Versailles Series Book 8: The Designer [COMPLETED]

PART II: CHAPTER 29

~ philip ~

After a decade, my chest felt a ton lighter. I knew that I had come to peace with the fact that Grazie was dead and wouldn't be coming back. As I stared back at Marceline, I knew that she may share similarities with Grazie but she isn't Grazie.

Grazie never liked perfumes. Marceline on the other hand has a subtle scent of something sweet and floral.

Grazie, given her sharp tongue and quick wit, isn't completely confrontational. She keeps to herself, unlike Marceline who came here and gave me a piece of her mind.

Grazie is a simple woman no matter how much I pampered her, unlike Marceline who is confident and flamboyant. I've seen her in her runway shows and this woman can command a whole runway.

Grazie moves fast and snappy, unlike Marceline who takes her time doing anything as if time isn't an expensive commodity.

Grazie never liked pickles on anything or its own. Marceline nibbled the one I brought for dinner once and even ate my share of pickles.

Grazie always loved strawberry jam on her bread but Marceline likes it plain.

Grazie is an excellent cook and knows the kitchen well unlike Marceline who is just limited to a microwave and electric kettle as part of her kitchen skills.

I am sure that spending more time with her will give me more proof that she isn't Grazie. I made up my mind. I will stop thinking about Grazie from now on. Especially when I am with Marceline. I'll give myself a chance. For real this time.

"Are you okay?" Narinig kong tanong nito.

"Better than I've been in a decade." I smiled at her. She wiped her tears as she chuckled at her silliness.

"Grazie would have been happy to hear that, Philip. Thank you for that. It must have been difficult for you."

"It wasn't easy. But if that would help establish your trust in me, then I am willing to do it." I cleared my throat as I stood up. I am looking at Marceline in a different light now. "I know I asked you here for a dance practice. We'll start slow okay?"

I offered her my hand. She looked at it like it would zap her to death. Her hand slowly stretched out. I saw her trembling but she was fighting it. She withdrew it before it even touched me.

She stood up and took in quick breaths. "Philip..."

"We'll start slow, Marceline. If you're not ready to take my hand right now, it is okay."

She shook her head. "I want to do it. I can't keep backing out."

I looked at her intently before stretching my hand again. Her arms slowly reached out and when her fingers touched my palm. I instantly felt the energy. Nang tignan ko ito at nakatingin din ito sa akin. She must have felt it too. I swallowed to ease the tension but it was still there.

"How are you feeling?" My voice came out soft.

"I feel...fine."

"Breathe in and out slowly, Marceline." I slowly clutched her hand firmly this time. Her breath hitched and I looked at her again.

"I'm okay...I'm okay..." I can hear her chanting to herself. Her eyes were focused on our hands but my eyes were focused on her beautiful face.

A nervous smile formed on her face. "I did it. I'm holding you."

"You're doing great. Now, put your hand on my shoulder. When you're ready."

She nodded and took a deep breath. Her other hand tentatively landed on my shoulder. Her hand gripped hard before it relaxed. I can see the emotions pass down her face. The transition from reluctance to satisfaction.