Chapter 5 Untitled Chapter
That’s all he said. I leaned back, feeling weak. I decided to call Cheska instead. She answered right away.
“Hey! We were just talking about you with Hannah!”
“What about me?” I asked.
“Yes, about the guy you were with last night.”
I raised my eyebrow, remembering Ninong.
“The guy? Why?”
“Who is he?” she asked.
“He’s my Ninong,” I answered simply.
“Ninong?! OMG! He’s so handsome! I thought he was your suitor. Seriously, he’s your Ninong?”
“Yes,” I said, laughing.
“Geez! He’s so handsome. Introduce me to him!”
“No!”
“Huh?”
“I mean, he’s busy. I don’t know when we’ll see him again.”
She sounded a bit sad.
“Okay, I hope I see him again. He’s really handsome.”
“Hey, I’ll call you later,” I said and ended the call.
Then suddenly, my phone rang. It was him. I almost dropped my phone while answering. When I picked up, I saw him wearing a black suit, with coffee on the table. I stared at him. He looked even more handsome.
“Hi,” he said while sipping his coffee.
I couldn’t speak right away.
“H-hello.”
“What happened to your lips again?” he asked.
“Huh? Nothing, I just burned it,” I said, feeling shy.
“Did you forget what I told you last night?”
“Forget?” I asked, confused.
“Okay, did you already eat breakfast?”
“Yeah,” I lied.
“You’re lying.”
“Huh? No, I’m not,” I said, while he fixed his tie.
“What are you doing now?” he asked.
“I’m bored, can I come with you?” I asked.
He didn’t answer right away. He checked his phone.
“I have a meeting before 10 a.m. You’ll just get bored.”
“It’s okay. But if you don’t want, I’ll just go—”
“Wait for me. Ten minutes.”
“Huh?”
Then the call ended.
My heart started racing. I quickly got ready, wearing fitted pants and a brown crop top. I tied my hair up and put on light lipstick. I grabbed my sling bag and wore my sandals.
I smiled at myself in the mirror. I went out quickly and waited near the gate.
“Elaine, where are you going?” Yaya asked.
“You know already! Bye!” I said and rushed out.
It was hot outside, so I stood in the shade. After a while, I saw his car arriving. My heart was beating so fast. He stepped out and walked toward me.
“Why didn’t you wait inside? It’s hot out here,” he said seriously.
I didn’t answer and just walked. He quickly opened the door for me. When I got inside, his scent filled the car.
“Do you always do this?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Going out anywhere when your parents aren’t home,” he said seriously.
“Huh? Yes, why?”
“From now on, don’t go anywhere.”
“Okay, I’ll only go to you,” I said with a smile.
He suddenly paused because of what I said.
RYKE CARLOS
“Okay, I will only go with you.”
For a moment, I couldn’t say anything after hearing Elaine’s answer. The words lingered in my mind, repeating over and over. I didn’t even understand myself anymore.
Why was I acting like this toward my own goddaughter?
Since last night, I haven't slept properly. My mind refused to rest. Every time I closed my eyes, the same moment replayed again and again. Her face so close to mine, the warmth of her breath, and the brief, accidental touch of our lips.
I had already cursed myself countless times in my head. But no matter how hard I tried to push the memory away, I couldn’t forget it. And now, it feels even worse.
I let out a slow, heavy sigh and leaned back slightly in the driver’s seat. My mind had been a mess since last night, and having her sitting right beside me wasn’t helping at all. If anything, it made everything more complicated.
Her presence alone was enough to make my thoughts spiral.
“Are we still going?” she suddenly asked.
Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to look at her, and only then did I realize something embarrassing.
We hadn’t even left yet.
“I’m sorry,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t get enough sleep.”
I checked the time on the dashboard and quietly cursed under my breath. I was already late.
“Is there a problem?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at me.
I shook my head. But then my eyes drifted toward her again, and this time, I noticed what she was wearing. Her top lifted slightly as she moved, revealing a small part of her stomach. My hands tightened on the steering wheel.
