POV: Miguel
I never thought the day would come when that void in my heart would be filled to the brim. I never knew I would be this happy to walk around town with the one person that has been missing in my heart all these years. I don’t even know how I managed to survive all these years without her.
We went to the mall, I practically begged her to accompany me over there. I just had to buy her a present, something we would use to remember the day when we found each other. She was a bit skeptical about following me around town and getting caught on camera with the strange new guy in town.
“Raphael would kill if this gets to the papers tomorrow. You know he accused me of having an affair with you this morning,” she scoffed, laughing at the idea of having an affair with me.
“Why would he think that?” I asked her, feigning surprise.
“Well, he caught me gawking at you while you called out to me from the crowd. I’ve never been one to care about my admirers before and be know I don’t have any friends and family members that look like you. So the only other explanation he could come up with was that I met you at work and I’m having an affair with you.” She laughed, making me even more curious.
“Again, why would he think that, what kind of job would make a man suspect his fiancee of having an affair with a strange guy. Is he just paranoid or what!” I asked in concern, sounding a little bit pissed by the thought of him scolding her for no just reason at all.
“Well, you see, I used to work as an escort and that’s how we both met. That’s not how we both met, I was drugged and dumped in his room and he mistook me for a whore and we both ended up…”
“What?
What’s wrong with you?!” she asked in concern as I pulled the car over and punched the car steering in anger, cursing out loudly. I didn’t need to hear the rest of the story, it’s easy to tell that the Hawkins brothers had used her as a pawn for their selfish revenge against Raphael. As if her being a fucking escort is not enough to slap on my face, they had to use her to set him up and that fucking made me furious.
I wanted to beat up those boys, it seems like the years I spent learning self-defense and taekwondo are going to be useful to me in this godforsaken town. I will definitely have a long talk with Raphael Hawkins before all this is over. And as for Marisol’s father, sorry, I mean, Mister Austin Kendall, Victoria’s dumb-ass fake father. He is going to feel my fist for letting my sister work as an escort when he could have offered her a job in his company.
“Your father is Mr Austin Kendall of the Kendalls groups, right?” I asked her, trying to hide my anger. I’d startled her with my reaction and I’m hoping to make it right by finding out why she decided to work as an escort. But her face turned sad when I brought it up and I realized that this is something she is not comfortable discussing with me. She didn’t seem to mind telling me about her bad first date with Raphael Hawkins.
I wonder why her family issues are making her this sad, like, how messed up is that damn family?
“It’s okay, Victoria. I’m just looking out for you, like a true friend. I truly care about you, and I don’t care how much you’ve been hurt before I found you. I’m here now, I’m a part of your life now and no one, I mean no one will ever hurt you again. Not when I’m alive,” I assured her, earning her warm beautiful smile that melted my heart and made me pull her into my arms.
“Come in, let’s go have fun!” I told her excitedly, getting back on the road and driving back to the mall without asking more questions that could upset her again. I walked alongside Victoria in the bustling mall, the festive atmosphere buzzing with energy and excitement. The air was thick with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla from the nearby bakery, and holiday decorations sparkled overhead. I glanced at her, taking in the open wonder in her eyes as she leaned closer to the window displays, her excitement palpable. I don’t think she had much fun as a child, I think the Kendalls did not take care of my sister and Raphael is doing a pretty bad job too.
“Look at that bag!” Victoria exclaimed, pointing enthusiastically at a designer purse peeking out from a glass cabinet.
“It’s stunning!” she confessed, looking so excited. I chuckled softly, inwardly smiling at how naturally she lit up.
“You should see it up close,” I suggested, not able to shake the urge to spoil her just a little more. After all, this day felt monumental, even if she didn’t yet realize the true significance behind it. As we entered the store, the fragrance of high-quality leather enveloped us. I felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement flutter through me as if the fabric of fate had tightened its grip on this moment, spinning around us.
I wanted to confess everything about our shared past, the years we spent apart. But I wanted to savor this first day with her just a bit longer. I want to build a strong bond with her as a friend before she realizes that we have a stronger bond as siblings.
“Why don’t you pick something out?” I offered, leading her towards an elegant rack adorned with luxurious outfits.
“After the stress today, trust me, You deserve a little treat today.” I told her, watching her giggle excitedly. Her eyes widened in disbelief and excitement.
“Me? But I can’t just-”
“Please. It’s just a small way to celebrate us finally finding each other. Let’s say, it’s to a great beginning as great friends.” I insisted gently, trying to keep my voice steady. I caught her uncertain gaze, and the way she hesitated made my heart ache, the truth felt heavy on my tongue. If only she knew that these things are little compared to the wealth she possesses.
If only she knows how much I’ve always wanted to spoil her this way and give her only the best things in life. I smiled and urged her to make her choice and I called an attendant to assist her in making the right choices, urging her to have as much as she desires. After a moment, she broke into a smile and strode confidently towards a dress that shimmered in shades of teal.
“Okay, but only if you help me decide,” she said with a playful glance, giggling excitedly. How the hell do I say no to her when she is making my heart flutter with joy. My grin widened and I asked the attendant to wait aside while I helped her choose. We spent the next hour trying on various outfits, laughing as Victoria twirled in front of the mirror, her spirit infectious.
I bought her stunning shoes, glimmering under the bright store lights, and as she modeled a pair, I couldn’t help but snap a quick photo with my phone, wanting to capture this moment forever. I did a video of her in a cute outfit and a matching shoe and purse. I would save it to show to Mom and show her just how much Marisol looks like her.
I can imagine how happy she would be if she set eyes on her. As I watched her smiling and twirling happily, modeling for me and being so carefree and cheerful, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling at her and loving every moment of it. I’m so happy to be the reason why she is so happy.