"If you truly love someone, you'll fight for them. But if they're not worth the battle, it's best to let them go."
My phone buzzed with an unknown number, sending a chill down my spine as I read the ominous message: "Your life countdown starts now."
Why am I receiving these threats? Is someone targeting me?
*Bzzt*
My alarm interrupted my thoughts, but Raze still hadn't arrived, and it was already 2 pm.
"Ranz, I'm leaving now. Let the girls know," I called out, slinging my body bag over my shoulder.
Where could Raze be? His absence was only adding to my anxiety.
We had agreed that he would meet me after his meeting at his clothing industry, but it had been three hours since he told me it had started.
"I'll be waiting for you at Royale place! I'm heading there now. Take care!" I quickly typed out the message and hit send, hoping for a prompt reply.
As I made my way to Royale Place, the most upscale mall in Cazila, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread gnawing at my insides. Going alone was nerve-wracking, and the uncertainty of Raze's whereabouts only intensified my anxiety.
"See you tomorrow, Cath!" Ranz waved goodbye, but I could only manage a nod before hurrying off. I booked a Grab taxi and soon found myself outside Royale Place, my heart pounding with every step.
"Where are you, Raze?" I silently pleaded, the question repeating in my mind like a broken record. Without him by my side, I felt vulnerable and exposed.
Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself before stepping into the grandeur of Royale Place. The moment I entered, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors, the vibrant hues of the mall's interior captivating my senses. The ground floor boasted a magnificent fountain, its waters reaching such heights that they almost brushed against the second floor.
I was utterly captivated by the grandeur of Royale Place, a sight unlike any I had seen before.
To my right, a towering library caught my attention, resembling a pathway to another world. Without hesitation, I chose to ascend via the escalator, eager to explore the enchanting expanse of books that lay ahead. As I ascended, the view of the colossal bookshelf unfolded before me, each shelf adorned with literary treasures that beckoned to be discovered. It was a sight to behold, and I found myself lost in its magnificence.
Reaching the second floor, I was greeted by a plethora of delights catering to both men and women. From essential items to cosmetics, sportswear to fashion garments, the array of products on display was nothing short of mesmerizing. The meticulous organization, the interplay of lights, and the overall ambiance of the floor enchanted me, filling me with a sense of wonder and delight. Every corner seemed to hold a new fascination, and I couldn't help but revel in the beauty of it all.
As I wandered near the cosmetics area, a massive shop named 'ICE THRILL' caught my eye. Peering through the glass wall, I spotted a poster featuring Raze, his image emblazoned across the display.
He was dressed in a shirt that seemed to suggest he was promoting the brand. His smile, however, appeared different from the one I knew so well. It had a business-like quality to it, almost forced, yet it added a new layer of charm to his already dashing appearance.
Recollections flooded my mind, reminiscing about the first time I met him. His intimidating aura initially made me wary, even scared. But over time, his smile had the power to dispel any apprehensions. He wasn't as frightening as I had first perceived. There was something about his smile that could soothe my racing heart, calming me in ways I couldn't quite explain. And as I gazed at his picture, a sense of serenity washed over me, unexpectedly easing my nerves.
As I stood there, lost in my thoughts and staring at Raze's poster, a woman with a striking combination of black and brown hair approached me. She appeared to be in her forties, with a few wrinkles adorning her face, yet exuding a loveliness that reminded me of Raze. It was uncanny how she resembled him in some ways, and I couldn't help but marvel at the coincidence.
"You like him?" she inquired, her tone curious as she noticed my fixation on the poster.
"More than that, ma'am," I replied with a wide smile, still unable to tear my gaze away from Raze's image.
It hit me then, with a sudden clarity, that my feelings for him ran deeper than I had realized. The sight of him, even just in a poster, had the power to ignite a wild fluttering in my heart, as if he were standing right beside me. It was a revelation that left me both surprised and exhilarated, realizing the depth of my love for him.
