friend I met at the party,¡± I told her. ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go out now. I¡¯m done paying at the counter. Let¡¯s buy some bubble tea.¡± Airi said and we went out of the store.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    After buying bubble tea, we did some more shopping and came across Sherlock again. Oh, know he¡¯s approaching us and Airi already sees him. ¡°I told you that bastard is here,¡± Airi said very mad. ¡°Calm down it¡¯s alright.¡± I calmed her and she drag me out of the mall. ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I¡¯ll cook for you at your home. The air here bes polluted by him.¡± She said and she open the car door for me.


    We ended up going home than eating outside. She really can¡¯t stand her. ¡°He might hurt you again if both of you meet.¡± She said while driving. Only if she knew we had already crossed paths earlier and had a conversation.


    We bought some groceries for the meal that she will be cooking and she told me to get some rest. ¡°Rest for awhile Portia. Let me handle the kitchen.¡± Airi told me and she prepared the kitchen. ¡°Are you sure? I can help you to get it done quickly.¡± I told her but she disagree. ¡°You might be shocked on seeing that monster so take a rest and please don¡¯t mind that abuser.¡± She said in a low tone.


    I hugged her because I know she feels ufortable. ¡°It¡¯s okay he can¡¯t hurt me now,¡± I told assured her and she messed my hair. ¡°I just don¡¯t like the feeling of beingte to save you from him,¡± Airi told me. ¡°Come on it won¡¯t happen again,¡± I assured her. ¡°Okay, I trust you, so go and rest.¡± She agrees.


    ¡°Shall we call this a slumber party?¡± I told her and she nodded. ¡°Yes yes let¡¯s watch movies too.¡± She said and with that, I go up for changing clothes. I rx a little after I put some oil on the water. This is from the spa earlier and it smells so nice. As I closed my eyes I remembered some of our memories. The pain and the feeling of being alone crawl up to tense my body.

 Chapter 24: Sad Endings

    A shback.


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I run to my bedroom letting all the tears I held back for hours. I saw Sherlock with Irene very happy and looking like a good husband and wife while I am his freaking fiancee. All the things I did for us to make this rtionship work falls down. How could you lie so hard to me? Every lie you made is like I¡¯m going to hell. Burning in mes of pain. How could you be casually cruel in telling me I Love You?


    I cried myself to sleep and woke up with the sun hitting my face and burning through my soul. It¡¯s like the sun is waking me up from the dream that he made up. The scene ofst night makes me realize how I drowned in this beautiful nightmare for a long time and it¡¯s time to say goodbye from this chain Sherlock. It was already three in the afternoon the first time I woke up sote.


    I undressed and look in the mirror. I¡¯m not as glowing as before my face looks pale and my skin is tainted with bruises and scars of yesterday. I¡¯ve been physically, mentally, and emotionally drained from him. All these bruises which I believe came from my own fault will be my trophy of winning over you Sherlock.


    I washed my skinny body and started putting some bath salts that Airi gave me. For the very first time after mom died, I tried to rx in a bathtub. Our happy memories started shing in my imagination and tears bested up in my eyes like it¡¯s only yesterday when you love to tell me how you love me, Those dreams we built under the night sky feel like it¡¯s been just awhile since we made it.


    After bathing I text Sherlock to get ready because we are going on a date but he refuses. I know why sweetheart please stop telling me it¡¯s about your work. I know you are seeing her again because you can¡¯t get enough of her. ¡°Will you do it for me, please? Just this time prioritize me and you won¡¯t need to do it all over again.¡± I said over a phone call to him that made me almost cry.


    I heard his handsomeugh that I love the most. ¡°Okay, okay but I¡¯ll bete a little. Like eight o¡¯clock. Is it okay?¡± He asked for my permission acting the perfect boyfriend at all times. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll wait for you always.¡± I agreed because this is thest time I will wait for you. I fixed myself in the mirror and make sure I¡¯ll be the most stunning person tonight, even not from his eyes.


    I wore that sexy red dress he loves and put on some red lipstick because that is what he loves. I concealed all the bruises I had and curled them and put them on a messy vintage bun. I wear my red stiletto and went to our dating spot. The spot where we first had a luxurious date. Our dream date since college.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I sit at the reserved table to wait for him. It¡¯s already quarter to eight and I¡¯m hoping he will somehow consider not being sote that I look so miserable here. Before the clock tick it¡¯s time to eight, he arrives looking fresh. It¡¯s not the same polo he wears earlier when he send me a photo that he was going to a meeting.


    ¡°Hey, babe.¡± He greeted me and kissed me on the cheeks. We had fun eating and talking about our past. Yes, I intended to make him remember our past so he will somehow remember us for thest time. He¡¯s still the most handsome guy I met. The one who makes me blush but this will be thest time he will hurt me.


    After we had dinner we went to an amusement park like on our first date. I take him to every ce we once loved. ¡°What¡¯s with the throwback babe.¡± He said while we are dancing to our theme song. We are now at the top of a tower where we love to watch the stars in the middle of the night. ¡°I just want to remember this day with you,¡± I said and hug him for thest time.


    We ride a cable car to move to the observatory tower. At the cable car, you will see a wonderful view. A romantic ce where he proposed to me. I remember how people cheers for us when we reach the tower. But this time there will be no audience it will be only the both of us who will know about this. As the cable car started to move I started to speak.


    ¡°Sherlock I wanted you to take care of yourself always.¡± He looks at me confused and was about to talk but I stopped him. ¡°Take care of grandma for me and don¡¯t hate your brother so much because he loves you.¡± My eyes are getting watery. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to bring roses for your mom¡¯s grave every month it makes your dad happy.¡± My voice is cracking up and he¡¯s looking at me. ¡°What are you talking about babe? We are going to do all of that together.¡± He said confusedly.


    ¡°Just listen up. Please keep growing and reach your dreams because I won¡¯t be always at your side to reach those. And please eat breakfast because from now on I won¡¯t be able to call you and wake you up for breakfast.¡± Now I am crying like a kid and it¡¯s making me breathe hard. ¡°y violin because that¡¯s what you always wanted. And you are the best when you are ying music.¡± I continued.


    ¡°Last thing stop saying sorry to people. It¡¯s not your fault. And everybody do mistakes.¡± I said for thest time and before he could even process everything and before we finally reach our stop I kissed him hard for thest time. It took about a minute and as soon as the cable car doors open I said myst words.


    ¡°I have already forgiven both of you. Please be happy as always my Sherlock.¡± After those words, I let my guard down and cried myself. While walking out. He tries to reach me but I manage to run with my stiletto and ride a cab. I told the driver to drive me to the nearest station.


    After I rode the train I called my friend to get my car and all my things to my house and hand it to Jean. I arrived at the station where Airi lives, she¡¯s a friend of mine that lives far from my city. The rain cried with me and it made me soaking wet but I don¡¯t mind. I walked and walked till I reach her house. I knocked at her door and she was shocked to see me.


    ¡°Hey, Portia! Why are you so wet?¡± She panics and lets me in. With thatst thing, my eyes went blurry and everything went ck.

 Chapter 25: The ex fianc茅鈥檚 business partner.

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I fixed my files as I¡¯m getting ready for a new client meeting I personally know thepany owner so I kind of feel rxed but something. Aleksei contact mest night for a meeting. He is interested in making an app for his business. I kind of feel excited to work with him because he¡¯s a nice person and I like his ways of thinking.


    Airi then enters my office. ¡°Would you want me to join you at the meeting?¡± Airi said as soon as she entered the room. ¡°I will be fine. I can handle this meeting. I already know him plus Seiza will be with me.¡± I assured her that everything will be fine. ¡°If you say saw. But you know I can cancel my meeting with the employees for you.¡± Airi said.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, prioritize the meeting with them because the boss mighte here by next month we should get be prepared and gave them good impressions.¡± I reminded her. ¡°Okay, okay. Take care.¡± Airi then agrees and Seiza enters my office. ¡°What¡¯s up,dies.¡± Seiza said with a sassy attitude. ¡°We are just having a little conversation here,¡± I answered Seiza.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking her if both of you need help. But seems like both of you will be okay.¡± Airi then smiles at Seiza they look almost identical because of their natural brown hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry everything will be fine with the meeting. Just rx.¡± Seiza assures her and Airi just sighed. ¡°Okay, good luck on the both of you bring the best for ourpany. I¡¯ll be going now.¡± Airi said and walks away.


    ¡°Take care sweetheart.¡± Seiza said and faced me. ¡°The client is here within fifteen minutes. Let¡¯s go to the forum hall.¡± Seiza said and we packed our things and go down the forum hall. When we reach the forum hall I decided to open the humidifier and put some essential oils for a fresh and calm atmosphere. My secretary then put the folders on my sit and insert the drive for the proposal.


    Seiza and I sit on our designated chairs and at exactly fifteen minutes Aleksei arrived at the forum hall. ¡°Pardon myte Ms. Portia,¡± Aleksi said and we both shook hands. ¡°You are just in time Mr. Aleksei.¡± I nicely approached him. He also introduced himself to Seiza. ¡°Seiza Arison, Nice to work with you, Mr. Franz.¡± Seiza politely introduced herself.


    We started the meeting and talk about the ns for his app. Aleksei is running a delivery servicepany that caters to delivery locally and internationally. ¡°I have four hundred branches all over the world and I decided to officially open an app wherein a seller and a buyer canmunicate easily to avoid traffics,¡± Aleksei told us his idea.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be d to work on such a functioning app like that. Here are some ideas I came up withst night I hope you somehow find something very helpful and feel free to do changes.¡± I suggested some ideas to him. ¡°I see this will be great to discuss with my partner,¡± Aleksei said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you invite your partner so we can talk about this matter personally.¡± Seiza suggested to Aleksei.


    ¡°Yes, I did invite him. He just has some sort of a business meeting.¡± Aleksei said and with that, a man enters the room. ¡°Hey, over here Sherlock,¡± Aleksei calls out for him and my eyes widen at the man in front of us now. What a surprise to see him here. ¡°Good Afternoon everyone, pardon myte appearance,¡± Sherlock said and introduced himself.


    ¡°Sherlock Denver, I am part of Aleksei¡¯s business.¡± He introduced himself. I saw Seiza¡¯s eyes full of rage but she professionally shakes hands with him. ¡°Seiza Arison, head developer. It¡¯s so nice to work with you, Mr. Sherlock.¡± Seiza professionally handles the situation between her rage and the work environment. ¡°Portia Zira, the Head Engineer of this project.¡± I as will introduce myself.


    ¡°Nice to work with you, Portia. It¡¯s been a long time.¡± Sherlock said meaningfully. My brows frowned at his action. He could just act like he doesn¡¯t know me at all. ¡°You both know each other too?¡± Aleksei asked him. ¡°Yes, we are old ssmates.¡± I immediately answered because I know him he would casually tell Aleksei who I am to him. I smirk curved on his face. This donut.


    ¡°She¡¯s right.¡± Sherlock agrees with me. What does this man want? ¡°That¡¯s nice, we will have a very nice environment as we are friends,¡± Aleksei said very calmly and happily. ¡°I hope so.¡± Seiza mumbled to herself. ¡°Do you have something to say? Ms. Seiza?¡± Sherlock asked Seiza with his smirk stered on his face, he heard what she says and he was trying her patience. How could he do this to Seiza who introduced him to me? They are friends back then.


    ¡°Nothing I just want to start the discussion so we can finish early so both of you can still attend some more appointments.¡± Seiza answered and smiles at him. We talked about the tform n and adjustments and with that my imagination already worked on the project. I think I can finish the sampleter at night.


    We finished the meeting and separates our ways. Seiza and I goes back to my office and Aleksei with Sherlock made their way out of the building. My mind is busy thinking about the project so I choose to be silent and draw on my tab as soon as we get back to the office. ¡°That jerk. When did he ever get back here? And wow he¡¯s interested in business now.¡± Seiza rants.


    ¡°I wanted to punch his smug face but I have to keep myself professional.¡± Seiza lets out her frustration. ¡°If he ever tries to get on you again I won¡¯t think twice and will punch him right away.¡± She added and stops maybe she realize I¡¯m not talking at all. She waves her hand at me and that made me came back from my thoughts. ¡°Are you okay Portia?¡± Seiza worriedly asked me.


    ¡°Yes, I am just fine. I¡¯m sorry, I was busy thinking about the project.¡± I told her. ¡°Sorry for interrupting your nning.¡± Seiza apologized to me. ¡°It¡¯s fine I¡¯m almost done with the n,¡± I told her. They know me I construct my projects ahead of time my mind before plotting them into a paper. Airi enters happily.


    ¡°So how was the business meeting? Is it a Deal?¡± She asked. ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± I happily announce and she gets more excited and hugs us. ¡°Yes but Sherlock is part of the project.¡± Seiza disappointedly told Airi that made Airi¡¯s brows frown. ¡°That jerk?¡± Airi said shocked. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s a business partner of Aleksei,¡± I answered.


    ¡°When did he ever be interested in business?¡± Airi asked so shocked. ¡°I don¡¯t know but I feel so irritated.¡± Seiza said. ¡°Well, we can¡¯t do anything about it now. What we should focus on now is to finish the project so we can finish feeling with him.¡± I told to the two girls and they agreed. ¡°Anyways let¡¯s keep this a happy day. Let¡¯s celebrate at the newly opened restaurant five blocks away here.¡± Airi suggested which made Seiza excited.


    We had a celebration after work and had fun ending the tiring night. I just hope Sherlock won¡¯t do anything to destroy me again.

 Chapter 26: Comfy Levi

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    As soon as I entered my house I mindlessly message Levi and tell him how much I miss him like a child and how I wish he was with me at the meeting earlier because I feel weak and powerless in the situation. I forgot I can¡¯t message him alone without his permission. Oh, no he might scold me. I rx a little and think of an alibi if he got mad.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll just tell him that I didn¡¯t mean to disturb him,¡± I thought to myself and decided to take off my clothes but before taking off my clothes. I heard a knock on my window so I looked at it and saw Levi. Why does he love to knock on my window instead of the door?This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I opened it and he climbs himself in. As soon as he got in he hugs me. ¡°What happened?¡± He asked with his dull eyes but I know he was worried. He kissed the top of my head. ¡°You are really here,¡± I said and hug him tight. ¡°Did they bully you?¡± He asked and I shake my head as a no. ¡°Then why are you making me worried?¡± He suddenly admitted that made my heart tters.


    ¡°Did I?¡± I asked jokingly and he pulls away from the hug and gave me a death re. ¡°If you only knew how I made my way here just to find you joking.¡± He sarcastically said. I smiled at his statement and hugs him again. ¡°Everything I said is true. But I don¡¯t want you to worry so much. I can handle this.¡± I calmed him.


    Levi then eyed me. ¡°Did you cut your hair?¡± His brows frowned and eyed me head to toe. ¡°Your brows are arched than before.¡± He said and kissed me, a long passionate one and then he looks at me again. ¡°Nothing change from the taste of your lips.¡± He said and hugged my waist then he lifted me. ¡°You look so gorgeous, but I will miss that long hair of yours.¡± He whispered sexily in my ear.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your bathroom?¡± Levi asked me while lifting me bridal style. ¡°At the right corner,¡± I answered and he hurriedly go to the bathroom andy me on the tub. ¡°Let¡¯s get you clean.¡± He said that made my eyes widen and the next thing I knew he was messing with me using the shower. ¡°Hey stop it,¡± I said trying to stop him frompletely soaking me in water. He let out a smallugh. ¡°Get ready you smell so much like an office.¡± He said and hand me the shower.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your kitchen? I¡¯ll cook dinner.¡± Levi asked. ¡°Downstairs at the left center,¡± I told him. I already ate dinner outside but I mess eating with him. ¡°Okay, wash yourself now.¡± He orders me and gets out of the bathroom. I blushed andugh at this romantic feeling I I having now. All my frustration earlier is washed away as if nothing happened.


    I wash myself quickly because I don¡¯t want to miss a single time with Levi. I put on a pair of pajamas and a shirt then I hurriedly go downstairs to find him at the dining table preparing food. I automatically backed hug him. I miss his scent, his warmth, and every each of him.


    Levi faced me while hugging me, he showered me with little kisses from my forehead to the tip of my nose to my cheeks down to my chin and my lips. ¡°Feeling a lot better now?¡± Levi asked me while capturing my eyes with his eyes. I nodded and kisses his chin. ¡°Thank you foring and saving the day.¡± I thanked him for showing up today.


    ¡°I¡¯lle whenever you needed me. No matter how far and long it takes to get to you.¡± Levi said and kiss the top of my head. We went silent for a minute before he talks again. ¡°Let¡¯s eat before the food gets cold.¡± He invites me to eat. ¡°Okay, so what did you prepare for dinner?¡± I asked while looking at the food on the table.


    ¡°I made you egg drop soup and I made spicy deep-fried chicken with kimchi rice.¡± He said. It smells so delicious as usual at Levi¡¯s cooking. I sit on the chair next to him. ¡°Wow, it looks so appetizing.¡± I excitedly tasted the soup. ¡°Careful it¡¯s very hot,¡± Levi warned me. ¡°It¡¯s fine I can handle hot food,¡± I told him.


    ¡°Why are you so good at cooking?¡± I asked him after tasting the soup. His eyebrow twitched and he smiles. ¡°You are the only one who said it¡¯s appetizing. Nobody knows I cook.¡± Levi said that made me smile. ¡°You don¡¯t cook for anyone? Why?¡± I got curious about him. ¡°I have no one to cook for so I only cook for myself.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Sometimes try to cook for your friends. I bet they will love these foods as much as I like them.¡± I told him. ¡°If I have time I¡¯ll do it,¡± Levi said and I nodded. We had fun talking while eating then we wash the dishes together while listening to old ssic music. After cleaning we go to my rooftop and we had a nice view of the starry night.


    ¡°If I have another option in life I will choose to live near the beach or in a province where there are no hectic deadlines and traffic,¡± I told him while looking at the sky. I amying next to him. I look at his beautiful face a small smile blooms on his lips. ¡°If I¡¯ll have another option than living on what I have now I will open a Cafe and restaurant in the countryside and then have a simple life with you.¡± After he tell those words that made me puzzled he looks at me.


    He¡¯s shining under the night sky. ¡°I¡¯d rather live a simple life than sneaking outte tapping at your window and leaving as soon as before the sun rises again.¡± Levi means what he was telling and it¡¯s melting me. He gave me a deep and passionate kiss that made my hands tremble in emotions. Why does my heart always doubles its beating whenever you are around Levi?


    ¡°I will be leaving at four in the morning and I wanted to enjoy every single thing about you. I might be busy again due to a media press conference for the whole week.¡± He whispered and with that, he deepened our kiss. Soft gentle kisses leave my lips as he bes greedy for our short encounter.

 Chapter 27: Working with Ex

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    It¡¯s been a week since I had a conversation with Levi. How amazing he keeps me motivated working in this toxic environment with my ex-fianc¨¦. Being around Sherlock kills me, especially when he¡¯s acting all so close as if nothing happens. He acts so gentlemanly and acts like the first time I met him.


    I¡¯m currently working on some papers at my office when Sherlock enters. ¡°Want to grab some lunch with us, Portia?¡± Sherlock greeted me as soon as he enters my door. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to join you, I have some paper works to finish.¡± I declined his offer immediately. ¡°You sure?¡± He asked once more with a grin on his face. I want to p his smug face but I can¡¯t.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m good. Enjoy your lunch.¡± I once again refused politely. ¡°That¡¯s sad, Aleksei is already looking forward to our lunch,¡± Sherlock said with a sad tone. This guy always has his weapon against me. How can he manipte me and every situation on his hand? ¡°Tell him my apology. I have a lot to finish.¡± I refused with my authority. I¡¯m not the same Portia you know, Sherlock.


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll just tell him.¡± He said defeated. Good for you, You should know you are not as important as before. I continued typing on myptop and submerged myself in my work. I didn¡¯t mind the time already as I am too busy thinking about workflows when I heard my door open. So I look towards the door to remind my secretary not to disturb me. But my eyes went wide open when I saw Sherlock with lunch in his hands.


    ¡°What brings you back?¡± My mouth talks faster than my brain. His brows frowned with my reaction but he smiles like he don¡¯t mind it at all. ¡°I am bringing the lunch to you since you are busy.¡± He said like he¡¯s in charge of taking care of me. He takes out the food on the table in front of my office table. He prepared food that is good for two people.


    ¡°There is so much food for me? I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to finish it.¡± I said that caught his attention. ¡°No, this food is for both of us.¡± He said. ¡°You know it¡¯s sad to eat alone so I told them that I¡¯ll join you.¡± He continues and his sweet smile that is a traitor never leaves his face. I thought I would finally win over him but I guess I won¡¯t. ¡°Come on let¡¯s eat?¡± He asked me like he is not my problem at all.


    I put on my best smile and sit across his sit. ¡°Let¡¯s eat before it gets cold because I have duties to fulfill here in thepany,¡± I said with gritted teeth. ¡°Yes, sure.¡± He said and starts to eat with me. We eat in silence until he decided to break the silence and offer me nonstop food. ¡°I¡¯m good. Focus on your food.¡± I tried to refuse but he keep on insisting.


    ¡°I know you love this skin part of the chicken. Here.¡± He offered me. Wow, now he acts as if he knows my head to toe. Things he doesn¡¯t do when we are still together. ¡°Sure,¡± I said and let him put the chicken part on my bowl. He put the chicken with hesitation because he wants to feed me instead. ¡°Thank you for the lunch.¡± I politely as possible thanked him.


