Chapter 5 STUBBORN GUYS

After Elias departed from Rosevale, I truly needed to improve my self and grow up.

Unlike previously when I used to spend my Saturday and Sunday afternoons in my own bubble near the lagoon, I changed. Now, I make it a point to return to the House before 4:00 PM, so Mama does not have any additional burden in her life.

Once at home, I assist the cook in completing the preparations for dinner and bake cakes with Isabella.

Now that the holidays are over, I am officially in high school. I still attend that private school in the neighboring town which is just a twenty minute drive from Santa Rosalia. Just like in the previous months, I had my personal chauffeur who picked me up from the villa and drove me to Rosevale and back on a daily basis.

I am almost certain that my popularity at school becomes suddenly explained when people find out that I am connected to the famous family of Rosario. Most people already know that I live in Rosevale, inside the villa. Moreover, they also knew hat I am the future daughter-in-law of the young master of Rosewater, which gives me some level of notoriety as well.

To tell you the truth, I was already fairly popular, but in my senior year, I became, well, the focus of attention. I was really wondering why, since I wasn't the prom queen or anything. It wasn't until later when I started listening in on my classmates, especially the boys, that they were saying that I was getting more beautiful by the year. It was nice, to be honest, all the compliments and attention... until the mayor's son started taking an interest. That's when I understood that I had to be in control

Naftali Dylan is the son of the mayor. He was a senior in my school, though we weren't in the same class. He was this charming and confident guy and acted as if he owned the place.

With such a powerful family, he was not bothered or scared by my engagement with the Rosario family and my attempts to ignore him. Instead, he brought me flowers everyday different bouquets of roses, sunflowers, lilies... and the list goes. To be honest it was super annoying.

"Naftali, this is the last time I will be telling you that I don't want anything to do with you. So for the love of God, please stop." I shouted at him outside his physics class, his classmates that used to crowd the doorway faded to the rest of the hall when they saw me handing the flowers back.

He looked down at me with an unreadable expression while narrowing his eyes just a bit. "I'm already taken," I stated clearly, meeting his gaze to drive home the message.

His facial expression made it evident that my efforts were needed. I wanted to drive the point home that my relationship, at least for the foreseeable future, left no open doors for any new ventures.

He was one of those famous guy at school, charming, good-looking and swarmed by girls everyday. I didn't understand why he particularly interested in me. It was very clear that I had to act fast to avoid dealing with further unwanted complications, especially with a heart that was so easy to shatter.

"That's a lie, it's a forced engagement Liana," he responded cheekily, as he eased his palm into the pocket of his school uniform's trousers.

"It wasn't anyone else's doing, Naftali. It was my doing," I said with full honesty, the whole burden of reason being on my shoulders. After all, I was the one who suggested getting engaged to Elias in the first place.

Naftali's eyes nearly jumped out of their sockets from surprise, and in a swearing mutter, it looked like he was cursing under his breath. The color of his face became red, and I guessed that he was terribly frustrated, as that's what I thought.

"I love him, so there's no chance I will ever consider anyone else," I turned to look at him. With some fight in his tone, his eyes landed on mine. "You're mistaken I won't give up on loving you, Liana. you will come to your senses one day Liana."

Well, isn't he giving up. Why the determination?

Stubborn guys, whatever, this attitude is so tiring, I thought as I rolled my eyes at him and increased my pace.

Multiple times I've rejected him so why dont yet just give up. This endless dramatic nonsense, it is terribly annoying.

It was the month of December, and I was bursting with excitement when Mama announced that Elias would be home for Christmas. I counted down the days until Christmas Day, anticipation building up inside me. But Elias never came. Later, Mom explained that he'd had a crucial business deal to close during the holidays and couldn't make it home after all."

I couldn't believe Elias was so consumed by work, even on holidays! It really bothered me, to be honest. In a selfish way, I wished I was one of his top priorities, like his business deals, something that would make him take a break from deals and spend time with me. Also during the holidays.

When I graduated high school, summer was right around the corner. I was excited to be free of high school, but I still felt like something was missing, just like other high school celebrations.

The next day Mama walked into my bedroom before sunrise. "It's time to go dear," she said quietly as she sat on my bed.

I closed my eyes, hoping for the best, knowing that I'm not going to like what is coming next.

Regardless of what is to come, it's clear at this point that I have no choice; something I really wish was an option.

"We can't procrastinate any further for this trip," she said in a worried tone.

I could see the concern in her eyes, and I knew she would rather keep me in Rosevale forever if she could.

With a deep breath, I nodded. It had been a long time, and I was scared, and I wasn't sure if I was ready. But seeing Elias again was all I could think about.

