★★★★★
Hailey’s eyes widened to the extent that it almost popped out of its socket.
Time stood still at that time as the both of them tried to register what was happening at that moment.
As if shocked by an electricity, Hailey placed her hand on Charles’ chest and pushed him away slightly. She quickly moved back from him, her face red in embarrassment.
“Erm…. I….” She stuttered, turning her back to him immediately.
She was so embarrassed to the extent that she wished to disappear into the ground.
Charles let out a small smile, he could feel himself about to burst out in happiness.
Did they just kiss right now? d@mn, her lips were so soft that he wished he could devour it till he was satisfied.
“That was a mistake, yeah it is…. I… Erm, I…” Hailey stuttered. She bit her lips which were trembling badly.
“I love it though” Charles grinned, licking his lips slowly.
Hailey shut her eyes tightly, she’s never felt embarrassed like this in her entire life.
“Hailey” he called.
Hailey held her dress tightly, she couldn’t even face him at that moment. Her cheeks were all red in embarrassment.
“We need to get going,” he muttered.
Slowly, she opened her eyes and turned to face him. She was busy looking at the car as she couldn’t even look at him in the eye.
Charles inserted his hand into his pocket and brought out a box. He moved closer to her.
Hailey shifted back immediately and he placed his hand on her waist immediately to stop her.
He was expecting her to kick him or slap him just like the way she does, but she didn’t which shocked him.
“Stay still” he muttered.
Hailey stood still, staring at his chest. Maybe there was something that’s suddenly fascinating about his chest, she doesn’t know.
Charles opened the box and it revealed a shiny diamond necklace.
“I want my girlfriend to look very beautiful in the presence of my Dad” he whispered.
Hailey stared at him but he wasn’t looking at her. He removed the necklace from the box and moved his head closer to hers.
His hand went to her neck and he wore the necklace on her.
“The kiss was accidental, you don’t have to feel bad about it,” he mumbled.
At the mention of the kiss, Hailey’s eyes went to his lips and she subconsciously licked hers.
Charles moved back and he smiled. The necklace stood prettily on her neck and she looked stunningly attractive.
“You’re beautiful, very very beautiful” Charles muttered, staring at her. His eyes went to her hair and he smiled, just the way he loves it.
“We should get going,” Hailey said rather awkwardly.
He nodded. He walked back to the car and opened the car door for her.
Hailey slid in gently, Charles did at the other end and the car drove off.
Three figures stood by the window watching the two love birds till the car drove off.
“Awwn, they kissed,” Jaime gushed.
Sebastian turned to him with a glare.
“Shut that mouth of yours” he warned.
“Why? Hailey is an adult already so she’s free to date whoever she likes” Jaime said.
“Seb, did you see that man? He’s the one that helped us today” Leah said as she looked at Sebastian.
“Then did he help us because of Hailey?” Sebastian asked.
“Maybe he’s interested in my daughter. Or, could he be her boyfriend?” Leah wondered.
“Exactly what I’m saying” Jaime quickly said.
Sebastian frowned at him.
“Hailey doesn’t have a boyfriend,” he said.
“I know you’re being overprotective but she’s a grown up girl now” Leah said.
Sebastian sighs deeply.
“I’m going to prepare some delicious dishes for him. Hailey will help me give it to him tomorrow” Leah said.
“What are you saying?” Jaime asked.
“Just go to your room,” Sebastian said.
Jaime pouts but he did as he was told. He’s surely gonna tease his sister tomorrow with what he saw today.
****
Hailey stared outside the window, biting her lips hard. She’s been doing that ever since they left her house, she was too shy to face him.
Charles glanced at her.
“If you keep acting this way, my Dad would be left with no choice but to suspect us,” he said, breaking the silence in the car.
“I’m sorry, I’m not that good in heels” she mumbled.
Charles smiled. Most girls will never admit their flaws, more reason why Hailey will be extraordinary to him. She’s totally different from all the ladies he’s ever met… Even HER.
“You can always hold onto me so you won’t fall,” he said.
Hailey let out a chuckle before looking at him.
“Why are you suddenly cheesy today?” She asked.
Charles grinned.
“Am I?” He asked back.
She laughed before facing the window. Her hand went to her lips and she bit it gently. The scene was still fresh in her head.
“Do you still remember what I told you today?” Charles asked. He’s trying to make her feel comfortable with him.
“Yes, I do,” she muttered.
“Good”
The rest of the drive was filled with silence.
Soon, they arrived at the house. The gate was opened automatically and Charles drove into the big compound. Hailey’s mouth grew wide as she admired the building in front of her.
Charles alighted from the car and she did too, her eyes still admiring the beauty of the house.
Each corner of the wall was beautifully carved, and the designs were made with complete care. With the combination of sky blue and spotless white paint, it was looking like a palace from the fairyland. Greeneries around the mansion was adding more beauty to it.