"How long have you admired him?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Since I met him," I replied, choosing not to divulge the true brevity of our acquaintance. Revealing that we had only known each other for a few weeks might give her the impression that I was Raze's biggest fan, which, in all honesty, I was. It seemed simpler to let her assume that my admiration had been long-standing.
"You've met him?" Her interest was palpable, her gaze searching for more details.
"Yeah," I answered shyly, memories of our initial encounter flooding back.
"You're lucky then. He's not one to easily open up to new acquaintances. He keeps his heart closed off," she remarked.
"That's absurd, ma'am. He's one of the nicest, friendliest, and most gentlemanly people I've ever known. His heart isn't closed off to receiving love, and his hands aren't clenched when it comes to sharing his blessings. I admire everything about him," I explained, offering her a timid smile.
As we conversed, I found myself feeling surprisingly at ease in her presence. Even as we spoke, my gaze kept drifting back to Raze's poster, a constant reminder of the man who had captured my heart.
After a moment, the woman received a phone call, while simultaneously I received a message from Raze. He was on his way.
"He's your boyfriend, isn't he?" Her smile was warm, but her question sparked a curiosity within me. After a moment of contemplation and a twinge of wonder as to why she was asking, I proudly confirmed, "Yes!"
"I'm so lucky, aren't I, ma'am?" I continued, my voice filled with admiration. "He's the kind of man who might initially intimidate you when you first meet him, but that impression doesn't last. He has an ordinary side too, capable of making you laugh, cry, or feel excited. He's full of surprises, always ready to spoil you. Unfortunately, I feel like I can only give him one thing in return, and that's my love, though it seems there's something hindering even that." My words carried a mixture of happiness and sadness as I shared this with her.
"I don't know what fate has in store, but I want Raze with me, forever, if such a thing exists, perhaps even in heaven," I confessed, my voice filled with determination.
"If two people are truly destined for each other, destiny finds a way," she whispered, her gaze penetrating, as if she were trying to unravel the mysteries within me.
"You're right, ma'am. By the way, we've been talking for quite some time, and I haven't formally introduced myself yet. I'm Lorence Catherine Celo," I said, smiling as I extended my hand for a handshake.
"Rousey Blaire Coleman," she replied, her lips parting to reveal her name. As the words registered in my mind, my thoughts raced, my heartbeat quickened, and I felt a flush of embarrassment spread across my cheeks.
As Rousey extended her hand and introduced herself, I couldn't help but feel a pang of shame wash over me. What had I been saying earlier? Who was she exactly? Raze's aunt? His mother? The uncertainty only added to my nervousness, spiraling my anxiety to unprecedented levels.
"It's nice meeting you, Lorence," she said, her smile unwavering as she shook my hand.
"N-nice meeting you too," I stammered, feeling the weight of embarrassment settling in.
"Don't be shy. Can I invite you to join me? My son will be arriving in a few minutes," she offered.
My suspicions were confirmed. She was indeed Raze's mother.
She exuded a beauty that seemed regal, as if she hailed from royalty.
"H-huh? W-where--"
"Mom!" Raze's voice called out, drawing our attention to the newly arrived handsome man, a figure that seemed to command attention not just from me but from his fans as well.
"Love!" he greeted his mother with a kiss before wrapping his arm around my waist and planting a tender kiss on my forehead.
As Raze and I exchanged affectionate gestures, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances of the shoppers around us, undoubtedly drawn by Raze's presence.
"Son, you have a nice and beautiful girlfriend," Rousey remarked, her words catching me off guard. Did she mean it?
"Absolutely. Where's dad now, Mom?" Raze inquired, his tone serious as he shifted the conversation to his father.
The relief flooded through me as Raze finally arrived.
"He's already at Garifo, let's go!" Rousey exclaimed happily, her excitement palpable.
Raze smiled at me before we resumed walking. Despite my relief at his presence, a hint of nervousness crept in, perhaps because I was about to meet his father.
"How's your work?" Raze asked as we stepped into the elevator.
"It's fine, as always," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.
"Son, can I take a picture of the two of you? You both look good together," Rousey interjected, her request catching me by surprise.
