To Love Him Once More (USFIL Book 2) - REVAMPED

Chapter 2

LAXER

I stared at the book for I don't know how long. It struck me so hard that it felt like it was breaking my heart. Should I read the book? Should I learn how her mind works? Will it make a difference? Is it even right to meet her in the first place? Why did I even agree to meet her? Because clearly, I was hoping I'd see Jearri today. Part of me hoped for that.

So many questions, and it all boiled down to Jearri. Could she really be alive and just have forgotten about me?

I ran my hand through my hair, frustrated by what was happening right now. Is she punishing me? Is that why this book reached me? Damn it! I'm overthinking again.

I went straight to AJD to clear my mind. As soon as I arrived, the employees greeted me warmly. I just half-raised my hand to greet them back.

Hindi rin nakatulong, tila ba mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. For a moment, I felt lost again. I don't want this feeling—it's excruciatingly painful—but I deserve it for all the wrong I've done to her.

Tumitig ako sa kawalan hanggang sa mapansin ko ang pamilyar na mga matang nakatitig sa akin ngayon. She awkwardly smiled at me. Kasama niya ang tingin ko'y kaibigan niya, iyon din ang babaeng kasama niya noong gabing madawit kami sa isang insidente.

"Hey, Ylo? Zanya Ylondra? Are you even listening to me? I told you! This place is amazing. It would be perfect to hang your paintings in every corner. Look at that! It would look even better with your painting there." Her friend squealed with delight, but her eyes were locked onto me—staring into my soul. I allowed her to reach my heart and see right through me.

"I do, Leigh."

"Huh?"

"I mean, yeah. I agree with you." Her friend followed her gaze until she found me staring back at Zanya.

"I knew it. You're not listening to me." Tumikhim ito at naglakad papalapit sa akin. Walang nagawa si Zanya kundi ang sumunod sa kaniyang kaibigan. "You look familiar, sir," she pointed out. "Oh right! How could I forget? You're the one who almost crashed into our car."

"Yeah, I'm really sorry about that. If there's anything I can do to make up for my mistake, I'd be glad to help. How about a royal suite here?" I offered to both of them. Namilog ang mga mata nilang dalawa. May kung anong galak ang bumundol sa aking dibdib. I'd do anything just to see a different expression on her face. She's so beautiful.

"It's not necessary, Mr. Del Valle," Zanya said, shaking her head while her friend widened her eyes. "That's just too much."

"No, I insist."

"C'mon, Ylo! He insists. So, Mr. Del Valle, are you really going to pay for a royal suite for us? You must be rich-rich."

"Leigh, he owns this."

"Own what?"

"This. AJD," she said firmly to Leigh.

"What? He's the—"

"Yes, he's the owner of AJD—the cruise ship on land."

"Oh, wow! I've heard so much about you." She extended her hand. "Leigh Sanders, Ylo's best friend."

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Leigh. How about I tell my receptionist to prepare the royal suite for both of you?"

"Oh no, no..." Zanya interrupted. "We can manage. We're just here to check out some fancy restaurants, eat, and stroll to admire the interior design. AJD looks so much better inside—elegant and beautiful."

"She is..." I whispered as I stared at her, admiring her beauty. "I mean, thanks. If you ever change your mind, just ask my receptionist. She would know what to do. I'll take my leave now. It was nice seeing you both. Please enjoy the food and the scenery." Agad akong tumalikod at baka may magawa pa akong hindi dapat, tulad ng yakapin siya.