    He smiled at me and fixed my hair, he tucked my hair behind my ear. ¡°I like your new hair.¡± Hepliments me. Levi Said he loves my long hair than this new one. ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked him. ¡°Your beauty stands out more.¡± He once againpliments me. ¡°Really? It¡¯s very rare of you to appreciate me.¡± I said and he smiles. ¡°I waste to realize my mistakes I¡¯m sorry.¡± He apologized and he looks at my eyes sincerely.


    I know this type of gaze he¡¯s giving. This is the look he always gave me when he¡¯s saying sorry. Those eyes look so sorry and sincere but it¡¯s part of his game. I turned away so he won¡¯t capture my eyes. ¡°L-lets finish eating.¡± I shyly turned away. ¡°I still have meetings to attend,¡± I added and eat faster. I wont be affected anymore. Quit ying Sherlock you are only making your deep cut worse.


    We ate in silence, I avoid every nces he is giving me. After eating I go to my ownfort room and brace myself from an earlier encounter. ¡°I¡¯m not affected by your show anymore Sherlock,¡± I said to the mirror. ¡°Your drama doesn¡¯t make any impact now.¡± I continued to mumble and fix myself in the mirror. I got out of myfort room and I saw him cleaning the table.


    ¡°I should be the one cleaning that. It¡¯s my office.¡± I told him but he just continue. ¡°It¡¯s fine after all I also ate at this table.¡± He said and wiped the table. I just looked at him and get back at my table. I focused on my paperwork and let him do whatever he likes. After a few minutes, he cleared his throat to get my attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. See you at the meeting.¡± Sherlock said looking down at the floor. I turned my gaze on him. ¡°Sure.¡± I simply answered. He walks out of my office and I breathe out all my frustration. Am I being rude? But he deserves it after all the pain he caused me.


    I looked at Levi¡¯s photo on my screen and talked to him like he was just in front of me. ¡°Tell me that it¡¯s fine,¡± I said to his photo. ¡°What am I even doing? How would you tell me it¡¯s fine when you don¡¯t know anything about it.¡± I mumbled to myself. I memorize every bit of Levi¡¯s features to drown myself in thoughts of him and forget about Sherlock.


    I keep my focus at work again, time flew fast and it was already time to go home. I had a very long day. Our meeting between Aleksei¡¯spany bes awkward because of Sherlock. But then at least I manage to collect myself. I fix myself and my things and made my way out of the office. Airi and Seiza still have to work overtime so I guess I¡¯ll go home alone early.


    I went to my car and put my things in the back seat and went to start my engine but it was not working. After how many attempts I called the mechanic to repair it tomorrow. I guess I¡¯llmute for now. I get my things and waited for a taxi but it took so long so I decided to walk around and find one but the taxis are all taken.


    Then a red car stops in front of me. ¡°Need a ride?¡± It¡¯s Sherlock. In many people to stop right now why him? ¡°I¡¯m good don¡¯t worry about me.¡± I refused but he seems determined to pursue me. ¡°Come on. It¡¯s already dark plus I don¡¯t mind taking another route for you.¡± He insisted. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± I declined again.


    ¡°Come on just this time.¡± He pleaded so I just let my guard down as I can¡¯t get a taxi. ¡°Just get me at the nearest station.¡± I feel defeated. ¡°You sure only at the nearest station? I can drive you home?¡± He tries hard to drive me home. ¡°Yes please at the nearest station only,¡± I said with my authority.


    ¡°Okay, here.¡± He opened the front door of his car but I choose to go to the back. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine here,¡± I said. The whole ride is silent. I didn¡¯t dare to talk and maybe he can¡¯t pull a word too. He stopped at the train station. ¡°You sure? I can drive you home?¡± He again asked me. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine thank you for the ride,¡± I said and leave immediately.


    I ride the next train and made my way home. I asked Levi if he can go to my house but I remember I can¡¯t message him without his permission so I restrained myself to do so. I looked at the scenery outside and put my earphones on.


    I arrived at my destination and decided to take a bus than a taxi. I also went to buy my food and snacks forter. I found a cute shop offering cute things. I bought some scrunchies and a cellphone Keychain for Levi and me.


    When I reached home I received a message from Levi asking about my day, which made me blush. I enter the house and go straight to my couch to reply immediately. I can¡¯t remove the smile on my face as he replies again.


    I guess it¡¯s not a bad day at all. Especially having Levi forte-night talk. My night will have a happy ending for sure.

 Chapter 28: Sherlock Noticed

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Working with Sherlock made me feel like I am on a roller coaster ride. He¡¯s always doing things that made me feel like a princess but that only makes me doubt his intentions and made me guilty when I am refusing him. My working environment feels suffocating now and tiring. I look at the view outside my office and think of all things happening these past few weeks.


    It¡¯s almost one month of an awkward life working with him and Aleksei. The night sky looks so beautiful with the stars above it. I remember the first time we watch the stars and thest time I watch the stars with Sherlock. That night was so painful that even now that I¡¯m only reminiscing that day¡­


    My heart is aching like it was stabbed a million times. Tears fell from my eyes as I remember that day. I throw little punches at my chest as I don¡¯t understand why it hurt so much. Why I can¡¯t afford to forget that day I saw him with Irene. Why do I feel the same feeling as I am feeling that day I left him?


    I wiped my tears as someone enters my office. It¡¯s Sherlock. His face is full of worries as he saw me. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He said and hug me. I detach myself from him and walk away. ¡°I¡¯m just fine. I¡¯ll go home now.¡± I utter as my voice cracks at the earlier encounter. I walked out of my office and go straight to the elevator. I calmed myself by drinking water from my bag.


    I got out of the elevator and saw Sherlock in the other elevator so I walked fast as I can. I saw him following me so I got out of the office as soon as I can to avoid him again but he manage to follow me. I tried to call for a taxi but it was three minutes away from me so I walked to get nearer but Sherlock runs towards me. He stopped me by reaching my hand.


    ¡°Hey, Portia. What¡¯s happening? You can tell me.¡± I Sherlock asked with his caring voice. ¡°I¡¯m just fine Sherlock. I just wanted to go home.¡± I said. But he still holds my hand. I tried to get my hand off him but he make sure I can¡¯t. ¡°Let me drive you home, you are not doing okay,¡± Sherlock said with his worried expression. Will you stop ying like you care Sherlock? You are only making me hate you more.


    ¡°I said I am just fine you can leave me alone. Please just let me breathe.¡± I told him bursting out from him. I cried because I feel so irritated at myself for not moving forward, for not forgetting those bad things that happened to us. I snatched my hand from him and turns away from him. I started to walk away from him but he manage to follow me and went in front of me.


    ¡°Why do you keep on declining me, Portia? I just wanted to keep a good rtionship with you.¡± Sherlock frustratedly questioned me. I look at him and gave him augh. ¡°A good rtionship? Why?¡± I sarcasticallyughed at him. He holds me tight on my shoulder. ¡°Okay, I know. I have done so many mistakes way back then but I just wanted to keep our friendship somehow.¡± He exins.


    I just shake my head in disbelief. How could he casually tell this to me? ¡°I¡¯ll admit to you, I came back here hoping we can get back together. But as time goes by I realize we can¡¯t even have a proper talk or proper settlement.¡± Sherlock told me which made meugh hysterically. ¡°Wow Sherlock, you are telling me that you want to get back to me? What do you think of what happened to us?¡± I sarcastically asked him.


    ¡°A fairytale? A drama where you can go back here and with one kiss I will forget everything that happened to us?¡± I continued and look at his head to toe. ¡°It¡¯s not like that I won¡¯t get back to you like that because we are not on the movies we used to watch when we are together. This is the real thing. I am noting back to you because I already moved on.¡± I proudly told him remembering Levi.


    Sherlock pulled me closer and leaned to kiss me. I was shocked it feels like my world stopped for a minute. Those kisses are like before but I pulled out from the kiss. I won¡¯t be fooled by those kisses anymore. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I pped him out of shock. He holds his cheek right away. ¡°Why did you p me?¡± He was shocked by what I did.


    ¡°I was just trying to let feel the same kiss as before. I wanted to confirm my feelings.¡± He said that made me shake my head. ¡°This is very wrong Sherlock.¡± I hissed at him as I am getting frustrated with him. ¡°I already have someone who loves me and waits for me. So stop.¡± I stopped him from getting near me.


    He bit his lip and backed away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He apologized. ¡°But can we at least be friends?¡± He asked me. ¡°I don¡¯t know Sherlock. I can work with you casually but friends?¡± I shook my head and turned away from him. ¡°Let me breathe Sherlock just for once. I have loved you but I¡¯m already tired.¡± I said before I walked out.


    The rain starts pouring just like the day when I leave him. I didn¡¯t mind the rain making me soaking wet as I¡¯m used to this until someone share his umbre with me and hugged me. I sobbed at his chest to let out all the feelings I¡¯d been keeping for a long time. ¡°Shh, I know whatever you are feeling right now is hard but you¡¯ll get through it.¡± He said.


    Erin hugs me and gives me warmth. ¡°Why does it hurt so much even if I told myself I moved on.¡± I sobbed. ¡°It hurts because you didn¡¯t let go of the past yet.¡± Heforts me. He pulled away from the hug and wiped the traces of raindrops and my tears. ¡°Let¡¯s talk this out after we get you warmed okay?¡± Erin said and escorts me to his car. He made me hold the umbre as he gets a nket at the back of his car and wrapped me around the nket.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    We went silent for a while as he started driving. ¡°May I have your address so I can drive you home safely?¡± Erin asked me politely. I smiled at his caring attitude. Erin is always gentle with me. I roamed around my bag and gave him my card. ¡°There, you can find my address there,¡± I told him and he smiles. ¡°Okay take your time. I¡¯ll wait until you are okay to talk.¡± Erin answered me.


    I feel the warmth of his nket and watch the busy street as Erin drives smoothly. The soundtrack ying in his car is very soothing and it made me feel sleepy but sad at the same time. That music feels nostalgic in my ears. It¡¯s mom¡¯s favorite ylist. The rain added beauty to the busy scenes of streets and roads. The lights of the cars shine like stars in the sky.


    ¡°This nket is so warm Erin,¡± I said after a long deadly silence. ¡°It¡¯s a gift from my mom. Maybe its warm because she made it.¡± Erin answered. ¡°Are you kind of feeling okay now?¡± Erin asked throwing nces at me even though he was busy on the road. ¡°I don¡¯t know but the warmth makes me feel sleepy,¡± I told him. ¡°Then sleep. Rest for a while, Portia.¡± Erin tells me. His voice is as soothing as ever that made me feelfortable.


    I once again focus on the scenery outside. Sherlock¡¯s face shes to the cars as we enter the forest of traffic. My tired heart and mind want to forget him. I looked at Erin who is busy driving how could he be sofortable? The traffic lights made me realize I am wounded with a thousand cuts but I will be fixed like before.


    If only I can go back to the time before these cuts are made. I¡¯ll tell myself to be wiser and stronger so I won¡¯t have to be this miserable and weak. I want to travel back in time where I can tell to Irene to back off things I didn¡¯t do but made me thankful because I find my worth. But why does it hurt so much to ept the fact that I am betrayed by my own half-sister?


    I let out a sigh at my thoughts and I feel that my eyes get heavier, Maybe because I cried. I tucked myself under the nket which made me rx and before I dozed off my mom¡¯s favorite song yed.

 Chapter 29: Portia鈥檚 sad truth

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Erin woke me up when we arrived at my house. ¡°Hey Portia, We are already here.¡± I heard Erin while tapping on my shoulder. He was already outside the car and waking me up. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I fell asleep.¡± I apologized and fixed myself. Erin helps me get out of his car. ¡°Come on let¡¯s get inside. You might get sick if the water from rain dries on your body.¡± Erin said.


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± I thanked him for helping me. We headed to my house. ¡°Please get yourselffortable,¡± I said and escort him to the living room. ¡°Thank you.¡± He said as he sit on the couch. ¡°Would you want some coffee? Or tea?¡± I asked him. ¡°I¡¯m good, anything will do. But change first.¡± Erin told me and I nodded. ¡°Ah, yes. I¡¯ll just change.¡± I excused myself and he just smiled at me.


    I quickly got to my room and go straight to my bathroom. I set my shower to warm water so I could rx my body as quickly as possible. After a fifteen minutes shower. I quickly put on my Levi¡¯s shirt that he left a week ago and pajamas. I go downstairs to check on Erin and prepare drinks for him. I saw him reading the newspaper from earlier so I made my way to the kitchen and prepare tea for the both of us.


    ¡°What do you want for dinner?¡± I asked him while I am putting down the tea. ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything. Are you feeling a little better now?¡± Erin then faced me. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m gonna cook food for you. Just wait and rx here. You can watch t. v while I¡¯m cooking.¡± I smiled at him and get ready for the kitchen. ¡°You know what?¡± Erin said as he follows me. ¡°Hmm?¡± I hummed as an answered. ¡°I think I¡¯ll be better helping you cook.¡± Here is Erin again being as gentleman as ever.


    ¡°Are you sure? You are my visitor I should be cooking for you.¡± I told Erin. ¡°But it¡¯s faster if I help you,¡± Erin said and wears one of the aprons. dly it was extrarge for me it somehow fits him. I smiled at him as he is ready to cook with me. ¡°So what are we going to do now?¡± Erin asked me. ¡°Oh yeah, can you wash the vegetables for me I¡¯m just going to prepare the shrimp?¡± I feel shy because I think I passed out.


    We enjoy our time cooking together as we talk about business and kinds of stuff. We had dinner together and talks about the school. It¡¯s veryfortable to talk about some random things with Erin. While washing the dishes he started to try opening the topic about earlier. ¡°So who¡¯s the man from earlier? And why are you crying?¡± Erin said very concernedly.


    ¡°Oh, that guy? He¡¯s my ex-boyfriend.¡± I said while drying my hands. Erin is just eyeing me like he was telling me that he is ready to listen. I look at him and he speaks. ¡°Just speak when you are ready. I respect you.¡± Erin respects my decision but I think it¡¯s okay to open up with him. ¡°Well, he is making my whole working environment toxictely.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Erin is confused. ¡°He acts all good to me as if nothing happened between the both of us.¡± I continued. ¡°So did you have a confrontation earlier?¡± Erin asked. ¡°Kind of then he kissed me.¡± I lower my head in shame. ¡°Why would he do that?¡± Erin frowned. ¡°Because he said he wanted to confirm his feelings,¡± I answered. ¡°And? It hurts you more?¡± Erin just hit the point. I sobbed at his statement.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay let it out. Don¡¯t keep it all by yourself.¡± Erin assures me that he will listen. ¡°I know I already get over him but the pain is still and I can¡¯t get this out of me.¡± I cried. ¡°I wanted to p myself for letting me continue hating him. For not forgetting all the pain he caused me. I hate myself for not forgiving him.¡± I cried more but my chest don¡¯t feel painful at all.


    ¡°Portia, only time can heal you. Don¡¯t force yourself.¡± Erin advised. ¡°I feel so betrayed Erin. Every time I am seeing him it feels like I¡¯m crushing to pieces.¡± I sobbed and Erin handed me the tissue box. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some water.¡± Erin gets some water for me. I wiped my tears and fix myself. ¡°Here drink.¡± He handed me a ss of water. I drink the water and continue.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°He broke me into pieces and now he is trying to fix us like he didn¡¯t leave me hanging,¡± I said. ¡°Do you still love him?¡± A question that left me stuck in time. But I knew the answer already¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t love Sherlock anymore. It¡¯s the fact that he cheated with my half-sister.¡± I answered and he listen carefully. ¡°I feel betrayed by my half-sister, Erin. It feels like the moment my dad betrayed mom too.¡± I cried a lot. I¡¯m in so much pain. ¡°I feel so alone like nobody is there for me that time.¡± It hurts so much that my heart is clenching and it¡¯s holding my breath so tight.


    Erin wipes my tears and hugs me. ¡°I know it¡¯s painful but you¡¯ll get better soon. Just give yourself time.¡± Heforts me. ¡°Why do they look so happy like they are the ones who are so in love with each other when it¡¯s me and Sherlock who is getting married.¡± I cried once more. For the first time, I broke the silence to myself. I¡¯m finally ready to tell people how much it hurts.


    ¡°Cry and let out all the frustration you are holding in,¡± Erin said and hand me some tissues and water. ¡°Why does Irene needs to get everything from me? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong to her. I took care of her mess, I lend her my dad even if that broke my mom¡¯s heart.¡± I hate Irene so much for letting me in pain like this.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not about Sherlock that you are stuck at the moment where you hate him. It¡¯s about Irene who stole him from you that¡¯s why you can¡¯t forgive Sherlock.¡± Erin said that hits me. Maybe it¡¯s true, I did everything for Irene but I hate her so much. It¡¯s just me who didn¡¯t see things from the start.


    ¡°I hate Sherlock letting Irene steal him from me.¡± I bite my lip as I remember that day. shbacks run wild in my head that makes me cry in so much pain. It hurts my head and it¡¯s crushing my heart. I also happened to remember the day I met Irene and how we be so close and great partners at school and just one day.


    shback:


    ¡°Dad I wanted you to meet my best friend at school,¡± I told him while he was driving us at a restaurant because he wanted me to meet someone very special. ¡°Yes, I will love to meet your best friend,¡± Dad answered. When we arrived at the restaurant I saw Irene there with her mom. I was shocked but happy I thought we just had a coincidence meeting.


    But dad informs me that she is my half-sister. My innocent mind feels excited and happy but my heart is breaking so I didn¡¯t tell mom. I tried to keep it myself and continue being friends with Irene. But one day mom finds out and Irene and her mom have already flown away from town. Mom tries to ept them by giving them money and making us meet once a month so just it won¡¯t hurt me.


    Then after a year, we lost connection. Dad rarelyes home and a tragic story happens to mom and me that lead to mom¡¯s death. Maybe from that very first day, I hate her but my mind won¡¯t ept it. Maybe I also me her for not having dad rescue us that day because surely dad is having a good time with them while we suffer. And maybe my mind just won¡¯t ept my hate towards her because I love her and I treat her like my other half.


    Maybe I treasured our friendship so much that I easily ept her as my sister but deep down I am hurt and I am stabbed a million times.


    End of shback¡­


    ¡°I sometimes want to ask Irene if she ever treats me like a best friend and a sister too,¡± I told Erin as I finished the story. Erin¡¯s beautiful brows frowned. ¡°Do you think Irene loves me as a friend?¡± I asked him. ¡°I don¡¯t know her personally Portia, but why would she let Sherlock cheat with her if she values a thing from you,¡± Erin said and it hurts me. But he¡¯s right why would I ever expect something from that snake? Irene maybe really despise me too.

 Chapter 30: The hurtful Past

    shback:


    At the Mason Condominiums


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I am greeted nicely by the staff of Sherlock¡¯s Condominium as they already know me as always going here for Sherlock. ¡°You look so beautiful today young bride.¡± Ady in her middle age greeted me. She is Sherlock¡¯s neighbor that we got close to. ¡°Thank you so much. Madam, I hope you have a great day ahead.¡± I bowed at her and made my way to Sherlock¡¯s pad.


    As I reached his floor there is something in me that made me feel nervous. I don¡¯t why but it feels weird, maybe I¡¯m just having anxiety. Or maybe wedding sickness is striking me again. It¡¯s only one week before the wedding so I think this is natural. I carefully held the food I bought for him and the cake to celebrate his promotion. Such blessings areing to us since we finally decided to get married. I am so lucky to have Sherlock as he is hard-working and the one helping me in everything.


    Sherlock gave everything to me. He made me see the beauty of the world again. He helps me get through trauma and he is the one who made me strong. I can¡¯t imagine life without him. I enter the password to his unit and enter quietly. The ce is a little messy. What happened? Sherlock rarely messes his things but what¡¯s with this?


    I go straight to the kitchen and put down the food in the kitchen. I saw the dishes and ss of wine in the sink. Maybe his cousin has already arrived dly I bought enough food. After putting my bag and the food in the kitchen I went to his room to wake him up. His door is a little open. Oh, maybe my Sherlock is tired that he forgets to close his door. Sherlock is always careful with his things and very cautious about locks and kinds of stuff.


    Especially when he met me, he really makes sure that I always lock my doors and makes sure that I always get extra careful when I am alone in my apartment. I carefully didn¡¯t make any noise to surprise him. But as soon as I take a peek at him, it seems like he is the one who surprised me.


    I saw him hugging and kissing someone so sweetly and they are naked in the bed. My hands are shaking and my body is trembling in shock. I couldn¡¯t exin what I am feeling all I knew was my heart is clenching and it was painful. The girl then pushed her into bed and sit on top of him. I saw her face clearly and that made me dizzy. What on earth is Irene doing here?


    ¡°I told you I can do things your fianc¨¦e can¡¯t,¡± Irene said and started grinding her body against him which made Sherlock groan. They started to be steamy and the war ofst begin no one dares to lose or win. Even the exchange of words they throw at each other shames me. Their sinful kisses are marking each other¡¯s bodies like territory. Seems like Irene forgot who owns hernd.


    My body is full of pain as my heart is telling each of my organs to feel hurt. I hate myself for watching such a sinful scene but my feet are glued and my eyes can¡¯t resist telling me the truth that I am betrayed and cheated on. Once again Irene cheated on me from winning in life. Sherlock is so into her that I only see Irene when I look into his eyes. It hurt I didn¡¯t know how to exin the situation but all I know is I was hurt.


