Ajie went home later with Jane in Beautiful Haven. When Ajie and his family came to live with her, she had the upper floor of the building she was living got renovated. Though she later housed them separately in the renovated floor to maintain her privacy, the fact that they were living under one roof couldn't be changed. However, due to her hectic schedules, she seldom saw them, especially Chloe. In those times where she went home earlier with Ajie, the child was either studying or asleep.
"How's Chloe?" She asked while Ajie's eyes was focusing on the road.
Ajie swept her a side glance and snapped, having remembered Allie's observation.
"Jane, there's seemed to be a problem with Chloe. She doesn't talk much and if she does, she can't form longer sentences." He said with a worried look.
"What? " Jane exclaimed with guilt in her reaction. This was her specialization and yet, she was not able to see it.
"Yes. At first, I denied it, blaming it instead on the way my in -laws talk to her. They were baby talking to her eversince. "
"Then? "
"I talk to her teachers and they all said that Chloe is a silent child. "
"What a shame! I'm sorry, Adrian. I should have noticed that long ago, knowing that she's living under my roof. "
"What else have you noticed? "Jane asked worriedly.
"She doesn't allow herself to be photographed so all her pictures and videos are all candid shots and records. "
"What else? "
"She doesn't listen when called most of the times and she watch videos repeatedly. "
Jane nodded. "Do you observe her positive sides? "
Ajie paused and thought hard. "She memorized all the types of transportation at 11 months old as well as all the music instruments. She also mastered the alphabet and its phonetic sounds at ten months and learned to write at one year and a half. "
Jane sighed in relief. "Perhaps her problem is related in speech but her intelligence is like mine. "
"Can it be addressed? " He asked with deep gloom in his expression.
Jane chuckled out softly to relieve his worries. "Of course. Bring her to my office tomorrow at ten in the morning. "
"Thank you, Jane. "
"Anything I can help you with is a pleasure. "
Ajie pulled to a stop at the safe side of the road. He leaned his back on the backrest and placed his hands on his lap. He wanted to clear out what Mr. Lopez had said earlier that his princess was falling in love. He wanted to end it before it could even start.
"Jane, I wonder how do I deserved your kindness and all the things you do for me. " He turned and gazed at her tenderly.
"Don't mention it. You also do great things for us. " She returned his gaze awkwardly as she replied.
"You have already paid me so much for rescuing your father. "
"It's not only that. I just love everything that I do for you. " She answered as she turned away.
"What and why? " Ajie pulled back her chin to make her look at him.
"Dad is right, Adrian. "
"Right about what? " His curiosity was killing him already.
"Forget it. " She let out a feigned laughter and poked his nose with her finger.
"What? "
"I would gain nothing from it so its better to shut up. " She smirked sadly as she turned away again.
"We're not going home until you will speak up. " He threatened her as he held her shoulders this time, allowing him to look straight into her eyes.
Jane looked down and after a long while, she finally spoke up.
"I love you, Adrian. "
Ajie gave out a long sigh. He felt he was entangled already by his gratitude towards them and here came another problem. Jane was such a lovable woman, a highly respectable person, only that his heart was not free.
He held out her left hand and clasped it with his. "I'm sorry, Jane. "
Jane tightened her grip in his hand.
"I know. But just let me love you, Adrian. I promise I will not demand. I promise, I will not ask anything in return from you even the slightest of your attention and affection. "
Ajie pulled out his hand but pulled her over instead in a warm embrace.
"I don't deserve your affection either, Jane. This breaks my heart because I cannot return it. You're such a lovely being who deserves the best in this world. "He explained gently, his chin in her shoulders.
"Why can't it be you, Adrian? "She whispered into his ears as her tears fell down uncontrollably, leading later into a bitter sob.
For five years, she had kept the feelings to herself, silently wishing she could hold him closely as her man. Yet, she knew that all those hugs and kisses on her cheeks and forehead which Ajie gave her were just friendly acts. Or, a sweetness of a big brother to a younger sister which showed his sign of great respect to her. She longed for something more than that. She even dreamed of snuggling at him closely in the bed and wake up to see him first in the morning. She had all the luxury this world can offer but hearing him say, "I love you, " was something their wealth could not afford. She wished to kiss him passionately and see his eyes burning with desire for her. But all those were just like stars she wished to pick up but couldn't.
"Someday, you will find the right person for you. " He assured her, even if it would only hurt her even more.
"Adrian, if Allie would no longer come back after so many, many years, will you love me, instead? "
Ajie laughed in great pity towards her. "Of course, my dear. "
"Promise? " Jane pulled herself from his embrace and looked at him with tearful eyes.
"Promise. "
"Can you write it in my heart? " She asked again between her stiffled sobs.
"I can. " He answered as he planted a kiss on her forehead.