Chapter 10: Chapter 10

I wasn’t even finished saying that as he was quick to maneuver the car. He was humming a tune happily. “No, no, I won’t let you change your mind! Let’s go now!” He exclaimed and I chuckled at his enthusiasm.

Silence soon followed but I could feel his stares at me. “So? Where are you taking me?” He asked after a while of driving in silence.

I just shrugged, “Just somewhere.”

He nodded, “I see you like keeping it a secret. That makes me more excited.”

I raised my eyebrows, suddenly having an idea in my head. Oh no, Ellaina, your mischievousness is kicking in…

“Just turn right in that alley.” I pointed and he did as I ordered him to.

I could see that we finally lost the media and we were going to the place I was familiar with...

This was where we used to live when we were still not having enough.

This is where everything started.

I glanced at Ajax to see his reaction and his reaction stayed the same, excited as his eyes were gleaming in excitement.

Let’s see if he can keep that excited face-up…

“Let’s stop here,” I said as we reached the orphanage in the town. We were still in the urban area but in the less privileged area…where anything can happen. Any crimes are here…

I hope Ajax has come prepared for this.

My plan has already commenced and I didn’t have to act when Ajax’s car instantly gained attention from the passersby there.

They were all looking at the car, wondering who in the world would dare to go to this area with fancy things, as if begging to get robbed.

“Do you have a scarf?” I asked him and he tilted his head.

“What for?”

“To cover our faces, just in case.”

He nodded and opened his dashboard and revealed two pieces of floral scarf.

I raised my eyebrows at him, “Why does a man have this kind of scarf in his car?”

He raised his hands in surrender, “My sister! She used this car last time and left it here.”

Still suspicious of him, I decided to let him off for now and focus on the goal now.

I grabbed the piece of the scarf and threw it on my neck while Ajax just stared at me.

“What?” I asked.

“Put this scarf on me too.”

I snorted, “Why? Can’t you just do it yourself?”

He paused…“I don’t know how to put it.”

I shook my head, “Tsk, you’re just reasons for me to get close to you.”

At that, he leaned in and chuckled deeply, “Yes. It’s working, isn’t it?”

I lightly pushed his head away and chuckled, “You’re straightforward with your intentions and wants, don’t you think?”

“Of course Elaina. Why bother wasting someone’s time if I’m not even serious about chasing her?” He answered again.

I ignored his remarks as we hopped out of the car and I huffed a breath, remembering how tall and eye-catching Ajax is to the crowd. Ajax towered over the tall people around us and I tried to act normal.

I sighed, at this rate, we might have just ended up shouting to the world that we are celebrities.

It will only take time once people tweet about us on the media and we’re going to be flocked with those swarms again... ugh, I feel tired just thinking about it.

“Lead the way, babe,” Ajax said as he got closer and walked beside me.

I smirked, going in the direction of the orphanage nearby and I could see the nuns there playing with the kids.

“First date tour and you’re taking me here? Such a generous heart, babe.” He commented and I lightly stabbed his ribs.

“This is the charity I’ve been donating with. I just thought of saying hi to them.” I started and he nodded, watching the kids as we approach them.

I glanced at his car that we parked on the side. No, this won’t be it. This is too eye-catching. We have to leave that behind here…

“And will it be alright if we leave your car there? It would be too hassle if we take it around with us.”

Ajax nodded, “Sure. What will be used as transport then?”

“We’ll walk around,” I said with a shrug.

He looked at me, then nodded again, “Oh, Alright.”

I blinked. Why is he nodding? Shouldn’t he refuse what I say? Or refute me? He’s a rich man, a famous one internationally, he should not even be seen in places like this yet he’s here, walking on foot with me. Walking under the hot sun, in a tightly packed full of sweat crowd in the middle of the day! Even saying yes to everything I say!

“You’re just agreeing like that?” I asked again, making sure of it.

“Yes. Why not? It would be a good exercise for me.”

Dam this man. My first attempt at making him leave a bad impression failed.

He seems to be saying yes to everything I say! Is he a dog?

Can’t he notice that I am testing him? Or perhaps he already did notice and instead of going my way, he’s saying yes as his way of making me give up…

Ajax, you look dense but you’re too hard to read.

Well then, let’s see if he’ll give up on this. Children.

I know some men love children, but most men I know hate them, seeing how they are loud and all over the place.

Mission 1 of making him give up has commenced. Let’s see if Ajax can stomach these children.

“Elaina! Dear! You visit us! I thought you are busy!” Greeted the head nuns in the orphanage. Children swarmed at us, curiously staring at Ajax specifically.

“I will always find the time to visit this wonderful place,” I replied, and could sense Ajax just quietly observing everything.

The little girls came to me, “Hi Ate Ellaina! You look beautiful!”

I ruffled her hair, laughing as my cheeks flush.

I’ve been complimented a lot of times, but nothing makes me blush other than a child’s compliment. Especially since they are honest and brutal, they won't say anything untrue. And that’s what I love about them.

I kneeled to match their eye level and smiled. “Awe, thank you! How are you guys? Have you eaten already?”

“Yup! Thank you for the food you gave us!”

I smiled, sensing how they’d become healthier. Good. That should be it. No child should experience hunger or worry about whether they could eat or not.

I am glad I get to help them even in some way.

“Anything for you dears.”

The little boy then grabbed my hand, “Ate Ellaina! You brought your boyfriend here?”

“I saw him in the magazines! He was making this pose.”

Said little Brent, the noisiest and naughtiest one here, making a pose of flexing his arm and the whole children laughed at him.

I glanced at Ajax who was chuckling, seemingly enjoying it.

My smile dropped, I thought he would get…offended.

But this is the exact opposite.

“Really? What else? Where did you see me?” Ajax asked for more but Austin glared at him as he pulled my hand to get my attention, “Hmm, I hate him, Ate Ellaina. He’s too handsome for you! Wait for me when I grow up!”

I burst into laughter, including the nuns who were around, and saw Ajax sulking at that.

I chuckled, wanting to stay for more but remembered we have to go.

I turned to the nun, “Sister, can we leave our car here in the meantime?”

“Sure, Ellaina, but may I ask why? You brought a really fine car here.”

“It was unexpected. I promise we’ll get back to it.”

She nodded, “Alright, enjoy!”

I turned to Ajax who was just silently tailing me, “Let’s go now.”

He nodded and walked as I walked outside and away from the orphanage. He followed and spoke up when we were far from the children and nun’s ears,

“You’re smiling when you’re with them.”

I stared at him. Has that been all he was thinking throughout?

“Yes.” I said, “I just love them.”

He nodded, “Alright, I’ll donate there so the kids can grow healthy.”

I blinked, “Thanks. You don’t have to.”

“I insist. And seeing you happy that they are healthy is important to me.”

I nodded, can’t think of anything to reply to him.