    As soon as I can feel both of them reaching heaven my ears started to close and my feet are not glued anymore. My brain starts to get tired and had enough. My heart doesn¡¯t want to listen anymore I have to go. I walked away¡­


    I grabbed the food I bought and leave quietly. When I got out of the condominium, I walked in fast and didn¡¯t even bother to turn around to check if he saw me and reached for me. All I know was I need to go because it hurts me.


    Now I know why he¡¯s getting cold. Now I know why he¡¯s always busy. Now I know why he doesn¡¯t smile the same way as before. You took him away from me Irene. Why? You got father and now you got the only person who pulled me out from the mess you made. How dare you? How can you do this to me when you don¡¯t have a crown without me?


    I stop in the middle of somewhere and finally I got the courage to cry. I hate him. I hate how he can cheat on me with my half-sister. Do they know? Did they intend to hurt me like this? Why? I cried and cried myself until I feel tired until I run dry. This will be thest time I¡¯ll hurt myself like this. I won¡¯t cry over you, Sherlock. After this, thest you will ever see me cry over you will be this day.


    Now I know why people always tell me you are only deceiving me. Now I know why I don¡¯t deserve you.


    End of shback¡­


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    ¡°So you are the one who broke up with him?¡± Erwin said while preparing hot chocte for us. ¡°Yes, Because I knew Irene she won¡¯t just stop. So I let her win.¡± I said remembering the times when I feel defeated. But that won¡¯t happen now. I won¡¯t be affected by her anymore.


    ¡°You did a great job, Portia. You know it will hurt you but you¡¯ll get over it soon.¡± Erwin said and mess around my hair. ¡°Don¡¯t cry about him anymore. He¡¯s not worth your time.¡± Erin smiled. How could this man be so handsome when he smiles even when he doesn¡¯t smile more often? ¡°Thank you for listening to my rants Erin. That feels better now.¡± I sincerely told him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be always just around the corner. You can call me anytime. Tell me when it feels not okay anymore. I¡¯ll listen.¡± Erin makes everything feels easy. ¡°You are such a nice friend Erin,¡± Imented and hug him. He hugs me too and it feels suddenlyfortable and safe. ¡°Take a rest, Portia.¡± He said and pats my back.


    ¡°You too. By the way, if it¡¯s gettingte. You sure you can still drive home?¡± I asked him worriedly. ¡°Yes, I can. Plus you should be resting now.¡± Erin said and mess my hair again. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now lock your doors and take care, Portia.¡± Erin excused himself.


    ¡°I will. You too take care, Erin.¡± I said and Erin grabs his coat already and I apanied him outside. ¡°Take care, Erin. Thanks for the night.¡± I said and waved at him. ¡°Anytime. Thanks for the night also. Take care, Portia.¡± He said and bid goodbye to me. He drives off and I watched him leave. I get inside the house and lock all the windows and doors.


    My shoulders feel light now. It seems like Erin lifted all the pain I¡¯m in. I headed to my room and as soon as I copse on my bed my body feels tired and my eyes got heavy. I¡¯m sleepy.


    I fell asleep and I walk up in the middle of the night as I felt that someone is tapping at my window. Is that Levi? Why at this rate? I opened my eyes and go straight to my window but when I was about to open the window I saw a man in a bunny mask. Oh! No. This can¡¯t be my mom already saved me from him. He¡¯s long gone. Why is he here now? How did he finds out where I am?


    I freaked out and I panicked I started to run as I saw him banging hard on my window. And when I tripped I realized. He¡¯s long gone I¡¯m just dreaming. I need to wake up from my nightmare.


    I run when I saw him behind me. I hide and forced myself to wake up. I felt a heavy shake on my body and it woke me up. I saw Airi and her beautiful worried eyes. ¡°What happened? Why are you here?¡± I asked her. ¡°E? Remember? You call me and you said you areying in your bed. But while we are talking you are not responding so I panicked and go straight here.¡± Airi exins to me.


    I was just dreaming all this time. I checked my phone and saw missed calls from Airi and Erin. I saw messages from Erin and he¡¯s worried so I replied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to worry you Airi.¡± I apologized to her but she just hug me. ¡°I¡¯m d you are okay.¡± Airi sobs.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    I patted her back. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

 Chapter 31: Big opportunity, means Sherlock

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I go to my office with a smile on my face. I feel okay now but I don¡¯t know what will be Sherlock¡¯s gamey today. I greeted everyone as usual and headed to my office. I saw Sherlock already sitting on the couch with Aleksei. What now? Did he decide that he doesn¡¯t want to continue the project with me anymore? Does he think I¡¯m gonna be begging him for this project?


    ¡°Hey, good morning.¡± I greeted both of them. ¡°Good morning Portia. Please have a seat.¡± Aleksei said. ¡°We have to tell you something,¡± Sherlock said that making my eyebrow arched but I keep my cool and sit in front of them. ¡°Yes, what do you want to talk about?¡± The air be tense and the happy morning became serious.


    Aleksei smiled at me so I did too. ¡°Well?¡± Sherlock started the conversation. ¡°Yes?¡± I smiled sweetly at him as if nothing happened. I wanted to rx and keep professional. ¡°We decided to open another business about online shopping and since everything is going well with our first project with you. We trust you with this another project.¡± Sherlock announced that startling me. We are going to work together longer and it stresses me out but I have to be grateful for their trust also.


    ¡°Really? Thank you for trusting me Aleksei with another project.¡± I happily ept the project. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to make it better and greater,¡± I stated and they both look at each other. ¡°We both know that¡¯s why from now on we will be partners,¡± Aleksei said that confusing me. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked them and Sherlock handed me a folder.


    ¡°Sherlock and I have thought about this for quite a long time. Sherlock always insists that we will make a great team.¡± Aleksei continues. ¡°You are very dedicated to your masterpiece Portia and we had smooth transactions with you. We never encountered any problem from the past month.¡± Sherlock then joins the conversation again. ¡°That¡¯s why we wanted to invite you as our partner in this newly opened business.¡± Sherlock continues.


    I read the proposal thoroughly. ¡°You mean I¡¯ll get 25% of the ie?¡± I was shocked at how good the partnership contributions my team will get. Both of them nodded at my question as an answer. This will get us rich and we might be promoted to one of the greatest teams in our corporation if this bes sessful.


    ¡°Let me review this and let¡¯s talk about this by tomorrow is that okay?¡± I told to both of them. I am very overwhelmed right now so I can¡¯t just make decisions that will make me regret in the future. ¡°Sure. Take your time Portia.¡± Sherlock said and smiled at me. ¡°Thank you. For now, let¡¯s focus on our meetingter at lunch.¡± I told them as a sign of dismissing the meeting. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll go ahead,¡± Aleksei said and I apanied them at the door.


    As soon as they take their leave I immediately sit on my office chair to review the contract. ¡°This seems pretty big for my team. I should call the board for a meeting.¡± I said and press the inte. I told my secretary the details of the meeting. I didn¡¯t tell them the whole details yet. In fifteen minutes we assemble the meeting.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    At the meeting hall:


    ¡°What¡¯s with the urgent meeting Portia?¡± Seiza said as soon as she sits on the chair. ¡°Is there a problem with one of our contracts?¡± Airi asked and everyone looks at me. ¡°Calm down, let the boss speaks first,¡± Gabrie said she is one of the engineers. ¡°Well, I wanted you to open your folders and review them,¡± I told them. ¡°That¡¯s a partnership contract with Mr. Aleksei and Mr. Sherlock. I need your suggestion asap.¡± I ordered them.


    ¡°This is pretty big for us it will be a good start for thepetition for the best team of the year,¡± Airimented as they started to review the contract. ¡°I agree. This is a good potential project also as online shopping is pretty essible and on-trendtely.¡± Seiza always has informative thoughts. I am never wrong in asking for suggestions from them.


    ¡°And this project is continuously growing with technology so I think this will be a very hit and long term,¡± Gabrie suggested. ¡°Plus this is pretty challenging to grow with.¡± Celso our ad manager said. ¡°So do you think we should be partners with them now?¡± I asked for their opinions. ¡°Press your green button for Yes and red for no,¡± I stated the voting immediately.


    So that if it turns up Yes I can immediatelye up with the n for starting the project but if not. I have to decline it without damaging our current status. All of them surprisingly voted for Yes and I can sense the excitement in their eyes. ¡°But we have to make outlines first before we started the contract.¡± Seiza said. ¡°We agree. We should be more careful with this type of big proposal.¡± Celso said along with Gabrie.


    ¡°We suggest that you sign the contract after we run a test on a sample app,¡± Airi suggested. ¡°Don¡¯t worry we will work on that as soon as possible with double time,¡± Gabrie assured me. ¡°Thank you so much, everyone. I really can always rely on all of you.¡± I thanked them. ¡°Of course, we are family here.¡± Seiza said. ¡°So boss will you order us now to do the app and work us overtime?¡± Gabrie excitedly told me which made everyoneugh.


    Gabrie is younger than us and she always has this never-ending energy. ¡°Yes, please. I¡¯ll do the memo.¡± I said. ¡°Can you give us free dinner as a reward?¡± Gabrie asked. ¡°Why not? I¡¯ll order food for your overtimeter before I leave.¡± I assured Gabrie and it makes her power boosted. ¡°Shall we start now?¡± Gabrie excitedly invites everyone. ¡°Sure, so this is meeting adjourned for now. I¡¯ll see your progress in three days, everyone.¡± I ended our meeting.


    ¡°Count on us Portia,¡± Airi said that made me secure. I know we can win this year¡¯s best team if we sell this great on the app market. ¡°Thank you, everyone.¡± I thanked him and we all leave the meeting hall as I dismissed the meeting. I saw everyone pretty energetic about the project and it made me feel the same energy too.


    My whole day be very exciting and very fine as my team and I shared the same vibe. I forgot the stress and the pressure of working with Sherlock. I work in peace the whole day. This day may be tiring but it¡¯s all good, I got out of the office early because it¡¯s mom¡¯s death anniversary and I should be sharing her the good news I have with my team now.


    Before I leave I ordered food for my team and make sure they will have a good dinner. I drove two hours and thirty minutes to reach the cemetery. I bought her favorite flowers at the near flower shop and made my way to her. I was surprised to see Sherlock at mom¡¯s tombstone paying respect. He was holding incense and he also brought flowers and candles for her.


    I watch him first from afar. We used to do it together. I didn¡¯t imagine that he will do this after what happened to both of us. I bite my lip in guilt for treating him bad. Then I remember I haven¡¯t told Levi about mom¡¯s death anniversary. I made a call to him even though I know he might not answer me.


    But to my surprise, he answered me. ¡°Yes?¡± He coldly answered. Why? Did I do something wrong? ¡°Oh, I am about to tell you that it¡¯s mom¡¯s death anniversary.¡± I almost hesitate to tell because he might be not in a good mood. ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Levi asked. ¡°I am almost at mom¡¯s tomb why?¡± I told him. ¡°Wait for me. Send me the address and I¡¯ll be there in minutes. Just stay where you are.¡± Levi ordered me.


    Tsk. This man surely is weird but that¡¯s what makes him handsome to me. I waited for him as he told me. What does he even thinking right now? I asked myself while waiting. I watched Sherlock almost done paying respect. After a few minutes, I saw him leave. Now I know he¡¯s doing it with clear intentions. Not because he wants to cross paths with me and have another round of confrontation. Sherlock became attached to mom even though they didn¡¯t meet each other in person.


    In twenty minutes Levi arrived in front of me. He has flowers the same flowers my mom loves and the same arrangement mom always love. How did he know? ¡°Shall we go?¡± Levi said to me. I scratched the back of my nape in shock. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go.¡± I answered and he holds my hand and made our way to mom.

 Chapter 32: Jealous Levi

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    After Levi and I pay respect to mom we both decided to go home. He was silent and went straight to his car. That¡¯s strange, he didn¡¯t even talk to me. He starts his engine as soon as he enters his car. Did I do something wrong? I knock on his car window and he just looks at me. ¡°Levi, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I am confused and I needed an answer but he is hard to pursue.


    ¡°Levi please.¡± I tried to stop him from driving but he drives off so I quickly ride my car and follows him. It¡¯s hard for me to follow him as he is driving a sports car and I have a regr type of car. I called him and almost beat the red light. I didn¡¯t mind the ways we are taking. I just realize that his pursuing a road to my house. What does this guy is nning again? I¡¯m afraid I did something wrong.


    Our circus is way different from Sherlock and I type of game. If I gave up Sherlock to win back myself to Levi I will fight and lose myself. I am willing to cross the line if it¡¯s for him. Even everyone might think this is crazy but with Levi, I am sure of what¡¯s next even though we don¡¯t know whates tomorrow. Tears fell from my eyes as soon as I stop at my house he was about to drive off again like he just escorts me to my house.


    But I get out of my car and block myself so he won¡¯t drive away. He stops and I get near in front of his car and m my hands at the front of his car. I cried. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Tell me.¡± I mumbled in the middle of my sobs. ¡°He gets out of his car. ¡°Stop getting on my way, Portia.¡± He whispered cold and cuts deeper into my heart. ¡°Why would you pay respect to mom and then hurt me like this?¡± I faced him and smacked his chest he¡¯s been acting so weirdtely.


    ¡°Then why would you let another guy kiss you? Where is your respect?¡± He throw a question like he didn¡¯t want to stay. I was startled but I¡¯m willing to exin until my tongue twisted in numbness. ¡°He is my ex.¡± My mouth tells the truth. ¡°Do you know how unrespectful it is that you let a guy kiss you behind my back?¡± He mumbled and he hugs me. ¡°How I hate that guy for kissing you because I wasn¡¯t looking.¡± He continues. I cried on his chest as I feel like I am a bad, bad girl.


    ¡°I wanted to slit cut his throat for trying to mark mynd.¡± He said and carried me like a sock of rice bag to my house. What¡¯s happening? I am so clouded I didn¡¯t mind what was happening. ¡°I wanted to erase his stains on you every time he¡¯s hand shaking with you,¡± Levi said as we enters the house. ¡°His eyes that add up insult to your past injuries. I wanted to shut it down. But most and for all, I me myself for not marking you mine.¡±


    The next thing I knew I amying on my bed and he is on top of me. His eyes are only looking at mine and he never turned away. His lips catches mine and I was vulnerable to fight. His rough kisses were my punishment for not behaving well. But those kisses erased all the toxic environment I got through all these weeks. He then carried me and sit me on hisp. We kissed again but it was soft like it was taking me to cloud nine.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach him how to take care of you.¡± He whispered and it¡¯s so dominant and the only way to escape on his thumb is to obey. This is our obsession from the very start. This might be strange but obeying his rules are my possession. He intoxicated me and this love made me crazy. He lifted me and bring me to the bathroom. He opens the shower and we both catch air as we stop kissing.


    Here we are in the bathroom and only God knows where he would take me from here. No matter what he says and do, I only think of bad habits with him. We are again losing our religion I be his vixen and his voice is the only thing in my head. And he is the only one I wanted to listen to. The way we love and touch is unique and different from others but this is what makes us united.


    Levi is the man whopletes me as a woman. I am on the next level with him. He makes me do things that I usually don¡¯t. If I lose the battle with Sherlock. I will wear my crown for winning every battle for Levi. But with Levi, I will fall from grace because he is the only one I will beg on my knees. He¡¯s my pride and I be one with him. ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered as we both hit the gates of heaven.


    Leviughs and it feels soothing. ¡°Tell me that when you are not blinded by pleasure.¡± He said and to that my body surrendered to him. ¡°Let¡¯s get clean for real now.¡± He said and we both share the rxing feeling of the water in the tub we fill in with secrets. ¡°Stop making me jealous you brat.¡± He said and kisses my forehead. He then lifted me up and made me sit at the sink. ¡°Let me fill the tub with clean water.¡± He smirked at me and winked.


    Iughed as I realized what he means. After he filled the tub with water I throw some bath bombs and we yed with bubbles. The shower feels rxing. After he put a robe on me he carries me out and we both dry our hair. He wears the clothes that he left here. ¡°I¡¯ll cook.¡± He said and got out of the room. I was left alone and Iy on my bed. Thoughts of earlier made me blush and bit my lip.


    I hide my face under the pillow. I feel shy all of a sudden. How can I be so wild around him? I get up from my bed and fix myself. I wore a big shirt and satin shorts underneath. I go down straight to the kitchen Levi is busy cooking so I didn¡¯t disturb him. His sexy back is so tempting but I¡¯ll behave in the living room. I opened the television to find some movies to watchter.


    Levi then surprised me by kissing the top of my head. ¡°I make some tea so you can rx for a little. I¡¯m still in the middle of cooking.¡± He offers me a teacup and back hugs me. This is the most romantic feeling ever. These small times with him, just the two of us in our own little world. ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked him and get the teacup from his hand. He kisses the top of my head again. ¡°I¡¯ll just check the pork if it¡¯s already okay.¡± He excused himself. How caring he is?


    I busy myself finding movies as I let Levi do his cooking. I wish we can continue like this for a longer time. Where we don¡¯t think of work and we don¡¯t have to worry about time. After a few more minutes Levi thenes to the living room again and kisses me. ¡°The dinner will be ready after fifteen minutes.¡± He said and put little kisses on his neck. ¡°You smell so nice.¡± Hepliments me which made me blush.


    ¡°Hey, you are making me shy huh?¡± I gave him a peck on the lips. He frowns and messes with my hair. ¡°It¡¯s true. What are you watching?¡± He asked me and put his attention on the television. ¡°Just random. I¡¯m looking for a movie that we can watch after eating.¡± I told him. ¡°Hmm? Let¡¯s watch some horror movies.¡± He suggested. ¡°You sure?¡± I asked and he gave me a death re. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not a coward to creep out with just a movie.¡± He said and gave me a peck and go straight to the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just ready our dinner. Find one movie.¡± He said. How do I love this attitude of him? I focused on finding movies to watch. I prepared three sets so he can choose what. It¡¯s Friday today I hope he will have the whole Saturday to spend with me. Maybe I¡¯ll ask himter if he¡¯s gonna stay here for tomorrow so I can wash his clothes or buy some for him.


    After ten more minutes, he called me for dinner. ¡°Portia, dinner is ready.¡± He half shouted so I can hear him. Suddenly I picture us having a family and calling us for dinner. It made me shy and blush in excitement. ¡°Coming,¡± I answered and close the television before I go straight to the dining area.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

 Chapter 33: Saturday Date

    Narrator¡¯s P. O. V:


    Levi wakes up at sharply five in the morning. He still wanted to rest but it was his body type telling him to wake up. He sat at the bedside post and look at the surrounding down to Portia whose still in her dreand. He leans closer to Portia¡¯s face and appreciates every inch of her. ¡°I miss you.¡± He murmured while looking at her. He can¡¯t hide the smile on his face at her cute reactions when sleeping.


    Levi kisses Portia¡¯s forehead and gets up from bed. He goes straight to the bathroom and does his morning routine. Levi then opens the curtains for some light, he also fixes Portia¡¯s nket and goes downstairs to cook breakfast for them. He called his secretary to buy him new clothes while cooking. He reads the data analysis for his business while he¡¯s also cleaning. Levi is used to this kind of situation where he multi-tasks everything.


    Levi runs a multi-millionpany owned by him but he can¡¯t find his happiness not until Portia came. Levi feel strange the first time she met her. He can¡¯t understand why her face was all written on his brain. Levi for the first time felt uneasy with ady when he usually doesn¡¯t give a damn care. She can make him nervous and cautious about everything. Levi finally is sure of having a rtionship for the first time.


    Finally, he wanted to give up everything for someone. After cleaning and cooking, he is going to prepare the dining table when Portia hugs him. That kind of warmth he¡¯s always craving every day from Portia. ¡°Good morning.¡± Portia sweetly greeted him which warms his heart. ¡°Good morning.¡± Levi greeted him with a warm smile. ¡°How was your dream?¡± Portia asked while getting milk from the fridge.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember about my dream. But I have a great sleep. How about you?¡± Levi answered and lifted Portia to the table. Portia look into his eyes and gave him a peck. ¡°It¡¯s a nice dream,¡± Portia said and give him another peck but before Portia could ever part from Levi. Levi deepened the kiss. Levi is puzzled about his cravings for Portia¡¯s lips but one thing is for sure he is addicted.


    They share a long passionate kiss. They are all hungry for each other. Both of them fight for dominance a long tiring war ended and Levi won. He won the battle of dominance and he pepper Portia with little love kisses from the chin down to her neck. He bites at her corbone which makes Portia weak on her knees.


    ¡°Hey, our food will get cold.¡± Portiaughs at him reminding him about their food. Thoseughs that¡¯s enough to make his heartbeat fasten and dance in rhythm. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s eat.¡± He then stop kissing Portia but then Portia cupped his face and made their nose touches. ¡°I love you, Mr. Everett.¡± She said sweetly Levi give Portia a peck as an answer.


    They both eat andugh at each other every time their eyes will meet. Levi never expects tough this often with someone but he doesn¡¯t mind as long as it¡¯s Portia. ¡°Where do you want to go after breakfast?¡± Portia excitedly asked Levi. ¡°Can we just stay home? Let¡¯s buy groceries then let¡¯s go home. I saw on the forecast earlier that heavy rains will ur this day.¡± Levi answered Portia¡¯s question which Portia quickly understood.


    For Levi the more simple and lowkey they get the more it gave them quality time. He wants to keep their rtionship lowkey for their reputation until he¡¯s ready to give up his world for his everything. ¡°Let¡¯s read some newly released book, Levi.¡± Portia excitedly offered him. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s read stories and bake cookies for me.¡± Levi requested and it made Portia¡¯s heart melt as Levi appreciated her passing for baking.