"Huh?" I couldn't help but react, caught off guard by her sudden request.
"Mom, you're making her uncomfortable," Raze intervened, his concern evident in his voice.
"Is it fine, hija?" Rousey asked, her tone gentle, seeking my approval.
"A-ah! O-okay!" I stuttered nervously, feeling unprepared for the impromptu photo.
"S-sure," I managed to say before Rousey took out her phone. Raze pulled me closer, his gesture eliciting a genuine smile from me.
"Son, when did you learn to do a wacky pose?" Rousey teased, her laughter filling the elevator as she showed me the picture. I couldn't help but join in, chuckling at the sight of Raze pouting with his eyes crossed.
"You're cute there!" I whispered amidst laughter, unable to contain my amusement.
It was a revelation to see this side of him—the billionaire who could be as carefree and playful as he wanted. I had always thought of him as a serious man, but now I realized that there was so much more to him.
Every day, I found myself falling for him more deeply, hoping against hope that he felt the same way.
Rousey took another picture, this time a selfie with the three of us. She praised us, remarking on how good we looked together, and expressed her wish for us to overcome challenges together. Her words sparked a sense of wonder within me. Was she dropping a hint or merely speaking in generalities? But as Raze's warm hand enveloped mine, I felt a sense of security wash over me, as if our hearts were locked together in unity.
"We're here!" Rousey announced, her demeanor shifting to one of seriousness.
"Reservation for Rance Kyle Coleman!" she demanded of the receptionist, her tone fierce.
"VIP room number 10, madam!" the receptionist replied formally.
"Thank you," Rousey acknowledged curtly.
As we approached the VIP room, I couldn't shake off the agitation that had settled over me, my nerves on edge for reasons I couldn't quite grasp.
Raze turned the knob, revealing an elegantly designed interior and a man seated on the couch engaged in conversation with someone familiar. He appeared to be around the same age as Rance. And then it hit me—Sabrina's dad.
"Will he join us? Obviously!" I thought, feeling the anxiety intensify.
"Finally, they're here, compadre," Rance exclaimed, rising from his seat, followed by the man beside him.
"Sweetheart!" Mrs. Coleman greeted him warmly, embracing him as he kissed her cheeks. Their affectionate exchange was heartwarming to witness.
But when it came to Raze's interaction with his dad, the atmosphere grew tense. Raze didn't offer a formal greeting, simply addressing him with a cold "Dad." I could feel the tension thickening, wishing we could just leave and head home.
Inside the room, there was only one regular table with seven chairs. I couldn't help but wonder why Rance had chosen such a large table.
The atmosphere was becoming increasingly nerve-wracking, suffocating almost. Why did I have to feel this way?
"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted Raze's dad, trying to maintain some semblance of politeness despite the tension in the room.
"I see you've already met. You're a helper, right, compadre?" Sabrina's dad's words cut through the air, confirming to Raze's dad about my role, each syllable dripping with condescension, degrading me in front of everyone.
But before I could even process the insult, Raze's voice rang out, cutting through the heavy atmosphere. "It seems like you've just come from surgery, Mr. Andrew Davis, and the stitches haven't healed yet. I suggest you watch the words that come out of your mouth."
Fudge! This was exactly why I was nervous. Raze was clearly angry, and I couldn't blame him.
"Look, compadre, your son is being disrespectful again!" Sabrina's dad complains petulantly, sounding more like a child than a grown man.
"That's what he gets for choosing that woman!" Rance snorted, dragging me into their absurd conversation. They were acting completely crazy!
"Why are we even here anyway? To belittle my partner? If that's the case, we might as well leave first!" Raze's voice cut through the tension, his tone icy with anger. Before things could escalate further, his mother intervened.
"Boys, calm down! Let's all take our seats and order," Mrs. Coleman interjected, her voice carrying a neutral and slightly chilly tone. After her reprimand, she turned to me with an apologetic smile.
I had expected that this day would come, but I hadn't anticipated it happening so soon.
