Some may not understand where I’m coming from, but I know the path I’m on. I can see in Gio’s eyes that he wants to open up to me, but he’s struggling, and I’m willing to wait for when he can. So I’ll stay by Gio’s side for as long as he wants and as long as I can.
There are people who are difficult to love, but in reality, they are the ones who need love the most. That’s how I am, and that’s how Gio is. Even though we’ve had different life experiences, I know that at some point, our paths converged, and we understand each other.
Maybe it was fate or destiny that brought us together. Our paths crossed for a reason. Maybe Gio needs me, and unexpectedly, I might need him in my life as well. I didn’t see it at first, but it’s not too late to think that maybe that’s how it is.
Our conversation became lighter after I said that. They were relieved to know that I was genuinely fine and not hiding anything about Gio. If I’m happy with Gio, they’ll support me, as long as I don’t keep secrets if something goes wrong. I assured them that if I ever need their help, I’ll tell them right away, although I highly doubt it. Gio has never hurt me in the way my father did. Yes, I’ve been hurt often, but that’s because I love Gio, and it’s normal for someone in love.
~*~
I returned home after meeting with my friends. Somehow, I felt better. I wasn’t as spaced out or lost in deep thoughts as before. Ever since the night I saw how sad Gio was, it had been bothering me. I wanted to know the reason, but if Gio wasn’t ready to tell me, I shouldn’t force him.
As for the topic of having children, we can discuss it some other time. Maybe for now, Gio has made a decision and is sticking to it. But perhaps, one day, he’ll change his mind about it. All we need is the perfect time.
I was in Gio’s study room. When he’s not in the office and is at home, this is where he often works. I already missed him, even though he wouldn’t be coming home for a while because he seemed to have a lot of work. But I wanted to see him. If I called and told him I wanted to see him, would he come home?
I shook my head. That’s not a good idea, Millie.
I closed my eyes while sitting in Gio’s swivel chair. It felt like Gio was here with me.
The only thing that disrupted my thoughts was when my phone rang. I quickly picked it up and saw Marion’s name, furrowing my brow.
Gio and I hadn’t talked again since he got jealous of Marion. He had mentioned he was looking for a job. I wondered what he needed this time.
I answered the call, “Marion.”
“Millie…” There was something in his voice that I couldn’t quite place. He sounded weak and troubled. “I’m outside your house’s gate. I tried to tell the guard that I’m your friend, but they wouldn’t let me in. I just needed to talk to you.”
I stood up immediately from my seat. I quickly left the study room and headed outside the house. Even though the gate was quite a distance away, I ran towards it. Even our staff would glance at me when they saw me.
As I reached the gate, I found Dario there with the house guards. I also noticed Marion outside, and I was surprised to see that his face was bloody and looked like he had been beaten up.
“Dario!” Assuming that Dario was responsible, I called out to my staff. I quickly approached them.
The guards and Dario both looked at me. Dario had a blank expression but greeted me with respect.
“Marion, oh my goodness!” I was even more shocked to see that he was bleeding and appeared weak.
I turned to Dario, who just stared at me without a hint of guilt. “What have you done? What did you do to him?”
“No, Millie,” Marion interjected. “They’re not to blame for this. They just wouldn’t let me in, even though I told them I wanted to talk to you.”
I let out a sigh of relief when it became clear that Dario wasn’t responsible for Marion’s injuries. Nevertheless, I was still concerned about Marion’s condition.
“Open the gate,” I ordered.
The guards looked at Dario, and Dario gazed at me. “Sir Gio instructed us not to allow people who could pose a threat to your safety, Ma’am-”
“A threat? Does Marion look like a threat? He’s injured!” I reprimanded the guards, who finally relented and opened the gate.
Dario realized he couldn’t press me further, knowing that I could get upset with them, given there were instances when I would get genuinely angry at them. They looked like a mob attacking a helpless man.
Dario signaled to the guards, and they quickly opened the gate. Dario also instructed some of our staff to assist Marion because he was having trouble walking.
We made it inside the house, and I swiftly asked one of the household members to fetch a first-aid kit.
“Thank you, Alicia,” I said as I took the kit and went over to where Marion was. I sat beside him and began tending to his wounds. Judging by the fresh injuries, it was clear that he had recently been hurt.
“What happened to you?” I asked as I applied ointment to his wounds.
“I got scammed,” he said. “I had a job-a small company, but it was decent. I met a college classmate, and he offered me an investment opportunity. I was skeptical, Millie, but he showed me documents that seemed legitimate. I took the risk, thinking I could afford to lose the money, since that’s what investing is, right?”
I continued treating his wounds as I listened to his story. I also applied bandages to the cut on his face.
“When I realized it might be a scam, I confronted my friend, but… he and his associates beat me up. I don’t know where they are now. I don’t know where to go, and you were the first person I thought of coming to. I’m sorry, Millie. You’re the only friend I felt I could turn to.”
I smiled at him but remained silent. I didn’t know what to say, so I chose to keep quiet.
I was almost finished applying the bandages when I felt his hand touch mine. I stopped and looked at Marion in response to his action.
“If only our wedding had taken place,” he said.
“Marion,” I warned. I quickly pulled his hand away from mine and distanced myself. He noticed my reaction, and I saw the sadness in his face. “I am married. You shouldn’t be saying that. Don’t disrespect my husband in front of me.”
Marion hung his head and nodded. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. I couldn’t help but wonder… He didn’t follow through.”
I stood up as I had finished applying bandages to his wounds.
“I’ll get you something to eat and drink,” I said. I wanted to distance myself from Marion because of what he had said. I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t want him to think that my kindness was due to any romantic interest in him.