Unknown: "You shine today, tomorrow's mine."
The hotel's hall filled with laughter. Everyone was here—my family, Raze's mom, my teammates at Texno, my second family, my coworkers at the mansion, Cynthia, and our superior at the agency, who was currently engaged in conversation with Mother Sharn. They were good friends.
I had been pranked, but in a good way.
He planned to ignore me, and everyone acted like they knew nothing. Now I understood why no one in the mansion got worried when I looked down—they knew his plan. It was frustrating.
Alona was there too, and they all kept apologizing for the days that had passed, continuing to pretend, diligently carrying out their tasks.
"Do you think it's easy? Easy to ignore you? Easy to resist the urge to approach you when you look upset or pissed off? Well, I admit, you look so cute when you're pissed," he confessed, managing to make me roll my eyes, despite myself. He even chuckled at his own admission.
"Satisfied?" I scoffed, trying hard to get though he already got me.
"Why do you always hurt me before surprising me? Does that mean you're trying to make me happy just to leave me behind?" I asked, testing his patience.
I knew this alone wouldn't anger him, but maybe seeing me with another man would.
"Of course not! Do you think proposing is a joke? Right, everyone? I was just nervous you might turn me down," he said, looking away shyly. His reaction made me smile.
"Cath, did you know that every time I drive you, he's always giving me warnings? He's like a paranoid boyfriend, always concerned for your safety. He checks on you constantly, tells me to make sure you're okay if you look sad, and I always bring tissues just in case you cry. He really wants to be near you, but-"
"Stop that, Seb, that's embarrassing! You're ruining my bossy persona!" He waved Seb off, laughing along with everyone. Seb was such a cool guy.
"I missed you!" He said, kissing my cheek in front of everyone. Toby chuckled while Stacey gave me a look that screamed 'There's no such thing as forever!' She's so bitter.
We talked late into the night, finally going to bed around 3:00 AM. I slept with my family because I missed them so much.
I woke up late the next morning, alone in our room. Had they left already? Shit!
I hurriedly ran outside, still barefoot.
"Oh? Cath?" They looked at me, trying to hold back their laughter.
"A-ah! G-good morning!" I awkwardly utter.
"Good morning sweetie!" Dad greeted me like he always did, his voice, his smile, the shine of his eyes... I missed it all.
"Good morning, Dad! Hi, Mom!" I said, looking around. I found Raze carrying my brother, Toby. He mouthed 'good morning' because they were playing, so I smiled.
I slowly walked towards Mom. We were at the dining hall, which was open-air and faced the pool.
"Hija, eat now and get ready. We're going somewhere!" Mom said.
"Yes, Mom!" I replied, glancing at Raze and Toby as they approached.
"Sissy, I punched him!" Toby announced while playing with Raze's hair.
"Huh? Why?" I asked, feigning shock and gently pinching his cheek.
"Because big sis told me he made you cry!" Toby explained, and Raze just laughed.
"I see, punch him again!"
"NO!" Toby replied sternly.
"Why?"
"That's bad!" he answered and hugged Raze like he was the one who taught him that.
"He loves me, bleeh!" Raze stuck his tongue out, looking adorably cute. Aww, my doggy.
"You're acting like a kid again, Mr. Coleman."
"Because I'm your baby!" he fired back, smiling widely.
"Corny!" I said, looking away.
I ate breakfast, and after letting my food digest, I took a bath. I got excited when I heard we were going to a yacht party and island hopping. Yay!
"Aren't we going home first?" I asked Raze.
"No, why?"
"Ahm, I don't have any extra clothes left."
"That's not a problem, I love to see you nak—"
"Continue that and I'll kill you!" I glared at him, and he flashed an apologetic smile.
"I said Erika already brought something for you. Everything was planned perfectly, love. Chill!" He winked.
"Lorence, sorry, I invaded your closet and also grabbed a pair of your swimsuits," Erika said, hearing her name and showing me a peace sign.
"It's fine, you can have it, and thanks for bringing some for me," I answered.
"Everyone's ready? Let's go!" Mommy Rousey said, showing her excited expression.
"Yes!" the rest of us answered enthusiastically.
