Chapter 3 Surprised

Chapter 3

I was surprised and looked at Blythe, who was smiling at me.

The girl beside me gave puppy eyes to both Itay and Uncle Sandro. With nothing left to say, Itay just sighed. "Do I have a choice?"

The Señorita squealed and quickly approached Itay, kissing him on the cheek.

"You're so kind and handsome, Uncle!"

"Oh, stop with the flattery. Just make sure to be careful on your trip, okay? Daughter, don't stray too far from Blythe. You're not yet familiar with Manila."

"I assure you, Tito, I'll take good care of Alyana."

Tito Sandro interrupted, "And you will bring your bodyguard with you."

"What?! We've already talked about this, right? I already told you I don't need some boring old man following us wherever we go. Do you really want to see my hair turn gray from the stress your men give me? That would be torture for me, Daddy!"

"Stop being hardheaded, Blythe. I know what you did to your previous bodyguards," he said, narrowing his eyes at her.

"I think I know where Blythe gets it from, Sandro."

"Shut up, Reynaldo."

Itay smirked and shrugged.

"Ah, uhm, I can e-explain, Daddy."

"No need for that. I know everything. You threatened and blackmailed them into quitting, right, sweetheart?"

"That's not true!"

"Yes, it is true, but not this time."

Blythe frowned, irritation clear on her face. "What do you mean?"

"You'll meet him tomorrow, and he will be your personal bodyguard. For now, you two need to rest. Go to your rooms now; Reynaldo and I have to talk."

Blythe's face was unreadable as we walked away from Itay. I didn't say anything, sensing that her mood was already ruined.

When we reached her room door, Blythe turned to me.

I was puzzled because she seemed okay now and was even smiling.

"Are you still mad at Uncle Sandro?"

"That was just an act, and don't tell him, okay? I'm a bit annoyed, but I'm not mad at him. Well..."she tapped her hair. "Daddy will have a hard time winning over Blythe tomorrow, and he'll have no choice but to do whatever I want."

"So, good night now, pretty babe. Have sweet dreams! See ya!" She kissed my cheek.

I laughed at her antics. Just a moment ago, we didn't even know each other, but now it felt like we'd been close friends for a long time. I smiled at her and said goodnight as well.

As I headed to my room, my heart suddenly started pounding faster, as if I could feel two pairs of eyes watching my every move.

I walked quickly. I hadn't even fully turned the doorknob when someone spoke behind me.

"Who are you?"

My knees weakened as I faced the one who spoke.

Our bodies were so close that I could smell his masculine cologne. I only reached his shoulder, and his large frame made me feel even smaller. I wasn't mistaken-Señorito was extremely handsome. There wasn't a single flaw on his face; it was so perfect, even his jaw was slightly moving and tensing.

I took a step back. "S-Senorito..."

His gaze was intense, piercing through me. I clasped my hands together, cold and sweaty. There was something different in the way he looked at me.

"Tsk, nevermind," he turned away from me quickly, leaving me breathless. It was only then I realized I had been holding my breath while he was in front of me. I placed a hand on my heart, which was still racing.

In the middle of my sleep, I felt the hairs on my body stand on end. It was as if someone was staring at me. A hard object gently stroked my cheek, then moved to my hair. I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't. I also couldn't move my hands or feet. My mind was awake, but my body was asleep.

What's happening to me?

"Rise and shine, Sleepyhead!"

I slowly opened my eyes and was greeted by Blythe's smiling face.

"Oh my God, you sleep like a log. I've been here for a while, psh!"

I rubbed my eyes softly and sat up.

I looked at her with curiosity when I realized something.

"How did you get in here?"

"It was already open. I thought it was locked, so I asked Manang Lora for your room key," she said, raising her hand to show the key she was holding.

How was it open? I clearly remember locking the door last night. I swallowed hard. Is there a ghost here? And was my dream last night caused by a ghost too?

I shook off the thought.

"Hey, you okay?"

I scratched the back of my head, "Maybe I just forgot to lock it."

"I want to give you a lecture right now, but I think my conscience won't let me. Ugh, you're using your charm on me. Let's go, I'm getting hungry too."

I pouted, "You were so loud earlier."

"I had to be! I've been trying to wake you up for almost freaking 20 minutes! Can you imagine that? My bangs are stressed out."

Bangs? She doesn't even have bangs.

"Oh, don't give me that look. Whatever, bangs or not. Let's go!"

I couldn't argue anymore and just let her pull me along.

When we went downstairs, my father greeted me, kissed my forehead, and Don gave me a beso. I felt embarrassed, remembering I hadn't brushed my teeth because the girl beside me rushed me.

