Chapter 51: Chapter 51

NELINA

A week has passed quickly, but still, the memories with Royce in the car were vivid to me. I love how he held me in his arms, the touch of his hands that sent warmth on my skin, and how he pressed his lips on mine. My heart skipped a beat imagining Royce's face, overjoy clouded his features as he trailed his fingers on my cheek. I never thought there could be any safer place than the arms of my dad and my brother Mark.

I was cut off from my daydream when the doorbell rang. It must be Marica. I threw a brief look in the mirror before I intended to attend who's on my door.

I was about to grab my clutch bag when I saw the Mercedes Benz car key. The sentimental guy. Although I wouldn't let Royce spend money on me, I knew he could buy the latest model as a present. But because he's a sentimental guy, he gifted me the car he's been using for two years now. The understanding that he wants me to be a part of it makes me feel wanted and cared for.

The doorbell rang again. "Marica must be annoyed now," I muttered. I placed back the key, which I won't need. Marica will drive me to the hotel where the party takes place.

I was met by Marica's grimace the second I opened the door.

"What took you so long?" She asked as she leaned over and gave me a side kiss.

"I'm sorry, besty, I had to do everything since mom and dad were still in Manila for dad's therapy. You know that, right?" I said as I closed the door behind me.

"Well, on the lighter side." Marica changed her voice tone, one eyebrow raised as she was seizing me up from head to foot. "Ahh...you look stunning, dear, such a sweetheart. Can you give me a turn?" Marica said, her finger gesturing a twist.

I gladly did; I spun around to show how fit it was on my body. I wore a royal blue satin-less beaded and strapless A-line customized, floor-length evening gown. The fabric was soft and body-hugging from my bust and flowy below my waist.

"Did Royce choose this for you?"

"No, he let me choose. When I bought this, he wasn't there, but the manager was informed that Royce would pay. To be honest, I was ashamed. I didn't want him to pay, but he insisted," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

"Well, let the rich guy pay if he insists. It's not like you're robbing him. He won't even notice the cut in his card." Marica consoled me as she pinched my chin.

"Smile, you're gonna be the most beautiful woman at the event."

I blow a little air at her words. We laughed in unison before my facial expression hardened.

"Do you think I was gonna let the night pass without praising how gorgeous you are?"

My best friend wore a maroon Boat Neck Appliques Lace, floor-length gown. In my personal opinion, the color compliments her morena skin tone. The dress was off-shoulder, showing her collarbone, which I think is one of her assets.

"Nah, thank you, besty. I had this created for me by my favorite Filipino designer Rajo Laurel. Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Absolutely, suits you well," I said with a thumbs up.

We arrived at Hilton International Hotel just on time. Marica's driver, Tony, opens the limousine door for us. The venue was on the 10th floor, where guests started filling up the ballroom. I expected guests from different companies and business partners as Royce is a CEO.

The motif was in the nude, not an eyesore. The table set up was not so massive; in my estimate, there are only a hundred chairs which I think quite a few for an entrepreneur like Royce. A red carpet was laid in the aisle; on both sides are set-up tables and chairs. At the front right side was a huge fondant cake in light blue.

"Hey, baby." A well-modulated voice of a man said, it barely reached my ears, but I knew without a second of doubt it was intended for me.

I turned to my left and was met by Royce's open lip-smile, which tempted me to reciprocate. This is his night; I should be considerate; I want him to be happy. I thought to myself. Royce drew nearer after he tapped the man's shoulder he was talking to.

Royce was in a black tuxedo. It was the first time I saw him in very formal attire. I haven't seen him wear a tux and even formal suits. He was used to wearing casual clothes even in his office. Just an upper suit would be fine for him sometimes.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Royce's friends were coming as well. Leo was leading the way wearing a maroon suit with a bow tie which prompted me to think of Marie's choice of color. Could it be that they intentionally wear the same color? Something smells fishy here. I laughed at my thought before my eyebrows narrowed; Leo is not Marica's type. I threw a quick look to where Marica was standing, whose eyes were stuck at Leo.

The other trio wore suits in different colors; Rico was wearing an off-white suit, Santi in dark green, and Andi in a dark blue suit.

"Baby," I greeted Royce, and then I pressed a kiss on his lips. I slightly sucked at his soft upper lip. He was startled a bit; it must be the kiss. Royce wasn't used to me initiating a kiss, especially in public.

"Happy birthday, baby." It was the second time I greeted him; the first one was when I called him at 5 in the morning. Royce was elated to have me as the first to greet him on his special day.

"Baby, was that my first birthday gift?" Royce whispered, and then he gave me a cute wink. His eyes sparkled. I shrugged a shoulder in response, feeling the warmth run through my face. The red apples are on my cheeks now, for sure.

"Baby, you look stunning tonight. Your gown suits you well; you have a great taste."

"Thank you, that's why we make a good couple tonight. You look so hot and handsome in your tux." I praised my boyfriend in return.

"Baby, you have no idea how you made my night. I feel like taking you home already," Royce said as he gently squeezed my hand. His eyes left mine, and I love how he looked at me with so much love.

"Hey," Marica cut us off.

"Good evening Marie, thank you for coming," Royce greeted Marica and kissed her cheek.

"Happy birthday, Royce," Marica greeted back as they parted. Royce entwined his fingers with mine.

"And the award for the sweetest couple of the night goes to," a remark made us shift to the right, where the handsome Santi approached.

We laughed at his words. Leo was quick to greet Marie, he kissed her on the cheek, and they immediately had their own world as they distanced themselves from us. What they did fuel my reasonable suspicion of them starting a pretty deep understanding.

Rico, Santi, and Andi joined us. I was wondering why they were not with girls. Because the last time I saw them, they whined for not having a girl on their side.

"Nelly, thank you for making the night of our birthday boy here. Royce was agitated while waiting for you to arrive and to think that you were not late yet. You probably have to stay with him for the rest of the night to ease his worries," Santi said with a tease in his voice. Rico and Andi were grinning like a fool.

"Hey, slow down, don't exaggerate what I said. I calmly waited for my girlfriend and Marica," Royce told Santi.

"Buddy, don't get us wrong. We are building you up to your girlfriend, ensuring you'll have a lovely night alone." It was Rico who said it. The three boys laughed again.

"I have my ways. Why don't you mind your own business? You go find your girl for tonight." Royce said calmly.

"As you wish." Andi agreed, and then he sipped on his wine.

"Don't listen to them, baby," Royce said as he tightened his grip on my waist, pulling me close to him.

"It's okay," I replied with a pretty smile on my lips.

The three boys didn't last any more minutes standing with us when they saw some girls that caught their attention. I heard them talking about girls before they left us.

"Baby, come on," Royce said as he pulled me a little, then made our way to the front. "I want to introduce you to my uncle Philip." He said as we were approaching the first table at the right.

It was too late to decline; my hands were sweating when Royce and I were standing in front of an old man. The creases beside his eyes and the folds in his forehead were deep. He must be in his late 70s, I presumed. The man's facial expression hardened; his eyes were darting on me when Royce started to speak up.