Outside the hotel, there were two huge gray buses. They looked simple from the outside, but as we got inside, they were very elegant, awesome, and almost like a house.
There was karaoke and a sofa behind the driver's seat. Inside, there was a wide bedroom and a couch. The bed looked really soft, and there was a wide television and closet. I had never seen a bus like this before. It was clearly designed for a very long adventure, and I really loved it.
"There's a bathroom here, everyone!" Raze informed us, opening the heavy curtain near the closet.
"Wow," was all that came out of my mouth.
The light inside was dim, quite romantic.
Raze truly was a billionaire, yet he wasn't boastful. Unlike others, he remained humble and human, not controlled by money and power, but rather, he controlled everything perfectly.
Toby fell asleep beside Mom, while Stacey happily chatted with Erika and the other girls.
The bus started to move, and I settled beside Raze. All of us seemed tired, except for Stacey and the other girls, who were enjoying each other's company.
I looked at Raze; he was closing his eyes. He was really tired.
I'm truly grateful for having him, and I won't ever tire of saying that again and again. I genuinely appreciate all his efforts and everything he does for me.
I'm so happy that he brought my family here to surprise me and to witness his surprise for me. He's my angel, my knight, and one of my everything.
I never expected him to do what he did last night, and I can't help but smile as I remember his face when I said "YES" to him. His expression was priceless.
He really sacrificed three days just to make that night special and more memorable. I shook my head as I recalled my reactions and expressions during those days; he successfully made me jealous. I smiled while looking at his sweet sleeping body.
"I love him so much, and I'm willing to create a new world with him.
Whoo, I'll be his bride soon, and I'm excited about it... My ring, I look at it. It's very expensive, but that's not important. I only want him for the rest of my life; that's enough, as long as he's with me, because with him, we can get through everything.
"I love you so much," I whispered.
"He might melt," Erika commented.
"He's irresistible like a cute kid!" I said in my monotone voice, smiling.
"You're really in love."
"I am, thanks to fate for bringing us together!" I leaned on my right palm, my elbow supported by my thigh.
"I love you too" isn't enough to match his love and efforts, but I guess keeping him in a special corner inside my heart would be satisfying.
His phone rang, and he woke up automatically, as if his system was connected to it.
"Are you okay?" A nonsensical question slipped out of my mouth.
"Ah! I'm fine, love," he answered, taking out his phone. He started massaging his head like he was having a difficult time. Was he not feeling well?
"I'll take this call, love," he said, and I just nodded.
"Hello? Mr. Fulton? Yeah! Yes! Sorry, I can't entertain any offers or business right now, or maybe for a week. I'm in the middle of a trip, so if you have an appointment, you can talk to my secretary, Ms. Venise. Yeah! Bye, thanks," I heard him say.
"Work?" Aish, I'm really out of my head. Why do I keep asking such nonsense things? Argh!
"Yeah, maybe that man didn't open any social media accounts or read either a magazine or newspaper," he said, massaging his temples.
"Why?"
"He wants me to marry his daughter and offers company merging and some other possibilities. He doesn't know that I'm into you, chump, and I'm only capable of marrying one person since my heart can only accommodate one special person in the VVVIP room inside me."
"That sounds dramatic!" I hissed.
"Already planning about marriage?" Erika looked at us.
"Gossiper!" I said, laughing.
"I can marry her now or anytime, right, love!"
"Marry me now, You can? Crazy!" I answer
"I heard 'married', when?" It was Mommy Rousey.
"Mom, don't be so excited. If I'm going to marry her, I'll do it today, but there's no available priest," he said casually. How could he say things like that so nonchalantly? We hadn't even talked about marriage.
"Love, let's get married on the same day as Christ's birth. Maybe that's a good way of "God gave me you," he said confidently, making me blush. What was he doing? Ahh, my heart.
"Kyaahh! I'm excited, son!" Mommy Rousey reacted, while the others listened carefully.
"Mr. Pryce Raze Coleman, it doesn't matter what, when, or where, as long as I'm marrying you, the WHO!" I said, laughing. He then pinched the tip of my nose.
"I love you, Chump."