    After eating they both wash and dry the dishes while singing some old nostalgic songs. It was soothing and rxing. These days are just full of love Portia can¡¯t wait to do this every day. After cleaning the kitchen and the dining area Levi invites Portia for a dance. They both dance to Portia¡¯s mom¡¯s favorite song and they bothugh when Portia identally tripped both of them.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry my dear Levi. Where does it hurt?¡± Portia worriedly asked. He wanted to prank her by faking his passing out but her beautiful face is so worried and serious that he just snatched a kiss on her lips and stand up. He grabbed her hand and lifted Portia upstairs straight to the bathroom. ¡°Get ready now. I¡¯ll just get my clothes outside.¡± He said to Portia. ¡°Are you sure nothing hurts?¡± She¡¯s still worried but Levi assures her.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hurt because the pillow got us. Don¡¯t worry.¡± He assured Portia. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll take a bath then.¡± She said and Levi made his way outside. He closes the door and goes downstairs. He went to the front door and as he opens the door he found the box his secretary leave. He takes it with him inside and gets his clothes. His secretary didn¡¯t also forget about his vitamins which made his eyebrows twitch. ¡°That young man.¡± He murmured.


    He uses the other room¡¯s bathroom to take a bath. After getting ready they both headed to the mall to buy some books at the bookstore and buy some groceries they spotted a cotton candy stall so Portia buys two for them. They spent 20 minutes walking at the nearby park and they saw a bunch of kids ying. Levi smiles at the scenery in front of him.


    ¡°Do you love kids?¡± Portia asked Levi. He shakes his head as a no. ¡°I don¡¯t pay too much attention to kids but I don¡¯t say that I don¡¯t like them. They are these weird puff balls that bounce when they y.¡± He said while looking at the kids frowning. ¡°Me too. I don¡¯t hate kids. I like them but sometimes they scare me because they are too fragile to hold.¡± Portia told Levi and enjoy the view of the kids.


    ¡°How many kids do you prefer?¡± Levi asked her suddenly. Portia smiles at him. ¡°I wanted three kids. How about you?¡± Portia asked the same to him. ¡°Any number you want.¡± He smirked and that made Portia blush. ¡°Let¡¯s get married and have kids when we are both ready,¡± Levi told Portia like he is proposing to her. It made Portia blush harder and made her heartbeat fasten.


    Levi put his arms around Portia¡¯s shoulders and kissed her on her forehead. He then gets Portia¡¯s hand and appreciates everything about it. ¡°This ring I bought you really looks good on you.¡± He said and slid a DIY ring from a flyer that Levi made while watching the kids. ¡°I¡¯ll marry you someday and I¡¯ll give you a more decent ring. For now, just remember this day that I am giving my word and heart to you as coteral for the future.¡± Levi meant what he says.


    He is sure to do it sooner as he can. Portia¡¯s eyes be watery as tears are saying hi to her. She couldn¡¯t be more thankful right now. ¡°Yes, I will treasure this ring as a contract of our love.¡± She said andugh awkwardly to hide her tears. Levi kisses her hand. ¡°Just wait and hold on to me more. I¡¯ll make my promise.¡± Levi said. ¡°For now let¡¯s go home and enjoy the day. You are starting to be dramatic and your nose is as red as Rudolf¡¯s nose. You are bing more beautiful so let¡¯s go.¡± He said to Portia which made her blush and smack Levi on his shoulder.


    ¡°Stop making me blush.¡± She shyly said and they walk hand in hand to the car. They drive off home while enjoying the music and some small talk about childhood memories. They stop at a drive-thru to buy some fries and milkshakes and Portia feeds Levi who is busy driving. They reach the house easily and they quickly arrange the things they buy from the mall and the grocery. After cleaning up they both stay on the rooftop watching the sky whose already turning dark.


    The heavy rain starts pouring and it made themugh. They y with the rain for thirty minutes and enjoy a cup of hot chocte at Portia¡¯s office after taking a hot bath. They watch the rain outside as they share a nket while choosing a book to read. Portia ys a ylist that matches the tone of the rain and it made the whole atmosphere very romantic, warm, and cozy.


    This is the kind of rtionship they are both contented with. Peaceful and just keeping things lowkey. Unsure of what¡¯sing next but is ready to take the risk. Willing to give up everything but is sure to win over each other after losing a fight. No one knows and is behind secret doors.

 Chapter 34: The Rival鈥檚 Arrival

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I am currently getting ready for our finalization of the contract with Aleksei and Sherlock. I ensure I¡¯ll be ready with my product proposal and open to adjustment suggestions. I have been working on this with Levi since Saturday. I am sure that I am prepared with any possible solutions if they wanted some changes. Levi is great with dealing with such big contracts so I am confident that I will be dealing with good.


    I called my secretary to ready the meeting hall and in 10 minutes my secretary came back ready for the biggest sess of ourpany. ¡°Are you ready ma¡¯am?¡± She asked me as soon as she entered my office. ¡°Yes totally ready.¡± I smiled at her with confidence. ¡°Well, that¡¯s my boss.¡± She said with all her trust in me. That made me more confident to win this great with the whole team and the client. ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± I told her and she follows me immediately.


    Airi and Seiza are already at the meeting hall preparing all the printed copies of the proposal and the sample app ready on the phone of each phone in front of them. ¡°I¡¯m sure we will get our client¡¯s trust with this,¡± Airi said as I sit in front of them. ¡°Thank you so much for all the hard work. I¡¯m so grateful for this whole team. I don¡¯t know what to do without all of you.¡± I thanked them for all the efforts they have done for this team.


    ¡°Come on Portia we are only giving you what you deserve. You deserve our hard work because you didn¡¯t leave us hanging.¡± Airi said. ¡°You know what we are the ones who should be thankful for such a hard-working boss giving us non-stop projects.¡± Seiza said and hug me. ¡°I¡¯m just so thankful for all your efforts team. Even if it means you have to overtime and almost didn¡¯t have a day off.¡± I told them and the whole team just smiled at me.


    ¡°We work hard because you inspire us to do so.¡± Gabrie touched me too with her words. ¡°Anyway let¡¯s get ready before we get all dramatic.¡± Seiza spoils the drama and weugh. ¡°Let¡¯s do this as one team.¡± I told them and with synchronization, they answered ¡°Yes, boss.¡± This is what inspired me the most when I know I got their back. We waited for our client¡¯s arrival for several minutes.


    We run another practice to make sure that we don¡¯t have any glitches or troubleter. The practice runs smoothly and it makes us more excited than nervous. Sherlock and Aleksei¡¯s team entered the room and it made us ready. ¡°Seems like the whole team is with you,¡± Sherlock said as soon as he saw the meeting hall. ¡°We wanted to make sure that we will be giving you great service sir.¡± I politely talked to him. ¡°We never fail to trust you.¡± Aleksei happily said and as soon as they take their seats We started the meeting.


    ¡°Today we wanted to present to everyone the new and innovative shopping for all types of seasons.¡± I presented the new app for shopping. ¡°We made the shopping of everyone in thefort of their homes with the fastest delivery service that offers the same delivery. Please make your way to H¡± I exined. My secretary puts down the folders for them to see the main purposes and functions of the app.


    I started to exin the whole function of the app and started showing them how it works and the specs of the app. Everyone seems to love the design of our App. ¡°It is essible for all types of gadgets from thetest down to the third version system.¡± I discussed this with them further. The meeting took an hour and I can¡¯t exin the happiness I am feeling right now.


    Our app got a lot of praise from the client and we close the deal on our terms. I can finally rest now and worry less. Thanks to all the hardship we encounter. ¡°You guys can finally get some sleep,¡± I announced. Airi hugs me in happiness. ¡°You see?¡± We can do this, I told you.¡± Airi said and messes with my hair. ¡°Thank you for all the support.¡± I thanked her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all have dinnerter. It¡¯s my treat. Then take your day off so all of you can rest.¡± I announced. Everyone likes the idea of a day off I guess. After all, they deserve it. We all get back to work and as soon as I reach my office I opened my phone to chat with Levi and bring the news to Erin. Levi quickly replies to me with a celebrating emoji. He must be busy. I did all my routine at the office and wait for the end of my shift.


    After the shift, we headed to a Mexican restaurant that I booked earlier. It¡¯s only a 15-minute drive for us so we will arrive early even with traffics. I wanted to make sure that my team will befortable and have a good rest. So I wanted to dismiss them early after dinner. We sit at our reserved seats and make an order. While waiting for our order the waiter gave us some wine to start.


    ¡°You did a great job earlier boss.¡± Gabrie praised me. ¡°I just do what I think is right and it¡¯s all about our team¡¯s effort,¡± Imented. ¡°Well, you still deserve a cheer,¡± Celso said and he raise his ss high. ¡°Cheers to our boss for doing a great job,¡± Celso said and everyone cheered for me. ¡°Thank you so much, everyone,¡± I speak my gratefulness to them.


    We have already started the party when a woman cut off our happy hour. The woman is very mad and she is demanding the waiter to make us leave our seats. I know that voice, I won¡¯t forget her voice that traitor. ¡°I wanted you to exchange our seats. Didn¡¯t I tell you that I wanted a sit near the best view?¡± She shouted. When the waiter ising near us our food arrived and my team started eating.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Go tell them.¡± She ordered. The waiteres near my seat so I paid attention to what he is going to tell me. ¡°Yes?¡± I asked as the waiter approached me. ¡°Ma¡¯am a customer wants to exchange seats with you. Is it okay?¡± The waiter requested. I smiled at the waiter and answer politely. ¡°No, of course. I booked this earlier so I have the right to say no.¡± I nicely told the waiter and shees near us. ¡°What? Do it faster exchange seats.¡± She ordered the waiter.


    ¡°But they refused ma¡¯am.¡± The waiter said. ¡°Call your manager.¡± She shouted. My team started to notice the ruckus but I told them that I will handle the situation and continue eating. ¡°Go ahead sir call the manager.¡± I interrupted them. ¡°We go here first miss. So If you wanted to wait for the original people who reserve this to finish eating or leave.¡± I told her and smiled at her. She was shocked to see me. What Irene? Let¡¯s y games.


    ¡°I always get what I wanted,¡± Irene said. ¡°Well, I do also get what you wanted so shut up,¡± I told her. Airi then starts to approach us. ¡°Leave miss you are causing us a bad appetite,¡± Airi said. The manager then approaches us. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, ma¡¯am?¡± The manager asked. But before she could ever speak I cut her off.


    ¡°Call the guard immediately this woman is interrupting our dinner. It¡¯s making us lose our appetite. I reserved this seat earlier and if you are going to be inconvenient for us to change our seat this will be ourst visit here.¡± I told the manager as I am a regr customer here.


    ¡°Let me handle this Ms. Portia. Ma¡¯am, may you excuse our VIP customer? They are currently having a party and they book first.¡± The manager said to her and it made her mad. ¡°I¡¯ll rate you zero if you can¡¯t give me what I want.¡± She shouted then Sherlock came. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Here-¡± Irene started toin to Sherlock and I cut her off. ¡°Hello, Sherlock pardon us if we can¡¯t exchange seats with your team. We are currently having our celebration with our business deal earlier. Irene wants us to leave.¡± I said and Sherlock¡¯s eyebrows frowned. ¡°What¡¯s your problem Irene stop acting like a child. Let them be if theye earlier you are destroying the hype.¡± He said and pulls Irene with her. Irene is shocked by my statement that I got a business with Sherlock.


    She then started a fight with him when they go out. ¡°Wow. When did she be that monster?¡± Seiza asked. ¡°Well because she thinks she has all the power when she reaches abroad,¡± Airi said. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about them. Continue eating, let¡¯s not ruin the night.¡± I told them and start eating my food.

 Chapter 35: The Rival鈥檚 Arrival Part 2

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    We continue the celebration despite the littlemotion earlier. My teammates got pretty excited and drunk a little too far so I suggest to drive them home. Airi suggested driving the others since her car is bigger than mine. As we go to the parking area I saw Sherlock having cigarettes and he saw me too. He immediatelyes near me to help me escort my teammates.


    ¡°Hey let me help you with them.¡± He said and get Gabrie and Celso. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I thanked him. ¡°They must be very happy to celebrate this much.¡± He said and I giggled at his statement as I remember them having fun earlier. ¡°Yes. They drunk a little too far from what I expected.¡± I answered him. ¡°You? How about the celebration?¡± I go along with our conversation while we walk to my car.


    ¡°Well, it was fun seeing your employees being so happy.¡± He said but I know him I can feel the frustration in his voice. ¡°Is there something bad happening? You look a little frustrated.¡± I asked and he smiles at me. ¡°I¡¯m all good don¡¯t mind me.¡± He said he was shy with me. ¡°Just tell me if you wanted to talk about it.¡± I don¡¯t mind having conversations with him now. Erin was right, it¡¯s better if I keep everything light on our partnership.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m totally fine. By the way where¡¯s your car?¡± He asked to change the topic. ¡°It¡¯s at the veryst spot because when we go here the parking space is so full,¡± I told him and heughs. ¡°Then you carry all of them all alone. How can you be that strong huh?¡± He yed with my hair and lifted Gabrie because Celso is busy singing and swaying. ¡°Yes, actually I wasn¡¯t nning to bring them at once but things got a little crazy a while ago,¡± I said and heughs.


    ¡°Did they get a little scandalous?¡± He asked. ¡°Kind of,¡± I said and we just bothughed. ¡°Maybe the alcohol kicked in too hard to them,¡± Sherlock said. ¡°Yes, maybe,¡± I answered. We finally reached my car. ¡°Here, that¡¯s my car,¡± I told him and pointed at my car. ¡°I see. Where is your key?¡± He asked for my key. ¡°Here.¡± I gave it to him and he opens the door for me.


    As soon as he opens the car door he put Celso and Gabrie with care on the backseat. ¡°Let me help you with the other two,¡± Sherlock said and he put Sarah in the backseat along with Gabrie and Celso. He then put my secretary in the front seat with me. ¡°Here.¡± He said. ¡°Thank you again Sherlock for helping me.¡± I thanked him. ¡°Sure, anytime.¡± He answered. We had a moment of silence. I don¡¯t know what to say and he might feel a little awkward.


    ¡°So? Are you going now? It¡¯s gettingte.¡± Sherlock breaks the silence. ¡°Oh, yeah. Thank you for helping me, Sherlock. Let¡¯s meet at the office tomorrow.¡± I told him. ¡°Yes, take care, Portia.¡± He said and waved at me. I am going inside my car when Irene came. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time Sherlock.¡± Irene intentionally put on her flirtatious voice. ¡°I just help Portia with her employees,¡± Sherlock exins to her and pushes her at his back already.


    But Irene tends to hit on me. ¡°Hi, Portia. You have changed a lot now.¡± She mocked me. ¡°You too Irene, but you look as beautiful as ever like barbie dolls.¡± I praised her. ¡°You too. I didn¡¯t know that you also be desperate to find a man and y with my boy. ¡°Wow, Irene. I didn¡¯t know you are that brainless now.¡± I said and smile at her. Sherlock stops her when she is about to speak again. ¡°Stop making a fuss again,¡± Sherlock said with authority.


    But Irene seems to be angrier with the fact that Sherlock is shutting her off. ¡°You know what it¡¯s gettingte. Have a nice evening Sherlock.¡± I told Sherlock and ride in my car. I intentionally almost bumped Irene when I started driving. ¡°That bullshit,¡± I told to myself and I remember what she did after I broke up with Sherlock.


    shback:


    I am currently at the mall buying some stuff when I saw Irene, I was about to change routes because I don¡¯t want toe across her but she pursue me. ¡°Hey, Portia. Stop.¡± She stops me and almost everyone is looking at us. ¡°What? What is it, Irene?¡± I asked her getting tired of her. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that I am so happy that you let go of Sherlock. Thank you for finally lifting all his burdens.¡± She said making a fuss.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about mistress?¡± I asked her. ¡°Burden? To what? We are getting married I let him go because he¡¯s getting heavy because you are clinging to him.¡± I told her and leave. I don¡¯t want to make a ruckus. I just wanted to go home and pack my clothes. She stops me and she received for the first time a hard p from me. ¡°Stop being so arrogant and a newsmaker. I can¡¯t believe you grow up so much like your mom. A mistress and a snake.¡± I told her and p her again.


    I leave the mall and go straight home. After that day I walked out of their life. I did my best abroad and get one of the highest positions in ourpany and made my way to the top. But it¡¯s so hard to forget all the painful memories I had. I was grateful I can finally move forward but here she goes again destroying my life. But she made a wrong move this time because I¡¯m going to take everything from her, head to toe.


    I drive my team home and make my way to my house when I receive a call from Sherlock. ¡°Oh, hey! Sherlock, why did you call?¡± I answered as if nothing happened earlier. ¡°I just want to check on you if you are already home. It¡¯s already past ten in the evening.¡± He said. ¡°I¡¯m almost home don¡¯t worry. How about you?¡± I asked him. ¡°I¡¯m already home. I lost my appetite back then so I leave everyone early.¡± He said he is a little embarrassed. This is Sherlock, he easily feels shy when trouble happens.


    ¡°I see. Have a good rest, Sherlock.¡± I told him. ¡°You too.¡± He said I thought he was going to end the call but he speaks again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about her earlier. Lately, she¡¯s bing jealous and very moody.¡± Sherlock apologizes for her. That sounds very me when I was young saying sorry for Irene. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I understand her to mean attitude. She¡¯s like that ever since.¡± I told him.


    ¡°Do you know her?¡± Sherlock was shocked by my statement. I forgot that I didn¡¯t tell him whose Irene was. I just broke up with and we never had a talk like this anymore. ¡°Yes, I know her very well.¡± I just told him. ¡°Are you friends?¡± He asked and he is being puzzled. ¡°More than just that. I¡¯ll tell you sometimes.¡± I told him. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m gonna end the call. I have to go to intersections. I¡¯m currently near my house.¡± I added.


    ¡°Oh, yes. Take care, Portia.¡± He said and I ended the call. I know Sherlock he will run his investigation on matters like this. Especially when he¡¯s curious and upset. I wanted him to know what Irene did to me back then so he will hate her. I wanted him to be the one who crushes Irene into pieces. Like what he did to me.


    I¡¯m almost home and I also received a message from Levi. ¡°I¡¯m at your house. Where are you?¡± Levi said in the message.


    I stop at the side and message him. ¡°We had a party. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll be home in two minutes. Just wait there.¡± I replied to him and he send me an angry dinosaur emoji. He¡¯s getting impatient. How cute!


    At exactly two minutes I arrived in front of him. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I said as soon as I parked my vehicle and got out. ¡°What¡¯s with the party?¡± He said and hugs me. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first.¡± I invite him inside and open the door. When we finally got inside he lock the door and kiss me softly like I¡¯m touching clouds. ¡°I miss you,¡± I told him as we parted from the kiss. ¡°Me too.¡± He said.


    I go straight to the kitchen to get us some water. I¡¯m tired from the travel and the party. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving early tomorrow for a London trip. I will be gone for one whole week so I wanted to see you first.¡± He said and sit so handsomely on my couch.


    ¡°I see.¡± I sadly told him. I¡¯m going to miss him so much. ¡°Take me to the airport tomorrow.¡± He suddenly said and it shocks me. This is the first time he open something like this to me. ¡°Sure baby. I¡¯ll do that. Is that why you didn¡¯t bring your car?¡± I asked and he nodded. I gave him a peck as soon as I am in front of him.

 Chapter 36: Take him to the Airport

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Did you already have dinner?¡± I asked him after I gave him a peck. ¡°Yes but I¡¯m still hungry.¡± Heins. Maybe he didn¡¯t get the right amount of food. ¡°I see. I¡¯ll make some snacks for us.¡± I told Levi because I know what he wanted. He wanted cookies and tea again. This guy is kinda being sweet tooth. He just looks at me like he¡¯s watching my every step and I am aware of it.


    Levi has this habit of adoring my movements and dominating me. I go straight to the kitchen and prepared our snacks. I prepared a tray of cookies and a set of tea after that I bring it with me to the living room. But I didn¡¯t find him on the couch so I go straight upstairs to my room. I put the tray on the tea table and I don¡¯t find him in the bed either so I go near the bathroom. I heard the water running. He must be taking a bath.


    I look for thest book we read and sit in my chair to find thest page we are reading. He will surely want to read books before sleeping. I opened it to the part where we stop reading. This story is a thriller story and it sometimes scares me but this is the type of genre he loves. This story is written by Akuji, a famous author nowadays. They say the author doesn¡¯t speak at press conferences and his book signing is very rare.


    I should find a way to have him sign this book, Levi will surely be happy if he finally gets a book signed by him. He admires him for writing such good stories that will leave your jaw dropping at the end of every chapter. After a few minutes, Levi came out of the bathroom with only towels on. He has a well-developed physique that always makes my whole existence blush. He¡¯s currently drying his hair with a white towel and that made such a perfect picture scene.


    I turned away and focus on my phone as I feel that he was going to look at me. I find out that Akuji is having a book signing here on Saturday. Exactly as I was looking for. Levi¡¯s arrival will be on Monday so that will be my surprise for him, Akuji¡¯s new book and signed by him. I felt Levi approaching me and he makes me look at him and my goodness my eyesnded on his hips before his face. ¡°Why are you blushing Hmm? Little brat?¡± He asked and it made me blush even harder.


