How Deep is Your Love?

12 - Natalie

I gasped when I finally saw that we’re parked just outside a beautiful barn. Brian went to my side and opened the door, holding his hand out for me.

“This place is beautiful.” I immediately praised as I took his hand, getting out of his car. He smiled at me, ever so genuinely this time.

“I’m glad you like it. Wait till you see the lake.” He said excitedly, still holding my hands as he guided me towards the wooden bridge not far from the barn.

My eyes were so wide in amazement as we walked past the bridge. There I saw a gazebo at the very end of a wooden platform extended through the lake. The grass around it and plants were all beautifully landscaped. In the gazebo, a table for two was meticulously set up. Brian pulled a chair for me and helped me sit. I looked around at the amazing view around us. Everything looked so beautiful and perfect. Then my gaze went to the handsome man who’s now seated in front of me. I smiled.

“This is lit! It’s absolutely stunning. I don’t know what to say.” I blurted out and he smiled back widely.

“I’m more than pleased that you like it.” Brian replied. “I have been thinking how I can somehow make it up with you for the fiasco that happened on your weekend getaway. And I hope that this simple lunch in this place would do.”

“Are you kidding me? I love it! And yes. This is the best make up for ‘ruining my weekend vacay’.” I answered right away.

Someone named Timmy came to serve our lunch and it was delicious. Brian and I talked about my line of work and I was happy to know that he seemed to be genuinely interested in the fashion industry. He listened carefully as he let me tell him stories about my shows and my masters. He also asked me about my dad and the likes. Funny how time has changed everything. Since day one when I met him until four years ago, he wasn’t interested about anything that concerns me. And now, it’s an entirely different story.

“Oh dear, you look so pretty.” Tita Lorie commented upon entering my room. “You really resemble your mom a lot. You both have the same eyes.”

I blushed as I shyly fixed my glasses. I know she’s just exaggerating. What’s pretty with how I look?

“Brian is already there. I’ve prepared everything.” Tita Lorie said enthusiastically.

“What if he gets mad, Tita?” I asked nervously.

“Why would he? It’s all but natural for his fiancé to accompany him there.” She replied. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. He’s been busy with all the transitions your Tito Philip did with him for the company and I told him that he needed a break. Gladly, he accepted it and would go straight to island for short getaway after his business trip.”

“But-“

“Hush now. I know both of you grew up together but still, you guys should spend more time with each other before you two get married. You have to know him and his interests and vice versa.” Tita Lorie interrupted.

He clearly doesn’t want to marry me. I thought silently and a pang of pain stabbed me hard. Yes, everyone knew I’m his fiancé but he doesn’t treat me as one. And I don’t even know how to tell Tita Lorie that her if her son hates me and my existence, how can he marry me?

“Off you go now, dear.” I heard her say and smiled. I sighed and closed my eyes briefly, praying that somehow everything will really be alright.

After an hour flight on the private plane, we landed in the O’Donnell’s private island. My heart raced as I walked and watched the plane flying away. I’d have stay here for three days to accompany Brian in his vacation. It’s not that I don’t like to be here, it’s just that I don’t know if Brian would even want me to be here. I sighed as I entered my own room. He’s still not here but Iater he will be. I didn’t even notice that I slept while thinking about so many things.

***

I was cooking some pasta when I heard the sound of another plane. I smiled knowing he’s already here. And so I prepared everything in the kitchen and brought it out in the dining room. Setting everything up, I sighed when I saw everything that I’ve prepared. I took off my apron and carefully wiped the sweat on my forehead so it wouldn’t take off my face powder that I applied earlier. Plus, I didn’t really want to look shiny.

I then walked towards the main door and smiled when I saw him pulling his luggage inside. It was just a small and simple villa and only a few caretakers stayed in to help us. But since it’s already past 8 in the evening, I already told them to go and rest. He was busy with his phone when he entered and didn’t see me yet. Maybe he’s chatting with someone because he was smiling the whole time as his fingers continuously touched his phone screen. I wonder who he’s chatting with. A wave of jealousy crept inside me knowing that if it was me, he wouldn’t even bother to send me a single reply.

“Hi. How was your trip?” I happily asked, making my voice a bit louder to catch his attention.

“Natz?!” He blurted out upon seeing me, clearly shocked. But he recovered fast and his jaw immediately clenched as his gaze grew cold and stern. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I…I heard you’d take a short break and I…I just wanna accompany you and the likes.” I replied nervously, not meeting his gaze. I’m quite used to his cold attitude towards me but I will not deny the fact that it still hurts.

“Accompany me?” He raised his voice a little.

“Tita Lorie said we can like…uhm…used this time to get to know more about each other…and like know more about each other’s likes and interests.” I answered, fidgeting my fingers as I speak while looking down.