"11 for you, handsome." Until now, I can't include 'Love' in my sentences. I find it awkward, yet I truly love him.
After an hour, we arrived at Razian Beach Resort, owned by our hot billionaire, Raze.
According to him, he named the beach Razian because it's a combination of his name and his brother's. Yiee, he's sweet like sugar. Yum!
"Woaaah!" Everyone's reaction was priceless.
There were a lot of lined-up cottages, the sand was white, and there was a mini playground near the information center.
"OMG! Señorito, madam... Everyone, welcome here at Razian Beach Resort. We're happy to serve you!" The lady assigned there was surprised, and I could see happiness and excitement on her face.
"Good morning! Please assist our visitors to their rooms and give them the best," Raze commanded.
"Yes, Señorito!" The staff helped us carry our luggage after we checked in.
Raze and I shared the same room between my family's room and his mom's room, while the rest took the rooms in a row in front of ours.
In my whole life, I never imagined that my first boyfriend would be a billionaire, a handsome, and almost perfect man in the world. I placed my palm right at my chest, feeling my heartbeat remind me of him. It mainly beat because he is the reason for every single rare beat of my heart. Only Raze can do that, my King.
"Love, are you ready?" He asked as he came out of the bathroom, now wearing simple beach shorts while hanging his polo shirt on his left shoulder. I wondered why he was wearing that instead of trunks, but then again, he looked handsome and hot in any clothes he wore.
"Yeah, I'm always ready!" I winked at him after that.
"Are you seducing me?"
"Huh? I'm not!"
"You sound defensive, my wife!"
"I'm not your wife, and I'm not defensive either!"
"Marry me. I badly want to call you 'My Wife' so even that IVOR gamer man won't bother you anymore!"
"You sound jealous!"
"I am. It seems like you're going to replace me with him. He even wants to send you home, calling you and--" I kissed him.
"Enough! Okay? You're irreplaceable. I only love one person who's now occupying the most special corner in my heart, and that's you!" I said after kissing him.
"Aha! Good to hear that. Suddenly I badly wanted to nag about it so you'd stop me through kissing, not until I realized that I can do something without nagging. This idea is much better. You can even rate it after," he said playfully before pulling me closer, putting my messy hair strands behind my ear, and slowly... his face drew nearer to mine.
His lips sweetly and softly touched mine, sending electric volts through my body. My system was ruined again, yet I loved it when he drowned me like this.
I could feel his warmth as we exchanged sweetness, as if we were at the depths of the ocean with the tranquil melody and lovely music notes popping up around us.
"I want to marry you first before I unleash the beast inside me," he whispered after the passionate kiss turned into a torrid one. I see, he's stopping the urge of his manly nature... as he promised.
I smiled. "I know how to tame that beast!"
"I know, you once already did!" He whispered and kissed the tip of my nose.
"Let's go now, they're waiting!" He opened his palm in front of me, so I put mine above it before he intertwined our hands.
"Anyway, before I forget, you become more beautiful every day!" He said, tickling my heart and letting the butterflies inside me free from being caged. Only he can do that.
His dad isn't here. Raze said that his dad was on a business trip, and I bet if he were here, he wouldn't be happy.
"OMG! Cath, you're so hot!" Erika commented.
"Wow! You're the real deal, Cath!" Mommy Rousey added, rushing to pick up her phone and take a picture with me.
"Kyaah! You have the vital statistics of a Miss Universe. I love it!" She exclaimed after taking a selfie.
"T-thanks," I shyly uttered and chuckled.
I was wearing a two-piece with my cover-up as planned. The girls and I would have our pictorial later at any part of the yacht, and of course, I was certain that we would stop at some island, so I prepared a lot of bikinis and dresses for myself and for those who didn't bring their own. I also brought summer hats and shades for the pictorial. I was excited.
Raze held my hand while walking, but suddenly, Toby called him, and he ended up carrying my brother. They were talking like they were the same age, maybe because they had the same interest in games, since Toby loves to play computer games.
"Hey, stop, I'm going to take a good photo of both of you!" I said and took out my phone. Both of them smiled widely while Raze leaned on the metal bar.
