Scandalous Affair: Atlas Mate

19

O L I V I A   V A L E Z

I have always thought the sun's heat was the hottest above all the things in this universe. But now that I'm in between his arms, I could confidently say that his hug was the warmest. And nothing could change my mind. His arms were strong and hard, but it felt comfortable. His manly scent invaded my nose, and it made me cozier. I can't believe that there's more comfortable than my queen size bed in my room. I can't believe that I would felt serene while standing. I can't believe that I would felt secured in Atlas's arms.

I closed my eyes and squeezed myself a little more in his arms. I'm certain that after this hug, I wouldn't be able to felt this sheltered again... Not to this extent. I don't know what happened. When Atlas got home, he was smiling from ear to ear, and he suddenly opened his arms outspread while coming towards me. His aura was so blinding and light. I could almost picture a rainbow and flowers floating around him. And I saw how his eyes carried a diamond blinding light inside. He was that happy when he got home.

He instantly enveloped me with his warm hug. And I can't help myself from savoring the feeling in his arms. Now, I know that luxury can't buy this kind of feeling. No riches can ever top it. 

"My proposal got approved!" he said as his hug got tighter.

"O, my god! I'm so happy for you!" I said with genuine happiness.

He moved an inch away, but his hands remained on my shoulder. He looked at me with an assessing eye.

"You're not faking it?"

I rolled my eyes, but my lips betrayed me and formed a smile. "Come on, when did I ever fake myself?"

"You always do."

"I don't! I wasn't faking. I was concealing! Concealing!"

He put his hands up, "Okay, okay." he smiled and said, "The design I showed you got approved!" pag-uulit niya sa sinabi kanina.

"The one you asked me for my suggestions?" 

Atlas nodded, "Yes! I think asking you was the right choice."

I blushed from what he said. It's not like I contributed something significant to it. Halos wala nga akong masabi no'n, e. Ang naidagdag ko lang yata doon ay ang design sa poolside at iilang details sa ibang amenities. Parang one percent lang 'yon sa buong plano niya. Nonetheless, I'm happy to help. It was a good experience for me. Pinapaliwanag niya rin sa akin ang mga bagay-bagay sa design niya. Kung bakit ganoon ang positioning ng mga gamit. Kung bakit nandoon ang bathroom. Kung bakit doon nakaharap ang kama at iba pa. 

"Well, what can I say? I'm Olivia Valez, daughter of the great Oliver Valez. " pabirong pagmamayabang ko.

He looked at me intently and said, "Yes, you're great because you are Olivia Valez... You are you."

I was out of words for a minute. No one besides Liberty and Prim has ever acknowledged me for who I am. Almost all of the people I met always brand me as Oliver Valez's daughter, but not for who I am. It's not wrong to be identified as my father's daughter. I'm proud to be Oliver Valez's child, but there are times I want to be recognized as me. Not my father's daughter but me. No one else. Just purely me.

I avoided my eyes to his. I was too flustered to do an eye to eye contact with him. For the past few weeks, I've noticed that I was now comfortable with Atlas and self-conscious. Does that even possible? How can two contradicting feelings collide? I don't know. When it involves this Old man, things become undetermined. 

"So, what's my prize then? That's not for free, Mr. Mate." I said mischievously.

He rubbed my head, resulting in messy hair for me. "You'll see tomorrow."