Chapter 8 Dinner date

Kristine's POV

That was a mistake. I stepped back and cleared my throat. I even brushed my nape and sipped my champagne to hide my embarrassment. He returned my phone and dialed a number.

When his phone rings, he answers it.Not bad for him. I know what he's planning to do. He already knows that I'm his ex's aunt, and he might use that to his advantage. I scoffed and decided to save his phone number.

He is my target anyway. I put my phone back in my pocket. I'm glad that I still came to my batch mate's invitation for his fiancée's gallery show. I looked down and tried to act cool.

"It looks like Ms. Sanchez's blushing cheeks are priceless. It's quite refreshing to see," he teases. I frowned, but he laughed softly.

"You look cute when you smile, are irritated, or frown, and any emotions you show make you look more beautiful and appealing, Kristine. I think you were right. Calling your name makes me feel closer to you. By the way, did you have any company for this event?" he asks. My eyebrow furrows.

"Why? Are you inviting me on a date, Mr. Aveyard?" I ask. He laughs and gives me that handsome smirk. I clear my head.

"Why not? After all, it would be my pleasure to date such a beautiful woman as you," he says.

That made me laugh. But the truth is, I was flattered as heck. I never realized that she could make me feel this way. My heart is pounding so fast when our eyes meet. when he compliments me with a serious expression on his face.

"I wonder if you pick up women with your cheesy lines like that. Wait, I am not offending you, okay? I just want you to know that I'm serious about what I said."

He laughs and looks at me with a serious expression. I think I ended up offending him. What an idiot I am. I need him in my plans, and yet I am losing the chance because of my glib tongue. Maybe I should apologize to him.

"Hey, I didn't mean what I said. I am just joking, okay? So, please, don't take it to heart," I mumble.

He suddenly grabbed my hand and kissed it. I was frozen, but I know I'm blushing like a red tomato.

"It will be accepted if you agreed to be my date here and we will have dinner together at the same time, deal?" he asks.

"Deal," I said, taking his hand in mine for a handshake.

He smiled and dragged me to the other side of the gallery. My batchmate's fiancée is talented, and he captures different shades of moments and emotions as well.

I stop at a portrait of a dog that was being adopted by an elderly couple. I smile and remember the dog that my parents gave me. When I'm 13 years old, the dog dies because she's already old. Should I adopt another dog again?

"You're a dog person, huh? I have six dogs that I found on the streets and adopted. Want to see them? They're different breeds, actually," he says.

I look at him, and I never thought he loved dogs, actually. I thought he wouldn't be compassionate about animals. Why not? I want to see his dog, actually.

"Why not? Maybe we can eat at your place? I will grab some groceries and cook them. What do you think? "Restaurants are expensive." I whispered.

I was drawn to his genuine, joyous laughter when he laughed. How can he affect me like this?

"Are you sure? Women love to eat outside. An expensive wine, lobster, or even steak," he says.

I laugh. I'm not that kind of person.

"You are talking about average women, mister. I am not like those women. I love cooking my own food, actually," I replied.

"Okay then. I want to see if you really know how to cook. Especially since you are an heiress yourself. I mean, you're a billionaire's sister, and I bet you're much richer than me," he says.

"Nah, those are just money. I never wanted to be labeled by that. I want people to see me with my characters," I added. He nodded.

"I was surprised that you're different from your brother and your niece. I saw how they bullied Jackson's ex-mother-in-law," he says.

"Well... I can't believe that either. I thought my niece was a spoiled brat, but I had no idea she had become a mistress of others. Oh well, you didn't know what people were capable of, even if they were your family," I whispered.

He didn't say anything, and he fell into a deep thought. I hope he realizes that I am not like my niece, who left him without any valid reason.

We continued to roam around until a portrait caught my attention. I smiled when I saw that it hadn't sold yet. It captures the beauty of a sakura tree where a family of three people are happily playing underneath it.

The smile of the little girl and the gentle eyes of her parents watching and cheering for her are priceless. I called the staff, and he walked right towards us. I want to buy this one.

"I'll be taking this one. Send to my address after that," I say.

"Understood, Madame. Are you paying by check or cash?" he asks.

"I will pay for it. I also wanted the portrait of a dog," he says.

I let him do as he pleases. The more he wants to involve himself with me, the better. It will be advantageous for me. He gave the check, and the man excused himself. He changed the label with sold.

"Thank you. Should I pay cash or by check also?" I ask.

He shook his head, and I know the answer already. Oh well, everything is going as planned. But I know he will be more surprised if he learns the truth. But I should put that aside for the time being.

"Congratulations to you, batch mate, because you found such a great artist as a fiancée," I remark. She laughs and looks at him.

"Actually, the next day is our wedding ceremony. I have a problem, and I remember you. That's why I called you here. My maid of honor had a sudden emergency. He flew to another country to check on his soldier fiancée.If it's okay with you, can you replace her? I can rush the adjustment of your dress. Please?" she begs.

"You are also invited, dude. She had an escort because the best man is still the same, but I think you know each other. You have been together the whole time. I know she preferred you to come because she's not familiar with the other guests. What do you think?" her fiancée added. We sighed and smiled afterward.

"No problem," we both say.

They smiled and both talked about the wedding. She measures her body size and I remember that my batch mate is a famous fashion designer. She looks at me and smiles.

"Thanks, batch mate!" she says.

I simply nodded. We bid our farewells and left the gallery. They need to stay because they have to talk to their staff. In the parking lot, he opens his car door for me.

"Thank you," I remark.

He put her hand on my head and closed the door after that. He's a gentleman by nature, actually. I texted Belinda to come pick up my car, and I have somewhere else to go.

"What dishes do you love to eat? I mean your favorites? Perhaps I can cook them for you," I asked.

My attention was diverted because of the vibrations of my phone. Belinda was calling me now.

"Hello? Is there a problem, Belinda?" I ask. I heard her sigh.

"Are you sure with this? You will be losing your virginity for vengeance? Would that be worth it, Kristine?" she ask. I'm glad my phone is on low volume. He wouldn't hear what Belinda was trying to say.

"I know. Don't worry about me. If Ms. Aveyard is going to eat me alive, just bury my body parts that you can retrieve."

He stepped on the brake, and I heard how the tires made an eerie sound. He looks at me and gives me that weird expression. I could tell he was surprised because his lips were agape.I end up laughing because of it. I can't believe that he will give me such face. My goodness.

"Bye, Belinda. It looks like Mr. Aveyard panicked over what I said. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm in safe hands," I remark.

I winked at Raphael and smiled sweetly. I drop the call and face him.

"What kind of conversation is that? You even accused me of cannibalism.My goodness, Ms. Sanchez!" he exclaimed.

I continued to laugh because of his expression. I can't help it. It's priceless!

"Why? Are you going to eat me?" I ask with a serious expression.