As we arrived at the second deck, the crew welcomed us. There was also a chef and other servants, as expected for a billionaire. We put our things in our own cabin without realizing that the adventure had already started.
I had fun talking with Stacey, Erika, and the other girls when we arrived at the first island called 'Chasing Snake Island.' There were two islands, and between them was a lovely sandbar. Everyone was excited, not just to swim, but also to take good photos.
The other girls and I did our pictorial when Raze came in holding his DSLR camera.
"Ladies, I'll be your photographer!" He said while looking at me, so I daringly slid down my cover-up on my shoulders and struck a pose.
"Yays! That's too hot, Lorence," they commented.
He took a lot of good photos of me alone and with the girls. But before we left, the girls requested Raze and me to have a photo together, so we did.
The island hopping went well, and all of us had a really fun time.
The food was delicious, and even the drinks brought so much satisfaction.
We stopped at the next island, and it was already 3 PM, so I decided to feel and enjoy the water.
Raze and I had a race at swimming after he splashed some water on my face while I was floating. He's kind of wicked.
I had so much fun, especially with Raze. Then, Dad had a moment with me, giving me advice. He's happy for me because he said I got a good man. I'm glad that the first man in my heart likes the new man, and probably the last man in my system. Thanks, Dad!
We're heading back now. I'm already wearing a dress, facing the ocean while holding a wine glass when Raze hugs me from behind.
My heartbeat raced again.
"Love?" He leaned his chin on my shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing, I just want to hear your voice like I haven't heard it in years," he whispered softly.
"Crazy, I enjoyed this day so much!"
"That's my pleasure, love!"
"Thanks for bringing my family along!" I replied.
"I wanted to get to know them, love. I know you missed them, and the surprise was really a nice timing to invite them here," he said and suddenly chuckled.
"I love you, love!" I said, and for the first time... I called him sweetly like he always did.
"Ah! I love you too," he whispered and planted a kiss on my cheek.
He always made me weak, frozen, and unable to breathe. Is that all love can do?
Every moment with him was special, and I just hoped that it wouldn't change, the feelings and all.
The bonfire was ready as we arrived back at Razian Beach Resort, around 6 PM. The place was very beautiful, with lights from the trees, cottages, some beautiful lights on the footsteps, and lights in the garden beautifully glowing and not overpowering the beauty of the place. There were a lot of lights, but there was a pattern, which was why it wasn't overly displayed. It was beautiful.
Raze showed me some pictures while we were having fun and drinks around the bonfire. As I looked at the camera, he kept on laughing at my stolen shots.
"You're so bad!" I said, laughing along with him.
"I'll post this on your birthday! You're dead," he joked, trying to scare me.
"Go ahead! Everyone will still love my humorous pictures. Bleeeh!" I replied before we laughed together while he messed up my hair.
After dinner, Raze had his online interview on MNVTV, maybe about what happened last night or about business.
I slept on the couch unintentionally because I was waiting for Raze to finish his interview. He sounded like he was enjoying their session, yet... In the morning, I found myself beside him... in our bed.
He was smiling while staring at me.
"Good morning, love," he greeted and kissed my forehead.
"Good morning, handsome!" I said and hugged him tight.
"L-love!"
"Hmmm?"
"You're turning me on this early in the morning!" he chided, making me blush, so I chuckled while looking straight into his eyes.
He cupped my cheeks and leaned closer.
"R-raze, I didn't brush y-"
"I still love you!" he uttered softly before he claimed my lips.
Gush! I felt the warmth of my blood actively flowing through my veins.
"I love you so much, my soon-to-be Mrs. Coleman," a line that tickled my heart after a passionate kiss.
"Don't be so excited, my future husband!"
"It really came from you, huh?" He reacted and hugged me while laughing. This moment was enough to give me so much strength for our activities later.
After some time with him, I prepared myself. As I stepped out of the bathroom, I bumped into a handsome man holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Thanks, Mr. Ungentleman!" I said and gave him a peck on his cheek.
"Love, at 1 pm, I have to go for a conference," he informed me.
"Sure, as if I'm going to miss you!" I joked.