    He leans over to give me a quick kiss. ¡°Take a bath nowdy. Aren¡¯t you all itchy with that dirty office clothes?¡± He said and it made me giggle. ¡°Okay, okay I¡¯ll take a bath.¡± I excused myself. ¡°I ready your bathtub already.¡± He said and as soon as I entered the tub filled with water and already garnish with bath salts. That man he yed with my bath essentials. I smiled at the thought of him reading all this and mixed it up altogether.


    I rxed myself at the feeling of warm water. Levi yed ssical music on my old disk yer which adds a more vintage vibe. After I told a shower I saw Levi eating the cookies with his tea and a bar of chocte in his hand. ¡°Where did you get the chocte?¡± I asked him while I fix my hair. ¡°A businesswoman gave this to me. She said it was a bar of chocte made fordies so I taste it. But I don¡¯t get what¡¯s the difference.¡± He said and handed me the luxurious case of chocte.


    ¡°Eat that because it¡¯s fordies.¡± He said and looks out the window while eating his cookies and holding the book in his other hand. He may be waiting for me to read with him. I took a bite of the chocte he gave me before reading it and I saw that it was made to spice up a kiss. ¡°Levi,¡± I called for his name and he face me. ¡°What?¡± He said. ¡°It says that this chocte is to spice up our kiss,¡± I told him. ¡°So? How do you use them?¡± He¡¯s puzzled like me. ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± I told him. ¡°Let¡¯s try.¡± He told me and he grabs me.


    He sits on the bedside with me on hisp. ¡°Do it.¡± He orders me. ¡°So? Am I gonna eat it first then kiss you?¡± I wonder. ¡°Maybe. Just try until we know.¡± Levi said and with that, I ate the chocte then after swallowing it we shared a kiss. ¡°What more? I only smell the chocte.¡± He said so I put another chocte in my mouth but before I chew it Levi kissed me. We shared the chocte in our mouths and it indeed made the kissing fun as it melted easily on our heated lips.


    Teeth to teeth it became fighting for dominance until thest straw of chocte was left in our mouths. ¡°That¡¯s better.¡± Hemented while I panted after we parted from the kiss. ¡°That was epic.¡± I giggled and hit his chest. He carries me to the couch and gets some water. ¡°Here.¡± He handed me the water as I was still breathless. He too drinks his water to ease the tension.


    ¡°How about we go to bed now and read stories? I have an early flight tomorrow.¡± Levi suggested which I agree with. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go to bed now,¡± I said and he carries me to the bed. We both read the unfinished book we are reading and fell asleep in each other¡¯s arms. I yawned at the warm feeling of Levi. It¡¯sfortable and feels very home.


    Morning:


    Levi and I woke up at the sound of the rm. It¡¯s four in the morning he has an early flight so I prepared faster than ever to make sure he eats before we leave. ¡°I¡¯m sorry this is the fastest I can serve ck coffee and Bacon with an egg sandwich,¡± I said as I prepare my makeup as I am going straight to the office after going to the airport. ¡°It¡¯s good. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± He said and kiss my forehead then he started eating fast. After eating we headed to my car and drives off.


    ¡°Do you have your passport with you?¡± I asked and he just nodded. Is there something bothering him? ¡°How about your luggage?¡± I asked as I drive fast but smoothly I don¡¯t want him to bete. ¡°My secretary will bring that with him.¡± He answered and look outside the window. I worry about his attitude. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± I asked him and he shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I enjoy the view like this.¡± He said that makes me feel sad. He must be that busy.


    ¡°When youe back I¡¯ll drive for you so you can just rx and enjoy the scene okay?¡± I tried to cheer him but he looks sad even though I can¡¯t figure it out on his face. I can sense it with his aura. ¡°Are you going to miss me huh? You look sad.¡± I joked around. ¡°Stop joking around about me missing you. It¡¯s not a joke and I¡¯m not sad.¡± He said and turns away. How cute he can get?


    At the airport:


    We y around while driving and the whole hour seems to run fast. We are at the airport already and I¡¯m going to see him in the next few days. ¡°We are here,¡± I told him as I parked my car. ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s go?¡± He asked me and I nodded. We enter the airport hall and I waited with him until his flight is confirmed. It¡¯s only an hour before his flight so I have to say goodbye already.


    Levi kissed my forehead and whispered sweet things like. ¡®I like your hair today.¡¯, ¡®You are always gorgeous.¡¯ And more. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you,¡± I told him and with that, he kissed me from my forehead down to my lips. It¡¯s long and very loving. The kind of kiss that makes you feel at home. ¡°Why do I worry so much to leave you,¡± Levi said as we parted from the kiss. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll be fine don¡¯t worry,¡± I assured him. His hand is getting cold. ¡°I know you can handle yourself but something is off.¡± He worries.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine don¡¯t panic,¡± I assured him once again and kiss him with all the love I can send to his heart, and with that, the inte finally calls for his flight. We parted from kissing and our eyes are a lock. ¡°It¡¯s time to go. I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± I told him and he nodded. ¡°Make sure to wait for me Portia.¡± And with that, he turns his back to me. I waited for him until I can¡¯t see a glimpse of him before leaving the airport.

 Chapter 37: Irene on my territory

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    It¡¯s been three days since Levi leave and I miss him. I am actually used to not having him for almost an entire month buttely, we are spending more time as much as possible and now it¡¯s hard not to see him for the whole week. I look at the photo that he sentst night. I smiled as I remember how I begged him to take a photo of him. Levi loves taking photos but he doesn¡¯t like being photographed.


    He¡¯s still worried about me like something bad will happen to me. I don¡¯t know why but he said he¡¯s feeling strange so I always make sure to take extra care, especially when driving. He ask me about my day and I told him that everything is doing good. Yes, it¡¯s true turns out I can workfortably with Sherlock now since thest time we talk. Erin is right I should keep things lightly.


    The mood in the office feels light now as the tension between Sherlock and I are gone. We work as a team without any hate and keep a healthy environment. Maybe I am finally forgetting the past and starting to go on with my own life. Levi is my reason for all of this. Speaking of Sherlock he knocks on my office. ¡°Hey Portia, Seiza said if we could all have lunch together.¡± He said as soon as he gets in.


    ¡°Oh, sure just wait for me. I just have to send this proposal. Just five minutes.¡± I told him. ¡°Okay, we will wait for you outside.¡± He said and gave me a warm smile before leaving. He be more respectful of my spacetely and I feel thankful for that. He also bes close to my other teammates who don¡¯t know him. Airi and Seiza be civil to him and that¡¯s a peaceful sign.


    I finished sending emails to our other clients and I also read my tools for my other meetings. My secretary is on half-day and she will arriveter after lunch so I took care of everything for a while. I got out of my office and go straight to the pantry where I found them. ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± Airi said and clings to me. ¡°Yes, where are we going to eat?¡± I asked her as we walk to the elevator.


    ¡°Sherlock saw a newly opened fast food at the back of ourpany so all decided toe and check out.¡± She said while rolling her eyes. ¡°Come on I know you always want to try new restaurants and fast-food chain.¡± I calmed her as she feels irritated again. Maybe she saw something about Sherlock again that pissed her off.


    We arrived at the fast-food chain in five minutes as it was just literally at the back of our office. Many people areing in excited about the new brand that we almost can¡¯t find a seat. Aleksei immediately find one and reserved it for all of us. ¡°Girls sit already I¡¯m just gonna take your orders,¡± Sherlock suggested and handed as a flyer. ¡°Okay.¡± Airi epts the flyer instead of me.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Sherlock just smiled at her attitude and it made meugh. ¡°How can you be that overprotective?¡± I whispered to her. ¡°Well, I¡¯m always protective when a predator is around.¡± She said and it made me smile. Airi gave her order to Sherlock the others gave it to Celso. ¡°How about you Tia?¡± Sherlock called me by my nickname and it feels nostalgic. I suddenly miss mom. ¡°Just order me the best seller, please. And don¡¯t forget the-¡± Sherlock cuts me off.


    ¡°The fries and soft serve ice cream?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes please.¡± I smiled as he knew exactly what I wanted to eat right now. And with my answer, he falls in line to get our order with Celso. They sure have a lot of fun talking together. ¡°He suddenly is very patient right now,¡± Airimented on Sherlock¡¯s behavior. ¡°Airi people grow and it¡¯s fine. At least he¡¯s changing for good.¡± I answered her and she just eyed me.


    The team has so much time spending lunch with our clients and it made me happy. They must have goodmunication with them as we all together work as one. ¡°So how about you Portia? Are you seeing someone right now?¡± A sudden question from Aleksei rang in my ear. I smiled as I blush at the thought of Levi but Levi and I agrees that we will keep this private only between us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m seeing someone special now,¡± I told them and they all cheer like kids. ¡°Really? You are just that quiet but you are already eyeing someone?¡± Seiza was shocked at my statement. I only smiled at her and change the topic. ¡°Well, it¡¯s just that. By the way, it¡¯s fun to have times like this when we eat at one table. Let¡¯s do this again sometimes.¡± I told them. I know they get the queue that I don¡¯t want to talk about it so we do change the topic.


    We decided to leave the fast-food as we realized the time now. The others decided to buy snacks at the near convenience store as it¡¯s on sale today while Sherlock and I are the only ones left to go straight back to the office. ¡°How was your food? Did you like it?¡± Sherlock asked me while we both walk our way to the building. ¡°Yes I love the food it¡¯s very delicious and the price is good too. How about you?¡± We started a conversation.


    ¡°I love the food especially now that it¡¯s very rare for me to go on a fast-food chain.¡± He said he was really excited about the food he ate earlier. ¡°Oh, yeah. She doesn¡¯t like fast-food restaurants.¡± I told him as I remember how Irene despise eating instant food. He just smiled and nodded then change the topic. ¡°Do you have meetings after lunch?¡± He asked me.


    ¡°Yes, I have at 2 pm why?¡± I answered him and we enter the building. ¡°I see. Good luck with your meeting.¡± He said cheerfully and our conversation was cut off when Irene barged in to p either me or Sherlock. ¡°So this is why you are not getting my calls?¡± She hysterically said luckily no one is around. Sherlock tries to cut her off by covering her mouth with his hand but she scratches Sherlock and Sherlock bites his lips at the feeling.


    ¡°Stop making a scene here Irene.¡± Sherlock stops her but she still wants totch on to me so Sherlock carries her and motions me to go so I did. But before I can even leave Irene manages to get down and I feel hering for my hair so I turn around to face her. ¡°What Irene?¡± I stopped her hand because she was going to throw a p at me.


    I dig my nails into her cheek to make her look me in the eye. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you are on my territory and I can call the police to get you or might as well kill you here. So if I were you get out now.¡± I said with gritted teeth. This is the first time I can finally be above her.


    I pushed her out of my way and Sherlock was about to help her but she was still pursuing to hurt me so Sherlock tried to stop him. My team and my secretary arrives running towards me. ¡°What¡¯s happenings here ma¡¯am?¡± My secretary quickly assists me. ¡°Not a big deal just call the guards and throw thatdy out of my sight and don¡¯t forget to ban her at my premises. Get a doctor for Mr. Sherlock she threw tantrums and hurt him.¡± I ordered her and take my leave.


    That mess embarrassed me so I go straight to my office once I got to my floor. I fixed myself in the bathroom and calm down so I can focus on the meetingter. I should be focusing more on the client than Irene. I fix my lipstick after brushing my teeth and sit on my chair fresh again. Alekseies to my office.


    ¡°You alright Portia?¡± He asked worriedly. ¡°I¡¯m doing fine. How about Sherlock?¡± I asked. ¡°He¡¯s doing fine. He wants me to check on you, I¡¯m sorry about what happened earlier. His girlfriend is being a little oddter since they got back here in the country.¡± Aleksei apologizes for the mess. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m doing all great.¡± I assured him. ¡°You sure? Don¡¯t worry I will make sure that Sherlock will deal with thister. I already talked about it with him.¡± Aleksei looks so embarrassed and shy.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern. I am sorry too for banning her here.¡± I politely apologize but I meant what I did earlier to shame her and I¡¯m not sorry for her. ¡°It¡¯s alright you own this building and you have the right to do so. So? I¡¯ll take my leave and deal with her.¡± Aleksei excused himself. ¡°Alright take care,¡± I told him. Now Irene how was it to be thrown out? I smiled at the thought of her being kicked out but I know for sure she won¡¯t let this slip.

 Chapter 38: Book Signing

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I am pretty excited about my day right now. It¡¯s Saturday and today is Akuji¡¯s book signing for his new book. I left my house at eight in the morning and I had breakfast at the near Cafe at the bookstore where the book signing will be held. I¡¯m excited to buy his new book and make him sign it. It will be my gift for Levi tomorrow. I look at my screen and see Levi¡¯s message.


    ¡®Don¡¯t go anywhere far and take care.¡¯ ¨C Levi


    Why does he worry so much about me? I¡¯m all good and I don¡¯t think that there is such a thing that will happen to me. I replied to him that I¡¯m just in a Cafe and he send me a GIF with a worried dinosaur. He¡¯s really cute. ¡®I¡¯ll take care don¡¯t worry.¡¯ I replied to him and he send a GIF nodding. I know he is busy when he¡¯s replying with GIFs so I didn¡¯t disturb him anymore.


    I focused on my food while scrolling down my emails. I saw an email from Aleksei about our progress. I answered the email immediately and book a schedule with my secretary for a meeting on Wednesday. A waitress gave me a caramel cake, ¡°I didn¡¯t order one miss.¡± I told her. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am a man order this for you. Here.¡± She exins and handed me a note. ¡°I see where is he?¡± I asked as I¡¯m confused. Did Levi go home early?N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°There ma¡¯am the man who wears yellow the one leaving.¡± The waitress pointed at the man but I only saw his back so I couldn¡¯t see his face. ¡°I see thank you.¡± I thanked the waitress and didn¡¯t bother to follow the stranger. The waitress takes her leave so I read the note. I think I already knew from his writing who he is.


    ¡®It¡¯s been a while, my dear daughter. How are you? Can we talk? Seven at your favorite restaurant.¡¯ ¨C Daddy.


    Just as I thought he still pull this kind of stuff like I am the one who¡¯s been the illegitimate child here. My blood boils in my thoughts but I just ate the cake to ease my mind instead of crying in anger. I didn¡¯t bother to calm him as he used to when he was sending me things like this. I finish my food, go to thefort room, and get out of the Cafe.


    It¡¯s only forty-five minutes before the book signing so I hurriedly go to the bookstore to buy a copy of Akuji¡¯s book outside. The bookstore is closed for his signing. It will be open as soon as he is ready inside the store. I look around the merchandise stalls as I waited for the program to start. I bought a doll that looks like his character and a bookmark too. How can a mystery/thriller author have this cute merchandise?


    The line starts in ten minutes so I immediately fall in line and ready my ticket. I booked a VIP ticket to make sure I will get a signature from Akuji. We enter at the bookstore where seats are already in line for VIPs down to the general Ad. I sit at my designated seat and I am in front of Akuji he¡¯s wearing a half mask on his face but his half face is seen. The author is undeniably handsome but he looks stubborn.


    He¡¯s not into smiling too like Levi. He waves at the fans and everyone shouts their heart out. He looks mysterious and I can sense authority in his aura. My eyes are on him even when the program already starts. The program started with his short speech and some games to win merchandise from him like shirts, masks, drinks, and many more.


    There will be ten winners to have an official selfie with him. The lights turn off and every time the spotlight goes to a fan, a fan will go up to the stage and have a selfie with him. The tenth spotlight stops in my seat and it made me so happy. But when I am about toe to the stage a man appeared and he approached me.


    He looks creepy so I quickly run towards the stage but he manages to reach me and stab me but I cover myself with the book and I run towards the stage. Everyone panics and run so the guards can¡¯t keep up with him. I saw some staff covering the author already and I am all alone. He reaches me and stabs me everywhere he can for four times. Until someone covers his body for me and when I looked up it was the author.


    I automatically feel dizzy as I am losing blood already. I saw the man runs away when he realized that I¡¯m not the one he was stabbing anymore. So that only means that he¡¯s really aiming for me but why? What did I do to face such trouble like this? Questions are ying in my head before my vision bes blurry and slowly turns ck.


    My scenario was switched to me and Levi reading a book. This is the night before he leaves for London. Am I just dreaming? ¡°Why are you passing out again Portia?¡± Levi asked me. Am I just dreaming? But I fought with Irene. I know it¡¯s real. Am I hallucinating right now? But Levi¡¯s hug feels so warm. I sleep in his hug and my ce switched again at the time when he said he don¡¯t want to leave anymore but I told him to.


    That hits me. My dear Levi is having hanged about what¡¯s going to happen but I ignore it. Am I gonna die? I don¡¯t want to just die here. I wanted to see Levi and tell him I love him. I want to tell him that I am already sure to have a family with him. I still want to be able to hug him and bake cookies for him. I need to fight against this. But I already saw Mom, she¡¯s currently at my house baking cake.


    ¡°Hey, sweetie! Why are you passing out?¡± Mom said as the timepse changed again. This is thest happy memory we have before the incident the only difference is I am grown up now. I hugged Mom because I miss her so much. I cried and I can¡¯t exin my happiness right now. ¡°Shhh. Stop crying, sweetie. It¡¯s alright. Mom misses you too.¡± She said and I can feel her crying. ¡°Mom please stop crying. I don¡¯t like it when you are crying.¡± Iforted her.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright my love. Mom just wants to express how much I love you. How much I miss hugging you.¡± She cried so I hug her more. ¡°But I¡¯m here now. Hug me anytime you want.¡± I told her. ¡°No. I can¡¯t do that. That will be so much selfish of me, I wanted you toe back to the life that you are starting. Grow up and have a family like I always dream about for you.¡± She told me and kisses my forehead.


    ¡°But Mom I also miss you,¡± I told her as she let go of our hug. She smiled at me. ¡°I know my dear. I always know but you still have a lot of time to enjoy. You are already starting life and that made me proud. That¡¯s why Mom won¡¯t let you be with me yet.¡± She said kissing my hands. ¡°I wanted you to forgive your dad and I wanted you to have a happy life until we can finally be together sweetie.¡± She said and I hugged her.


    This is just a dream but I want to savor every minute with her. Mom hugs me tight too and it feels like home and my time switches ces again. I am currently hugging Levi which gives the warmth like Mom as I¡¯d my brain is telling me that I already found my new home in Levi¡¯s arms. I looked into his eyes and with that, my mind went ck again as if I am falling too deep nowhere.


    I can hear someone talking but I am too tired and weak to process who it was. Am I already awake? But why my body can¡¯t move? I can feel something aching in my body, making it hard to breathe. My brain is giving amand to my eyes to open but it feels like my eyes are feeling weak too. I am feeling the rapidness of my heartbeat and it¡¯s slowing down and it makes me feel sleepy.


    But before I drifted away my eyes managed to open but it was blurry I saw someone but I can¡¯t figure out who it is. He or she is I guess with a doctor and nurse. Am I being rushed to the hospital? Can I be saved?


    I wanted to see Levi once I survived this. He¡¯s all I wanted up until myst breath. I will leave it for him that¡¯s for sure.

 Chapter 39: Meeting the author

    Airi¡¯s P. O. V:


    Portia¡¯s operation is done sessfully. Police approached me and the media too but I refuse to give any statement. I didn¡¯t know what really happened. I just received a call from the hospital that my best friend is stabbed multiple times. Whoever did this aims to kill her. But why? She never had any fight or argument with anyone. She¡¯s always nice and easy to approach.


    The policee over again asking me if Portia is already awake. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have any response yet,¡± I answered them. ¡°Will you notify us, ma¡¯am? She might be a victim of the serial killer lurking in the other town.¡± The police said and it creeps the hell out of me. Portia survived and the killer might be after her again. ¡°Can you give Portia maximum security?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am we are just everywhere in the building.¡± The Police said and hand me a card. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I thanked them before they leave. I got inside my best friend¡¯s room I saw the doctors with Jean checking her. ¡°Her heart is already responding Jean. We will be going now.¡± The doctors said. ¡°How was it?¡± I asked him. Jean is off duty when the hospital calls him too about Portia¡¯s condition.


    ¡°We are just thankful the author who saved her knows some first aid.¡± He answered and handed me cold coffee that he gets from the refrigerator. ¡°How was the author doing too?¡± I asked in concern. ¡°He¡¯s still not awake too. My operation on him got pretty dangerous as it almost reaches his heart.¡± Jean exins. He¡¯s exhausted and sleepy. It took him six hours as the de got stuck in the victim¡¯s body.


    Portia on the other hand received four multiple deep cuts that cause her to lose blood easily. dly the authority came faster with an ambnce and the author also perform first aid on Portia before he losses his consciousness. ¡°I hope she wakes up. It¡¯s already Sunday now.¡± I eximed as I look at Portia¡¯s angelic face sleeping. ¡°She will don¡¯t worry her vitals are already doing good,¡± Jean said as he checks on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep for a while Airi. Take care of Portia.¡± Jean told me and heys on the sofa near the door. I on the other hand sit on the couch near Portia. I took a magazine to read as I wait if Portia will wake up. I also make sure that I am also aware of my surroundings as the police told us that they didn¡¯t catch the perpetrator yet. After getting bored of reading magazines I sip my coffee and open a bag of cookies to eat.


    I heard a knock on our door so I came to look for the visitor. I opened it to see who it was with my guard up but I saw a very handsome man sitting in a wheelchair. ¡°Hello, I am the author of the ident.¡± He introduced himself. ¡°Yes, what can I help you with?¡± I asked him. ¡°May I check her?¡± He said so I let him in. ¡°Sure, you can check her,¡± I told him and I sit on the couch while he checks on Portia. He is holding a pen and a book with him.


