Chapter 31: Chapter 31

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE FOOD was great, and they never ran out of something to talk about, but Carlota could not understand why she kept on checking her phone from time to time. Was she really expecting anything from Baron after calling her a selfish bitch back at her office? And did not she hate it when he texted her and called her for the silliest reasons? Why was she still anticipating?

“Is everything all right, Carlota?” Julian asked.

“Hmm? O-of course.” Carlota forced a smile. “By the way, great food.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” He glanced at the dance floor. Other couples were already dancing to the slow music. “Would you like to dance, Carlota?”

“W-what?” Carlota laughed awkwardly as she stared at the pairs on the floor. Didn’t she dream of dancing with Julian again? “I guess it’s not a bad idea.”

Julian stood up and offered his hand.

“Then, shall we?”

Carlota giggled nervously as she took his hand.

She wondered if she was dreaming. She was this close to Julian again. Carlota never thought they’d be this close after they separated ways.

But as he held her hand and pulled her close, something was not there anymore.

“Are you nervous?” Julian asked.

“Well, I could not remember the last time I danced like this,” she said and laughed.

“Me, too,” he said.

Julian gazed at her lips. Carlota did not say a word. She did not even make the slightest movement when he dipped his head and brushed his lips against her.

Carlota closed her eyes as the kiss deepened. But she froze when she saw Baron’s face at the back of her head. She pulled away and stared at Julian’s confused expression.

She had been in love with Julian for the longest time. Why didn’t she feel anything when they kissed? Why did she even feel guilty? Why did it take her long to realize?

If Clara did not leave and Baron calling her a selfish bitch…

“I-I’m sorry,” she said.

“It’s okay. I’m the one who should apologize.”

“HOW ARE you feeling?” Emerisa asked when Clara finally finished her soup.

“Better,” she replied. She was still brokenhearted, but at least she was not dizzy and hungry anymore.

When Clara became conscious, she found herself back in Fuego’s room and Emerisa beside her. She patiently fed her until she regained her strength.

“Tell me if there’s anything you want to eat.”

“Thank you, Emerisa.”

Emerisa cupped her cheek.

“You made us all panic,” she said with a laugh.

“I-I’m sorry,” she said quietly.

“It’s all right, dear. But we won’t allow you to leave just like this. We miss you.”

Clara only nodded.

Emerisa stood up and picked up the tray. Before she could close the door, Fuego came in. Clara looked away at once as she clutched the blanket in her hands.

She did not move when the door closed. Fuego rushed to her side.

“You scared me,” he said, his voice breaking. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.”

Clara stared at him, surprised by the sudden change in him.

“W-what are you sorry for?”

“I’ll never let this happen again.”

Fuego claimed her mouth for a kiss.

Clara could not believe what was happening. She wanted to push him away and asked him why, but she found herself kissing him back. For a moment, she convinced herself that nothing was wrong.

“When we last saw each other, why didn’t you ask me?” he said when he pulled a few inches away from her.

“A-ask you what?”

“Venice is not my girlfriend. She’s my cousin.”

Clara stared in shock.

“That night after the party, I went to her bar and drank with our friends. Before I met you, there were other women who won’t stop calling me. Venice was used to pretending to be my girlfriend to drive them away. She thought you were one of them. She did not tell me because you asked her to.”

“S-she’s not your…”

“Why did you keep it all to yourself, Clara? You should have told me.”

“I-I thought that was true. We have never reassured our feelings for each other, Fuego. I thought you only pitied me, and I feel guilty because I made you cheat on her. I was so insecure. I did not ask you because you deserved better in the first place. I could not stand up for you.”

“But you’re here.” He planted a kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Because Josef believed you deserved to know about the baby.”

Fuego blinked.

“The baby?”

“I’m pregnant.”

“Y-you’re what…” Fuego stared at her stomach and her face.

“You’re going to be a father.”

“Clara…”

Clara cupped his face and stared lovingly into his eyes. She could not believe she was hurting for some stupid reason!

“Yes, Fuego?”

“I love you. I’m sorry that I’ve been holding myself back the whole time. I did not want to scare you. You were young, and I did not want you to think that I was taking advantage of you.”

“Before I came here, I already thought of ways to raise my baby alone.”

“How could you say that?”

“Because I was scared you won’t want it.”

“You silly girl.” He put a hand on her tummy. “I’m going to be a father!” he said, ecstatic and happy.

“Yes,” she said between giggling and tears.

They shared another passionate kiss. Fuego moved on top of her, careful not to hurt her, and without breaking the kiss.

“We can still make love even with the baby, right?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“I can’t wait to tell everyone about the good news.”

Clara bit her lip. “Me, too.”

“What about your aunt?”

“She hates me now, but I hope she’ll understand why I had to do this. I won’t make the same mistake anymore. I’ll stand up for you and our family from now on. But your mom…”

“She doesn’t hate you, okay? She was just trying to make you realize your feelings. She had expected we’d reconcile in a matter of time. And she was right.”

“She really is a great woman. And your father is very kind. I’m glad I’m not going home alone.”

Fuego blinked.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re leaving with me. How else could I introduce you to my family? You should formally ask for my hand in marriage. I’m their precious daughter, after all.”

He grinned.

“Okay. I want that. But only if you have completely recovered.”

“Fuego… tell me I’m not dreaming.”

“You’re not. We’re here in each other’s arms where we truly belong.”

Clara stared into his eyes once again and saw his love for her and their baby like a bright fire blazing eternally.

“What is this?” she asked as she caressed the corner of his mouth. She only noticed just now that it was red and bruised.

“Josef punched me before I came here, and I guess I deserved it.”

“Oh, no.”

“Nothing to worry about. He just made me realize how scared I was to lose you. Should we get back to kissing?”

Clara giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Yes, please.”