Mama's warm hands wrapped around mine, and she smiled softly. "I know you can do this. You're not alone, Liana. I'm here," she said, her words a gentle and assuring.

Mama's voice was gentle as she said, "The drive from Rosevale will take about nine hours, but don't worry, sweetheart, you will be fine."

Mama said with an encouraging smile, holding my hands gently. "Plus, Elias will be waiting for us. I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing him." She added, with excited tone.

Yes I miss Elias, I miss him so much, but was it enough to push past my fears?

Mama's voice cut through my thoughts, "we're also going to check out St. Gucci University, Sweetheart. You will love it there." She stood up, her cheerful tone infectious. "Let's get your stuff packed, we're leaving early." Her enthusiasm was just what I needed....a boost of confidence.

It was time to face my fears head-on.

The mere thought of traveling far from home was one of my worst nightmare. Since I started living in Rosevale, I hadn't mustered the courage to go beyond our town's limits. The memories of that devastating accident still haunted me; Mom and Dad were there, and I was the only one who survived. The mere thought of getting on a long journey was suffocating me.

Every time Mama prepared to visit Elias in the Capital or attend to our family's businesses, it always sparked a yearning in me to go along, but the anxiety of traveling would take hold of me. So, I resigned myself to the idea that Rosevale was my home, and that long-trips wasn't for me.

After high school, Mama Celeste was pushing me to take the next step- - -she wanted me to attend the country's top university. Honestly, I wasn't thinking about the degree, I was looking forward to being with Elias, the thought of waking up every morning, seeing him, and sharing experiences together was what got me excited.

And I needed to travel to experience all of that.

TRAVEL! TRAVEL!

It was time to travel, and I was determined to push past my phobia.

And it was going to be my first time in the big city.

The car ride started out like a dream. Dad said we were going to visit our old grandpa, and I was in the back, hugging my doll, while Dad drove and Mom chatted with him, blushing and giggling at his sweet words. I was too busy playing.

The hours flew by, it was a perfect moment....but it turned into a nightmare.... A painful one

As we sat inside the car, I tried to concentrate. During those moments, Mama would ask me to inhale deeply. While doing so took a lot of effort, it managed to calm me down eventually. As I sat inside the car, I tried concentrating.

Trembling, I managed to croak, "Mom, p-please I don't think I'm able to do this," as the car started moving. My brain is looping to previous events which was absolutely terrifying.

While Mama's gentle voice was accompanied by her holding my hands, she said, "Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. Everything will be alright." Relax dear. Everything will be fine."

Soothing hands calmed me down alongside her whispers. "You don't need to worry. I'm right here with you."

But I couldn't help it, tears began to stream down my face, at the thought of Nine long hours drive ahead.

"You're used to traveling to town remember? You do go to town five days a week for school, it's similar." Mama tried to placate me as she caressed my hands.

"No, Mom, it isn't the same," I stated, shaking my hands while mom held them. "Nine hours is a long time." My body was shivering while sitting.

With Mom, I was surrounded in a blanket of warmth as she encapsulated me in a hug.

Suitable to my care, "I'll be right here with you,"she murmured in my ear.

Heavens knew how I did everything I could to distract myself from the car ride, I chatted with Mom, listened to her stories, held her hand, hugged her, and even dozed off to music. Before I knew it, we stopped for a break. We fueled up and grabbed shawarmas and fries from a fast-food joint for lunch.

After lunch, we continued driving and I had to

Confront my fears all over again.

But Mom was always available to comfort me, wrapping me up and holding on to me every time I trembled with fear.

As I was falling off to sleep, I could feel her gentle hand brushing through my hair, and the pillows under me. I was in her lap, and it was so comfortable that my whole body was resting.

When I awoke, I was greeted with Mom's stare, and to my delight, she had a warm on her face.

"We are almost there." Warmly wrapping my hand in hers, I could feel the gentle squeeze. I really did, I faced my fears and pushed through.

I hugged her tightly close to my body all while crying. "Mama," I choked, sobbing into her chest, letting my weight drop onto her as my head fell onto her shoulder. But it was Mom's calm hand on my back which was what I needed to calm down.

"Congratulations, sweetheart! Your, mom and dad must be overjoyed to see you now, overcome your fears."

I nodded, overwhelmed with emotions.

My tears flowed uncontrollably. Just then, the driver spoke up, saying we have arrived at Elias's place.

At the mention of his name, I looked around, at the new environment.

Everything was new to me, but as I look around, the capital city, my sadness melted away, and it was replaced by excitement and anticipation.

I finally made it to the capital. Elias, I'm on my way!