    The author is indeed young and very sexy. His eyes are pink and his lips look like temptation. He writes something on the book and on a sticky note that he sticks to the book. He also left his autograph on the book and handed it to me. ¡°Please give it to her when she wakes up. We missed a selfie and a book signing.¡± He said as he handed me the book.


    ¡°Yes, sure I¡¯ll give it to her. I hope for your recovery too.¡± I said. ¡°Thank you so much. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± He excused himself. ¡°Do you want me to help you go to your room?¡± I suggested but before he could even answer the door went wide open. A man that looks at his college days enters. ¡°You worry the hell out of me Al.¡± He said in relief. ¡°I just look after my reader.¡± He said and the mane near him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for our interruption. I¡¯ll be bringing him with me now.¡± The man told me. ¡°Let¡¯s go now?¡± He asked the author and he nodded back. They both leave Portia¡¯s room. The guy is still you but I think I have seen him somewhere. I look at the book the author gave me. It¡¯s the same book that Portia covers her body. The police get that one as part of the crime scene.


    I put the book on the bedside table and sit on the couch again. An hour had passed and I am feeling sleepy already. Jean woke up and stretched like a cat. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna buy food for us Airi.¡± Jean excused himself after going to thefort room. ¡°Yes, thank you. Will you also buy me some potato chips? I¡¯m getting sleepy.¡± I told him. ¡°Sure, sure. Watch out for Portia okay?¡± He said and I nodded.


    After Jean leaves, I go to Portia¡¯s bed to fix her pillows and change her nket. When I heard a knock. I hurriedly open the door and saw two nurses and a very handsome and dignified man. ¡°We are going to check Ms. Portia. And we also escort Mr. Everett here.¡± One of the nurses exins and I let them in. He goes straight to Portia and looks at her state. His face has no remorse but his aura filled the air in this room with tension as I know how worried he is.


    He calledst night and I told him what happened his whole existence is more scarier than the phone call we hadst night. The nurses check every bit of Portia and Mr. Everett looks in my direction. ¡°What happened?¡± His calm yet terrifying voice asked me. ¡°She got stabbed four times at the book signing and the culprit is still lurking around,¡± I exined in summary as I suddenly feel scared. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you have someone to look after Portia? No Police or guards?¡± He said and his slit eyes are like killing me.


    ¡°They say they are just around the building,¡± I answered and he dialed someone to look after us. The nurses finished running tests on Portia¡¯s body. ¡°Her vitals and her wounds are already copping up and she is in a good state now. Let¡¯s just wait for you to be awake Mr. Everett.¡± The nurses said and he motions them to leave. After the nurse leaves he hurriedly goes to Portia¡¯s side and kissed her hand. He might be so worried.


    So I just let him do whatever he wanted. I just sit on the couch near the door to wait for Jean. Mr. Everett whispered something to Portia. It must be sweet as I analyze his gestures. Maybe he¡¯s telling Portia to wake up because it kills him. He kisses Portia on the forehead nose down to lips. He doesn¡¯t even care if there are tubes and stuff on Portia¡¯s body. He¡¯s just caressing and kissing her with all his love.


    My best friend really finds a great man to take care of her and it¡¯s a sign of relief to me. He sits beside me and offers me gum. ¡°I told her not to go anywhere.¡± Mr. Everett started the conversation. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know you warned her already. I should havee with her.¡± I apologized as soon as I get the gum. ¡°It¡¯s nobody¡¯s fault but we have to know who did this.¡± He said. ¡°The police can¡¯t find a clue to the suspect. And they think that my best friend is a victim of a serial killer.¡± I cried in fear.


    Mr. Everett patted my back and I stop crying in shyness. He handed me a tissue box and we went silent in the meantime. ¡°I¡¯ll have two guards outside this door and two guards at each corner charge for Portia. I¡¯ll just handle some things for her case.¡± He said and stand up. Jean then enters before Mr. Everett could leave. ¡°I¡¯m here. Let¡¯s eat?¡± He said when he enters.


    Jean was shocked to see Mr. Everett he immediately fix his posture and greeted him nicely. ¡°Good Afternoon Mr. Everett. How was your day?¡± He said with respect. ¡°I¡¯m doing good Dr. Chryses. Nice to see you here.¡± He said. ¡°The patient is my friend sir.¡± He politely answered. ¡°I see. Take care of Portia, I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Mr. Everett said and take his leave.


    ¡°Do you know him?¡± I asked him and his eyes widen at me. ¡°Of course, he is the owner of this hospital.¡± He said and it shocked me. ¡°Why? What makes you shocked?¡± He asked confused while he readies our food. ¡°Why did hee here? He usually never checks the patients.¡± He said. ¡°He came for Portia. He¡¯s Portia¡¯s boyfriend.¡± I admitted to him and it shocks him. ¡°The one she¡¯s talking about she met at the party?¡± Jean was a shock. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered and took a piece of chicken. That left his jaw dropped and we just bothughed. How lucky our Portia is!N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

 Chapter 40: Wake Up Portia

    Airi¡¯s P. O. V:


    It¡¯s evening and Portia is not yet awake. Jean leave for his duty already and I am getting sleepy. Mr. Everett returned already with food in his hands. ¡°Eat.¡± He said and give me a stic of food. ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked him. ¡°You should take a rest after this.¡± He said. ¡°Can I go home? I¡¯ll just change clothes.¡± I asked if it was okay. ¡°Sure, you can also sleep and get back tomorrow. I¡¯ll take care of her.¡± He said and sit beside Portia.


    I started opening the food and saw him kissing Portia¡¯s hand. ¡°Are you done having dinner?¡± I asked him and he looks at me. ¡°Yes, enjoy your food.¡± He said. I put the other foods on the fridge for himter. I eat and look at the messages for Portia. I answered on behalf of her and then I look through my emails. ¡°You have meetings tomorrow?¡± He asked and I nodded. ¡°Attend everything for Portia. I¡¯ll be staying here don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll just notify you when she wakes up.¡± Mr. Everett said and I feel relieved.


    ¡°Thank you for helping us.¡± I thanked him and he just nodded. He busies himself with Portia, he cleans Portia¡¯s face and hands. He also cleans Portia¡¯s pillowcase and nket. He took care of Portia so I don¡¯t have to worry about going home. I suddenly feel sad for both of them. I don¡¯t know much about their rtionship but all I know is they are both fighting for each other. I finished eating and I fix all the trash I made and clean the table.


    I fix myself in thefort room so that when I get out I can go straight home. When I get out of thefort room I saw Mr. Everett leaning his head beside Portia. He was already asleep so I fixed my bag and when I was about to leave I woke him up. He opens his eyes and looked at me, it was intimidating. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving your food is on the fridge just microwave it if you are hungry. Here is my card, call me once she wakes up. Thank you so much.¡± I said and he nodded.


    ¡°Take care.¡± He said and goes back to sleep again. Maybe he still has jeg from his flight so I just let him be. I headed outside the hospital where my car is parked.


    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    I opened my eyes in a room filled with flowers. I saw Levi sleeping beside me so I woke him up but he doesn¡¯t want to be bothered. ¡°Where are we, Levi?¡± I asked him but he was still not awake so I get out of bed and roam around the room. The flowers are indeed beautiful and everything around here is so pretty like I am in a dream. I found a door in the middle end of the room.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I run through it and open it hoping to find fresh air and sunlight. But the moment I open the room I saw the man who stabbed me. He runs after me but dly I automatically closed the door. I run to Levi but every time I tried to reach him he be far from me. The killer is almost done destroying the door. I run and run until I can reach Levi. But when I reached him the killer also reach me.


    He¡¯s going to stab me but I manage to dodge it. He swings two knives to catch me so I run. I saw him stab Levi but Levi disappeared. I run at the door and the killer catches me but I bite his hand and run outside the door. I saw Levi there waiting for me and as soon as I reached him the killer suddenly appeared and stab him but he disappeared again and he appeared in front of me.


    Levi hugged me and we both fell onto something very ck. I can¡¯t see the end of it but Levi is holding my hand it made me strong and brave even if I don¡¯t know where would we will exactlynd or if there is an end to this. When wend it¡¯s still dark and I can¡¯t see anything even Levi. But I can feel his hand holding me so I don¡¯t feel scared. My body feels heavy and my head hurts it also feels like I amying on a soft mattress.


    I can feel my legs but I can feel something heavy on my left hand. I closed my eyes again to feel what was inside this dark ce. Then I tried to open my eyes. My eyes feel heavy but I manage to open them. As I opened my eyes I feel like I open my ears too. I heard someone talking. I closed my eyes again as I can¡¯t handle the sudden light, it feels like it was poking my eyes.


    Narrator¡¯s P. O. V:


    Levi wakes up at Portia holding his hand. Portia is shaking and her heartbeat is fastening. Levi called the doctors immediately not letting go of Portia¡¯s hand. ¡°Everything will be fine Portia. Hold on.¡± Levi told to his dearest Portia with all his heart. He was worried you can see it through his eyes. His collected aura left his existence as he sees Portia suffers. A minute after his call, the room is now filled with doctors responding to Portia¡¯s sudden body changes.


    Even with the doctors running tests on Portia, Levi didn¡¯t let go of her hand praying to God she will be saved. He holds her hand tight as Portia holds on for her life. He makes sure in every breath she takes he is beside her. Relief was in everyone¡¯s eyes when she finally opens her eyes and her heartbeat slowly returns to its normal beat. A word left her mouth.


    ¡°Levi.¡±


    A word escape her mouth the only person she always wanted to call. Her reasons in life. The reason she wanted to fight and lose. Hearing Portia¡¯s voice on the other hand made Levi feel that he can now breathe. His heartbeat was now again beating fast and irregrly because she is here now. A heavy sigh left his beautiful lips as he saw the only love of his life alive. Thorns and debris left Levi¡¯s heart as he saw her beautiful eyes looking and only searching for him.


    He wees her with a warm hug and he whispered things to her that will make her blood rush and send her cheeks on a tinted red rush if she¡¯s only in a normal state. ¡°I love you.¡± He whispered. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you my dear Portia. You made it.¡± He whispered. Portia cries and hugs him. ¡°I miss you.¡± She cried but Levi quickly dried does tears away. ¡°Shh, don¡¯t cry. It may be bad for you.¡± Sheforts her. He left a kiss on Portia¡¯s forehead as the doctor excuse themselves to check on Portia.


    Levi leaves the room without any worries in his mind but he never forgets Airi whose also waiting for her best friend. He made a call which Airi quickly answered. ¡°She¡¯s awakee back here.¡± He said. ¡°Okay, wait for me I¡¯ll be there,¡± Airi said hurriedly dressing up like a hurricane. Worries are lifted from her chest finally she can have a good rest as she knows her best friend is alright. Levi hangs up the phone and walks in a circle waiting for the doctor¡¯s words.


    Most and for all he¡¯s excited to get back in to hug his only love. The doctor then gets out with Dr. Jean. Dr. Jean speaks about Portia¡¯s condition to him. ¡°Portia is doing great now. We just needed to run some tests for her full recovery but we can assure you she is a hundred percent safe now.¡± Dr. Jean exins and he patted his shoulder. ¡°Thank you for taking care of things. I¡¯ll get inside.¡± Levi thanked him and he storm into Portia¡¯s room immediately.


    They both smile at each other. The smile they both long for how many days. It¡¯s only a week that they don¡¯t see each other but those smiles matter so much to them. Especially to Levi, it¡¯s a gift to see Portia smiling at him as they both battle the battle of life and death. ¡°How are you?¡± They both ask each other. ¡°I¡¯m doing good.¡± Portia cries. ¡°I thought I was going to wait for you a thousand years,¡± Levi said and kiss Portia on her lips.


    ¡°I won¡¯t make you wait that long.¡± Portia smiles at his statement. ¡°But if you decided to y around and made me wait a thousand years. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± He admits not looking at his love like he was shy. ¡°Me too. If ever I won¡¯t be able to see the way back home. I¡¯ll never get tired of walking until I found my way back to you.¡± Portia hugs Levi thanking God she is now with him.


    Airi cleared her throat and it shocks both of them.

 Chapter 41: The Killer鈥檚 Face Pt. 1

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Airi enters my hospital room where Levi and I are having a heart-to-heart talk. ¡°Did I disturb both of you?¡± She asked ying innocent. ¡°Not really,¡± Levi answered fixing himself. ¡°Well then.¡± Airi shrugging off the thought already. She almost jumps into me. Her eyes are teary and she hugs me tight. ¡°I miss you. I thought you are going to leave me.¡± Airi cries. ¡°Shh, it¡¯s alright.¡± I calmed her down.


    I hugged her too. ¡°I¡¯m here. I won¡¯t leave you.¡± I told her as Ibed her hair with my fingers. I cried too and Levi handed us a tissue. ¡°Do you want me to leave so you can talk? I¡¯ll buy both of you drinks.¡± Levi told us and we both nodded. ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Everett.¡± Airi thanked Levi. ¡°Just Levi is fine.¡± He said. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. What do you want for drinks?¡± Levi asked us. ¡°Anything will do. Levi.¡± We both answered and weugh.


    Levi find us weird and he just shrugged his shoulder and leave. ¡°Are you okay now? Where does it hurt? Did the doctors already check you?¡± Airi worriedly asked me. ¡°I¡¯m good Airi don¡¯t worry. How about you? How was your day?¡± I asked her so her worries will ease. ¡°The doctor said I just have to recover from my wounds then I can be discharged,¡± I added and she smiles at me. ¡°You are so brave, Portia. You fight the life and death situation. Imagine that killer stabbed you in the heart.¡± She said and tears again left her eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what happened but I wanted to fight. I had a dream about mom and she said I need to go on with life.¡± I told her about my dream. ¡°I wanted to thank you mom for still guiding you. Even in this kind of situation.¡± She said and get herself some water. ¡°You want some water?¡± She asked me. ¡°Yes please,¡± I said. ¡°Mom will always be at my side no matter what will be the situation Airi.¡± I continued the story. ¡°I know because she loves you.¡± Airi agreed with me.


    ¡°But what I wanted to focus on right now is the perpetrator.¡± Airi bes serious. ¡°Oh, yes. I didn¡¯t see his whole face but I can remember his eyes.¡± I told her. Trying to remember what happened that day. ¡°Hey don¡¯t stress yourself, Portia. It¡¯s alright, get well first. The police are doing their best to find the criminal.¡± Airi sits beside me and gave me water.


    ¡°All I can remember is I was going to take a selfie with the author and someone stab me,¡± I told her and she cupped my face. ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself.¡± She said and kiss my forehead. ¡°By the way. The author leaves you this.¡± Airi remembers something and gets a book from the drawer. ¡°Here.¡± Airi handed me a book with Akuji¡¯s note. His signature is written on the front page.


    I hugged Airi in excitement. ¡°Oh my thank you. I thought I won¡¯t be having his signature anymore.¡± I said in happiness. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t thank me. Thank him because he remembers you and left his card with a note.¡± Airi said and gave the paper to me so I can read the note. The note says that he can help find the perpetrator. ¡°He said he can help me find the killer when I¡¯m ready,¡± I told her and I saw Leviing in.


    ¡°Who? Tell me. So I can talk to whoever that person is?¡± Levi said as hees in. ¡°Levi calm down. It¡¯s Akuji the author who saves her.¡± Airi told him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Levi told me and kiss me on my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t mind. You can even call the police. I¡¯m even ready to give my statement.¡± I told him. He hugs me, Levi and Airi looked at each other and asked me. ¡°Are you sure? Because they are literally waiting outside?¡± Airi told me.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure.¡± I look at them in confusion. ¡°You might be stressed. You should rest first.¡± Airi tries to change the topic. ¡°No, let her be Airi. My woman told me that she can so let¡¯s respect her will.¡± Levi said and handed Airi a bubble tea. ¡°I¡¯m worried about this.¡± Airi is overprotective again. ¡°Calm down brat she will just be questioned.¡± He said and grabbed Airi at the chair to sit on. ¡°Sit and rx. I¡¯ll call them outside.¡± Levi said and handed me a fruit shake.


    ¡°Drink this first.¡± He said and kiss my forehead. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± I thanked him. ¡°I¡¯ll just call them. Remember that we are just here if you needed us okay?¡± He said and I nodded. He went outside and call the police in charge of my case. Meanwhile, I sent a message to Mr. Akuji I told him I¡¯m ready for questioning. In just a minute the Police are already in my room. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Portia.¡± The police near my age started the conversation.


    ¡°I¡¯m Neil and this is Marlon my assistant in this case.¡± They introduced themselves. Levi is eyeing them like a predator touching his territory. I almostugh at his actions. ¡°Nice to meet you too,¡± I said. ¡°We are going to ask some questions about what happened this will only take a moment.¡± The other one exins which I agree with. ¡°Can we wait for someone?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes. Who it is ma¡¯am?¡± Marlon asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Author who helped me,¡± I told them. ¡°That person ignored our invitation,¡± Neil said. ¡°Trust me, he¡¯s going to help,¡± I told him. ¡°Okay then let¡¯s wait,¡± Neil answered and we waited for almost five minutes. ¡°I¡¯m already here.¡± A man¡¯s voice echoed in my room and the author finally enters his wheelchair with a guy like a college student.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Good day everyone.¡± He started. ¡°Good day Mr. Alistair.¡± The police greeted him. ¡°I am ready to narrate my part and I brought a witness too.¡± The author announced that shocks all of us in the room. ¡°May we know who is your witness?¡± The police asked. ¡°Me.¡± The guy on the author¡¯s back. ¡°I saw the guy.¡± He stated. ¡°I see let¡¯s start with Ms. Portia and we will ask for your side too.¡± The police told us.


    ¡°Are you ready Ms. Portia? Everything you said here will be recorded and will be used as evidence by the investigation and the court.¡± The police formally stated and I answered. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s started at the convention hall of the Mayford Bookstore.¡± I started. ¡°I am sitting at the VIP section of the event and then everything went ck and as the spotlight stops a winner will be called to have a selfie with the author,¡± I added trying to remember everything. ¡°I was calledst. When I am about to go to the stage a man approached me. I thought he was a staff but he looks creepy.¡± I continued.


    I am trying my best to remember everything to make sure I won¡¯t miss any details. It¡¯s kind of blurry to me vision but I can remember everything. ¡°He just got near me and stabbed me like I am really his target. I manage to dodge some of his attacks until the author blocks me and he stops as soon as he stabs him and runs away.¡± I told them what I can clearly remember.


    ¡°Did you see his face?¡± Neil asked me. ¡°All I see is his brown eyes as he is covered with a mask. But he has a thunder tattoo on his left hand. He also has a scar on that part of his hand.¡± I said. ¡°He¡¯s left-handed too,¡± I said. I tried to think more if I missed out on any details. That guy is wearing a grey hoodie and amon surgical mask. He also wears a ne with an A sign. ¡°The guy also wears a ne with A as a pendant,¡± I said in detail.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I can remember because my eyes already feel heavy and blurry at that time.¡± I honestly told them. ¡°How about his height?¡± One of the police asked. ¡°He¡¯s about six feet tall.¡± The author said that the witness and I agree. ¡°How about you Mr. Alistair? Are you ready to give your statement?¡± The police asked him and all eyes are on him now.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ready.¡± He answered. And everyone is ready for his statement.


    ¡°Everyone panicked at his sudden action. Me too I thought he was one of the staff. I hurriedly go to help her as everyone starts to be out of control and runs everywhere.¡± The author started.


    ¡°I know that his target is Portia. If I am a killer if I don¡¯t point at someone I will be happy just stabbing everyone around me running. But he has his intentions. His eyes are only aimed at Portia. When he stabbed me I was able to look closer at his face. His eyes surface are red and he looks like a middle-aged man. He has brown hair too as I tried to pull off his hood.¡± He said in detail.


    The tension is now thickening the air as everyone hears his side.

 Chapter 42: The Killer鈥檚 Face. Pt. 2

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    The tension is now thickening the air as everyone listens to Akuji¡¯s side. ¡°I know that his target is Portia. If I am a killer if I don¡¯t point at someone I will be happy just stabbing everyone around me running. But he has his intentions. His eyes are only aimed at Portia. When he stabbed me I was able to look closer at his face. His eyes surface are red and he looks like a middle-aged man. He has brown hair too as I tried to pull off his hood.¡± He said in detail.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t feel the pain of his stab he is using a very sharp knife that you won¡¯t see it cut.¡± He exins. ¡°I was so shocked to see blood gushing out from my back,¡± Akuji added. ¡°Can you tell me what he looks based on your point of view?¡± One of the police asked. ¡°He has brown hair, it almost looks like an army cut. He¡¯s in his 40s and he also has a very masculine body like he¡¯s some kind of a bouncer in a club.¡± Akuji tells in detail.


    ¡°To be honest I suggested my staff review all the workers that day because something is off from the very start of the show,¡± Akuji confessed to them. ¡°The lineup for all the selfie parts was odd.¡± He said. ¡°What do you mean by odd?¡± The police questioned him. ¡°It¡¯s should be VIP, press a and b then the general Ad but it¡¯s mixed up and thest stop is for VIP. I am surely aware that there is something that¡¯s going to happen.¡± Akuji continues.


    ¡°I really thought that I will be killed by thest call and when I saw Portia being stabbed I was relief for myself but then I feel responsible for her safety,¡± Akuji said. I honestly feel thankful that he has a sense of kindness in his body because if it¡¯s not because of him. I know for sure that I will be dead and gone by now. ¡°She is my fan and she is my responsibility.¡± He stated.