As always, true to his gentlemanly nature, Raze pulled out a chair for me, allowing me to sit first. He took the seat beside me, while his dad occupied the chair across from us. Mrs. Rousey sat to his left, and to his right was the bald man with the unsettling beard, Mr. Davis, who exuded a rather intimidating aura.
The rectangular crystal table was adorned with soft, high-backed chairs. The walls were painted in soothing pastel colors, accentuated by a lovely painting hanging on the wall. It was a serene and inviting atmosphere, one that I would have appreciated fully if I were in the company of the right person. But for now, it seemed like we were on the outskirts of the circle.
Mr. Coleman summoned a waiter via telephone, breaking the suffocating silence that had settled over the room. It felt as if any moment now, a timer would go off, signaling an impending explosion. But I knew it was just my imagination running wild again.
Only now did I notice the two extra plates and sets of silverware on the table. Were we expecting another guest? The uncertainty was driving me crazy.
"Can you tell me your full name?" Mr. Rance's question jolted me out of my thoughts. I nodded obediently, my heart pounding rapidly as I struggled to keep my composure.
"I'm Lorence Catherine Celo, sir," I replied formally, my voice betraying the nervousness that I desperately tried to conceal.
"Raze, tell me what you love about her, or are you being blinded again, fooled, and poisoned by that alluring maid of yours?" Mr. Coleman's words cut through the tense air, and I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. I feared that I was only making things worse between them.
"That's rude of you to say, Father, and can you please not call me Raze, Dad? I'm losing my cool," Raze fired back, his aura turning dark with anger.
"Losing your cool? You're losing my cool too! How dare you ruin everything that has been set for a very long time?" Mr. Coleman's voice boomed with fury, his anger palpable. Meanwhile, Raze's mom remained calm, casually scrolling on her phone as if she were accustomed to such outbursts.
I felt like a deer caught in headlights, overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. All I wanted was to disappear.
Then, I saw it—Raze's smile. But it wasn't his usual charming smile. It was the creepiest grin I had ever seen, and coupled with the way he crossed his arms, it sent shivers down my spine. It seemed like he was planning something, and whatever it was, I feared the consequences.
"Dad! That pact was between the two of you. You're just involving me, and stop using fear tactics to control me. Please, just stop! Have I ever told you that I'm worth it? No? Have you ever asked me what I like? Have you ever asked me if I'm fine with your decisions? Have you ever asked me how I feel? Huh?" Raze's voice rang out, his words laced with defiance as he addressed his father.
I couldn't bring myself to look up, instead, I kept my gaze fixed on my lap. This kind of confrontation was foreign to me. I had grown up in a simple, loving family with supportive parents. What I was witnessing now was making me feel scared and deeply uncomfortable.
"I'm doing what's right for you! If I tell you that Sabrina is the right girl for you, then she is. I'm your father, and I'm just doing what's best for you!" Mr. Coleman's voice thundered with conviction, his words echoing through the tense atmosphere.
The yelling seemed to intensify, each word feeling like a blow to my already frayed nerves.
"Father? Shame on you for acting like a businessman! Can't you just act like a father for once? I'm not a business deal, Dad! I'm your SON! I'm doing my best to succeed, and I am succeeding. Isn't that enough?" Raze's voice crackled with frustration and hurt, his words piercing through the chaos with raw emotion.
"You really know how to talk back now? Is that what she's taught you?" Mr. Coleman yelled, his accusatory finger pointing directly at me.
"You're being unreasonable, Dad! How old are you again? 50! So why are you acting like a child who wants coffee instead of milk? Don't be so greedy, Dad! I'm still respecting you!" Raze retorted, his frustration palpable as he stood up abruptly.
"Where are you going—"
"Hi, guys! What's up?" The door swung open suddenly, revealing Sabrina with a beautiful smile adorning her face.
"Hi, Dad, hi Uncle Rance! And hello to my beautiful future mom!" Sabrina walked in confidently, greeting them warmly. They welcomed her with smiles, clearly pleased to see her. It was evident that they approved of her for Raze.