"We are here, sweetheart... Elias will be so happy to see you." Mom's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I could not contain my excitement. I gasped in awe as the car pulled up to the luxurious apartment meeting.

The towering structure was breathtakingly magnificent.

I couldn't believe this was where Elias lived! It looked like something straight out of a magazine or TV.

I only ever seen buildings like this in pictures. I stood frozen in my tracks, jaw dropped, astounded, and in utter disbelief while the verbage 'Oh my goodness!' fell out of my mouth repeatedly.

Mom joked around me over how I was such a country girl and I let out a laugh.

"I will adapt to city life when I move in with Elias, don't worry," I replied in a confident tone.

As we exited the car, we entered the building using the revolving doors. Before I knew it, we were in the elevator heading to Elias's floor.

"Mom, which floor is it?" I asked curiously.

"It's on the twenty-fourth floor," she said.

"The twenty-fourth floor?....Are you for real, Mom?" I asked, shocked.

Mom laughed and shook her head. "Yes sweetheart." I wondered if I would adjust to this new world, everything was so different from Rosevale.

When we reached Elias's apartment, I saw the numbers 2416 on the door. Mom pressed a red round thing that looks like a button, and the door opened and a kind-faced woman, Analeia.

Mom said she was Elias's cook and housekeeper. She comes everyday by 5am till 7pm in the evening. To ensure everywhere is clean and arranged.

As we entered, I was surprised by the apartment's size, it was much larger than I expected.

But it wasn't as big as the villa, and I wondered why Elias needed so much

As I admired the interior design, Mama called it Mid-century modern design. I overheard Mom asking Analeia about Elias. "Where was he?"

Analeia response caught us off guard: "He's out of the country for a business conference, My Lady." "Out of the country?" I exclaimed, shocked.

After all the effort I put into facing my fears during the trip, and he wasn't even here? Mom and I looked at each other stunned, both of us speechless.

It took me a while to process everything, until I finally composed myself.

"Why didn't I call him before we left?" Mom said, sounding disappointed.

"You were planning a surprise, Mom, remember?" I reminded her.

"Then why didn't he tell me about this conference?" Her tone was more frustrated than questioning.

"Maybe he wanted to surprise us too,"I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

But no one laughed, we were all too frustrated about Elias's absence.

Mama took me shopping to take my mind off things. It was actually my first time in a mall in ages...couldn't even remember the last time I entered one. Oh okay, back when Mom and Dad were around, they do take me shopping, but it was always at smaller places, not these huge malls in the capital.

I was blown away by the city's modern vibe, but also taken aback, by the casual displays of affection between couples, like the holding of hands and kissing, it was far of from what I was used to in the countryside. It was all so... open.

Wow!

Seeing Elias again brought back memories of that library kiss. I could feel my cheeks warming up as I walked behind Mom. It had been almost a year, but the moment still felt like yesterday.

I recalled the gentle touch of his lips, oh my God! I hadn't shared it with anyone; I wanted it to be kept hidden, it was our secret, Elias and mine.

Mom and I visited St. Gucci university the following day for my schedule interview. Despite having been accepted month earlier, the university required a face to face examination, which wasn't too intimidating.

The questions were straightforward, and I feel pretty confident after answering them. When it was all done, Mama beamed with pride, telling me that I made it into a special group, just ten percentage of freshmen got in.

The fact I was bearing the Rosario name made it all possible and easy for me, I felt very grateful for the opportunity.

I ended up signing up for the College of Social Sciences for no real reason. I hadn't really considered other options like Engineering, Business, or Arts and Humanities. I just figured Social Sciences sounded okay. I just picked it, you know? And I only enrolled in the basics because, honestly, I still had no idea what I wanted to major in. There were just too many options. It was weird to realize I have been so focused on Elias and our future together that I hadn't even thought about my own plans for college. Was that okay or not? I didn't really know, and to be honest, I didn't care. What I wanted most was to be Elias's wife, that was all that mattered to me."

Three weeks after we visited the capital, Jackson, the driver's son, finally confessed his feelings towards me. He didn't say it directly to me though. He only wrote his feelings in a letter and sent his younger brother to deliver it to me.

To be honest, the letter really moved me. Jackson poured his heart out knowing I was set to marry the Young Master of Rosevale. He confessed that he didn't wish for me to feel the same way, but still wished to apologize for being forward. His honesty over being so blunt was something I had to give him credit for.

Unlike Naftali, who comes from a wealthy and influential family, Jackson didn't have any of that. He lacked the means, but never held back on sharing his opinions. There is something about him that I found intriguing, but I still can't place my finger on it. However, in trying to appreciate the bold confession, I still found myself irritated.

Why don't these guys leave me the hell alone?