The Man of My Dreams (Fitzmael 2) - SOON TO BE PUBLISHED

02: Bee sting

NO MATTER HOW many times I explained it to Franco, he never listened. He insisted he wouldn't stop, leaving me with no choice. It had been weeks since I last saw Marcus, and today marked Franco's first day of courting me. I decided to give him a chance to prove himself. As I approached the parking lot, I saw him leaning against his car, lost in thought. I cleared my throat. "Franco."

His gaze met mine, and I saw his smile. I froze as he hugged me. "You came..." he uttered.

How could I not, when you practically begged and forced me?

I attempted to pull away from his hug, but he just tightened his grip. "Let me hold you for a moment. Being a doctor is so stressful. I need strength. I need you," he said. I let him... even though it was somewhat bothersome with all the people watching us.

"Are you famous? Everyone seems to be staring at us."

He whispered, "I'm a Fitzmael, honey... Perhaps that's why." Then he pulled away from the hug.

I furrowed my brow, struggling to grasp what he meant. It took me a moment to realize. "Fitzmael... as in Fitzmael University and Hospitals?"

He nodded. "My parents own the university and hospital. That's why I want to become a doctor. They expect me to follow in their footsteps..." He smiled weakly and assisted me into the car.

I stayed silent while he drove—not even asking where we were headed. I was trying to force myself to enjoy being with him, but I just couldn't.

"Why are you so quiet?" Franco asked, shattering the silence.

I slowly shook my head. "Nothing..." I forced a laugh. "I just don't have anything to say."

"I want to be with you, Jarzaiah... and I can't stand the thought of you with someone else—not even Marcus. I'm a jealous man."

"You chose to stay, Franco. Even after I rejected you multiple times, you didn't listen. You didn't respect my decisions... Do you really think I'll respect yours?" I said seriously.

HE DROVE FOR over an hour, and when he finally stopped, I immediately noticed the city lights below. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering from the cold breeze at the mountaintop. "The view is breathtaking!" I exclaimed, feeling a sense of wonder. It might not be a big deal for others, but I rarely get to visit places like this. It was my first time in the mountains. "How did you find this place?"

"A friend of mine showed me this place. Ever since I bought it, whenever I'm tired or stressed from studying, I come here."

I glanced around the area and noticed a large house not too far away. "Is that also yours?"

"Yes..." he nodded. "I intend to live here when I start my own family." He smiled and guided me into the house. "Come on in. My caretaker has already made dinner."

"Bakit hindi ka pa lumilipat dito?"

"I'm still studying... and I have to look after my siblings—especially Serene. She's not ready for either Marcus or me to move out on our own."

"Is she the youngest?"

HE NODDED AND opened the door. I was astonished by the interior. It was spacious and filled with high-tech devices. "Imil's parents are tech experts... so if you're wondering why I have so many devices here, that's why. They're also for safety reasons," he explained.

"Who's Imil?"

"My cousin."

I nodded. "Ah, okay." He let me explore the entire living room. When I was done, I glanced back at him.