"Good morning, ladies. How was your sleep?"

"Good morning, Uncle Sandro. It was fine."

I glanced at Blythe, who remained silent. She was serious about what she said last night.

Tito Sandro shook his head, "Looks like my Blythe is mad at me." He sighed when his daughter ignored him.

Blythe pulled me and sat me in the same spot as yesterday.

"You said last day you wanted to hang out with your friends? Alright, I'm now giving you my approval. I'll give you one week, and you are free to go wherever you want."

Blythe's face suddenly lit up.

"Really, Dad?!"

"But with your personal bodyguard, of course."

"Okay, fine! But can I take Alyana with me?"

"Ask your Uncle Reynaldo, dear. I don't have the right to answer that question."

My father looked at me, "Do you want to go with Blythe, Anak? I know you're not used to crowded places."

I nodded slightly. I also wanted to get used to being outside, especially since the start of classes was approaching.

My father looked at me with concern, so I gave him a small smile to reassure him that I was fine.

"Alejandro, you're awake. Come here, Son, sit with us. I also want you to meet your Tito Reynaldo's daughter."

Despite my nerves, I turned to the man who had just arrived. My throat went dry as I saw his eyes scanning me. He sat directly in front of me, and I could feel the tension between us.

"This is Alyana Briele Morcaida, Daughter of your Uncle Rey. She's turning 18 this coming August."

"And Alyana, this is Alejandro Deyve Salvatore. He's five years older than you. Call him Brother, Anak."

His jaw tightened slightly, and he didn't break eye contact with me.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Brother Alejandro," I said, noticing his veined hands clenched into fists, his jaw tensing even more, and his expression darkening. I averted my gaze.

We started eating, but I could still feel his intense gaze on me. I was uneasy and uncomfortable in his presence.

"By the way, Alyana, Anak, what time are you leaving?" I looked up, avoiding eye contact with Brother Alejandro.

My seatmate cleared her throat, "Later at 1, Tito. We'll use my car."

I wasn't sure, but it felt like the tension in the air changed. It grew heavier.

"Sweetheart, have you forgotten that your bodyguard is going with you?"

"Argh, fine. We'll use your van, blah, blah, blah. Daddy, you're so persistent."

Blythe took my right hand and raised it, then did the same with her own, "We promise, Tito and Daddy. We'll come back early and won't stay out late. I will never put Alyana in danger, cross my heart."

"Tsk," Brother Alejandro stood up abruptly, making us both look at him. "I'm done."

"What's wrong with that guy? He's such a weirdo. Psh!"

"Here, wear this," Blythe handed me the white dress she was holding.

I hesitated as I looked at it. "Uh, Blythe, maybe something else. I don't usually wear things like this."

"Oh, come on, pretty babe, don't be such a killjoy, okay?"

I took the dress and examined it. It was beautiful, a bit short but not too short. There was also a slit at the chest, and if I wore it, my cleavage would definitely show.

"Does this suit me?"

"Of course, I'm pretty sure," she answered enthusiastically.

I sighed and decided to go into the bathroom to try on the dress.

When I finished, I came out immediately, feeling shy as Blythe stared at me with her mouth slightly open.

"Oh my, it suits you so well! See?"

"Your mouth, a fly might get in," I teased. She quickly closed her mouth and gave me a look.

"There are no flies in here." Her gaze shifted downward to my body, "You're really that gifted."

"Do I look okay? I'm not used to wearing something like this."

"It really suits you. Stop complaining. Are you going to hide your beauty forever?" she lectured, making me pout.

"No."

I'm just not comfortable.

"That's what I thought," she turned her back to me and took something from my bedroom cabinet. The room was already furnished before my father and I arrived. There were various kinds of dresses and clothes, a complete set of makeup, and even accessories. Nanay Lora said that Don had prepared everything for our move here.

"What's that?" I asked when she showed me what she was holding. I knew what it was, but I was still hesitant.

"Heels."

"Am I supposed to wear them?"

"Do you think they're for eating?"

I frowned, "Come on, Blythe."

"What? Mine are even higher. Look."

Her heels were indeed higher, while mine were just right. I was worried that my feet might hurt if I wore them. I know how to walk in heels, but my feet aren't used to them.

"Don't worry, pretty babe, I've got you!"

I had no choice but to put them on. She started fixing me up, putting a little makeup on my face and making me wear earrings and a necklace. They were white and sparkled like diamonds. She also brushed my long hair and left it loose.

To Be Continued...