    ¡°The killer is not on the staff or team of workers at the event. He breaks in at the venue and messes up the situation to kill Portia.¡± Akuji said. ¡°We have the copy of CCTV¡¯s already sir. You can watch it for an extra clue.¡± The young man told the police. ¡°And you Mr. Witness what¡¯s your role here?¡± The police asked the young man. ¡°When Akuji chatted me that someone is messing with the program I quickly look for all the possible situations why it happens or something suspicious.¡± The guys started.


    ¡°Why is that necessary?¡± The police questioned him. ¡°Many death threats are found in Akuji¡¯s mailbox recently from an unknown source. As his Assistant I should be protecting my boss at all cause.¡± The young man speaks. ¡°By the way let me introduce myself. I am Ichigo his assistant.¡± The young man introduced himself. ¡°I bumped into the guy and he is not wearing a mask that time. I didn¡¯t mind him at first as he is wearing a uniform of staff in our team.¡± Ichigo exins.


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit that I am so reckless at the job that I didn¡¯t realize earlier that he is not one of our staff because we only have 15 staff and the others are hired from an agency.¡± He continues to exin his side. ¡°When I finally confirms that he was not our staff I waste. They are both already stabbed. So I did my best to draw him.¡± Ichigo said and handed a paper to the police. It¡¯s the sketch of the criminal.


    ¡°We also received death threats from that man. Or someone saying that Portia should be dead by now if it¡¯s not because of Mr. Alistair being a hero of the day. Someone also posted on social media that Akuji¡¯s being a hero destroys his/her n.¡± Ichigo said that making my eyes widen. Someone really wants me to die. ¡°Here. Take a look at this ount and this evidence.¡± Ichigo handed the police pieces of evidence.


    ¡°Ms. Portia, did you tell anyone about going to the book signing?¡± Marlon one of the police asked. I shook my head in response. ¡°I only told Airi that I am going to a bookstore when I was about to be chosen to have a selfie with Akuji. That was the very time I told her that I am in a book signing.¡± I told them the truth. ¡°Ms. Airi did both of you have an argument that makes you feel angry?¡± Niel asked.


    ¡°Wait are you telling me that I am a suspect now? Well, I have pieces of evidence that I am in a spa with Seiza our friend and I have a copy of our conversation.¡± Airi was shocked at the police¡¯s sudden attitude. ¡°Sir, I personally won¡¯t think that my best friend will do that. Airi is the one taking care of me plus we didn¡¯t have any argument.¡± I told the police to protect my friend. ¡°She¡¯s also the one who brings me here and the one who takes care of me,¡± I said to them.


    ¡°Then do you have someone whom you had an argument with?¡± The police asked me. ¡°Yes, with Irene Wales. We fight because of her boyfriend. She thinks that his boyfriend is cheating but more likely it¡¯s the both of them fighting.¡± I told them. ¡°We will look through that do you have any evidence of the fight?¡± The police asked me. ¡°Yes, we have a CCTV cam at that part of the office,¡± I told them. ¡°I see. Let¡¯s look at the sketch of the criminal and see if they are the same as you see.¡± The police told us.


    ¡°Here, take a look at this Ms. Portia and Mr. Alistair,¡± Neil said and disy Ichigo¡¯s drawing. ¡°Yes, If you cover his face with a mask he is exactly the same as the sketch,¡± I admitted. ¡°How about you Mr. Alistair?¡± They asked the author and he looks at it too. ¡°Yes, he is exactly the same as the one who stabbed me.¡± The author admitted. ¡°Well then this confirms and we will bring this to the station now. We will be contacting all of you if we still have questions.¡± Marlon said.


    ¡°For now take care and get some rest so both of you can recover fast. Good luck.¡±Neil said and with that, they leave with Levi apanying them. ¡°Thank you so much Mr. Alistair for helping me.¡± I cried in thankfulness. Alistair holds my hand. ¡°Stop crying. I will help you with this okay? I know it¡¯s traumatic for you so don¡¯t worry too much I will be with you until the end.¡± The author assured me.


    ¡°Thank you for helping my friend. Airi.¡± Airi introduced herself to Mr. Alistair. ¡°No problem,¡± Akuji answered and with that, his assistant whispered something to him that made them decide to leave. ¡°Anyways we will take our leave. We still have so many things to do.¡± Akuji told us. ¡°Yes, thank you so much. Until next time.¡± I said and holds Airi¡¯s hand. Ichigo pushes Akuji¡¯s wheelchair and they bumped into Levi. They bid goodbyes and Levi opens the door for them.


    ¡°Hey, Airi don¡¯t think about it too much. I trust you.¡± I assured her. ¡°I feel so shy to you. I should have juste with you. No matter what happens Portia always remembers that I will be at your side and I won¡¯t do such a thing to you.¡± Airi said and hugs me. ¡°I know. I know. I trust you.¡± I calmed her. She¡¯s not crying or minding the situation but I know it frustrated her. Levi returns andes to us.


    ¡°Are both of doing great? Don¡¯t mind it. I¡¯ll handle everything about this case just take your rest. You too Airi you didn¡¯t have any sleep yet.¡± Levi said and kisses me on the forehead. ¡°Get well Lady, I badly wanted to have a date with you.¡± He said that made me and Airi giggled.


    ¡°Why are youughing? What¡¯s funny?¡± He asked and his sharp eyes gave us a death re. We shut up as we feel scary. ¡°Why both of you stopped?¡± Levi confusedly asks and his brows are frowning. ¡°Anyways I¡¯ll leave Portia to you Levi. I still have meetings on behalf of her.¡± Airi changes the topic. ¡°Yes. You can go now.¡± Levi said still confused about the both of us. Airi kissed me on the cheeks. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave. Take care I¡¯ll be back at midnight.¡± Airi said. ¡°You too take care, especially when driving,¡± I told Airi and she waves at me as she takes her leave.


    ¡°You?¡± Levi said and pinned on my hospital bed. Iughed at his actions. ¡°What?¡± I asked but instead of answering, he kissed me. A soft, gentle, and lovely kiss sent me to the edge.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

 Chapter 43: Home Sweet Home

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    ¡°You sure you are okay now? Is there something that still hurts?¡± Levi asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing good now,¡± I told him as I fix myself in the mirror. Today is my discharge date and we are currently packing our things. Levi is now preparing my bag and my medicines. ¡°The doctor said it is good for me to go home now so I can have fresh air and rest,¡± I exined to him what the doctor advise. ¡°I see. When will youe back here for a check-up?¡± Levi asked me.


    ¡°I will be back next week so they can see the wounds healing,¡± I told him while I put clips on my hair. ¡°Airi won¡¯t being today. She will attend the annual meeting for your project. So where do you want to go after this?¡± Levi exins to me. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Let¡¯s go home while I think.¡± I answered and hug him from behind. ¡°Okay. Do you want me to order food for the both of us?¡± He asked while closing my bags he stopped and kiss my hand.


    ¡°What does mydy wants for breakfast?¡± He asked me. I giggled at his actions, this man is really romantic. ¡°Can you cook anything for me?¡± I said. ¡°Yes, but are you sure? You don¡¯t want anything fancy?¡± He asked. ¡°No, I just want some freshly cooked food when we go home. Anything as long as you cooked it.¡± I told him. I suddenly miss homemade foods.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go now so we can still have breakfast.¡± Levi said and holds my hands as we go out. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you in the lobby. I will just clear some papers.¡± Levi said as we ride the elevator. I leaned my head on him while we are waiting for the ground floor turn. We went silent for the whole elevator ride. Many people ride the elevator too and we don¡¯t want to bother them.


    We reach the ground floor and he escorts me to one of the sofas in the lobby. ¡°Wait here okay? I¡¯ll just pass your discharge papers.¡± Levi said to me and I nodded. I kind of feel weak as my body still feels sore and hurt. I look around the lobby of the hospital as I wait for Levi. This hospital is very busy and everyone is always in rush. I saw a kid sitting in a wheelchair. She has an Ivy fluid and a cast on her right hand. Her mother looks so worried and troubled.


    On the other side, nurses and doctors are rushing with a patient that is vomiting blood. But the whole lobby of this hospital looks like a hotel lobby at first. This hospital looks so expensive but is always full. The right corner is full of people in thene for Out Patient Department. They all have hopes to be checked up by the doctors avable today. Time flew fast as I heard Levi¡¯s voice approach me.


    He appears at my back. ¡°You looking for something?¡± Levi asked me. ¡°Oh, sorry I just look around to see what people are doing,¡± I told him. ¡°Are you done?¡± I ask and faced him. ¡°Yes, we can go home now,¡± Levi said to me. He gets the bags and my stuff and we both go to the parking area to find his car. His car is at the first part of the parking entrance with only one spot for him. Is he the owner? The sign said only for owners.


    I didn¡¯t mind asking him and I just went inside the car as soon as he opens the door for me. ¡°Are you okay? You are being quiet.¡± He asked when he enters the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°I was just feeling tired. I am missing my bed.¡± Iined to him and he smiles. ¡°Such a whinydy.¡± He said and kiss me on my cheeks as he put the seatbelt on me. ¡°Hang in there we will go home.¡± He said and we drive away.


    We arrive at my house quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll just put the bags inside. Wait for me here.¡± He said and I nodded. He quickly put our luggage inside my house and when hees back he carries me bridal style directly to my bedroom. ¡°Hey, you don¡¯t have to carry me like this. I can walk don¡¯t worry.¡± I giggled as we reach the stairs. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You look so tired.¡± He said and kisses my forehead. ¡°Thank you for taking care of me Mister.¡± I thank him and lean my head on his chest.


    Heys me down in the bed and fixes the pillow for me. ¡°Just rest here okay? I¡¯ll cook as food.¡± He said. ¡°Okay, I will. Can you just call me if the food is ready?¡± I asked and he nodded while getting one of my bags. ¡°Here. I put your books and things there. You might want to get things there. I¡¯ll be just downstairs. Call me when you needed something. I put water at your bedside table if you get thirsty.¡± He exins and leaves the room.


    I rx in my bed. ¡°How do I miss this soft mattress?¡± I eximed. Well, the bed at the hospital is indeed soft but this bed feels sofortable than that one in the hospital. I opened the bag Levi handed me and get the book out from the bag. ¡°I wanted to read this with Leviter,¡± I told myself and put it on the top of the bedside table. I drink water and I slowly feel sleepy so I decided to take a nap.


    I was in my dreand when I feel someone waking me up. I slowly opened my eyes to see who it is and I found Levi only an inch away from my face. ¡°The food is ready.¡± He said and gave me a peck. ¡°Fix yourself. I¡¯ll wait for you downstairs.¡± He said and leaves. I heard him say something as he go downstairs. ¡°Hurry up Portia the food is getting cold.¡± He half shouted.


    I quickly go to my bathroom and fix myself. I brush my teeth and wash my face then go downstairs. I saw him sitting in the dining room already. ¡°Wow, all of this looks yummy.¡± Iplimented as I smell the El Nido soup whose served perfectly on the dining table.


    ¡°I hope you like it. I learned that dish from one of our maids.¡± He exins. There are also fried fish, kimchi, rice, and bulgogi a Korean dish that is pretty popr in our town recently. ¡°This is my first time eating Korean-style food,¡± I told him. ¡°Really? I like that dish when I go to Korea so I learned how to cook it.¡± He said. ¡°It looks so good. I¡¯ll have a quick taste.¡± I told him and he readies my te with food.


    ¡°Here. Try it first.¡± He said. I put a spoonful in my mouth and it¡¯s awesome. The beef is melting in my mouth and it¡¯s very vorful. ¡°Wow, this is perfect.¡± Iplimented the food. ¡°Thank you for cooking this today. I feel energetic suddenly.¡± I told him and he frowns. ¡°Why are you suddenly so yful.¡± He said confused. I giggled at his reaction. ¡°I don¡¯t know I just found this food very vorful and I love it,¡± I told him.


    He then smiles at me. ¡°Eat as much as you can so you will easily gain energy. Then let¡¯s rest upstairs after eating.¡± He said. ¡°Can you read me the new story Akuji have?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes, sure.¡± He agreed with me. ¡°I got that boom for you,¡± I told him remembering my purpose at the book signing. I should be surprising him when hees back from his trip but the ident happens. Levi is waving his hand at me as I passed out again.


    ¡°Are you okay? What are you thinking?¡± He looks worried. ¡°I just want to surprise you that day but the surprise bes messy.¡± I feel so sad that I didn¡¯t seed in my n. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m okay as long as you ate here.¡± He said and holds my hand and looked at me with assurance. ¡°But my n didn¡¯t work.¡± I bit my lips as I remember that I caused him so much worry these past few days.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it too much. Okay? Let¡¯s eat now and I¡¯ll read the book for you.¡± He said and he put a spoonful of bulgogi in my mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll feed you if you don¡¯t feel good.¡± He offers me. ¡°No, I¡¯m good,¡± I told him. We eat in peace until he speaks again. ¡°Let¡¯s have a date tomorrow. Where do you want to go?¡± He suggested. ¡°Can we go on an arcade date?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°An arcade?¡± He rify to me and I nodded. ¡°Well?¡± He thinks for a moment but I looked at him with pleading eyes. He smiled a little again and answered.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s have an arcade date tomorrow.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Chapter 44: Arcade Date

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    Levi and I decided to have an arcade date today. We are currently getting ready for our date when I received a call from Airi. ¡°Hey, where are you?¡± She asked me as soon as I picked up the phone. ¡°I¡¯m currently in my house. Levi and I will go on a date.¡± I excitedly told her. ¡°Really? Both of you be careful huh?¡± She said.


    ¡°Yes, I will. You too be careful.¡± I answered her. ¡°Enjoy your date sweetie. But please be mindful of your surroundings. I¡¯m going on a meeting.¡± She said before she hangs up. ¡°Yes. Take care Airi.¡± I bid goodbye to her. Such a sweetheart she is. Levi enters my room and back hugs me. ¡°Ready on our date?¡± He asked me while helping me with my ne.


    ¡°You look so beautiful even with casual clothes,¡± Levi whispered in my ear as he tucks my hair behind it. I faced him and gave him a peck on the lips. ¡°You are such a sweet talker. Don¡¯t you?¡± I joked at him. He then kissed my forehead. ¡°I am not joking. You look beautiful.¡± He said and holds my hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go now so we can still watch the sunsetter.¡± He said and we walk hand in hand downstairs.


    ¡°Get in the car. I¡¯m just gonna make sure everything is locked.¡± Levi said and I nodded he handed me his keys and go straight to his car. It took him five whole minutes to double-check everything. He really makes sure that nobody will try to sneak in. The ident causes him a little overprotective.


    He rides the car and starts the engine. ¡°What took you so long?¡± I asked him and he looks at me. ¡°I make sure that even the backdoor and windows are locked.¡± He exins. I hold his hand whole before he drives. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. Everything will be fine.¡± I calmed him. ¡°I just want to make sure it¡¯s safe.¡± He said and he started driving. ¡°What does the police say? When will they get back to you?¡± Levi suddenly asked.


    ¡°They said they will call us if they still have questions and for updates, they say they wille often. Plus they said they will have police looking after me.¡± I exin to him and he just nodded like he was telling me that he understands. I look at him and he looks like he¡¯s worried about me. ¡°I know it will be alright. Sooner I can go back to the office and you can go back to your work.¡± I assured him. ¡°I can¡¯t just leave you like that.¡± He answered me so I just hold his hand as assurance.


    We reach the mall in just thirty minutes and we go straight to the arcade section. The arcade is pretty full of people right now. There are families and friends, ssmates and couples ying too. Levi¡¯s brows frowned at the thought of a crowd. ¡°There are lots of people here. Are you sure it¡¯s safe?¡± Levi worries about my security again. ¡°It will be fine as long as you are with me. I can fight any trouble as long as I know you are on my side.¡± I giggled answering him.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    His eyebrows are already at peace as he looks around at the games we can y at the arcade. I go to one of the w machines with big stuffed toys. The dog stuff toy looks so cute. It will be fun to put it beside the bear he gave me. He looks into my eyes like we are fighting if we are going to try the w machine or not. But in the end, I gave up. Maybe I won¡¯t be getting one, he may not be good at w machines.


    Levi speaks before I ept my defeat. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to get one. Just wait here I¡¯m going to buy tokens.¡± Levi said and I nodded happily. ¡°Thank you.¡± I squealed in joy and waits for him. Momentster Levies back with a bag of tokens. ¡°Let¡¯s try to get you one. Here.¡± He said pointing to the small dolls. ¡°Then I¡¯ll try getting that big one,¡± Levi said.


    He watches the kids and adults y like he is mastering the operation of the machine. ¡°Come here.¡± He calls for me so I go near him. He positions the w on the one bear with a high chance of getting wed. And when he pressed the button to w it his attempt is sessful however here is the tricky part where the w will move upwards to the hole. The doll might fall in the middle but Levi moves the joystick.


    It may sound weird because when the w gets the item you don¡¯t have to move the joystick anymore the machine will automatically work its way to the exit hole. But I guess Levi¡¯s ns worked and the machine lets out a cute little bear. ¡°You did it.¡± I was happy and that¡¯s the only word I can utter. ¡°Now let¡¯s try the big one,¡± Levi said and pulls me with him. He inserted two coins to make sure he will have enough time to get to his target.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes are on Levi as he tried to get the big prize. He immediately uses the same tactic he used for the smaller ones. The tricky part here is the doll is bigger and heavier. I crossed my fingers hoping he will get one but on the first try it fails the doll fall when it¡¯s near the exit hole. The time runs again for Levi¡¯s token and he automatically grabs the doll near the hole with a few seconds of wing the doll is finally released at the hole.


    I jumped in happiness as we get the cute dinosaur stuff toy it was huge like my bear at the house. I hugged Levi and kiss him on his cheeks. ¡°You are so great thank you.¡± I thanked him and kisses him on my hand. ¡°What next do you want to try?¡± Levi asked me and I pulled him with me to the target shooting section. We won a stationary kit as the main prize.


    We yed at the ticket-winning machines and put them in a basket given by the staff. We also had fun ying on the rides and also we had a nice photo to keep. Then I saw the basketball machine and I convinced Levi to try it too. He doesn¡¯t want it at first but I plead with him and I look at the couple beside us. He finally agrees as he understood that I admire the young couple beside us.


    He tried ying and Oh, my he looks so damn hot ying at the basketball game. I put my phone up to capture him ying and it looks so gorgeous. The scenery in front of me was so fancy. Every girl is looking at him and when he finishes ying he gave me a forehead kiss. ¡°Let¡¯s go? That kinda made me feel tired. Let¡¯s exchange our tickets.¡± He said and we headed to the reception area.


    ¡°You look so fine back there.¡± Iplimented him and he mess with my hair. ¡°You are the one who sweet talks too much.¡± He said and ce the basket on the machine that counts the tickets. We have a total of seven thousand tickets. ¡°You have seven thousand eighty-five tickets, sir. What do you want to get with the prize?¡± The teller told Levi. ¡°What do you want to get?¡± He asked me. I roam around the stall. ¡°Let her choose what she wants,¡± Levi told the teller.


    I already have a bunch of stuffed toys Levi won at the games. I spotted a vintage music yer that cost 6, 100 so I pointed at it. ¡°That one please I like it,¡± I told the teller and she immediately get it. ¡°You still have 985 tickets, ma¡¯am.¡± The teller advised me. ¡°Just give us avable snacks with all that tickets,¡± I told the teller, and with that she handed me a bag of snacks and two sodas, and the vintage yer.


    ¡°Here are all the prices you redeem ma¡¯am.¡± She said. ¡°Thank you.¡± I thanked him and approached Levi who is patiently waiting at the side. ¡°You done?¡± He asked me and I showed him the stic bags. ¡°You really use the ticket wisely as you shop in a grocery.¡± He said smiling while he carries all the stuffed toys we get. ¡°Let¡¯s buy food for takeout. Let¡¯s eat at the nearby hill while watching the sunset.¡± Levi suggested and I agreed with him.


    We ordered food at the pizza house drive-thru and we drive fifteen minutes to a nearby park where the hill is located. We parked at the upper part of the hill and prepare the food like camping outside while we watch the sunsets. ¡°I wanted to do this every day with you Portia,¡± Levi said and leaned in for a kiss.

 Chapter 45: Back to Office

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    ¡°Wee back Boss.¡± My team said in sync when I entered the room. I was shocked at their surprise for me, I didn¡¯t know they will do such a thing for me. I am so touched by their present. They bring a cake in front of me. ¡°Hey, thank you for such an effort. I didn¡¯t expect this.¡± I said with a teary eye. ¡°Hey, why are you crying?¡± They all worry about me because I cried. ¡°I just feel so important because of all the efforts you made for me,¡± I answered as I cried in happiness.


    ¡°Of course, you are so important to us. You are our boss and our family.¡± Gabrie said and hugs me. ¡°Stop crying now our Portia.¡± Celso whose like a father to me handed me a tissue. ¡°You should be happy celebrating youreback rather than crying.¡± Seiza said and wipe my tears away. ¡°Don¡¯t cry now and let¡¯s celebrate,¡± Airi said while fixing my hair.


    ¡°Is there something that still hurts like your wound or anything?¡± Ms. Lolita asked she¡¯s the oldest in our team and be my mother here at our office. ¡°I still have some bandages but don¡¯t worry about me. I am doing all good.¡± I assured them. ¡°Well, that¡¯s our Portia. A very brave and strong girl.¡± Sir Kael told me. He is like my brother here.


