Chapter 19: Chapter 19

CHAPTER TEN

“I’M GOING to see you tomorrow morning,” Javier said.

They were already standing outside his office door.

Gretel felt weird about parting with Javier when they actually lived under one roof. But she had to get used to it. And he said it would not be for long.

“You’re not simply seeing me tomorrow, Mr. del Mundo. You’re going to marry me, remember?”

“Of course. How can I forget? I hope you don’t intend to run away,” he joked.

“A promise is a promise. Good night, Javier.”

“Good night, Gretel.” Javier heaved a sigh as he crossed their distance. He cupped her face and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Gretel bit her lip to suppress her smile. She nodded politely as she pulled away.

Gretel went to her room, and she felt empty to be alone by herself. She climbed to bed and lit her lamp. She picked up the book she had left on the nightstand and resumed reading.

She succeeded in distracting herself until Mr. Martinez knocked on her door.

“I supposed you prefer eating your dinner here, Miss Gretel.” He was holding a huge tray. He made her a fruit juice, and her food was covered with a cloche.

“Has Javier eaten dinner yet?” she asked.

“He hadn’t. He said I should make sure you eat your dinner first.”

“Tell him I’m going to eat all of it,” she said with a smile. Gretel took the tray from him. “Thank you, Mr. Martinez.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Gretel.”

GRETEL ate heartily, thinking that Javier would be pleased to know she enjoyed her dinner without him. But she was so full that she had a little problem. She could not go to bed right away.

She thought of taking a walk in the mini forest. She could stay at the hammock and get some fresh air.

Candelabras and chandeliers lit the spacious living room as Gretel walked down the stairs with a lamp in her hand.

Though she admired Javier’s mansion, it felt lonely at night, especially that no one was around anymore.

The night breeze blew, and the hair at the back of her neck stood up. The forest looked spooky at night, but it was not new to her, of course.

She sat on the hammock once she had put the lamp under a tree.

Gretel took a deep breath as she stared at the thick branches and leaves. She could not believe her fate would flip around just because she crossed paths with Javier.

Though she was starting to change the way she saw him, Gretel had this feeling that Javier would break his heart.

Gretel flinched as she heard a rustling sound nearby. She glanced around and caught a part of dark clothing before it disappeared behind a tree.

Gretel stood up and picked up the lamp. Before she could even go near the tree, Black jumped, making her gasp loudly.

“B-Black!” she called as she bent her knees. “What are you doing here?” She glanced at the tree. Black wagged his tail and stuck his tongue out. “You should go back to the mansion now. Javier might be looking for you,” she said as she patted his head.

Black barked and ran toward the mansion.

Gretel stood up, carrying the lamp in her hand and sauntered to the tree.

“W-who’s there?” she asked. Whoever it was, Gretel knew he was still there.

“It’s I.”

Gretel sucked a breath as she heard the familiar voice.

“Alexander?”

Alexander appeared behind the tree, wearing his black cloak as he always did. Gretel’s eyes widened.

“What are you doing here? How did you find me? Did someone see you?”

“No one saw me. Don’t worry.”

“Oh. That’s a relief,” Gretel said, sighing.

“I only have to follow your scent, and I knew where I could find you.”

“But you said we did not have to see each other every day and still be friends.”

“Yes, but I could not help missing you.” Alexander looked away shyly.

Gretel bit her lip.

And I had indecent dreams about you.

“Do you know what place this is?” she asked.

Alexander shook his head. Gretel sat down and leaned on the tree. She put the lamp aside and motioned him to sit beside her.

“What is this place, Gretel?” Alexander asked as he joined her.

“This is Javier del Mundo’s property. Starting today, I’m going to live here. And tomorrow, I’m marrying him.”

She was expecting a surprised look from Alexander, but he only stared at her.

“Are you really sure about this, Gretel?” he asked.

A sad smile curved her lips.

“No, I’m not,” she said and laughed blandly. “All I know is that I’m not only doing this for my family. I feel like I am helping Javier. To tell you the truth, I always believe even the wealthiest person still lacked something, and he needs other people to fill that.”

“But how much do you know that person?”

“Hmm...” Gretel shrugged. “Aside from his name, I don’t know. Javier is like a walking mystery. There are things I want to know. And those are the same things he did not like to tell me. I can’t blame him if he did not trust me enough.”

“Maybe he was scared he’d hurt you and himself.”

“Actually, you’re just like Javier.”

Alexander stared at her in shock.

“What do you mean?”

“I only know your name, but I do not know where you came from. I only know the things you want me to.”

“It’s for your own good. Sometimes it’s better not to know things that will either hurt you or put you in danger. I swore to protect you, Gretel. Do you think you’d fall for someone like Javier?”

“He’s a fine man. And I know other women in the village fancy him. But if I had a choice, I’d rather marry a fictional character.” Gretel put a hand in her mouth and giggled. “I look stupid, don’t I?”

“For some reason, you look cute to me,” Alexander remarked.

Gretel stared at him and giggled once again.