𝕭𝖆𝖗𝖊
"We're here."
"Oh." I can feel my heart thundering in my chest looking at the elegant mansion in front of us.
His hand covered my left hand on my lap. "There's nothing to worry about Alice. Before we step out of this car, remember that we have to make this relationship look real. My grandparents didn't know about the deal. And call me by my first name." I nodded my head and he gave my hand a light squeeze. He tucked some lose strands of hair behind my ear. "And... you look ravishing in that dress tonight." I can feel my cheeks grew red.
I tried to hide a smile at his compliment and gave him a shy reply. "Why, thank you. You don't look bad yourself Mr. M–, T – Travis..." My breath hitched as he leaned closer. There's a different glint in his eyes. My eyes drifted to his lips. My eyes droop a little because of anticipation. Unable to move I readied myself for what's to come but it never came.
"Are you ready?" the corner of his mouth turned up. He looked amused. "Let's go."
Completely embarrassed my hands touched both of my cheeks. My chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. I am sure that I look scarlet as a tomato right now. I can't believe I actually thought he will kiss me. Of course he won't do that!
Mr. Monterro gave the door a knock before turning to me. "Don't worry you'll be fine." he was still holding my hand as we stood in front of the rich classic wooden doors.
It was not long before a beautiful woman of age opened for us. "Travis!" she beamed happily and hugged and kissed Mr. Monterro on his cheeks. Despite her smoky – grey hair and few visible wrinkles on the side of her eyes that glows with affection as she stares at her grandson, time didn't do her beauty any damage at all. She was like a painting that came to life. Her whole aura gives off classy vibe.
"Crescencia! Don't embarrass your grandson in front of his lovely date." said the old handsome man who has few resemblance with Travis' looks, held the old woman's waist.
The old woman then turned to me. Her eyes widened but sparkled as she went to hug me. A little caught off guard by the gesture. "Oh dear. You're one pretty little thing, aren't you?" she was smiling warmly at me. "What's your name dear?"
Before I could answer Mr. Monte – Travis pulled me to his side. Almost melting me with his warmth. "Papá, Mamá, this is the girl whom I want to spend the rest of my life with, my fiancé – Allison Simon."
"Oh Finally! A great news!" clapping her hands she reached for me. "I am truly delighted to finally meet someone who can change my grandson's world, you have no idea what this means to me..." his grandmother said happily. She touched my face with her warm hands. "You really are beautiful. My grandson's so lucky!"
"It was nice to meet you, Alice. Welcome to the family." His grandfather smiled at me as well and gave me a brief hug.
"Oh my bad. My bad. Please come in." said his grandmother moving to the side gesturing us to come in.
"The dinner's ready. Why don't we go the dining now and catch up while eating?" his grandfather suggested.
Relief rushed through me. Grateful for their warm welcome. Still in Travis' side he guided me inside. It shouldn't make me comfortable but it did.
"Your grandparents are so nice. You're so lucky." smiling to Travis.
"I told you. You'll do just fine." he smiled back.
The dinner went surprisingly smooth. Both of old couple are carefree and fun. They talk a lot and it was easy to be comfortable with them. Not once did I feel like an outsider, which I'm truly happy for. I don't know what I will do if it was the opposite.
From time to time, I would throw a glance at Travis and will catch him looking at me but he will moved his eyes away quickly. There are moments when our eyes will meet and I will feel a weird tingling sensation running through my veins all over my body.
At quarter to eleven in the evening Travis told his grandparents that we have to go. Reluctant at first his grandmother then agreed and made me promise that I will visit them again. Touched by her kindness to me, I can't help but say yes.
"I didn't notice the time. Please visit me again anytime, okay?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Silly call girl. Call me Mamá. Travis you can wait in your car. There's something I'm going to tell Alice, girl's talk."
"Mamá..."
"Just go young man. It won't take long."
Travis turned to me with worry look. "Alice?"
"It's okay." I said even though I was a little scared.
He clenched his jaw and released a heavy sigh. "Okay." He went to me and placed a kiss on my temple. Absentmindedly my eyes closed at the kiss feeling as though I was elevated off of the ground. Our eyes met and I bit my lower lip, his eyes darkened when he saw it. He heaved a sigh before turning to his grandmother. "Please, don't take too long Mamá."
He left my side to hug his grandmother and then started walking outside with his grandfather, leaving me alone with the old woman beaming happily at me.
Travis was leaning on the hood of his car straightening quickly when he saw us walking towards him. "Just about time you decided to give me back my fiancé, Mamá." he said lifting an eyebrow giving his grandmother a half – smile.
His grandmother snorted. "Silly young man! You better go now, take care of her. Nice meeting you Alice, looking forward on seeing you soon." she said embracing me before waving goodbye.
And we're back again to the awkward silence inside his car. "I hope you enjoyed the night."
I smiled at his direction. "Yep, a lot. They're super nice. And your grandmother's so sweet." I really had the best time.
