Bound by the Waves

Chapter 8: Xaviel Salvador

The gate swung open, and I was greeted by a pair of maids dressed in neat uniforms, their smiles warm and practiced. They ushered me inside, and the sheer grandeur of the Salvador mansion took my breath away. High ceilings, intricate molding, and polished marble floors surrounded me as I followed them through the hallway, passing walls adorned with tasteful artwork and gold-framed family portraits.

In the sitting room, my parents were already seated with Mr. and Mrs. Salvador, deep in conversation. They turned as I entered, and my mother gave me a quick, approving nod. Mrs. Salvador, a petite woman with sharp, watchful eyes, offered a gracious smile and rose to greet me.

"Sydney, it's lovely to see you again," she said, her voice as polished as the room around us.

"Thank you, Mrs. Salvador. Mr. Salvador," I replied, nodding politely to both of them. "And thank you for inviting me tonight. I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly last time."

"Oh, don't worry, dear," Mrs. Salvador replied with a gentle wave of her hand. "We understand you're a busy doctor. Work must come first, especially with someone as dedicated as you."

I forced a polite smile, glancing over at my parents, who seemed perfectly at ease. My father and Mr. Salvador were already talking about business, trading news about the latest market trends and recent acquisitions. The conversation flowed so easily between them, as though they were old friends, each word cementing the alliance they hoped I would uphold.

Just as I settled into the formalities, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned, and there he was-Xaviel Salvador.

He was tall, with a commanding presence that filled the room as he entered. His dark hair was neatly styled, a lock falling slightly forward, softening his otherwise sharp features. Xaviel's strong jawline and high cheekbones gave him a striking profile, while his flawless skin seemed to have a soft glow, making him look almost ethereal. His dark eyes, deep and intense, held a flicker of warmth and curiosity, as if they were drawing me in while simultaneously shielding deeper thoughts.

He wore a fitted black long-sleeve shirt, the sleeves neatly folded at the elbows, accentuating his toned arms and athletic build. The black trousers he paired with it complemented the sleek look, making him appear both professional and effortlessly stylish. In his hand, he held a white lab coat, the fabric crisp and immaculate, hinting at his dedication to his work as a doctor.

As he approached, it felt as though he had stepped out of a fashion magazine-his perfect features seemed like a gift from heaven. It was hard not to be captivated by the ease with which he carried himself, exuding a confidence that was both inviting and intimidating at the same time.

He offered my parents a polite smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. I could see through the façade-a practiced charm that felt rehearsed. His demeanor shifted the moment he turned to me, a stark contrast to the warmth he had shown them. He extended his hand toward me, his grip firm yet devoid of warmth.

"Xaviel Salvador," he said, his voice low and clipped.

"Sydney Alvarez," I replied, matching his tone, though a part of me longed for some warmth in this interaction.

The moment lingered, tension thick in the air, as our hands connected in a brief handshake that felt more like an exchange of formalities than an introduction. The air crackled with unspoken words, and I could sense an undercurrent of complexity behind his cool demeanor. I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of his composed exterior-what secrets he was keeping, what thoughts were swirling behind those dark, intense eyes.

Dinner was a lavish affair, the long table adorned with elegant tableware and delicate floral arrangements that brought a touch of warmth to the opulence of the Salvador mansion. As we took our seats, I found myself positioned across from Xaviel, the atmosphere thick with formality and unspoken tension.

The conversation flowed easily between our parents, who delved into discussions about business ventures and collaborations that seemed as distant to me as the stars. I tried to engage, to be part of the dialogue, but my focus kept drifting back to Xaviel. He sat with an air of detachment, responding to his parents with short answers, his attention divided between the meal and an invisible weight that pressed on his shoulders.

Halfway through dinner, the sound of laughter broke through the serious atmosphere. I turned to see a small figure darting into the dining room-a girl with dark curls bouncing around her shoulders.

"Xavi!" she squealed, rushing toward her brother. "You're finally back! I missed you!"

Xaviel's expression softened, just for a moment, as he looked at his little sister. "Hi, Ali," he replied, his tone warming slightly. "I missed you too."

Aliana, only twelve, was a burst of energy and innocence. She wore a bright pink dress, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She turned her attention to me, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Are you Sydney? My brother's fiancée?"

I nodded, a smile forming on my lips despite the tension. "Yes, I am."

She grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "That's so cool! I can't wait to tell my friends!"

Xaviel rolled his eyes playfully, the brief moment of warmth between them illuminating his otherwise stoic demeanor. "Let's keep it a secret for now, okay? I don't want them to think I'm too cool."

Ali giggled, clearly undeterred. "Fine! But just so you know, I think you're pretty cool."

Dinner continued, the atmosphere shifting slightly with Ali's presence, lightening the weight that had settled around the table. I watched the siblings interact, intrigued by the bond they shared. For a moment, it reminded me of my own relationship with my friends-a sanctuary amidst the complexities of our family expectations.

As we finished our meal, I realized I was beginning to see layers of Xaviel, hidden beneath his cold exterior. Maybe there was more to this engagement than I had anticipated. Maybe we can learn to love one another....