"Nice... I love the party..." His one hand was inside his pocket while the other was holding the glass of cocktail juice, sipping on it coolly.
"I wanted it simple and solemn. I didn't invite big names and personalities," I said.
"Is he invited? Did you inform him?" He asked smoothly.
But before I could even answer him, my eyes caught that man walking inside the entrance of the gate.
My heart was frozen by his surprise appearance. Looking so magnificently hot and seductive in his navy blue long sleeve polo that folded up to his forearms. He never failed to clutch my heart out and leave me breathless.
I watched him cross the crowded people while his eyes never left mine. I wanted to stare at him more, but it was cut off when I heard Ellwood clearing his throat beside me.
"Whatever speech you have boiling, I don't wanna hear it," I said through my tight lips.
I heard him chuckled lowly before leaving me alone and greeting Hezekiah.
"Dude, long time no see... I'm glad you came." Ellwood shook hands with him before glancing at me with a smirk on his lips.
His eyes dropped down to the cocktail Ellwood was holding.
"Oh, I think I drank half of the party." He raised his glass and smirked at Hezekiah.
I noticed him tapping Ellwood's shoulder before staring at me again.
"I... think I need a refill." Ellwood winked at me before leaving us alone.
After a few seconds, he faced me.
"How is everything? How's the party going?" His eyes roamed around the place, observing at the guests who came.
"It's fine. Do you want to eat first?" I almost stuttered in front of him. God, I didn't see him for almost five months. What does he think I should say?
"I'm still full. You? Did you eat? You looked like you're not taking care of yourself anymore." His eyes traveled down to my body.
"I guess Hunter's been keeping you awake." His lips revealed a soft but teasing smile at his remark.
My lips twitched. He really noticed my weightloss because of sleeping late taking care of Hunter.
"Ah, I'll just go get Hunter." I turned around and passed through some guests who were actually watching us earlier.
"Your admirer's charm is oozing. In fairness for sir, he looked so hot today," Tawin said loudly as I passed by them.
I went straight to Daddy Daddy Adriano to get Hunter and went back to him.
My heart almost melted as I watched him carry Hunter in his arms. I could see a genuine smile on his face while playing with our son.
His smile flatters me, I couldn't withstand the sweet-ache that formed in my heart. If I could just confess what I feel for him, I already did. But I couldn't, I already rejected him a lot of times. I didn't entertain all of his lunch and dinner invitations and now... I didn't even invite him for his own son's birthday party. What would he tell me if it happens?
I quickly looked away when he turned to me, "Ah, I'll just go entertain some guests."
I was about to turn my back on them, but I felt his warm hand gripping my wrist.
"Can we talk first?" he asked in a soft tone.
I brought him to the poolside where there were barely a person. He's still carrying Hunter who's been silent.
"I'll leave later at night. My flight back to Manila is by eight o'clock." he started. His eyes were wearing darkness and solemnity.
I nodded as a reply. I actually want him to stay longer here.
"I brought some gifts for Hunter in the car, I already ordered Hunts and Sean to bring it inside," he added.
I quelled my lips as an answer. I was thinking of a topic to make our conversation longer and for be with him longer, but all the words I prepared to say melted into nothing.
He glanced at his wristwatch. It's starting to get dark, it means he needs to leave.
Something heavy trampled on my heart as the time ticks. I sighed a few times while standing in front of him.
I flinched when he lifted his hand to caress my hair.
"You look prettier than before. Take care of yourself and my son," he whispered softly.
I slowly nodded my head and slightly crouched when his hand crawled to my cheek. His touch shot electricity through my nerves. My heart was beating erratically because of his closeness.
"I'll just keep in touch... just to check on Hunter." His voice became a tone lower, he crouched his head and lifted my chin to meet his gaze.
His brows furrowed together as he noticed my vague eyes, "Are... you alright?"
I blew out a breath before painting a smile. But I couldn't do it in front of him so I dropped my head again.
"Maybe, I could invite you to a dinner when I come back the day after tomorrow? Is that okay with you?"
I bit my lower lip. How many times did I reject his offers like this one? I couldn't even count anymore. Even if he already knows my answer, he never gave up.
I felt him heave a sigh before giving me Hunter.
I stiffened when he pulled me to kiss my hair and Hunter's, too.
"You both take care always," he whispered. His lips kissed my sensitive skin, "I... I gotta go."
He withdrew himself and walked away. I bit my lip again as I watch him disappear from my eyes.
My tears formed in my eyes. I don't know what to feel right now. This is what I want from the start, right? This is expected to happen but why is it so painful? Why can't I take it?
I was dreaming of this to happen. To marry him, to build a happy family and to have a lot of children but I didn't expect this to happen. Why is it so unfair?
The tears filled my eyes until it overflowed and fell down when I felt Ellwood's warm hand on my shoulder.
"Never set limits, it's difficult to wait, but more difficult to regret," he said while looking at the gate where Hezekiah left.
I quickly blinked and wiped the tears on my cheeks. His words made me realize that choosing the safest path is not an easy way. It's not bad to gamble again, even if I lose again for the second time, I won't regrer anything. I won't live with regrets.
I faced Ellwood and gave him Hunter without saying anything. I turned my back and walked fast.
"You can thank me later!" I heard Ellwood shouted while I was walking through a crowd of guests to finally reach the gate.
I was catching my breath when I got outside. I saw him opening the door of his car, but he immediately closed it when he noticed me.
His forehead was creasing, not expecting me to follow him.
"Did you forget anything?" he asked in a low voice.
I shook my head as my tears fell with overwhelming emotions.
The moment went on so long. I couldn't say what I'm supposed to say. I want to say that I'm accepting him in my life again, in Hunter's. I want to say that I still love him until now and I want to be with him for the next days and years. I want to say that I want him to just stay and not go, but I don't know how to begin.
"Yes... I'm accepting your invitation for the dinner date the day after tomorrow." I said confidently.
He strode towards me and stopped in a few distance.
"You what?" His voice was shaking. I noticed a spark in his eyes.
"I mean, maybe we can go out next time." I straightforwardly said. The adrenaline flew over my veins and my heart is racing. A smile appeared on my lips.
He licked his lower lip and shook his head, "Of course, I do. So... see you then," he said in a lighter tone and gave his promising smile.
I nodded at him and watched him get into his car and drove away. While watching his car disappear from my line of vision, the tears streamed down my face.
"I'll wait for you... Sweetheart."
THE END