"I'm relieved to hear that." he chuckled a little and throwing me a quick glance. "So, I've decided that it is better for you to move in my house since you already quit your jobs."
"What? I mean, I know it's part of the deal but can I just move in after our marriage?"
"What difference does that make? You're jobless now."
"Yea but what will I tell dad?"
"I already talked to him."
"What? When?"
"It doesn't matter and please let's not argue about this. I want you to live in my house. I think it's for the best."
"Don't I have a say about this?" I can't help but feel a fresh swell of irritation rise in me. But seeing how his jaw clenched I swallowed my frustration. "I don't have a choice, don't I?"
"You'll be taken care better if you live with me, Allison. I will make sure of that. It's for your own good."
I really don't look healthy enough for him, aren't I? "Okay, I understand." He didn't say anything else but a hard expression is still on his handsome face. As the silence enveloped us again.
His car stopped in front of our house. "I'm sorry, Travis... I didn't mean to piss you off. I just,"
"It's okay Alice. What are you even sorry for? Don't say sorry for voicing out what's on your mind."
"I'm sorry."
"I said don't say sorry."
I bit the side of my cheeks to stop myself from saying sorry again because I said sorry. I heard him sigh. His face was blank but there's something about how his eyes bore in me that makes me fidget in my seat. "I... really had fun tonight... uhh... I think I have to go inside now so you can go on your way. Thank you T – Travis. Drive safely – "
My next words were caught in the air when pulled me by the neck and crushed lips to mine. It happened too fast. My eyes were wide from the shock. He pulled his head slightly away his eyes droop a little as he leaned closer again to kiss me. This time I let my eyes close and savor it. He lightly swept his tongue between my lips, kissing me slow and sensuously. I was long gone as I surrendered to the bliss his kisses had brought me.
He broke the kiss and we stared at each other. I drew a deep, unsteady breath trying to regain my sanity. Mr. Travis Monterro just kissed me. And I liked it.
As I laid in bed, my fingers traced my lips. I can't believe we actually kissed! It was like I can still feel his lips on mine. I hugged my pillow and shrieked with excitement. I feel like jumping up and down on my bed but stopped myself from doing so. What is wrong with me! It's just a kiss and it meant nothing! I told myself as I try to suppress the bubble of joy growing in my chest.
However, that kiss totally messed up with my system. I tossed and turned all night. Hence, my growing headache and bags under my eyes.
After getting disappointed with how horrible I look in the mirror I flopped back down to bed. My mind drifting back to what his grandmother told me.
"Alice, you have no idea how happy I am to meet you although I'm a bit shocked that you and Travis are already engaged but it's not a problem at all." she gave out a soft chuckle. "Whatever my grandson saw in you, I know it's pretty special because he chose you."
"Thank you so much." I smiled. Even though everything was all an act and part of the deal it still felt good knowing that his family likes me.
"You're the answer to my prayers... if it's okay I want to ask a favor from you."
"Oh sure, anything..."
"Travis...." I can't miss the mist in her eyes and the readable pain it holds. "He's broken, he may appear strong and cold but inside of him is a broken and vulnerable child..."
"I... I don't understand." not sure what she actually meant by that.
"You're not like his recent flings, I could feel it." She covered my hand with her soft warm hands. "His heart, it's broken or more like damaged I should say. He's not like that before not until..." she stopped. Sniffing a little she continued. "Alice, I trust you and I know he'll one of these days let you in. Please... be patient and when he finally did, melt the ice that surrounds his heart... and fix every broken piece of it." A single drop of tear escaped from her eyes.
Even though I didn't understand any of it, I promised her that I will try. Who broke his heart? What happened? I know that I probably didn't have to know anything because this is all a fake setup. A pang of pain stabbed my chest at the thought of him being hurt.
What am I even thinking? Closing my eyes despite of the carousel of thoughts playing on my mind I dragged myself out of bed to go out of my room before I lose my sanity.
Instantly regretting it as reality dawned on me seeing Travis sitting in our living room talking to my father and brother. I took a step back and turned around to go back to my room unsuccessfully.
"Allison, you're awake!" My dad's voice halted my step. "Travis have been waiting for you."
With my messy hair, groggy face, and disoriented head I slowly turned around. Regretting that I didn't fix myself before leaving my room. Travis was staring and me and all that I want at the moment if for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. This is so humiliating.
I bit my lip and waved a greeting awkwardly. "G – good morning." I tried to smile but I'm sure even my smile looks constipated. "S – sorry... I didn't know you were coming."
To add salt to my humiliation my dad teased. "My daughter still looks pretty even with her morning bare face, isn't she Travis?"
"She is, sir." without breaking his stare he agreed. His lips forming a cute lopsided grin.
"But my sister is not flawless Travis. Sometimes, she also looks like hell."
Not wanting to stand there any longer I excused myself. "I'll just go and change." with flushed face I run to my room.
My goodness.
N: NOT PROOFREAD.