Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 57

Uninvited Guest

What was supposed to be an intimate celebration of Tito Isaiah's birthday turned into a grand and lively affair when Arik's cousins and their spouses suddenly arrived.

They set up a barbecue party in the spacious backyard of the Rioflorida mansion. It was an impromptu decision, and the older Rioflorida had different plans for that evening.

"Are you close to your cousins?" I asked Arik as he busied himself with grilling the barbecue.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close, not even looking at me.

"Yeah. I met them in the US when we left the country and lived there for a few years. They're all on my father's side because I don't have much connection with my Mom's side."

"Pero bakit nakilala nila ako kaagad?" I asked him again.

Nang dumating kasi sila kanina ay agad na nilapitan nila ako isa-isa at binati na parang matagal na nila akong kilala. I could tell that they were genuinely good people. It seemed to be a trait of the Rioflorida family.

"Of course. I always talked about you to them when we were in the US," he replied.

Napangiti ako. Ramdam ko ang pag init ng buong mukha ko. Hindi na ako nagtanong pa dahil iyon lang naman ang gusto kong malaman. 

I wanted this night to be memorable for me, spending it with Arik's family. It was the first time I officially joined them, and it happened on Tito Isaiah's birthday, the founder of Rioflorida. It would have been even happier if Arik's Mom were here.

Pero sa kabilang banda, parang mas okay na rin ito, lalo na sa estado ng relasyon ni Arik sa mga magulang niya noon pa man. 

"So, Damien, when's the wedding with Celeste? Iyon na lang ang kulang sa inyo hindi ba?" Clifford, Arik's cousin, asked as we sat at the dining table.

The breeze tousled my hair slightly since we were in the backyard, and the wind was a bit strong. The only people at the table were us, as Arik's aunts and uncles, along with his father, stayed inside with their grandchildren. Ariah has been with them since she woke up this morning.

"I still have a lot to sort out, Cliff. After that, I'll make sure Celeste is tied to me for life." Arik's response was confident, and he held his head high.

I suppressed a smile and simply rolled my eyes, though I could feel the happiness in my heart.

"Ang tanong, pakakasalan mo ba ang ganyang lalaki, Celeste? Because I'm telling you, that guy is a real jerk. You still have time to back out," Camilla jokes, and they all burst into laughter.

"Stop planting doubt in Celeste's mind," Arik disagreed with them and sipped on his wine.

"But you are a real jerk, Damien. I wouldn't be surprised if that's one of Celeste's problems with you. You're too handsome that people literally go crazy for you," Fiona teased.

I agreed with that. I sipped on my wine and laughed at her statement.

"Actually, that's my recent problem. Kakaiba itong bagong babae niya. Grabe." I commented, and Fiona gave me a sly look as if she knew who I was referring to.

I could feel Arik pinching my waist, making me laugh even more.

As everyone continued to tease Arik, a maid approached him. I could hear the old woman's words to Arik clearly.

"Sir, may bisita po si Don Isaiah."

"What? Who? We didn't invite anyone except our family, Anita," Arik responded, and everyone heard it, so they all turned to look at Anita.