"Hi, everyone. Sorry we're a bit late!" Sabrina apologized as she took her seat.
Ah, now it made sense. The extra plates were for Sabrina and her mom, Natalia Davis.
Mrs. Rousey and Natalia hugged each other warmly, engaging in conversation.
"Hi, sweetheart!" Sabrina greeted Raze, sliding into the seat beside him before shooting me a pointed glare.
I glanced at Raze before he settled back into his seat, his expression unreadable.
"Finally, we're all here! Now we can discuss the engagement in front of that woman. I hope you'll change your mind afterward. Raze, I want you to listen until the end, or else!" Mr. Coleman's words cut through the air like a knife, his tone firm and uncompromising.
I felt a pang of hurt deep within me, but I refused to let the tears welling up betray my emotions. I couldn't show them that I was weak, not now.
"Dad! I'm warning you! Stop doing things that you may regret later!" Raze's voice was tinged with anger, his frustration evident in every word he uttered.
"Or you're the one who'll regret it, sweetheart, for not listening to your dad and for not choosing me. Instead, you choose that gold digger witch!" Sabrina's words dripped with sarcasm as she shot me a disdainful look, rolling her eyes for added effect.
I felt a surge of anger and hurt at her cruel words. That was below the belt, too much to bear.
"I'm not a golddigger! I respect all of you here, and just because you're wealthy doesn't mean I'll bow down to you and let you trample on my dignity. Respect can't be bought, and if you don't want me here, I can leave. Just never degrade me!" I couldn't contain my emotions any longer. They were hurting me deeply, emotionally.
How could I accept such treatment? I refused to allow them to toy with my feelings. I'm a human being, deserving of respect and dignity.
"You have guts, woman, but I only invited you here to make it clear that you're not suitable for my son. You're just a maid, and you know nothing about running my business!" Mr. Coleman's words were harsh, cutting deep with their disdain.
"Stop that, Dad!" Raze intervened, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"She's a stain on your name if you choose her, Raze!" Mr. Coleman continued, his tone filled with contempt.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Despite their wealth and status, they were behaving like petulant children, throwing insults and disregarding basic decency.
They weren't acting like professionals at all. It was disappointing. I had expected more from them, but it seemed that their riches had blinded them to the importance of basic morals and human decency.
"Your words are enough to make me leave, Mr. Coleman. Raze, I'm sorry, but I can't stay here any longer. Mrs. Rousey, thank you for the brief conversation earlier. Mr. Coleman, money is just money. Try to remember how to be human—I hope you can. Anyway, thank you for your time." I forced a smile, accompanied by a sarcastic bow. At least I still knew how to show respect, even if it was tinged with sarcasm.
"I'm leaving too. If you're planning to remove my name from your company, Dad, you can!" Raze announced, rising from his seat and taking my hand, much to Sabrina's dismay.
It seemed like they believed that wealth was only for the wealthy. Was that still their mindset?
It seemed like they were so focused on their wealth and status that they forgot about the most important thing—happiness.
"RAZE!" his mom's voice cut through the tension, calling him back.
"MOM! I'm sorry!" Raze apologized, his voice filled with remorse.
"Wait, son!" Mrs. Rousey rose from her seat and hurried over to where we were sitting.
"Lorence, I'm sorry. Both of you, please be happy," she whispered, her smile tinged with sadness, before returning to her seat.
As I glanced around, I could see the expressions on everyone's faces, each one telling a different story. Sabrina had tears streaming down her face, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
"Love, I'm sorry," Raze uttered weakly, his voice filled with regret.
"It's fine, Raze. I'm sorry too for talking back to your dad! I just couldn't help it," I confessed, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders.
"It's fine, love. He deserved it," Raze reassured me, his voice filled with understanding.
As we made our way back to the mansion, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Why had that scene unfolded earlier? Was it a sign that our relationship was on the brink of ending? I hoped not. I didn't think I could bear it.
"Love, come on! I've recorded a video of Cally, and I'm playing it on my computer now. She's watching it and playing with the screen," Raze called from upstairs while I sat on the couch downstairs with the other girls.
