His Caramel

Chapter 25: Sorry doesn't make me feel better

Scarlet POV

I took out the best possible outfit that I have with me at the moment; not that I have many choices either. I doubt that we will go to some fancy restaurant, so I pulled out a floral long dress in white color. I untied my hair and let it falls on my back, decided to be as simple as I can with no makeup. Taking a glance at the full-length mirror for the last time, I exit the room to the lobby where we promised to meet.

"You're beautiful as always." Instead of being greeted with 'hello', I was greeted with his compliment. He stood there in his dark blue shirt and black jeans.

"Don't exaggerate it, Raymond." I rolled my eyes playfully at his words.

"I'm not." He seems to be serious.

"Thank you then," I muttered to avoid the unwelcome awkwardness.

"Shall we?" He inquired, placing his hand out to guide me down the stairs and I accepted it with a nod. I let go of his hand once we were off the stairs, and he releases his hand even though I could feel his hesitation.

The atmosphere by the beach was merry and lively. People were hanging around enjoying the food, the ambiance, and the entertainment provided- the small concert and the fire show. The restaurants and bars alongside the beach were full of people. For a moment, it made me forget things that kept haunting me for the last few days.

Stroll around for a while; we choose a local random restaurant since the seat outdoor was available. The setup of the restaurant lit up the ambiance. They placed the candles on the table and the dim light just made it looks perfect. I loved the feel when my feet could touch the sand while the wind caressed my face, making my hair a bit messy. I welcomed it as it was comforting in a natural way.

"Well, let's see what we have here." He accepted the menu from the waiter and passed me one before choosing the food. We didn't spend too long on the menu before settle with our order.

"Will you looking for a new job in London?"

"That's the plan. I think I prefer this city more and since I have my apartment here I can say that staying here will be the right decision. I don't have to trouble myself to adjust to the new city." I answered with my honest opinion.

"I have no objection on that. I will have my friend back then." He grinned, showing his satisfaction. "What kind of job you're looking for?"

"I'm not sure about it either but probably something related to the food industry. I was thinking about some coffee shop or bakery."

"Your love for food is in your eyes, it's sparkling in there."

"You stated the obvious," I said chuckling.

Our conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice from behind. It caused my body to freeze and I silently pray I heard it wrongly. With the heartbeat that runs at an abnormal pace, I slowly twirled my head to the back, gazing at the direction.

"Miguel." My lips automatically utter his name.

"So, this is the reason behind your decision?"

"Miguel, I-I so-" I cursed myself for being stuttered at times like this.

"Cut the crap, Caramel," I missed how he called me with that nickname as if he screamed to the world he owned me. "Tell me the truth. Is this the reason why you turn me down? Do you have any idea how mad I was for the past few days? I even flew to this city to look for you and hired an investigator to track you." He stared at me with his unreadable eyes but his statement saturated with hurtful emotion. I should be content with his effort to look for me but for some reason, it saddens me.

Steadily, I stood up from my chair and turning my body completely to face him. I inhaled a deep breath with the fact that my emotion battled inside me, fighting to get out.

"I already explained everything clearly in the notes that I left. I don't have any explanation for you anymore and I don't think I have to do so looking at the fact that we were no longer in any kind of relationship. You were no longer my boss and I have the right to do anything that I want."

"Screw the notes. Tell me, is he the reason you rejected me?" He pointed his finger at Raymond that sat quietly behind me. I was aware that Raymond observed our interaction, probably by now busy compiling tons of questions for me to answer later.

I spun around to look at Raymond and mouthed, "I'm sorry" before turning back to face Miguel once again. I feigned my firm face, nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, he is my boyfriend. We just started our relationship and I hope that you could respect my decision. I want to have a vacation with my boyfriend without any interruption and that was the reason I turned off my phone for the past few days. I thought I already made myself clear in the notes. I'm sorry about this." At this point, I wanted to reward myself an Oscar for all the lies that just slipped from my mouth as smooth as the silk.

"Sorry doesn't make me feel better, Scarlet." It hurts that he didn't address me with the nickname that he gave me but I pretended that it doesn't give any impact on me. I stood there quietly, using the last chance that I have to remember his image. I gripped my dress tightly as tears threatened to reveal my real emotion.

"Please go, Miguel. I think this is the best for us. Take care of yourself." I need to make him leave before tears flow on my cheeks.

No words from him, he diverted his attention and slowly making his back facing me. My eyes refused to turn away, observing his figure until he almost disappears from my sight. Suddenly, I noticed he halt his step. My heart silently begged for him to look at me, but he didn't. He looked over his shoulder and muttered, "I will give you back the café, treat that as the gift that I give you for hurting me. Thank you, Scarlet. I wish you happiness with your loved one. And hope this is the last time we met."

My tears immediately dropped upon his words. I realized how much I had hurt him. No matter how strong the urge in me that wanted to hold him from walking away, the reality held me back. I won't allow myself to ruin his relationship with his mom. It hurts to have a mom that doesn't care for you and I refuse to let him feel the same. He will forget me someday, with that thought I convinced myself that my scarification will make him happy.

"Raymond, I'm sorry but I need to go." I didn't wait for his reply as I immediately run to my room to spill out my emotion, refuse to let anyone see the fragile side of me.

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