Suddenly, she grew nervous. How was this dinner gonna end? What if she messed up?
“Are you nervous?” Charles asked beside her.
“Kind of,” she replied.
He smiled and held her hand in his own.
“You don’t have to be, just follow my lead,” he said.
Hailey stared at their interlocked fingers before looking at him.
“Let’s go, baby,” he said, shocking her.
“You need to get used to that too, I can’t keep addressing you as Hailey in my Dad’s presence” Charles said.
Hailey nodded in understanding and they both walked into the house. She was taking her steps slowly, she wouldn’t wanna make a mistake for the second time.
The door got opened for them by one of the maids, and she led them to the living room.
“This way, Young master” The maid said.
Charles nodded as he followed her. He looked around the house, nothing seemed different since he left the house. Everything was still the same.
“You can have your seat, I’ll get the Chairman” she said before exiting the living room.
“Have your seat, Hailey,” Charles said.
Hailey sat down on one of the sofas and placed her bag beside her. She was nervous as hell.
Mr. Monterio arrived and he smiled when he sighted Hailey and Charles. Seems, his son still respects him after all.
He cleared his throat before joining them.
“Good evening, sir” Hailey greeted respectfully.
“Good evening. You’re so beautiful, I guess my son made the right choice” Mr. Monterio said.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go to the dining room,” he said.
They were led to the dining room, Hailey was holding unto Charles throughout. There, about five maids were present, and the food was already on the table.
“Get Lilian for me,” Mr. Monterio said to one of the maids.
“Right away, sir” the maid left.
“Have your seat” he said to Hailey.
Hailey sat down and Charles sat beside her.
Lilian appeared and her eyes widened when she saw Charles.
“Brother!!” She screamed excitedly. She quickly rushed to hug him.
“Gosh, I missed you so much,” she whined.
“That’s enough, can’t you see his girlfriend is here?” Mr. Monterio cautioned.
“Girlfriend?” Lilian broke the hug. She glanced at Hailey and her eyes widened.
“You…..” She stared between Charles and Hailey. Did she hear the wrong thing?
Hailey was not left out, she couldn’t believe Lilian is Charles’s sister.
“She’s beautiful isn’t she?” Mr. Monterio asked.
“Yes, she is,” she agreed. She glanced at Charles who signaled her not to say anything.
“I’m Lilian,” she said to Hailey.
“I’m Hailey. Nice to meet you” Hailey said.
Lilian sat down, she’s facing Hailey directly.
“Let’s eat,” Mr. Monterio announced.
They all started eating. All through, Hailey was uncomfortable. Charles noticed that and he held her other hand under the table.
“Relax” he mouthed at her.
She smiled gently at him before exhaling deeply.
Mr. Monterio was busy staring at the both of them, his eyes taking their every move.
“So, how did you both meet?” He suddenly asked.
Charles smiled. He knew his Dad was gonna ask that question. Thankfully, they were both prepared for that.
“We met on a beach. He was bewitched by my beauty” Hailey giggled.
Charles chuckled. Why would she say that?
Mr. Monterio smiled.
“Really?” He asked.
“Yes. He was so busy staring at me that he tripped on his face” she laughed.
Mr. Monterio laughed heartily.
“This is so surprising,” he said. One could tell that he was very happy with what he just heard.
“I know, right?” Hailey grinned.
“So, they already know each other before?” Lilian asked herself.
“Babe, you really don’t have to exaggerate, you know?” Charles said.
“Well, I was only telling the truth,” Hailey said.
“So, do you love my son?” Mr. Monterio suddenly asked.
Hailey choked on her breath. She wasn’t expecting that from him.
“Do you?” He asked again.
Charles stared at her, waiting for his reply.
“I do, very much” she replied.
Charles smiled happily. Though this was all fake, but he was really happy to hear that.
Mr. Monterio smiled satisfactorily.
“What about you, Charles? Do you love her too?” He asked.
“More than my life” Charles muttered.
Hailey’s cheeks reddened. This was fake, but it totally sounds sincere to her.
“If I don’t, I wouldn’t have introduced her to you” Charles said.
Hailey scooped a spoon of rice in her mouth and munched it slowly. She could feel her heart beating hard against her chest.
“Baby, you got something on your lips” Charles said.
Hailey looked at him. He stretched his hand and cleaned the stain off her lips.
Then he did something that surprised her, he licked his fingers.
Lilian choked on her food and one of the maids quickly handed a glass of water to her.
Charles smiled.
“You should be careful or I won’t mind doing more than that,” he muttered.
Mr. Monterio smiled. His son is really something else.
Hailey looked away in embarrassment. What was wrong with her?
She could feel her heart threatening to burst out of its ribcage.
TBC
