Chapter 5
1169 Words
RIZ
THIS is not happening. How am I supposed to face Dad if this man is the father of my child? It’s better if he never finds out about this, and I won’t go home. My mind was running at 200 kilometers per hour. I need to plan fast, and I’m going to start by leaving this place.
“Is there something wrong?” he asked me.
When I looked up, his expression was still cold. Paul doesn’t look happy or angry. He’s hard to read. I wonder, how did I end up sleeping with him that night?
I shook my head and forced a smile at him. “I’m sorry for the trouble. I just… I just wanted to ask you something, but never mind. Where are my things, by the way?”
“Your luggage is still in the living room. Why?” He frowned.
“I’m going home. My parents might be looking for me. Thanks again, and I’m sorry.” That was a lie, but I couldn’t think of another excuse. What does he care? He doesn’t know anything about me. Paul doesn’t know anything about my family.
As I was about to pass him, he suddenly grabbed my arm and stopped me. A jolt of electricity coursed through my body. When I looked up, he was staring at me as if his eyes were pulling me in. Paul has the most expressive eyes. Why am I only noticing this now? I mean, he looks alright.
Fine, he is the most handsome man I’ve ever met.
There are a few men in university who asked me out, but they all looked like kids compared to the man in front of me now.
“You haven’t had dinner. It’s already past six. At least eat something before you leave.” He cleared his throat. “I asked Manang to cook spaghetti, and there’s ice cream in the fridge too.”
My face flushed. Surely, Rowan told him what I was eating earlier. And since he still hasn’t let go of my arm, I couldn’t think straight. If I leave now, I’d have to spend money on dinner. I’d have to look for a place to stay tonight.
I didn’t want to think badly of him, and I knew this was just a test for me, but I couldn’t help but feel disheartened. Opportunities were coming at me one after another, and I didn’t know how long I could take this.
“Okay. But after dinner, I’m going home.”
The table was set when we left the room. Manang was still there, but she had her bag slung over her shoulder and looked like she was about to leave.
“Sir, I’m leaving. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“Okay, Manang.”
No thank you? Is this man even human, or does he really have no respect for elders? He didn’t even use “po” and “opo,” and he doesn’t know how to say thank you.
I felt annoyed with him. If I could still respect my father’s legal wife despite her insults, how could I not respect this household helper who was tired from cleaning and cooking all day?
Once Manang stepped out the door, Paul pulled out a chair for me. “Have a seat, and let’s eat.”
I also noticed the food warmer. Well, why would he eat cold food when he could have it hot?
Once we were both seated, I waited for him to serve himself, but he was still staring at me. I felt awkward. Are we going to compete to see who gets hungry first to get the food?
“Ladies first.”
I scooped some pasta and added sauce. There was a lot of grated cheese. I love cheese, so the spaghetti looked white because it was almost covered in cheese. When I took a bite, I couldn’t help but furrow my brows.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” Whoever said that looking at a woman or a man is filling is a big liar.
Paul didn’t say anything but took some salad. After one bite, he looked at me as if he wanted to ask something. He toyed with his food and then took a sip of water. What a strange man. There are so many hungry people in the world, and here he is, refusing to eat the food he had prepared.
“If you want to ask something, just say it. You won’t know the answer if you just keep staring.” I sounded snotty, but I was irritated with him. I wasn’t like this before. Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones acting up.
“Why are you looking for me? Do we know each other?” His tone was serious. At first, I didn’t know whether to laugh or get annoyed that he didn’t remember me. It was a one-night stand, after all. But still, I had high hopes when Rowan took the time to find me earlier today to bring me to him.
“You don’t remember meeting me at the club?”
“Am I supposed to?” he shot back.
I put down my cutlery and wiped my lips with the table napkin. “You don’t remember that night?” He looked at me blankly. This is frustrating as hell. Paul looked confused. “We met at Club Pyre over two months ago.”
“And your name?”
“Arizona Consigna. Do you remember now?”
“No. Tell me more.” His commanding tone infuriated me even more.
“I don’t remember much from that night, but I woke up the next morning with you in the same bed.” I couldn’t continue what I was saying. Paul could read between the lines and figure it out on his own.
“We slept together.” I didn’t respond. “Okay, so it was a one-night stand then?” I still chose not to say anything. “And you’re here because?” He cleared his throat. “You don’t think I’d marry you just because we slept together. How old are you? Eighteen?”
‘I’m twenty-one,’ I wanted to say. But if this is how he behaves, he might as well marry himself. Ugh!
“I am not here to ask you to marry me. I was… I needed help earlier, but I am okay now.”
“You ran away?”
More like I was kicked out, but what does he care?
“It’s none of your business. I should go. Thank you for dinner, and I’m sorry for causing you trouble.” I stood up and walked toward where my shoulder bag and luggage were. I took one step, and I heard him scoff.
“Wait. It’s already night. Wherever you’re going, I’ll drive you. There might be—”
I didn’t hear the end of it. My vision was dimming. Just before I completely lost consciousness, I felt two arms catch me.
- Writer
