Chapter 4 FIRST KISS

The next day, I wanted to apologize to Elias. He doesn't think saying sorry mattered, arguing that mistakes couldn't be erased with words, but I still felt the need to offer one.

I knew I had to look very beautiful to see him. So, I decided to take a nice, long, and relaxing shower. When I was done, I blow-dried my hair until it was smooth and silky.

Then, I got dressed in a pale pink top and paired it with my favorite caramel-beige shorts. I slipped my feet into my comfy soft pink flip-flops and tied my hair in a neat low bun. I took a look in the mirror, smiled at my reflection...and...thought, 'okay, I'm ready!' Feeling confident and excited, I stepped out of my room, ready to go see Elias.

I found him in the study, really focused on his computer. He was sitting on his favorite seat, the mahogany wood chair in the corner facing the mahogany table. He was so engrossed that he didn't even notice me. Plus, his back was turned to the door.

I just stood there, admiring his muscular back. I really wanted to hug him right at that moment.

My heart was overflowing with things I needed to say to him. I wanted to beg him for forgiveness for my childishness, my selfishness. I wanted to tell him how much i cherished our relationship, how much I craved peace between us.

More than anything, I wanted to promise him that I will change and become a better person, if that's what it will take, if it was the only way he could finally love me....and stop seeing me as a childish spoiled brat or....a fool.

Eventually, as I stood there in the entrance, Elias turned his head and saw me. Maybe, he had felt that someone was intently watching him.

But he returned to his task. He didn't ask what I needed. Maybe, he was expecting me to speak.

I was speechless, though. I didn't know how to begin. Could someone please help me?

"Will you just stand there?" He started speaking. His back was still facing me.

My heart skipped a beat when he spoke. I wasn't expecting him to talk first.

I couldn't respond, still searching for the right words. What if becomes angry, insults me, or yells at m? What if he calls me names again?

I sort of just moped in there. Figuring out what to say to the aloof Elias Joaquin was a very tough, crucial task. Talking with him was always like crafting the perfect essay. You had to choose the right words, structure your thoughts logically to earn a good grade from your English teacher.

It was so difficult to start or even continue a conversation with him.

Then, he turned his head back to me, almost as if to see if I was still there. Then he furrowed his brow, that gave me the impression he was waiting for my response.

I shut the door behind me and went

closer to where he sitting.

"I... I am sorry about I-last night," I stammered.

Dressed in a rich turquoise tee and a taupe sweatpants, Elias stood and turned to face me. His face was composed. I saw no sign of anger, but the look he gave me was empty and without emotion. It was as if my presence meant nothing to him.

At all.

"As I said..." he began. He probably wanted to emphasize that my apology was useless. What was done was done. There was no way to fix it.

"Even though, I have to " I insisted.

"You don't owe me an apology. I don't care if you choose to be out late," he said, calmly and casually, as if uninterested in my explanation. But, a hint of disdain began to creep into his tone.

"But I made you and mom worry about me last night. I just want you to know that I really regret my actions," I persisted, regardless of his reaction.

"Look, there's no need for all this drama, Liana. Like I said, your late nights are none of my business. I searched for you because Mom pushed me to. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have bothered looking for a heedless, spoiled brat."

Those words were hurtful. He was trying to provoke me, and my ears started to feel hot. Like the spoiled brat I was, I had to say something back.

"You're not wrong. You wouldn't never care about me, would you? Because, let's be honest, I'm not your fiancée. I'm not the girl you see a future with." I pretended it didn't matter, you know? I tried to act like I so tough, like I was above it all, like it didn't touch me.

But every word was a tiny little cut, and I just wanted to disappear.

"Fiancée?" He smiled, though I knew it was fake. It looked breathtaking.

I swallowed...a wave of...something... washing over me

He said, his voice coldly filled with a cruel amusement, "the only way they'll truly believe you're my fiancée is if give you a ring." And as you can see, Princess, he reached out, his fingers brushing against mine as he took my left hand.

He turned it over, examining my bare ring finger with a mocking look. "As you can see,"he said, his lips curling into a sneer, "no ring. Therefore, no fiancée."

His words echoed in my mind. His words made perfect sense.

I tried to pull my hand away, the chill of his touch making me shiver. He wouldn't let go....his grip was incredibly strong. I was no match for him.

He continued, "let's be honest, we never actually got engaged, did we?"

My tongue felt thick, useless. My lips formed a pout, trembling slightly as I struggled to find my voice. I needed to say something, anything, to break the awkward silence. But what, Liana think, think?!

I found him watching my lips, and I felt a jolt, a strange heat spreading through my body. Why did my heart suddenly race? I wanted to speak, but the words didn't come out. Instead, I bit my lower lip, a small, nervous gesture, I did, so I can hide my sudden vulnerability from his intense stare.

Suddenly, he pulled me in, my hand in his, his other arm around my back, and I was drawn close until my chest was pressed against his. The shock, the heat, the surprise....it was a lot to take in all at once. Not done yet, Elias leaned down, his eyes locked on mine, and his fingers gently cupped my chin, urging my face up to meet his."

"Fiancée?" he uttered, the word barely a whisper.

I gave a little nod, and suddenly the tension from his touch was so strong. I was completely lost, staring at his handsome face, and I couldn't look away.

"You're calling yourself my fiancée?"

I nodded my head again. Yeah, totally, I thought, feeling a little spark of confidence. Of course I was his fiancée and I was going to wear that title with pride, no matter what anyone else said or did.

"I'm gonna find out," he said, slow and husky. His tone was a warning, and it made me shiver. "A fiancée should be able to kiss her man. Now, let me confirm that......"