"You won't miss me? Let's see. Hmmm!" He looked disappointed.
"See what?"
"I'm going to—"
"You're not going anywhere, love. I love you!" I said, activating the blower and pointing it at his face, which made him move backward. As a result, I ended up being tickled.
Another crazy morning.
Now we're planning to go around the city since my family will go back home after the next following days. Everyone was excited, and after breakfast, we all rushed inside the bus. Toby was with me, and Raze kept playing with him while others started to sing karaoke.
We did basic things to enjoy: we watched a movie at the cinema, played arcade games (which was very fun), ate non-stop, went to Toy Kingdom for Toby, visited the zoo, flower farm, and went to the famous place for leisure, Camp Alvero. The place was very adventurous, with three pools: one for the kids and the rest for the adults and the swimming team of Cazila. There was also a field for bike tricks, zip line, wall climbing, and other services. Sadly, Raze had to leave before we went to the zoo.
After that tiring but fun day, we headed directly to the mansion, Raze's property. My family would stay there until they went back to the province.
"Waaah! I'm super tired!" I exclaimed.
"Me too!" They said, throwing themselves on the couch.
Toby fell asleep, Stacey still had her energy, and she was still having fun with Erika, talking. They seemed so close now.
Mother Sharn assisted Mom and Dad to their room, while Stacey would stay with me. I just wanted to stay with her.
Mommy Rousey talked to me for a bit before going home. She said she was very happy the whole time she was with us. Sadly, she'd leave early because her husband would go back to Cazila from the business trip already, but she said she'd come back tomorrow.
I was tired, so I fell asleep. When I woke up, I felt bothered. The place was dark, and I couldn't hear a sound.
Maybe everyone fell asleep too.
I went out, and no one was around. It was already 9 PM when I checked the time.
Where's Stacey? Did she sleep with Mom?
I was about to check my parents' room when I got a phone call from an unknown number, a different number from someone who had been sending me threats.
I answered it because maybe it was something important and an emergency.
"Hello?"
"So, this is how a gold digger sounds?" It was a man's voice full of sarcasm.
I was shocked. Did he call me a gold digger? I guessed I knew this man.
"Mr. Coleman?" I coldly uttered.
"Precisely! I'm going to say—ahm! No! This is a warning! I want you out of my son's life! Got it? I know you're happy about the proposal, but you're no good for my son's career and to our name. Don't you see the news? Hmm?"
"If you called to insult me, Mr. Coleman, then it's better to hang up this call. I'm not a gold digger, and I love your son without any bad intentions. Bye!" I calmly answered and ended the call. He was just ruining my mood, but I wondered about the news he mentioned. I had to check it.
I was about to search when Raze suddenly arrived.
"Hey! How was the conference? Are you okay? You look exhausted!" I asked. He didn't look fine, though he was smiling. I knew him.
"I'm okay, love. It's just that I got tired driving!" he replied.
"Ah? Next time, you should bring Seb to drive for you. Are you hungry? I can prepare something for you," I offered. I could prepare since the chefs were already sleeping.
"Thanks, love. I guess I should bring Seb for my long trips. Anyway, I'm full!"
"Okay," I responded with a smile as he kissed my forehead.
"I'll fight for you, no matter what," he whispered and hugged me tightly, like he was holding onto something he didn't want to let go of.
"I'm going to rest now, love. Can you rest with me tonight?" he said.
"Sure, let's go!" I held his hand, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. We arrived at his room, and he went to the bathroom, so I seized the opportunity to continue my research about him. Hmm? There were no results. I searched again, but all the attachments were unavailable.
What's wrong? Were they deleted?
I wondered, so I checked some articles, but the results were the same: unavailable.
Argh! The situation pounded my heart hard.
I looked at my ring. It was beautiful, but why did I suddenly feel scared?
"Love?"
"A-ah?" I was surprised; I hadn't noticed him approaching. He was standing in front of me now.
"Let's rest, love," he said and lay beside me, then hugged me after a goodnight kiss. But I was still bothered.
"I'll fight for you, no matter what," his voice echoed inside my head.
What am I going to do? Am I scared of nothing?
I have to fight for him too.