Chapter 4 4

The island people of AceLand warmly welcomed us. Floral garlands were put on us and they smell so good! Everyone had a smile plastered on their faces as they greeted Tate and I. They seem like fun people to be with. I guess accepting this project was not a bad idea after all, even though Mr. Lenegham's quite grumpy.

As I stayed longer in the island, I learned that the Leneghams are extremely rich. Their family started a shipping business then expanded it into other businesses, and now they have their own island that's soon to be a tourist attraction here in the Philippines. This island is being advertised overseas and foreigners are also looking forward to go here. It motivated me even more to do my best for the shoot.

I wore a floral red maxi dress with spaghetti straps. I brought an umbrella with me because my skin's sensitive to sunlight. My doctor advised me to refrain from being exposed to the sun for too long because she hasn't done a follow-up check up of the red patches on my back.

I saw Clara as soon as I arrived in the hotel lobby, she's my guide for the duration my stay here. Mr. Lenegham can't accompany me because of his other work commitments, so he assigned Clara to look after me. I haven't seen any trace of him these days, the last time I saw him was in the plane and during the welcoming ceremony days ago. I felt my cheeks heat up upon remembering what happened inside the airplane.

"I'm sorry, Brazeal."

He sincerely said those words with that concerned voice of his. I just looked back at him, not able to say anything else to break the silence. How could I dare when he's looking at me so intently like this?! He cleared his throat before breaking eye contact. I watched as his Adam's apple moved up and down. It's like I'm in a movie!

"I just want to say sorry for what I've done earlier. You can go now and do whatever you need to do. And don't call me Mr. Lenegham anymore. Tate will do," he nonchalantly said. He's back to his usual self now, thank God.

He walked back to his seat and left me bewildered. He went from concerned and caring to cold and heartless real quick. He's worse than me when I have mood swings!

I entered the cubicle and sat on the seat cover of the bowl. I washed my face with my palms and breathed deep. I can feel my heart beating fast, it's insane.

"Why are you making my heart beat this fast? Am I really crushing on you, Mr. Taterson Lloyd Henris Lenegham?"

I came back to my senses when Clara called me. She was pouting when I looked at her. It seems like she's been trying to get my attention for some time now. Mr. Lenegham is really messing my head up!

Clara looks young, she's probably younger than me. She has a brownish skin color and a brown curly hair that suits her. I'm taller than her, she's probably up until my neck. Her height makes her even more cute and beautiful at the same time.

"Ma'am Brazeal, are you alright? It seems like you have a lot on your mind right now," she asked worriedly. I nodded to assure her I was fine. "If that's the case then let's go. Sir Tate is waiting for you near the falls. But if you're really not feeling well, I'll inform him so we can reschedule the shoot. Sir Tate will understand."

"It's fine, I'm alright. Sorry for making you worry. Let's go, I don't want to make Mr. Lenegham wait any longer." I smiled at Clara. She beamed at me and we started walking together.

"You look like a goddess, Ma'am Brazeal, especially when you laugh or smile. No wonder you're the top model in the industry. Hannah Leigh, Andrea Leigh, Amber Soledad, and Clouie Felipe cannot compare to you. Sir Tate's lucky to have you as his girlfriend!" she enthusiastically said.

"Mr. Lenegham and I aren't together. We're just working with each other for this AceLand project," I chuckled, "but thank you, Clara." I saw her forehead crease for a moment, but she just shrugged it off.

We rode a golf cart going to the falls where Mr. Lenegham is. It was a 10-minute ride from the hotel. The island looked marvelous. Tourists will surely fill this place once it finally opens.

The falls was serene and greenery occupied the scene. The breeze here was cold despite the sun's presence. The sound of water falling from the top calmed my senses. Clara protected me from the sun with an umbrella as I hopped out of the golf cart. We walked towards the nipa hut where Mr. Lenegham is.

Clara stayed outside and I went in alone. This nipa hut is not like the ones I grew up seeing, it has an airconditioning unit inside! I saw Mr. Lenegham, or should I say Tate, sitting in front of the table.

"I understand if you wish to deduct another million from my salary, sir. I'm sorry I'm late." I immediately explained. It's better to say it in advance so it'll hurt less later on.

There was a faint chuckle from the other side of the room. I looked up to see Tate smiling. Did I say something funny? But I won't deny that he looks better when he smiles. He's like an angel sent from above. He could be a model and he'd be one of the best! I can't believe a man can look strikingly handsome wearing a simple blue polo shirt. God clearly has His favorites.

"No, Ms. Viglianco. I'm not that heartless. I'm sorry I scolded you the last time. Here, let me help you," I didn't notice Tate was already standing. He moved the chair in front of him for me to sit on. When I sat down, I started to notice the design of the place. LED lights surrounded the room and an ice-filled bucket containing wine was at the center of the table. It's as if we were in a restaurant

He sat back down on his seat and smiled at me. His smile really melts my heart. I hope he does that more often instead of being grumpy.

"Ms. Viglianco, is it fine if I call you Brazeal?" he politely asked. I nodded. He told me to call him Tate so I don't mind if he calls me Brazeal. First name basis.

"Alright then. So," Tate paused for a second and it was starting to make me nervous. Did he choose another model for this project? I knew I should've arrived an hour earlier than him! "Can I tell you something? I've been keeping this in for the past few days and I cannot take it anymore," he suddenly ran his fingers through his hair and sighed in frustration.

"W-what is it, sir?" I asked nervously.

"Do you remember me?" his question made my forehead crease.

"Huh? I saw you for the first time inside the company after the interview. I don't think I've seen you before that," I answered confused.

Tate nodded then took a sip of his wine. "That makes sense."

"I was always there whenever you had a shoot for Daty Magazine. Well, mostly hiding in the corner. I'm also the one who's been sending you a bouquet of flowers every day. I am not your stalker, but don't you remember me? I introduced myself to you as Henry before, " he asked again.

My eyes widened at the name. That was him?! The guy I had a crush on that told me he was also a model. He's the stranger I talked to while I was brokenhearted because of my ex.

"I remember now! But you look totally different then. Why did you change your hair? Your style? You told me you were a model before," my questions came out one after the other. Tate laughed at my curiosity then suddenly placed his hand on mine. I felt a blush creep on my cheeks. So we've known each other for quite some time now, I should really start calling him Tate.

"Because you told me before that you liked decent-looking men. I looked shabby then, but you still talked to me and told me about your ideal type. That's why I became the CEO of our family company and continued this business my parents want me to inherit. I've been running away from this responsibility before, but you've sparked a change of heart in me. From being the bastard Henry I was before, I am the better version of that person now," he explained.

"I'm proud of you, Tate! You really changed a lot, and for the better. I'm happy that you chose this path." I told him happily. I'm genuinely glad to see him this successful now.

"I chose this path because the very first time our eyes met, I knew I had already fallen for you. I wanted to be the man of your dreams, Brazeal. I hope I was able to do just that." Tate answered earnestly.

I didn't know what to respond to his sudden confession. All I could feel right now was the fast beating of my heart. The revelations suprised me, but I was happy to see Henry, or now Tate, again. Ed Sheeran's Perfect suddenly played in the background and Tate revealed his hand for me to take.

"Can I have this dance?" Tate asked.

Despite my heart racing like crazy, I managed to smile at him and take his hand. We danced to the mellow song inside this nipa hut. We talked and laughed as we danced. This is a reunion for us and this is one of the best days of my life. A special reunion with a special friend.