AUBREE’S POV
I was so nervous to go inside the restaurant where Seb and I would meet.
This is the first time we have talked with just the two of us since he came to the Philippines.
I feel a bit scared and excited at the same time. I also know that one of the reasons why he wants to see me is because of my previous encounter with her mother.
I don’t know if Seb is still the same as before, will he apologize for all the things that his mom had said to me and then he will comfort me and he will say bow much he loves me. Or maybe his mom said something about me that made him angry with me.
I’m going crazy from thinking of the reason why he asked me tonight.
When I got inside I immediately saw where he was sitting. He stood up immediately when he saw me.
One of the waiters approached and he asked me if I already have my reservation, I told him that I am meeting Sebastian Dela Rama. When I said that he immediately took me to where Seb was.
I could feel the tension and nervousness between the two of us.
“I’m glad that you came Bree.” Seb said as we sat down.
I just smiled in response. Gosh this is really awkward. I don’t know what to say and to react. Will I smile or just a poker face?
The waiter came to pick up our order. I let Seb decide what we should eat just like before.
In this date, it seems like nothing had changed. The way he act towards me is the same as before. And that made me confused. What is he planning now?
I really want to asked him why he invited me to have dinner with him tonight, if its about my previous encounter with his mom. I also wanted to know his reaction about that.
“Its been 7 years but I must say you look more gorgeous. And I’m really happy to see you succeed in your career.” He said while smiling.
I felt the redness on my cheek at his compliments. But I try to control my real reaction as much as possible.
“Thanks.” I only said so.
Our food arrived.
While eating we started talking. This is actually catching up for the past 7 years we have been away.
He told me all his experiences when he was at Harvard, the culture of the Americans and whatnot. In return, I told him about my experiences in college and when I started to worked. How I was able to succeed without a backer that my only investment were my skills and determination.
If you look at us now, there seems to be no Sam and Gavin in our lives. Tonight is just me and him.
When we finished eating we felt the tension again. I can see the seriousness of Seb’s face.
I saw him squirm. “My Mom went to my office and told me that you and Gavin are done. I-is that t-true?”
Is that what his mom told him? Did she not tell him what she said about me?
“Yes.” I said.
“I-is it because of m-me?” He asked nervously.
I chuckled. “You know what, you and your fiancée really good together. You asked me the same question. But for the record, the answer is NO. Its not because of you nor Sam.”
He lower his head. “Then why? You guys fall out of love?”
“No.” Which is true.
Why will I fall out of love with him if I don’t love him in the first place.
“Then why?” He said while looking intently in my eyes.
I averted my eyes. I can’t look him in the eyes. He knew me, and he knew when I was lying.
“Because of career I guess? You know I fell in love with my modeling career. And I want to focus on modeling first. Love can wait.” I said coldly.
He was about to say something but I preceded him.
“And one more thing, when I become successful, it will probably be easier for me to love. At that time maybe the family of the one I love will be able to accept me and the person I love will fight for me.” I said looking into his eyes.
He, in turn, avoided looking at me. I smirked. I know he was hit by what I said.
“I thought you and Gavin’s family are okay? Don’t tell me?” I saw the clench of his fist and the tightness of his mouth. Angry, that’s what I see in his eyes.
“Don’t tell me what? That like you Gavin can’t fight for me? That he can’t fight for me against his family?”
I saw the softening of his face because of what I said. “I’m sorry. I can’t stop being this protective of you. I envy him when I heard that his family accepted you. I know you deserve that.”
My heart hurts from what he said.
“Yes. I am very much accepted in his family. Finally I was able to experience how it felt to be accepted by the family of the person you love. Its nice and very peaceful.”
“I-im s-sorry.” I could guilt in his eyes.
I bit my lip so hard and averted my eyes.
“You are sorry because? You left me? Or because of your upcoming wedding?” I said still not looking at his eyes.
“To everything. Bree I love you so much. I did all those things because I love you so much.” He said sincerely.
I wanted to laughed at what he said.
“You love me? Really? You left me because you love me? You are marrying someone else because you love me?” I was already crying while saying that.
I was not able to control my tears anymore.
Why is he saying that he loves me?! If he loves me why did he left me?! If he loves me why would he marry someone else?! I waited for him for a long time. I longed for him to come back to me. But I just hoped for nothing.
“There’s a reason I left.” He said almost in a whisper.
I chose to remain quiet. I was waiting for his explanation.
“After our dinner with my family, my mom wants me to go to the States to continue my studies there. I knew that is not the reason why she want me to go there. I know that she wants me to stay away from you. But I can’t. I will not leave you even if she chased me out of the house or he will not support me financially.”
I could see how sincere he is with what he said.
“But she threaten me that she will make your family life miserable if I don’t follow her. If I will be the only one who will suffer, I can bear it. But I knew that she will do everything just to break us apart. Making you and your family suffer because of me is the thing that I can’t accept.”
“Even if it pains me to leave you that time, I still did just to save you and your family from my mom’s evil plan. And just like what I told you on my letter, even if I’m far away from, I will still love you and you will be the only girl I will love for the rest of my life.” He added.
My heart started to melt from all the things that he said. But it suddenly disappeared because I remembered that he will marry soon.
“Then why are you getting married?” I asked him.
“That’s my only way for me to go back here.” He said.
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“If I will accept that arranged marriage there is a greater possibility that I can return here in the Philippines without mom suspecting me of other motives.” He explained.
He sighed. “But then you and Gavin.”
“Me and Gavin were fake.”