    ¡°Anyways let¡¯s eat breakfast now. I prepared pae for all of us.¡± Ms. Lolita said and holds my hand going to the pantry. ¡°I baked a carrot cake for all of us.¡± My secretary announced and everyone got excited because we all knew that it was her specialty. ¡°What did you bring for today Gabrie?¡± I asked Gabrie because I always wait for her special dishes. ¡°I cooked Lobster Risotto for all of us.¡± She said and shows it to me.


    I remember my first date with Levi this is one of the first dishes we ate together. ¡°You okay?¡± Gabrie asked me. ¡°Yes, I just remembered someone with this,¡± I told her. ¡°I see. Eat now okay?¡± Gabrie said and prepared my te. ¡°Portia I bought vitamins for your fast recovery,¡± Celso said and handed me a paper bag. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I thanked him and hug him.


    ¡°My wife also brings you an ointment from Australia for scars,¡± Celso added. ¡°Oh, no. Thank you so much for loving me.¡± I cried in happiness. ¡°Of course, you are our first daughter remember?¡± Celso reminds me that I am always like a daughter to them. He hugs me and wipes my tears. ¡°Stop crying our Portia. You should eat.¡± Ms. Lolita said to me and made me sit. ¡°Eat now and just enjoy.¡± Seiza said and kiss the top of my head. Airi prepares my drinks and my dessert.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go overtime okay? We will handle things for you.¡± Airi said to me. ¡°But all of you have extra time at work because of my confinement,¡± I said but they all shakes their heads. ¡°You have to rest so you can heal faster.¡± They all said to me. ¡°Thanks for all of your efforts.¡± I thanked them and they all hug me. ¡°Eat now okay? Don¡¯t mind us.¡± Gabrie said.


    We had fun eating breakfast and chit chat about the past week. Everyone finishes eating with a happy tummy. I made my way to my office and I was shocked at all the gifts at my table when I entered. ¡°Sweetheart, what¡¯s all about this?¡± I asked my secretary as I look at every gift. ¡°It¡¯s a gift from all the workers here ma¡¯am. It¡¯s there get well present for you since you are hospitalized.¡± She exins.


    I am so overwhelmed by all the gifts I received. I saw one of the gifts is from our janitor and the other one is from our guard. I can¡¯t hide my tears as I am so thankful to them. ¡°Tell them I am so happy and thankful for all the gifts and messages they gave me,¡± I said to my secretary and she nodded. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am I will. Is there anything you need like water or tea?¡± She asked me.


    ¡°Nothing I can make my own don¡¯t worry so much about me,¡± I assured her and she smiles at me. She looks like she is about to cry, she hugs me and speaks. ¡°I am so d you are okay Ms. Portia. I am so worried about you.¡± She said before she leaves. This is the whole team they love me so much and they treat me like I am one of their family. I sit in my chair and opened myptop for news and emails.


    I put all my gifts in my eco bag while I am setting up my tools. After cleaning up, I sit on my chair, reply to my emails, and set meetings on calendars. I heard a knock on my door and I saw Sherlock leaning at my doorframe. ¡°Hey, beauty you good now?¡± He greeted me and get near me. He handed me a big paper bag. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I smiled at him. ¡°It¡¯s heavy,¡± I told him and giggled along with me. ¡°It¡¯s one week¡¯s food for you. Grandma prepared all of this. She said it¡¯s good for your health. And I bought you ointments too.¡± Sherlock exins.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°You know what Sherlock?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes?¡± He asked too and we bothugh. ¡°I am so thankful for all the care you guys showed me,¡± I said to him and he smiles. ¡°We love and treasure you Portia because you are one of our family,¡± Sherlock answered. ¡°Anyways would you want coffee or tea?¡± I asked him and made him sit on my couch. ¡°A coffee will do. By the way, before I forgot this paper bag is from Aleksei.¡± Sherlock said and handed me a mini paper bag. ¡°What¡¯s is this?¡± I asked as it was sealed.


    ¡°He said it¡¯s a security body cam so we can easily know what¡¯s around you. You can just send any of your contacts a message for help if you needed.¡± Sherlock said. ¡°Thank you for this. By the way why he¡¯s not here?¡± I asked about Aleksei. ¡°He has an urgent family meeting so he just left me his gift for you and the report of stocks for this week,¡± Sherlock exins and handed me a folder. I called my secretary to bring us coffee.


    My secretary readies us coffee within a minute and with that Sherlock and I started the meeting. We talk about our coboration¡¯s uprising sales and the month¡¯s next target. After our meeting, Sherlock excuses himself because of an emergency. ¡°Thank you so much for today Portia. Keep safe I have to go.¡± He excused himself. ¡°You too, keep safe,¡± I told him and he leaves. I cleaned my table along with my secretary. ¡°Can you handle everything from here?¡± I asked her and she nodded.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am you can leave me with all this paperwork I can handle this.¡± She cheerfully said. ¡°Get some rest now ma¡¯am.¡± She added. ¡°Thank you. I will be leaving now. Someone is waiting for me.¡± I said and go. Levi texted me earlier that he is already outside so I told my secretary that I will leave early today. Airi and I came across each other in the hallway downstairs. ¡°Hey, you need help with that?¡± She asked me pointing at all the bags I carried with me. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± I thanked her as she began getting some of the bags.


    ¡°Are these all the gifts we have for you?¡± She asked giggling at me. ¡°Yes. This is all of the team¡¯s love for me.¡± I answered. ¡°So where are we heading?¡± Airi asked me. ¡°At the front door. Levi is waiting.¡± I let her know and she escorted me to Levi¡¯s car. Airi knocks at the door of Levi¡¯s car and Levi immediately opens it. ¡°What¡¯s with all the things?¡± Levi was shocked and got the bags from Airi and put them in the backseat.


    ¡°All of our officemates are so worried about her. They buy pieces of stuff for her.¡± Airi exins while Levi gets all the bags from my hand. He then faces Airi. ¡°Thanks to all of you for taking care of her,¡± Levi said. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Anyways I have to go to a meeting now. Both of you take care while driving.¡± Airi said to him and Levi nodded. ¡°Portia. Chat with me when you reach your destination okay? Take care.¡± Airi said and hugs me. Airi let me ride the car first before she leaves.


    ¡°Airi really cares for you so much,¡± Levimented and I faced him. ¡°Yes, we are like sisters.¡± I agree with him and he started the engine. ¡°Anyways? Where are we heading?¡± I asked him as he drives away. ¡°We are going to one of my houses.¡± He said and he takes my hand and kiss it.

 Chapter 46: Flight to His White House

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    We travel for about two and a half hours to reach the airport. ¡°Where are we heading?¡± I asked. ¡°We will travel to Hond where my house is located,¡± Levi said and show me two tickets and our passport. ¡°You surprised me,¡± I said in shock as Hond is one of my dream countries to travel to. ¡°Yes, actually I don¡¯t n to tell you until we reach the airport there. But you are freaking out.¡± He said and kiss my hand.


    ¡°Rx, Portia.¡± He said looking at my eyes only. This is how Levi calms me down by looking at my eyes andforts my whole entire existence. Those eyes that never lie their feelings to me are clearing my worries away. I smiled at him reassuring him that everything is alright. He kisses both of my hands. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay anywhere as long as it¡¯s you who I¡¯m with,¡± I said and kiss the top of his nose.


    ¡°Okay, okay. I thought you are nervous and you don¡¯t want to go with me.¡± He said. We had a little silence in the car. ¡°Are you ready?¡± He said and he never let go of my hand. ¡°Shall we go now?¡± He asked me while he looks outside. ¡°Yes, yes. But what are we going to do with all that gifts?¡± I asked him remembering my gifts. ¡°It¡¯s alright babe, we are going to use my own airne to travel,¡± Levi said and my eyes widen at his statement.


    ¡°You have an airne?¡± I asked him and he nodded. He dialed someone on his phone and told them that he needs someone to assist us with our baggage. Within five minutes two of his men ready our baggage and we just walk to the airport on a VIP section where we will be heading directly to the ne. ¡°This will be a long trip do you want something to buy so we can kill boredom?¡± He asked me while we walk.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine I have book rmendations from my bag we can read them,¡± I told him as I don¡¯t know what can kill our boredom. It will take us eleven hours to fifteen hours before we reach the Nethends. ¡°Okay then let¡¯s just read and y at the airne,¡± Levi told me as he put his hand and my hand in the pocket of his jacket. He has this habit of doing this when his pocket is big.


    We ride the airne without any long airport waits and protocols to finish. The style is very vintage and ssy. The match of ck, gold, and cream makes the whole interior very elegant. This is what Levi¡¯s statement fashioned in interiors. Always in the middle of vintage to innovative. Elegant and ssy with a touch of a cozy vibe. I seat on the designated chair and look out the window immediately.


    ¡°We will be taking off in five minutes.¡± The flight attendant reported to Levi. The flight attendant is looking at Levi very seductively so my brows arched immediately. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Levi asked me. ¡°Yes, I just feel excited on our flight Love,¡± I called him love so the flight attendant will back off but it seems like she doesn¡¯t know how to back off. She served wine for Levi and she let the other attendant assist me.


    She purposely gets near Levi while she discusses the menu for the night. I cleared my throat and professionalism run through my veins with a little of my attitude. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that we are taking off within five minutes? Leave the menu here Levi and I will talk about it.¡± I said and sit beside Levi. ¡°But I¡¯m discussing it with Mr. Everett. It will only take a minute.¡± The attendant said.


    ¡°Well, I said it¡¯s fine you don¡¯t have to discuss it with him we are fully aware of the food you are going to prepare,¡± I said. Jealousy is running through my whole system right now. I don¡¯t know why but I got the feeling she¡¯s been hitting Levi for a long time now. She must be the one to always attend to Levi¡¯s needs at the airport. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s right. We can just deal with thister.¡± Levi said to her and look at me. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± He whispered to my ears. ¡°I¡¯m just fine,¡± I said and he smirks.


    ¡°Are you jealous all of a sudden?¡± He asked and he can¡¯t hide a smile on his face. I looked away as if I will never ept or tell him I am jealous. But I wouldn¡¯t deny the fact. Levi then looks at me for a couple of times maybe he¡¯s waiting for my response. He then calls one of the main attendants. ¡°Will you rece Sherry as in charge of our flight? My wife doesn¡¯t feelfortable with her.¡± Levi ordered the attendant.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m fi-¡± I was shocked at his action but he cuts me off by holding my hand. ¡°Fo it immediately before the flight takes off,¡± Levi ordered them and with that, the Sherry girl was kicked out of the airne and reced by a young sweetdy. After they switched attendants the flight takes off now and the sweetdy name Rose dealt with our needs. ¡°Do you want some drinks before your dinner Ms. Portia?¡± Rose actively asked me.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good but can you give me some nkets? I feel so cold.¡± I asked her and she immediately obeys. ¡°How about you Mr. Everett do you need something?¡± She asked. ¡°Just cater to all my wife¡¯s needs,¡± Levi said. Why does he keep on calling me his wife? He¡¯s being yful again. Rosees back with an additional nket for me. ¡°Thank you so much, Rose.¡± I thanked her and she bows to me. I switched my chair to a queen size bed.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Are you feeling sleepy?¡± Levi asked. ¡°No, I just feel like my wounds are hurting,¡± I told him. ¡°Do you need medicine for that?¡± He quickly looks for my meds in my bag. ¡°No, I¡¯m good can you justy with me and read me some book?¡± I sweetly asked him and heys with me. ¡°Do you want us to eat first? You might be hungry.¡± Levi said and I thought about it for a minute. I guess eating will somehow reduce the pain I feel suddenly. ¡°Sure,¡± I answered and Levi calls for the attendant.


    ¡°Prepare our dinner now. Portia doesn¡¯t feel good already and she needed to rest.¡± Levi told them and they quickly move. They serve us dinner at the other side seats where a table is ready. ¡°Do you want me to feed you?¡± Levi asked. ¡°I¡¯m good. I can even move. Maybe I got tired that¡¯s why it hurts but don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s tolerable.¡± I assured him and go the other seat.


    They prepare Greek sd and smoked salmon, pasta, and pastries for our dinner. It¡¯s enough to make me full and I remember all the gifts from earlier. ¡°Levi, can you get the brown eco bag for me? Celso gave me vitamins there. And also the green eco bag is it already refrigerated?¡± I asked to make sure that the food Sherlock¡¯s grandma prepared for me is safe. ¡°Yes, the foods on the eco bag are safe. I¡¯ll get you the brown eco bag.¡± Levi said and get it. He handed me the bag and I looked for the vitamins.


    ¡°They really care for you that much?¡± Levi asked while I drink the vitamins which looks like juice in a sachet. I smiled at him while I remember what happened at the office earlier. ¡°Even the janitor gave me a gift. I didn¡¯t expect that I worry them this much.¡± I told Levi. ¡°That¡¯s sweet of them,¡± Levi said only looking at me. Like I am the only thing he sees right now. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked him. He nodded and sits with me on the queen size bed. ¡°I¡¯m doing good. Why?¡± He asked confused. ¡°Nothing. You are looking at me so I¡¯m curious.¡± I said and opens a book.


    ¡°I just want to appreciate each and every bit of you.¡± Levi talks sweetly so I faced him and kiss his nose again. ¡°You are getting cute every day with your weird actions,¡± I said and kiss him. After we kiss he changes the topic. ¡°You can shower first so you will feelfortable. I¡¯ll read the book for you after we shower.¡± He said and kiss my forehead before he stand up.


    I smiled at his actions as he walks away and go straight to the bathroom. That guy is getting weird every day with his actions. ¡°He¡¯s getting sweeter towards me,¡± I said to myself as I also prepare for a shower too. Rosee to assist me. ¡°Do you want me to prepare a Turkish bath for you Ms. Portia?¡± Rose asked me and I think it sounds fun so I agree with her. ¡°Sure. Thank you so much.¡± I thanked her for assisting me.

 Chapter 47: White House

    Portia¡¯s P. O. V:


    We arrived in the Nethends in the morning and the air feels so refreshing and the streets looks so amazing. Levi¡¯s handsome face blended with the scene of the Nethends. ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast at a Cafe here,¡± Levi said putting all our baggage in his car. ¡°Sure,¡± I answered as I feel a little sleepy. ¡°Hey, you having jeg?¡± Levi sweetly approached me. ¡°I just feel tired but don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll be just fine,¡± I assured him.


    He opens the car door for me and I ride in the car. ¡°Can I take a video while we drive?¡± I asked for permission. ¡°Yes, sure.¡± He said and he drives slowly so I can take a proper video. The ce is very aesthetic and elegant. Flowers in every ce are rich in colors and the ent of this ce is very cottagecore. ¡°Hello, this is Portia and I am currently at one of my dream ces,¡± I said to my video.


    ¡°I am in the Nethends I hope I can see the tulips bloom here at this time,¡± I told to the video and cut it. ¡°Are you doing some stuff on social media like posting vlogs?¡± Levi asked me and I shook my head. ¡°No, I¡¯m just filling it to a drive and sending it to my dad whenever I am finishing something on our bucket list,¡± I exined to him and he nodded. ¡°I want to meet your dad,¡± Levi said and I faced him. What a sudden thought he has.


    ¡°Someday I¡¯ll ask him to meet you,¡± I answered him even though I don¡¯t exactly know if dad wille. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to meet any of my parents but I have a cousin that you will meet. She is just your age.¡± Levi told me and it made me sad how the world left him with only his cousin. ¡°But can you bring me to your mother¡¯s tomb?¡± I asked him and he nodded. ¡°Yes of course.¡± He answered and we stop at a coffee shop that looks like a potion shop.


    ¡°Is this a Cafe?¡± I asked him and he nodded. ¡°This is one of my favorite Cafes. They also have this in Artymoind City. The name is Caleicot (pronounced as Kalye-ikot.) This Cafe has branches in other countries and surprisingly every Cafe is at an intersection of a street or main road.¡± Levi said while we enters the shop. ¡°Wow.¡± That¡¯s all I can say about this ce.


    The atmosphere is very cozy yet very artistic. It has a magical vintage vibe with a touch of modern bohemian alchemy. ¡°This is magical,¡± Imented and he smiles at me. Ady assist us on our seats and gave us a menu. The menu style is so cool. It¡¯s a scroll and the dishes are written in metallic gold that adds a sparkle to my eyes. ¡°Same order Mr. Everett?¡± Thedy asked Levi.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Levi answered. ¡°Ms. Beautiful, would you mind if I take your order?¡± The waitress asked me. I smiled at her sweetness, this Cafe must have very good customer service. Their uniform is cute too. They look like witches and alchemists. ¡°I want this Mermaid tears and a fairy¡¯s cake,¡± I told her that and she smiles sweetly at me. ¡°Good choice Ms. Beautiful. That¡¯s the owner¡¯s personal favorite.¡± Shepliments me.


    ¡°Really? That must be very appetizing.¡± I said. ¡°Yes, I assure you. Is there anything you want to add too?¡± The waitress asked. Levi butt in. ¡°Please add a Jack o¡¯ soup,¡± Levi said. ¡°Noted Mr. Everett. How about you?¡± She asked me. ¡°Please add me these sugar fairy cookies but this is for takeout,¡± I told her. ¡°Noted.¡± She answered. ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Levi said and with that, the waitress left.


    ¡°They know exactly what you love to order here,¡± I whispered to him. ¡°Because I am a regr customer from all of their branches across the world,¡± Levi said and it made meugh. ¡°You are really a fanatic of this beautiful ce,¡± Imented. ¡°Of course. Who wouldn¡¯t.¡± Levi said and reads the newspaper. ¡°He¡¯s stubborn and a cold-looking guy but his actions are cute without him knowing.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Our orderse shortly. They serve food quickly. Levi orders a Giant¡¯s foot Wedges. It¡¯s a mix of potato fries cut in big chuck size and breadsticks. It has a special dipping sauce. And a pirate¡¯s dessert it¡¯s apple stuff with burnt marshmallows and an ice cream covered in gold. His drink is sea foam coffee. It¡¯s a cappino full of color mint foam.


    My order is a cake that looks so special and a glittery sparkle lemonade. That looks like a potion. ¡°Everything feels so enchanting and delicious.¡± Iplimented it and snap a photo of it. Levi starts eating as soon as I finish getting a photo. ¡°Please try to eat this hot,¡± Levi told me and dips a breadstick and potato fries together and feeds it to me. The taste is very awesome and it¡¯s melting in my mouth.


    ¡°Wow, that tastes so good.¡± Iplimented. ¡°You see? That¡¯s why I always go here.¡± Levi said and eat. I never saw him act so childish like this and eat a lot. Maybe this ce is hisfort zone. We eat in peace and after we finished we took a couple of photos together at the photo corner of the ce. We get out so full and I think that we don¡¯t even have to eat lunch at all. We stroll around the vige and buy some jewelry and souvenirs.


    After we feel so tired we decided to finally go home to his house. ¡°Let¡¯s visit the tulip garden tomorrow,¡± Levi told me and I feel so excited. ¡°Really? That¡¯s awesome thank you so much.¡± I thanked him. ¡°Anything for you,¡± Levi said and with that, he drives off. I saw trees and fields as we went on our way home. It looks like a farm as there are few barns and cows.


    We reached a white house in the middle of the farm andke. It¡¯s so beautiful with all the flowers garnished at the house. And when we entered the house there is a grand piano in the middle of the house. The house looks simple yet sophisticated. It throws me back to the 1950s. ¡°This house is very warm to my eyes,¡± I said. ¡°You like this?¡± He whispered in my ears as he back hugs me.


    ¡°This house is simple yet beautiful,¡± I told him as I embraced his warmth. ¡°This is my smallest house.¡± He said. ¡°But I own the farm and theke. But this is the most simple house I ever had.¡± Levi told me. ¡°But I bet this is the ce that feels like home,¡± I told him and he made me face him. ¡°We share the same thoughts.¡± He said and kissed me. The kiss is full of love and care as it carefully touches my lips.


    ¡°I wanted you to feel at home here with me,¡± Levi said as he holds my hand and kiss my forehead he escort me to the back of the living room. It¡¯s a ss sliding door that leads to the full view of theke. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± I admire the view while Levi hugs me. ¡°Here in this ce I finally dream of a family and I peaceful life.¡± Levi shared it with me.


    I look at his eyes and I saw a dream in his eyes the dream I wanted him to share with me. ¡°Levi?¡± I called for his name. ¡°Yes?¡± He asked. Our face is just an inch apart to the point that our nose is touching. I was about to tell him something when my phone rang that ruins the romantic atmosphere. ¡°Who¡¯s that pig?¡± Levi said in dismay. Iughed at how feels frustrated.


    ¡°It¡¯s Airi,¡± I answered and he rolls his eyes. ¡°Tell her she¡¯s in a bad timing.¡± He said and kiss me on the cheeks. ¡°I¡¯ll get us drinks and I¡¯ll just put our things upstairs,¡± Levi said and I nodded as I answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡± I answered a call and I heard Airi¡¯s voice on the other line worried and nervous. ¡°What happened why I can¡¯t call you?¡± Airi said on the other line.


    ¡°Rx I¡¯m just doing fine. Levi just surprised me with a flight to the Nethends.¡± I calmed her and I heard her sigh. ¡°I thought something bad happen. Next time tell your man to inform me.¡± Airi¡¯s worried voice is now calm. ¡°Yes, I will. Sorry for not texting you earlier.¡± I apologized to her. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. It¡¯s alright enjoy your stay there. Just please inform me if something is happening okay?¡± Airi said. ¡°Yes, yes,¡± I said and with that, we talk a few more and hangs up.


    I followed Levi into the kitchen and back-hugged him. ¡°That smells so good.¡± Iplimented the tea he is brewing.


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