And then, in an instant, his lips were on mine. What? I almost yelled. But the sudden jolt of sensation that spread through me, especially when his soft lips touched mine, made me stop. My eyes grew wide. But when he started to softly kiss my lips with gentle strokes. Out of nowhere, I shut my eyes I didn't know how i was supposed to react...and...his lips were so gentle and inviting..... and tasted so delicious and amazing...

Oh, wow! I didn't know pure joy was just

a kiss away!

I thought time had frozen. I felt more and more vulnerable as my knees began to wobble until I found my arms around his neck. I was trembling uncontrollably and there was no way I could pull myself together. I was getting so dizzy I thought I could completely fall into his arms.

Elias, what on earth are you doing to me?

As I was trying to wrap my head around everything, I started to feel his tongue moving, caressing..... searching for a way into my mouth.

I got thrills over my body. I was surprised at how his tongue moved...and explored...and...

I was totally taken aback, so I moved away. I was apprehensive. I wasn't ready for that kind of thing.

Elias was surprised by my sudden resistance. He was breathing heavily, looking into my eyes.

I was so taken by surprise. I never knew kissing would be that amazing! It was....wow, a new level. My first kiss!

"I knew it, you can't even kiss me, can you?" He finally said, looking right at me.

"I..I...I can't...." I stammered, trying to get the words out, but tears were already falling down my eyes. What was I supposed to do?

"Seriously, Liana, can't you do anything but cry??" Elias yelled, his face getting red. He was so annoyed with me. As he grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the door. "How could you think about marrying me when you just cry all the time?"

"You're hurting me!"I cried out.

He didn't even look at me. He just opened the door and pushed me out. Before slamming it shut, he spat, "I don't need a crying brat in my life, Liana!"

I stood there, so embarrassed. My face was burning red. When I realized that I had been treated like garbage, I ran to my room, threw myself on my bed, as I started crying, I couldn't stop...I cried so much.

On the day Elias prepared to return to the capital, I saw the servants loading his car with his belonging and boxes. The boxes, which were carefully wrapped, looked like framed paintings.

I waited for him for some minutes at the terrace swing, to come out.

Finally, he came out together with Mama Celeste.

"Stay safe, son," mama said as she hugged him gently.

"Sure, mom," he replied as he pecked her cheek. "I'll call you when I reach."

"Alright," she said looking at me, "Oh,

how about you also call Liana? She'll be so happy. Right, sweetie?"

I made a baby face, i tried to hide the sadness. A simple "hi" from him, would have been enough, a small sign he was thinking of me. But i knew he wouldn't. He never do that. He gave me a quick look, a moment, but stayed silent.

Then Mom's voice broke through "and remember , Liana is moving in with you over there next year. One more year until she's off to college."

"Seriously, that's a long time from now, Mom. Anything could happen in a year," he said with a certain tone.

What was that about?

But I didn't say anything. I just stared at him.

"She might figure it out later, you know, that she's not going to study there, especially if someone talks her out of it," Elias continued

Someone? Seriously, who would try to talk me out of studying in the capital?

"And who would be so silly as to tell her not to study in the capital?" Mom chimed in. "Nope, not happening. I'm already working on her application for St. Julius. She deserves the best education. So spill, who are you talking about?"

"Her boyfriend," Elias announced, like it was the most obvious fact.

He placed his left arm around Mom's shoulders, and they both turned to face at me. Nigel was smirking, and Mom was totally taken aback.

"You?" Mom stammered, surprised.

"For the millionth time, mom, I am not Liana's

boyfriend!"

"Oh sure,...you're not her boyfriend, you're her fiancé..."

"Seriously, Mom?" he groaned, shaking his head.

But, Mama didn't care, "If you're not her boyfriend, who is? Oh, no, that's so dumb, Elias!" Mama stood up for me.

She sounded super annoyed with the accusation. "Alright, enough with the nonsense, son. Liana's is going to live with you in the capital. That's final!" she said, jabbing her right elbow into his side.

Elias smirked at her as he pulled away from her. "Do you really think she's able to live with me?"

"Of course! That's what she wants, isn't it, sweetie?" She smiled slyly as she corrected him.

My cheeks burned. Elias, still smirking, as he looked at me. Was that a smile I saw? "Well, then she'll have to cope with my girlfriend," he said, sounding playful. "Girlfriend?" Mama questioned. "Whose girlfriend?" My Girlfriend... In.. The... City," he said, making his points clear.

"Who are you referring to?" She said, her voice sharp. "Don't you dare play games with me, alright? Liana is single, and I'm not letting you have another partner! Liana is your future wife, and that's final."

"Seriously, Mom, you're such a drama queen," he said, teasing her and hurting my feelings in the process.

Mama sighed, "okay, fast you need to leave before this turns into an argument."

Elias kept that smirk on his face as Mama Celeste and I walked with him to his car. The idea of him having a girlfriend in the city was unbelievable.

He got to be teasing me, he's trying to upset me. But, could it be true? He was incredibly attractive, handsome, and rich.

Lots of girls would want him... and that idea was slowly crushing me right now.

Before he climbed into his car, Elias turned and gave me a smile. It was the first time I felt like it was a real one coming from him.

"Goodbye," I said, trying not to cry. I'm really going to miss you. Please, return quickly.

"Goodbye," he answered.

"Look after yourself."

"You too," he said, as messed up my hair.

"Get it together, Princess."

That night, I got a fever. Maybe it was because of Elias's weird way of making me feel things this past week.

I was so happy and heartbroken all at once, with him around the villa. It was like paradise and torment, all rolled into one.

My fever hung around for a week and five days.

And once more, I had to go back to my normal life in Rosevale without him.