CHAPTER EIGHT
“IF YOU love her, why didn’t you win her back?”
“I love her, and all she asked from me was to disappear from her life. And I could not blame her. I just thought she loved me enough for her to want to stay. And I realized, maybe true love was just a myth.”
“Or maybe she was not just the one.”
Javier smiled but it did not reach his eyes.
“What’s your idea of ‘the one,’ hmm?”
“Someone who stays. And it did not matter if you are far from each other and you could not be with her every day. The one loves you endlessly; even if at times, you weren’t lovable.”
“Then I wish you find the one, Gretel.”
“No,” Gretel said, smiling. “I don’t just wish to find the one, Javier. I want to become that one.”
Javier stared at her in awe.
“You never fail to surprise me, woman.” He caressed her cheek. “To think you are still young.”
“I’m turning twenty in a couple of months. I am not young anymore.”
“Sure thing.”
GRETEL walked with Javier to the gate when it was time for him to leave. Though they spent hours together, it felt like it was not enough. But it made her look forward to spending the next day with him.
“Mother,” Gretel uttered in surprise. Her mother and Hansel we’re home from the market.
“Mr. del Mundo, you’re still here,” Glenda said in awe.
“Mrs. Hermosa, I lost track of time while Gretel and I are together. I hope you don’t mind.”
Glenda glanced at Gretel before she returned her gaze to Javier.
“Mr. del Mundo, are you dating my daughter?”
“I know it’s been only a while since I met your daughter. But I could not help my feelings for her. I don’t simply wish to date her. Mrs. Hermosa,” Javier took Gretel’s hand and squeezed it, “I plan to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Gretel swallowed as she met Javier’s eyes. Surely, she had expected that moment would happen, but her heart was not prepared. Javier looked like he was a sincere lover.
“The robbery incident was unfortunate. But that did not change my intentions for your daughter. I want to give her my name and make all of her dreams come true.”
“Is that the reason I was released quickly? Did you do it for my sister?” Hansel uttered in disbelief. He had appeared behind Glenda.
“No, Hansel. I believe you regretted it sincerely, and I could not just deprive you of a second chance. I’m just glad nothing changed between Gretel and me.”
Javier was one great liar, Gretel must say. She was almost convinced that they had an affair going on for a while now.
“Gretel, are you sure about it?” Hansel asked. “You said you had no plans of marrying yet. You are still young. Can you still go back to school once you become his wife?”
“Hansel, brother, I understand your concerns, and I appreciate you for that. I’m not sure what’s waiting for me yet, but this is the risk I am willing to take.” She glanced at Javier, who was looking at her intently. Her heart was racing.
“I know this is a shock to both of you, “ Javier said. “I’ll give you the chance to talk as a family. I’ll return tomorrow morning, and I hope I already have your answers.” Javier squeezed her hand. “I hated to part with you, Gretel, but I got to go.”
“Take care, “ she uttered softly.
Javier bowed to her mother and Hansel before leaving. Gretel watched him mount the carriage until it disappeared.
“Mother...” Gretel began. She felt like her heart was already in her throat, and she felt empty for departing with Javier temporarily. “My heart beats for Javier.” She cleared her throat. “Please give us your blessing.”
“HEY.” Gretel sighed nervously as she walked toward Alexander. “Did I make you wait?”
“Not at all, “ he said with a small smile. “Did you bring something for me again?”
“How did you know?”
“Your family might be suspicious if you keep on bringing me something from your kitchen.”
Gretel laughed.
“They won’t. I always have a big appetite. They already know that. “
They sat down under the tree.
“I had a serious talk with my family. I was right. It wasn’t that easy. I can’t blame them. I really looked like in a hurry, but I could not tell them the reason why.”
“In a hurry of what?”
“Of marrying.” Gretel smiled shyly.
Shock was written on Alexander’s pale face.
“You’re marrying who?”
“Javier del Mundo. The wealthiest man in town. “ Gretel bit her lip. “I hate that I need to lie to them. But I am doing this for their future. Do you think I am doing something stupid, Alexander? How could I marry a man for his money?”
“Is his money only the reason?”
“You know I owe him, right? And it was me who volunteered myself. I was not just expecting that he will bring up marriage. Javier was in a hurry. It’s like he did not want to waste his time. I am confused, Alexander. There were things he was not telling me. And I respect him, so I did not pry.”
“Well, the question is whether you wanted to keep your word or not, and that man took advantage of it, “ Alexander said. “Sure, that man can make your dreams come true. But wouldn’t you regret it? Can he make you happy?”
Gretel sighed.
Javier was not the man of her dreams from the start. But his kisses and touch were melting her defenses. And he was not the same man she first met. There was more to Javier than her first impression of him.
“He gifted me books, “ she said sheepishly.
Alexander laughed in no time.
“And I see that that was already something to you.”
“I can’t be Javier’s wife for a long time, but we’re going to be friends for life, right?”
The smile from Alexander’s face disappeared.