"Come here, love!" Raze's excited voice echoed through the mansion once more.
Encouraged by Erika's gesture, I made my way upstairs to join Raze.
Before I knew it, I found myself laughing and capturing the moment on video for our documentary.
"She's so cute!" Raze exclaimed childishly, his eyes sparkling with joy.
I couldn't help but smile at his playful demeanor. It was a side of him I had never seen before.
"Aww!" he exclaimed when I pinched his cheek.
"I love you," I said, planting a kiss on the side of his cheek that I had just pinched.
"I love you the most," he replied with a grin.
"I love you morenly!" I teased, echoing one of his past jokes, which made us both laugh.
"Can I pinch your lips so I can kiss them?" he playfully suggested, causing me to purse my lips and playfully look away.
"Anyway, I want you to prepare yourself for tomorrow!" he added, changing the subject.
"Why?"
"I have a meeting in the City of Zamoro! I want you to come with me. Let's stay there for a week, I think," Raze announced excitedly.
"Huh? But I have work," I replied, feeling torn.
"I'm the boss, and you can't say no!" he declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Boss? Last time I checked, I'm the real boss!" I fired back, meeting his gaze with equal intensity.
"Fine, you're the real boss, but you still can't say no to me!" he retorted, pouting like a kid who wanted a chocolate bar. He was undeniably cute.
"Fine! But tell me about Zamoro and your meeting. Why do you have to stay there for a week?" I inquired, curious about the sudden trip.
"Love, Zamoro is one of the coolest places, also known as the city of lovers. It's like something out of a fantasy, so I have to go there with you. Let's enjoy the day after my meeting, and we can forget about what happened earlier," he explained, kissing the tip of my nose.
"Is that it?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied.
"Okay! I'm in, since it's a free adventure!" I responded with a wide smile.
"Your smile looks like you just won the lottery!" he remarked, amused by my enthusiasm.
"That's so small then, I won the universe since I have you," I declared, my words carrying the depth of my feelings. He didn't respond verbally, but his eyes held a meaningful gaze, accompanied by a wonderful smile that melted my heart.
He wasn't saying anything, but his look conveyed a message that only we could understand—it was the language of love.
"Prepare now, love. We have a flight tomorrow at exactly 9 am," he instructed suddenly.
"Huh? How did you process my papers?" I asked, surprised once again by his efficiency.
"I have my ways, and I can do everything for you!" Raze declared confidently.
"Yeah, you're a crazy billionaire," I muttered under my breath, avoiding his gaze.
"What?" he asked, confused by my comment.
"I said I'll go downstairs now! I have to prepare. Bye!" I said hastily, darting out of the room.
"Chump!" he called after me.
"Ungentleman!" I yelled back before rushing down the stairs.
It seemed like nothing had happened earlier.
After a quick conversation with the girls and Mother Sharn, during which I informed her about tomorrow's trip, I retreated to my room.
While contemplating what to wear, I received a call from Cynthia. She asked how I was doing and suggested that I watch a vlog by ICEcore. Being a good and obedient friend, I searched for ICEcore on YuuTube after our call.
ICEcore? I clicked on the newly updated vlog entitled "RTAMV part 80."
RTAMV? How peculiar.
ICEcore's initials did seem quite prominent, and his choice to hide his face behind a mask, half red and half white, was undeniably cool.
With a staggering 90 million subscribers, ICEcore was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of vlogging. As I watched his content, I found myself amused by his meme verse reviews, which never failed to make me laugh.
Despite his anonymity, ICEcore's sense of humor shone through, and there was something familiar about his voice and build. Unfortunately, his choice to wear a bonnet left me guessing whether he was bald or not.
"I'm going to reveal myself as promised. Just wait up for our 8th anniversary on this platform," he announced confidently in his outro. It seemed like his audience was in for a treat come the anniversary celebration.
Excitement bubbled within me as I anticipated watching ICEcore's face reveal. I delved into more of his vlogs, finding his voice endearing, especially when he purposefully cracked it for comedic effect. Yet, despite his charm, I couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity, though I brushed it off as mere imagination.