“Tsk. Don’t you have a mind of your own? You’ve already graduated in college but until now, you’re still following whatever my mom says like a lost puppy.” He scoffed and I quickly glance at him pouting at me before looking down once more. “Tell me, is that really all what mom said you have to do?”

“W-what?” I uttered as he lifted my chin up with his fingers.

“Didn’t she want you to come here and pleasure me too?” He asked dangerously which paled me. “Tell me, Natz. Didn’t mom send you here to seduce me?”

My eyes widen as I managed to push him back, tears forming in my eyes.

“Great. Still a crybaby.” He said and smirked.

“I’ve no intention to seduce you. You don’t have to be so rude.” I managed to say. “You can just tell me if you don’t want to-“

“I. DON’T. WANT. TO.” He interrupted loud and clear. “I told you a million times already. I don’t want to. I don’t want to know what you like or dislike. I don’t want to know your interests or anything about you. I don’t want to be involve with you about anything. Because for the nth time, I don’t want to marry you. I. DON’T. WANT. YOU.”

My tear endlessly flowed down my cheeks as I looked at him. I then wiped them quickly before stepping back.

“I’ve cooked some pasta if ever you’re hungry. You can go and eat now. It’s still warm. I…I already told the caretakers to have their rest for the rest of the night.” I said in a rush before backing away and running to my room.

I knew he’d be mad to see me. I knew he hates me. I knew he’d just hurt me and my feelings. But I still agreed with Tita Lorie and came.

Does love really hurt this much?

“Hey. Did I say something wrong?” He asked which pulled me out of my thoughts and I didn’t even notice that I was already crying.

I immediately wiped my tears and smiled awkwardly as I face him. “Sorry. I was…It was the wind.”

His gaze was piercing, I tried my best not to melt down and concentrated on eating. I didn’t even notice that I was able to finish a whole serving of salmon. And now, we’re talking while looking at the great scenery surrounding us.

“I dreamed to live and settle in a place as serene and quiet as this.” I said. “I could live here forever.”

“I know.” He answered which made me look at him with a questioning look. “What?”

“How did you know?” I asked, crossing my arms on my chest, raising my brows.

“Uhm, Mom mentioned it one time.” He slightly blushed as he immediately became defensive.

“Right.” I commented and looked away.

I saw some birds flying over the clear sky and I smiled as my eyes followed it. They were so carefree.

“Who owns this place?” I asked curiously.

“Just someone I know.” He replied and pout at him.

“Yeah, right.” I muttered and his lips slightly curled.

Then there was silence between us. And so I then began to remove my sandals. It was his turn to look at me questioningly. “What are you doing?”

“Just watch and learn.” I uttered excitedly as I neatly tucked my sandals beside my chair.

 Afterwards, I immediately went to sit on the edge of the wooden platform, giggling as my feet touched the water.

“So refreshing.” I commented. Then I looked back at him. “Wanna join?”

He shook his head with disbelief and so I closed my eyes as I looked up, savoring the freshness of the air and the touch of the warm sun. Then I just felt him sit beside me while his hand was raised just above my face, covering the blinding light from me.

“Don’t want you sunburned. It’s 2pm.” He reasoned when I opened my eyes and saw what he’s doing.

“It’s okay. I’m okay, Brian.” I said, dragging his hand down. “You’ll just get tired, silly.”

“Try me.” He said, not wanting to put his hand down. Good thing some clouds were helpful enough to cover the sun which made him pull his hand back.

I slightly gulped, trying so hard not be obvious. I’m still not used to him being so kind and sweet.

“Once Tita Lorie gets her travel clearance from her doctor, I’ll definitely bring both of them to one of my fashion shows.” I said after clearing my throat and his brow raised.

“What about me?” He asked.

“Well, you can also come if you want to.” I replied, suddenly feeling awkward at the way he looks at me. His gaze is deep and I feel like he’s trying to dig everything out of me.

“Tsk.” He scoffed as he rolled his eyes off me and drank his beer, leaning back on his chair. “I should be there if my parents are there.”

“I just told you that you can also come.” I reiterated.

“It’s like you’re just forced to invite me.” He blurted out which made me turn to him.

So childish.

“I’m not forced to invite you, silly.” I commented and slightly chuckled. “I just didn’t want to assume or expect anything when it comes to you. And I’m still not sure if you’d really want to watch it.”

He didn’t answer and silence enveloped us.

“Invite me. I will come. For sure.” He then said after a while.

“Seriously?” I said and looked at him while chuckling at his ridiculousness.

“Yes. Invite me.” He replied seriously.

“Fine.” I responded and turned to him. He looked straight back at me and I think I blushed slightly as I met his eyes. “Will you, Mr. Brian O’Donnell, CEO of O’Donnell Group of Companies, son of Tita Lorie and Tito Philip O’Donnell, come to see one my fashion shows? I’d be honored with your presence.”

“Yes.” He answered and I laughed heartily.

“Silly.” I chuckled and he just gave me a meaningful smile.

***