"Raymond, I don't want to risk walking away again. I can't stand seeing you with Bela. I want to be with you, understand you, and love you."
His face turned towards me, eyes glistening with tears. I could tell they were tears of joy, so I chuckled, wiping them away with my palm. "Isn't this the moment you say you love me and kiss me?" I teased.
"Oh, sorry Jasmine, I'm just lost in the moment… happy, really. So… is it okay now? Can I kiss you and touch you?" he asked, almost shyly.
I shook my head but couldn't help myself, I kissed him. Quickly, I pulled away and entered the house, wanting to avoid Bela noticing anything.
She was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Curiosity piqued, I asked what it was. When I saw the title, I couldn't believe my eyes: How to Make a Guy Love You.
I laughed nervously. "Why are you reading that, Bela?"
She smiled sheepishly. "For Raymond," she said.
I blinked, stunned. I didn't realize she was so serious about him. But I couldn't tell her, I couldn't break her heart, especially not when Raymond was already mine.
The next morning, I was up early, making breakfast to celebrate our first day as a couple. Bela came down looking strange, her eyes wide, as if she'd seen a ghost.
"Bela, what's wrong?" I asked, but she just looked at me, blinking in surprise. "Do you want to join us? Call Raymond down, too."
That made her freeze, and I could see the shock on her face. "Did you sleep well?" she asked cautiously, as if she was afraid of what I was about to say.
I didn't blame her. This was the first time I'd ever really done something like this since she moved in.
Raymond's presence at the table brightened the mood, and it was then that I realized just how charming his smile was. As he spoke to Bela, I couldn't help but notice how careful he was to avoid raising any suspicions. Beneath the table, he tried to hold my hand, but I pinched his fingers away, irritated.
After breakfast, I pulled him into the kitchen. "What were you doing back there, Raymond?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "I told you we need to keep this a secret. Why were you acting like that?"
He sighed, his gaze softening. "I couldn't stop thinking about you last night. I missed you. I just wanted to feel close to you. But if that's a problem, I'll be more careful next time."
I softened too, but I had to be firm. "It's not just her. We need to keep it quiet at work, too. If anyone finds out, it could cause problems for both of us."
His face showed disapproval, but he didn't argue. He nodded reluctantly. I kissed him gently, wanting him to understand.
We joined Bela at the table, but soon after, she ran upstairs and came back with a gift for Raymond, an expensive pair of shoes and a suit. I watched as his face lit up with joy, flashing all thirty-two of his teeth.
I raised an eyebrow. "Bela, why are you giving my secretary a gift without asking me first?"
She shot me a sarcastic look, which only irritated me more. I stood up and left the table, feeling antsy.
Later, I left for work and met the new personal assistant I had requested. Afterward, I ran into Nicolas at a meeting. I hoped he would have failed by now, but there he was, still thriving.
When I returned to the office, Raymond was waiting for me. As soon as he saw me, he moved to hug me, but I ignored him and walked straight to my desk.
"Don't you have something to do, Mr. Raymond?" I asked, my voice harsh.
"Mr. Raymond?" He raised his eyebrows, a playful grin on his face. "Really, Jasmine? What did I do this time? And don't say 'nothing', the look on your face says otherwise."
"I'm angry, Raymond," I said, finally confronting him. "I went to the boutique and picked out gifts for you, but you rejected them. Then Bela gives you a gift, and you act like it's the best thing that's ever happened. Do you see why I'm upset?"
He looked taken aback, his smile faltering. "Is that really why you're angry? I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I just... I didn't know it would upset you. But if it's okay, can I hug you now?"
I softened. "Yes, come here."
But when he moved in, his hands started drifting to places that weren't appropriate. I stopped him. "Why are you touching me like that?" I asked, voice firm.
"You're not my boyfriend yet. Why would I let you touch me?" I said, trying to keep my cool.
He quickly dropped to his knees, his voice sincere as he asked, "Will you be my girlfriend, Jasmine?"
A blush crept across my face. "Yes," I whispered, heart racing.
Later, I introduced him to my new assistant, and we drove home together. All the way back, he held my hand tightly, and I could feel his desire in every gentle squeeze.
When we got to the house, he dropped my bag on the floor and kissed me, his passion burning in the air between us. I told him to relax as I went to get some water, but he followed me into the kitchen, lifting me effortlessly and placing me on the counter.
As he leaned in to kiss me again, his hands traveled lower down my body. All I could think of was his touch and his hands inside me.
"Jasmine! Is that you? I want you to explain this chapter of the book I'm reading!"
I froze. The voice was unmistakable, Bela. I turned, eyes wide, and saw her standing in the doorway, holding the book, her face a mixture of confusion and concern.