"W-WAIT A MINUTE. Who did you find out about my condition?" She asked flabbergasted.
"Alissa told me when we were talking ..."
"That's why I told you earlier that you should marry her. Everything each of our grandmothers wanted to happen has a better destination."
The laughter that came out of his mouth was bitter. "I'm sorry to disillusion you or your sister. I have no time for any romantic side of the coming marriage. Between Alissa and me, that could be a big problem. She clings to the idea of being in love with me. But with you, I know where I stand. "
Angeline was shaken by what he said. "T-that makes me and my sister same in some ways ..." She declared. "I ... I like you on sight even before ..., and you're not bad till now. I mean, I'm not immune to your charm. Won't that be a problem too?"
She licked her lips when he remained quiet. "W-well ..." She hated it when she stammered in front of him. "Don't you see, it could be a problem as well? And for heaven's sake, don't forget that I'm pregnant. Why marry me when you can have better than me. Take Alissa or Ashley. Your life's way better with any of them. And there were many things you didn't know about me. "
"Like what, Angeline?"
"I'm just telling you... I'm not what you see I am..."
"Do I need to be scared?"
"Can you just listen to me?" She snapped at him.
"Don't get me wrong. I heard everything you said, which I understand too well in not so many words, Angeline. You don't want to be married to me. I get that loud and clear," at last he said. "The more I want you as my bride, my wife. All you've said were telling me that I don't get a headache if you're the one to be my wife..."
"You are stubborn..." she burst out in disgust. "Maybe the best way is to fall in love with you badly so that you ran away from me as far as you can. You'll be turned off and regret you ever said you chose me as your wife."
"Don't go in that direction, sweetheart. I'm telling you now, you are just wasting your emotional ranting..."
"Really..." she spat vehemently. "You're on then. Maybe it's an enjoyable moment toying with you, Attorney Jacob Medici..."
"Listen, don't fall for me. I don't want to hurt your feelings."
"Why?" She asked before she could stop herself. "Let's say ... why not?"
"Someone got my heart already, and there's nothing that can be changed..." he said flatly. "So better keep your heart to yourself."
For the first time, a smile showed on her lips.
Jacob's eyes pasted on that smile for a while. Then a frown touched his forehead.
"Why the smile? Are you planning to seduce me?" Mocking her.
Her laughter echoed in the garden. When it slowly subsided, she sat down for a while, shaking her head. Then she looked back at him. Her eyes were probing.
"Seriously? I'm just glad that we're on the same page then. No matter how I like you on sight, becoming foolish with you is out of the question. I'm not looking for another guy, so I am not entangling myself. I have many other kinds of stuff to worry about every day. "
He nodded. His eyes were watchful.
"So, this marriage is like a roommate in the same house after the wedding?"
Jacob smiled and sat beside her. "But they don't have to know..."
"Okay, but why bend to your granny's wishes?"
"Got a big responsibility on my shoulder, and too many bosses wear me out. And Nana told me that I can do whatever I want in the company once I get married."
"Once you get married... Why not with Michelle? You won't get a problem with her since she is interested in your best friend. No emotional entanglement..."
"How did you know that? " He asked coldly.
"Don't be angry with me. I was never prying, if you must know. Michelle mentioned it during our tidbits at the beach..."
He was scowling, which amused her.
"You better wipe that smile from your lips," he ordered.
"You are a funny guy, Attorney Medici," she said, giggling. "You are warning me not to fall in love with you but a pity, the woman you wanted able to ditch you..."
"Stop it, will you..."
"Don't be too serious, Jacob. I'm not one you can control with ease. Men, in general, are too weak where women are concerned."
"So why get pregnant?"
"Oh, this something beyond my control then. Too glorious to stop..." She laughed. "Anyway, let me think about it, Jacob..."
"All right, then," his eyes caught hers. "Your situation is a big help for me. As far as I know, your grandma doesn't know about your situation yet. We can release that I am the father. I'll be a father to your child. We can help each other... "
She was stunned by what he said. She knew the man was justified. "You sound desperate..."
The laughter was lifeless. "If you only know, I hate begging... Make up your mind quickly. "I'm not going to force the issue right now, and neither is your grandma. I want a peaceful understanding between us. It would be better if you voluntarily accepted my offer to avoid complications. This deal is between you and me. Please, think about it."
She nodded quietly. Her eyes followed the man's hand, opening his wallet and pulling out a calling card. "Call me anytime you can decide..."
"Even negative?" She asked as he handed over his card.
He shot her a long look before shrugging. "Anything, Angeline. I'll be away for one week. I'll see you when I'm back. I'd better go... "
Again, she nodded quietly. Her eyes went with the man who was leaving. She let out a deep sigh. She was arguing within herself whether to return to the hall. When she remembered her key, it was still with the man. She started running, hoping that she could chase him.
"Jacob..." she said to the man near his car.