"Are you sure you want to go there? It's a bit late."
Anastasia didn't mask her worry as she looked at her sister. She didn't understand why Esmeralda likes going to that hill every time she came out. Was there something or someone she was meeting there?
"I'm sure. Go on I won't take long."
Esmeralda pushed her sister into the car and closed the door. She watched the car move and then heard her sister shout
"Don't bother coming home if it's past nine!"
"I don't mind coming back tomorrow!"
She shouted back and saw that Anastasia brought her head out the window and glared at her.
"Don't you dare!"
"Oh I will!"
The car moved onto the main road and disappeared leaving Esmeralda and her driver alone in the parking lot.
"Let's go."
She said and moved to the car where the driver had already opened the door for her. She entered and the door was shut. The events that happened today was...good. She wasn't expecting that she would have a chance to reunite with her friends after years of separation but everything happens for a reason, so they say. She was thinking about her shopping torture with her siblings especially Anastasia and couldn't help but sigh. A day of pain awaits.
Seeing as the car came to a halt she opened the door and stepped out. The cool evening breeze caressed her face and she sighed before starting her journey up the hill. The hill was beautiful despite being rocky and steep. Mother Nature took her time to create such a captivating and alluring place.
Finally she reached the top and was welcomed with the same sight she had seen before some weeks back. As if feeling her presence the man who sat on rock turned his head back and stared at her. His grey eyes were sharp and clear. He waved at her and gestured for her to come closer. She complied and stepped towards him before hearing his deep baritone voice
"You're late."
"I didn't know that there was a specific time to come."
Her voice was flat but held amusement. She sat on the rock and made herself comfortable before raising her head to look at the sky.
" I was waiting for you."
Her back stiffened up at the confession. 'Waiting for me? But why?' She knew this man was filled with mystery but his cold presence continues to amaze her.
"I feel honoured, Mr Stone."
She said with a little bit of sass that amazed the man.
Dominique's amused expression didn't fade away instead it grew into a smile. 'This woman was definitely something.' He didn't know she had this hidden side of hers. Maybe she was like that to only him? He smiled at the thought and shook his head.
"Can I ask you something Mr Stone?"
He heard her calm voice speak out. His gaze travelled to her face to see that she was still looking at the dark sky.
"Go on."
"On the day of Ezekiel's birthday, I didn't see his mother and he didn't introduce me to her either. I hope I'm not intruding?"
Esmeralda had this thought since the day they entered the Stone's territory. She had been wondering who Ezekiel's mother was. And when she didn't see any sign of any woman with an aura of warmth and motherly love towards the little panda, she began to question.
"Laura died after Ezekiel was born, that's why he didn't introduce you to her. He grew up without a mother."
Esmeralda felt a tight grip on her heart. She didn't understand why things concerning that little boy affected her in the slightest way. Maybe because she had grown up with boys like him who are now men? Or maybe she understood what it felt like growing up without a parent? Both parents?
"That's sad."
Though her heart was aching for the little panda her expression didn't change.
Dominique failed to trace any emotion on her goddess like face. He didn't know if she meant what she said or she just said it out of thought. She was like a puzzle he found difficult to solve and put the pieces together.
"What about you? Ever since we became...friends you left me with no facts about you."
Dominique raised his brow at her and his cold eyes sparkled a little. He was curious to know who this woman is.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I did leave you with a fact."
"And that is?"
"My name."
Dominique let out a chuckle from his deep voice and shook his head. His dark hair swayed with the movement. 'This woman is really funny.'
"Any other fact about you?"
He continued to question and his grey eyes stared at her deeply. He wouldn't lie about the fact that he enjoys the little game of hide and seek with this woman. And he knew that at the end, she was the prize to be won.
"Well, I have white hair."
He watch her shrug her shoulders and scratch her arm. She was playing with him and he knew it. But he wasn't going to let her win.
"How about we play a game?"
"The mighty Dominique Stone wants to play a game with a stranger?"
Esmeralda had on a fake surprised look on her face. She didn't know why she was suddenly behaving differently when it comes to this man. He was capable of making her do and say things she would have never imagined.
"We're no longer strangers and like you said we're on first name basis. Don't you think we should take baby steps before making our friendship official?"
Esmeralda smirked at the man's words, he was clearly using her words against her. But it wouldn't hurt to have a little fun with the big man by her side.
"Agreed, but I'll be the one to start. Deal?"
Dominique let out a charming smile that almost blinded her vision. She had to admit that his smile could make the sun jealous.
"Deal."