By 6 p.m., I had finished packing for our week-long trip, my excitement growing as I researched more about the destination. The anticipation of exploring a new place filled me with energy.
After dinner, I enjoyed a delightful conversation with Raze and Mother Sharn. She truly was amazing, embodying the role of a caring mother figure to both of us. Her warmth and kindness made me feel grateful to have her in our lives.
Mother Sharn's advice was truly invaluable, leaving me nodding in agreement numerous times throughout our conversation.
Around 8 p.m., Mother Sharn bid us goodnight, heading off to rest. Raze and I remained seated on the bench, facing the tranquil fountain.
Raze was about to speak when his father called, but he chose to ignore it. I scolded him gently, reminding him of the importance of maintaining communication with his father, despite any disagreements they may have.
"Love, I want you to stand by my side and support me," Raze said, his tone tinged with concern. Was he worried that I might leave or give up on him? It seemed he was seeking reassurance in our bond.
"I will," I replied, returning his side hug with warmth.
We sat in comfortable silence, listening to the soothing melody of a song while gazing at the stars. Cuddling close, we shared laughter as we reminisced about our first encounter, a ridiculous yet unforgettable memory that had brought us together.
As I lay in bed, unable to sleep due to excitement, I found myself eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited us.
The next morning, I woke up early and assisted with the household chores, knowing I wouldn't be going to Texno. Carrying a vacuum cleaner, I inadvertently bumped into the most handsome man on the planet.
"Good morning, love," Raze cheerfully greeted, enveloping me in a tight hug.
"Raze, let go! PDA!" I protested, feeling self-conscious.
"Eh? There's nothing wrong, chump. And since you're a hard worker, you deserve a kiss from me, of course!" he declared with a mischievous grin.
"WHAT?" I snarled, taken aback by his audacity. In front of my co-workers? Absolutely not!
"Later! Let's prepare breakfast now, love!" he said, chuckling as he released me from his embrace.
I pouted in response and followed him, leaving the vacuum cleaner behind as we headed to the kitchen.
I felt a surge of happiness as I embraced the new day and the upcoming adventure with Raze by my side.
We savored our meal together, relishing the anticipation of the journey ahead. Afterward, we made our final preparations for the flight.
Excitement bubbled within me as this would be my first trip across the city with him. I bid farewell to the ladies and gentlemen in the mansion, feeling a mix of anticipation and nostalgia as we stepped outside.
While I waved goodbye, Raze was engrossed in a phone call, appearing preoccupied with important matters.
Sebastian drove for us, as Raze wanted to conserve his energy for his upcoming meeting at 3pm It was crucial for him to remain calm and collected, especially in his state of mind.
As we traveled, Raze held my hand and shared stories with me. Suddenly, I remembered hearing ICEcore's music the day before.
"Oh? I heard ICEcore's music yesterday! I just realized that your voice sounds quite similar to his, and you both have similar figures!" I remarked.
"Really? That's interesting, but I still aim to be the most handsome," Raze replied with a hint of surprise, gesturing for Sebastian to change the music.
Sebastian promptly switched the music, and we continued our journey with a new soundtrack accompanying us.
"Why did you do that? I love that music!" I protested playfully.
"I'm jealous," he teased with a smirk.
"Crazy!" I chuckled in response.
He simply smiled and leaned back, guiding me to rest my head on his shoulder before letting out a sigh.
"Love, the world may be against us, but I won't tire of fighting for you. I won't tire of telling the world that love matters more than anything, and that love is you," he whispered softly, his words carrying a depth of sincerity that warmed my heart.
I hope he won't give up the fight, and I hope I won't either. Sometimes, love is like the poignant line in a song, you have to learn to let someone go.
If you love someone, you have to learn to let them go, perhaps for good. But I pray we never reach that point, because just the thought of life without him is dreary.
These were the thoughts that filled my mind as I closed my eyes.
I love him more than words can express.