Chapter 4 Loves and Unloved

Manuela

Logan seemed intrigued by Adriel's words, and his response was quite timely.

"Manuela is my friend as much as she is yours, Adriel. Why do you seem so surprised to see us together?"

Adriel, with a wry smile, replied:

"I just found it curious. Friends having dinner in such a romantic place, with all this atmosphere of... romance."

Despite the nervousness I felt with Adriel's unexpected arrival, I tried to stay calm as the two friends stared at each other strangely and unusually. I attempted to diffuse the tense atmosphere between Logan and Adriel, pointing out something that should have been obvious from the start.

"It's just dinner, like any other, Adriel."

"Of course, of course. I'm just trying to warn you that some people might misinterpret," Adriel countered.

"Manuela and I are both free and unattached. I see no reason for concern," With that said, Logan returned the question. "And you, Adriel? What are you doing in such a romantic place?"

Adriel, with a calculated smile, replied:

"I'm having dinner with some contacts, and this restaurant is a very discreet place, which perfectly suits our purposes."

Adriel's explanation made total sense, especially considering his upcoming candidacy for the Senate, which I knew would be announced soon. However, he didn't stop there. Adriel made a point to jab at us in his next words, his voice carrying an acidity disproportionate to the moment.

"Unlike some, I don't keep romantic relationships secret, especially with my friends."

"Adriel, there's nothing more than friendship between me and Logan. You're exaggerating."

"And what if there was something more? What would be the problem?" Logan surprised me by asking Adriel.

I was speechless at Logan's question. That night, he didn't resemble the always playful and fun-loving man I was used to, and his confrontational question truly startled me.

Adriel, visibly uncomfortable, responded with a colder tone:

"I just think there's no reason to keep a relationship between you two a secret. As I said, you're both free."

The heavy atmosphere between Logan and Adriel made me uncomfortable. I had never seen them clash in such a way, especially when there was no reason for it. It's not like Adriel harbored any feelings for me beyond friendship, as he was completely in love with Cecilia. On the other hand, Logan also never hinted at nurturing any other feelings for me beyond a convenient friendship, forged by the bond between Cecilia and me.

That situation was disproportionate and could only indicate some problem between Logan and Adriel of which I was still unaware. There is no other explanation. I decided to end that strange conversation.

"Well, Logan and I have finished dinner, we're leaving. Right?"

Logan agreed with a nod, but soon a new tension arose with Adriel's sudden offer.

"I can drop you home, Manuela. It would be more convenient for everyone, as Logan's house is in the opposite direction of yours."

Adriel's offer bothered Logan, who quickly declined, appearing visibly uncomfortable.

"Don't worry, Adriel. I picked her up from home, and I'll drop her off."

At that moment, the discomfort between us reached its peak. Agreeing with Logan's response, I simply smiled, thanking them for the offer but also declining it.

Adriel finally relented:

"Alright. Have a good evening, then."

He walked away, leaving me relieved. After Adriel's departure, I found myself in a disconcerting silence. The moment of Logan's revelation had passed, and I preferred not to revisit it. Logan, paying the bill, suggested we leave.

In the car, as he stopped in front of the building where I live, Logan broke the silence:

"Adriel really managed to ruin our night, didn't he?"

I reflected for a moment before asking:

"Why are you saying that, Logan?"

He sighed, visibly frustrated.

"The atmosphere was good, we were having fun, until Adriel decided to make his insinuations. Now everything feels strange."

I chose not to agree with his words because I didn't want to deter him from saying what he wanted to. Although fearful of his revelation, I was also curious. So, I simply smiled, trying to bring more light into the car.

Logan then delicately held my hand, locking eyes with me in a sincerity that left me speechless.

"I know you like Adriel, Manuela. I don't understand how he's never noticed."

Logan's words left me stunned, and instinctively, I used my free hand to cover my face, embarrassed by the direct revelation. But he was right, and I couldn't deny it in such a coy manner.

"Is it that obvious to everyone?" I asked, still trying to process what had just been said.

With tenderness, Logan replied:

"No, Manuela. Maybe not even Cecilia has noticed."

The shame intensified, but so did a strange sense of comfort at being understood.

"But you noticed," I pointed out, surprised.

"I'm always attentive to everything about you, Manu."

This revelation triggered a mix of emotions. The fact that Logan noticed something I hadn't even admitted openly made me feel vulnerable. Understanding the implications of what Logan meant, I could sense what he was about to reveal. Yet, I wasn't ready to tread on such delicate ground and explore these complex feelings.

Sensing my hesitation, Logan suggested:

"I think it's best if I leave. We can talk better another time. Tonight has been eventful."

I felt a wave of relief and great satisfaction at Logan's sensibility. He surprised me today, revealing a depth I had never noticed before. Before leaving, Logan kissed my hand, which he still held between his own. It was a gentle gesture laden with meaning.

"Until next time, Manuela," he said, and I responded with a genuine smile.

As I watched Logan walk away, I realized that behind the laid-back and playful facade I always associated with him, there was an attentive and mature man. The night may have been eventful, but it was also revealing. There were no more doubts. I had just discovered that I was caught up in a tangled web of unrequited love.

Logan, who likes Manuela... who likes Adriel... who likes Cecilia... who likes Liam... who loves her.