Chapter 4 The Unforgettable Kiss

Vera's POV

I paused for a moment, reflecting on what transpired in the past. I tried my best to avoid recollecting those memories. But when I caught sight of Royce earlier, I felt my heart racing once more. It has been three years since that incident occurred, yet I could not erase the memory of his alluring lips touching mine.

I closed my eyes as remnants of the past continuously muddled the tranquility of my mind.

Alexa began counting. "The kissing game begins in 3,2,1 go!"

As soon as the lights turned off, I slowly made a few steps back to the dressing room to hide there for the meantime. But someone grabbed my waist and kissed me. I felt like millions of volts were running through my veins as the unknown lips touched mine. The kiss was warm and passionate which made me respond to it.

Until the lights were back on, and girls were screaming out loud when they realized whom I was kissing with.

Oh my God! it was Royce!

I was overcome with embarrassment as he gazed at me intently. Hastily, I left the pool area and made my way to the dressing room. I sought refuge there, trying to process the fact that I had shared my first kiss with a complete stranger. I took off my swimsuit and put on my dress.

I was filled with shame, lacking the courage to face everyone. How could I escape this situation? I pondered to myself.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Alexa entered with a somber expression on her face.

"Oh, I'm sorry, girl. I did not mean to offend you. It was just a game. It was nothing. I can assure you, that the kiss was not a big deal for Royce. You know, he has plenty of women, and that kiss was just ordinary for him. So please, don't take it seriously, okay?" Alexa pulled me a hug and patted my back.

"If it's nothing to him, then it means a lot to me," I started to get emotional. Until I was not able to control my tears until they rolled down my cheeks. Alexa comforted me and wiped my tears with her palm.

"Shh... stop crying. You're like a kid, girl. Don't cry anymore, or I will cry too," she uttered, giving me a serious look.

I thumped her shoulder as I pouted my lips. "You brat! You did this on purpose!"

"Of course not! Who was expecting that Royce would be kissing you?" Alexa softly chuckled.

"That means he likes you, girl!" she grinned and tickled the lower part of my torso. "And how does it feel to be kissed by a womanizer like him?"

I did not respond. But Alexa continued teasing me around until I confessed to her how I felt when Royce kissed me. And when she heard about it, she was giggling to the highest level, and I couldn't help but laugh at her.

When Alexa announced that Royce and I won the kissing game, everybody was shrieking as we stood in front to receive the prize. Both of us were given the latest model of iPhone.

At an unexpected time and place, I got a new mobile phone because of that kiss.

Yes, that kiss was unforgettable. Since then, I could not take him out of my mind. Was that love at first sight? Or I was just sexually attracted to him?

After that party, I lost contact with him as the following week I left for Harvard to pursue my master's degree, which I eventually applied for a job afterwards.

That kiss had a profound impact on me, causing me to lose interest in pursuing romantic relationships. While I went on dates with men, the idea of committing to a long-term partnership seemed distant and unappealing. Perhaps it stemmed from my conservative nature and the belief that the man who shared my first kiss would be the one I would spend the rest of my life with.

Oh my God! So, it means I want Royce to be my future-

"You're unbelievable, Vera!" I scolded myself, attempting to dismiss such thoughts.

But I had nothing to do about it. I loved him. The other side of my brain insisted, refusing to let go of those feelings.

Wait...

Did I just say, "I love him?"

Oh, my goodness.

It was totally absurd. Royce Miller was known for being a womanizer and a carefree individual who only knew how to hang out with friends. If I really think about it, I knew there have been countless women he has been with, and many of them ended up heartbroken.

I shook my head, unable to fathom the idea of becoming one of those women who would inevitably get hurt. Perhaps it's time for me to let go of everything related to him. That kiss was just a part of Alexa's game, and it happened three years ago.

After refreshing up, I made my way back home. Upon arriving, I found Nanny setting up the table for lunch. I welcomed her with a smile and kissed her cheek.

Once I finished eating, I settled in the living room to watch some noontime shows. As my eyes grew heavy, I laid down on the sofa bed. There was a moment of silence. Suddenly, I heard the sweet music echoed on the dance floor. Then, a handsome young man offered his hand to me.

"May I have this dance, Vera?"the man said gently. I raised my head slightly to see who it was.

"Royce!" I exclaimed.

He nodded and gave me a tender smile. I took his hands and together we went to the dance floor. I did not expect to see him again after three years, and now, he is dancing with me. I could clearly see his blue tantalizing eyes, full of affection. He held my waist, and I encircled my hands around his neck. I felt the sensation of tingles run through my spine, especially when he pulled himself closer to me. I looked around and noticed there were no other people on the dance floor except the two of us.

"I missed you, Vera." He said and lowered his head. He gently cupped my face and threaded his hand through my hair. He was intently staring at me, and I felt like I was drowning in the ocean of his flickering eyes. It seemed I was frozen in a moment in time, and the only thing I could hear was the beating of his heart.

His grip became even tighter as his passionate kiss landed on my lips.

"Vera." He whispered into my ears.

"R-Royce." I mumbled.

Beep...beep...beep...

The sound of my cellphone woke me up from a beautiful dream. I did not know I had fallen asleep on the sofa bed while watching noontime shows.

And-

I was dreaming of him!

My heart raced as I attempted to recall the details, causing my blouse to become damp with perspiration. Hastily, I rose from my seat, took hold of my phone, and retreated into my room to change. Eagerly, I answered the call upon seeing that it was from my closest friend Alexa, who now resides in Westwood.

"Hey girl, what's up?" came the voice of my friend on the other end of the line.

"I'm fine girl, but-" I paused for a while and yawned.

"But what?" Alexa asked. "I guess you were sleeping when I called you. Did I disturb you?"

"No, it's okay."I answered.

I cleared my throat for a while and then told her everything from the time I met Royce at the Cellphone Care Center until I dreamed of him.

I heard Alexa's shrieking voice from the other line. "Oh my God! You're in love with Royce, girl, I'm sure of it!"

"Of course not!" I scoffed.

"It's just because-" I rolled my eyes. "We met again after three years, and I remembered that kiss."

Alexa was just laughing like she was teasing me around. Well, she was always like that ever since.

"It's because of that kissing game, you initiated stubborn brat!" I spoke bluntly.

Alexa giggled. "Well, who knows you're really destined for each other, girl, and that kissing game was just a blessing in disguise."

I was left speechless, unable to find the right words to say. It seemed unimaginable, considering Royce's reputation as a womanizer who thrived on casual relationships. A committed, serious relationship seemed out of the question for him. Perhaps he didn't even remember what transpired three years ago. It was likely just an ordinary occurrence for him. And the dream I had moments ago was just like a fleeting fantasy, destined to remain unfulfilled.

"Girl, are you okay?" Alexa asked when she realized I was not talking anymore.

"Yes, I'm fine, girl. Um, by the way, are you not coming here?" I said, trying to change the topic.

Alexa told me about her plan to visit LA in two weeks. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement since it's been a long time, we have seen each other. Our meetings had become rare since the time I pursued my master's degree at Harvard, while she chose to reside with her parents in Westwood.

Despite our contrasting personalities, I cherished our friendship just as much as she did.

After spending some time catching up, we bid farewell to each other. I grabbed my towel and entered the bathroom to take a quick shower. However, as the warm water cascaded over my skin, thoughts of that dream resurfaced in my mind. The passionate kiss that Royce and I shared felt so vivid, and once again, it stirred my heart with fluttering emotions.