“Why are you dressed like that?” I asked seriously while starting the car.
“Huh?” She looked down at herself, confused. “My outfit? Why?”
She smoothed the fabric of her clothes and smiled confidently.
“It looks good. I even look sexy—”
“I know, but—”
I stopped myself mid-sentence. My throat suddenly felt dry, and I loosened my necktie slightly because it felt like I couldn’t breathe properly.
“But what?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
I only glanced at her briefly before focusing back on the road. I didn’t answer.
“This is actually my first time going out with someone older than me,” she said after a moment, her voice sounding excited. “And he’s even my Ninong.” She laughed softly. “I’m curious about what you do during meetings.”
I exhaled slowly.
“At your age,” I said, keeping my eyes on the road, “I’m sure you’ll just get bored.”
She was still young. Of course she would think meetings were interesting.
“Well, I’ll see later,” she replied cheerfully.
I glanced at her again. Then I quickly looked away.
“Is it far?” she asked. “Where were you earlier when you called?”
“My office,” I answered simply.
“Really?” Her eyes widened slightly. “So, you already have a company here?”
“Yes,” I said. “Before I left, I already prepared everything.” I paused briefly before adding, “With the help of your parents.”
“Oh, I see,” she said quietly.
Her reaction was so innocent that it made me smile a little. Not long after, I slowed the car as we reached our destination.
“We’re here,” I said. But before she could open the door, I stopped her. “Wait.” I removed my coat and placed it over her shoulders. “Wear this.”
She blinked in surprise but immediately smiled.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
I didn’t respond. Instead, I stepped out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. I even offered my hand to help her step out.
“This is where your meeting is?” she asked, looking around curiously.
I nodded.
The restaurant belonged to one of my friends. Since it was almost lunchtime, I had decided to hold the meeting here instead of the office. We walked inside together and headed toward the reserved table. I pulled out a chair for her before sitting down.
“Stay here first while I talk to someone,” I said.
“Yes,” she replied with a bright smile. “I’ll just stay here and listen.”
I shook my head slightly, not knowing what to say to that. Just then, I noticed someone approaching our table.
“Mr. Ryke Carlos Ferrero,” the man greeted warmly.
I stood up and shook his hand.
“Nice to see you again after all these years.”
I smiled politely. We had known each other long before I left.
“How have you been?” I asked.
“I’m good,” he replied proudly. “I already have three kids.”
“Wow. Congratulations.”
He chuckled before looking at me curiously. “How about you? I’m sure you have kids too.”
I didn’t answer. Instead, my eyes drifted toward Elaine.
“You brought someone?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I said quickly before changing the subject. “Anyway, about your offer?”
“Yes, here.” He handed me a folder. “Check this and read it carefully. If you like my offer, you can sign right away.”
I nodded as I opened the documents. But my attention drifted again. My eyes found Elaine. She was adjusting my coat around her shoulders, trying to make it fit comfortably. Then I noticed it again. Her flat stomach.
“Mr. Ferrero?”
His voice snapped me back to reality.
“Yes?” I said quickly. “Yes, it’s okay. Do you have a pen?”
He looked slightly confused but handed me one.
“You’re okay with it already?”
“Yes.” Without thinking further, I signed the papers.
“I didn’t expect you to be this easy to deal with now,” he said with a laugh.
I forced a small smile as we shook hands again.
“I already ordered food,” he continued. “You can enjoy your time here. I need to leave now. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, sure. Thank you,” I said. “I’ll contact you again.”
He nodded before leaving the restaurant. Once he was gone, I stood up and walked toward Elaine.
“Come on,” I said.
She looked surprised. “You’re done already?”
“Yes,” I answered simply.
As we walked out, my hand moved instinctively to the middle of her back, guiding her toward the door. And once again, the same thought filled my mind. Fuck this feeling.
I can’t think straight. I can’t even work properly anymore. It feels like I just want to be with Elaine all the time.
