Chapter 54: Chapter 54

ROYCE

I know I have to be honest with Nelly and confront her even though it won't be easy. Whenever I lay my eyes on her innocent face, my heart melts.

"Baby, I have to ask you if you had any strange experiences in the past few days."

Nelly seemed to contemplate my questions as we were alone with some of the hotel staff left. Then, finally, she had her own space to think clearly. I sensed that she indeed had something to tell me by the look on her face.

"It's okay, baby; any small details would help."

"Yeah, but let's not talk here. Can we go home?"

"After what happened tonight, I can't let you home alone in your condo. Stay with me."

"You mean in your condo?" Nelly barely voiced out her question.

"Yes, Let's go home. I already told Marie about this if she will look for you."

"Yeah, that seems like a good plan. Let's talk about this at your condo."

Nelly's eyes roamed around my living room, kitchen, and then she walked to the terrace where I usually hang out alone or with my friends. I tailed her until we reached the railing, overlooking the city lights.

"Beautiful place you have," Nelly praised; she shifted back, our faces almost collided. Her breath was fanning in my face.

"It's beautiful, I know," I answered, staring at her. It instantly made her cheeks blush. But, sparks were still visible in Nelly's eyes at night.

I only had to halt myself from my reverie when she cleared her throat.

"So, we're talking about strange things happening lately, aren't we?"

"Yeah, how about we head back in and talk about things?" Before she could open her mouth to answer, I scoped her in my arms and walked back in.

"Hey," Nelly protested, scratching my hair until we got to the living room. My hair was messy when I sat on the couch and placed her in my lap.

"You should have asked," She sighed in frustration.

"So, tell me. What strange things have you experienced lately?" I asked, ignoring her whims.

"Well, even when we were in Palawan for my birthday vacation, I already noticed a man in a hoodie. I saw him twice in Palawan and once at dinner before we headed to Manila. I know anybody could wear a hoodie, and by accident, they could look strange at some point. But this happens multiple times, his body build and height seem similar, and I caught this man strangely sneaking a look at me."

It was hard to listen to Nelly's confession contemplating she could be in danger without my knowledge. Oh, my Nelly, she's all I got.

"I suggest we hire a private investigator. Because, baby, we can't do this on our own. We need professional help in solving this case."

"You think so? That was my plan months ago. First, I started saving on hiring a private investigator, but then I needed to use the money to support dad."

"I understand; leave it to me. I know someone good at this," I assured Nelly and caressed her back.

"For the moment, try not to be alone after work or even at work or events. It would be best if you had someone by your side all the time. We never know what Dennis and Roxie are capable of. These two have gone mad; they're crazy."

"I'll keep that in mind. Nothing to worry about; I always have colleagues with me in the salon and events."

"How about you stay with me?" I asked with good intention, but the next thing that happened wasn't what I expected. Her elbow hit my ribs. My mouth fell open without a sound; it took seconds to process the pain it caused me.

"No baby, it hurts," I complained, my hand massaging to the point where Nelly hit her elbow.

"You're taking advantage of me," she said, the tone of her voice hardened.

"No, I'm not, just trying to protect you, okay? That's what boyfriends are supposed to do. Just to remind you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to strike you hard," she said, her lips pouting.

"You did. So, what are you supposed to do now?" I asked, my hands still on my ribs.

"What?" She asked me back and acted like a clueless child.

"Seriously?"

"Alright, let me check," she said, unable to pull the hem of my shirt as she sat on it.

So I decided to unbutton my polo shirt instead.

"What are you doing?" Nelly asked, her voice brittle.

"You wanna see it. Take a look," I said as I exposed the redden part where her elbow landed. Nelly's eyes darted on my rib; she slowly touched the spot which sent heat to my body. Her fingertips were soft and warm at the same time.

"You should give that spot a kiss," I said and tried hard to hide the smirk on my face.

Nelly rolled her eyes in response.

"It's still my birthday," I reminded her as I wrapped my arms around her. "How about a birthday gift?"

"Alright," she said, but her tone seemed to disagree.

"Wait."

"What?" she said, annoyed.

"Since it's my birthday, can I make a request?" I said as I winked at her.

"Fine."

"But before that. I have something for you," I exclaimed. My thoughts turned to the most special present I would ever give to someone I love. Nelly's eyebrows squeezed, she looked at me strangely. I lifted her and then sat her on the couch.

"What is it now?"

"Just wait," I said as I jogged to my room. I was elated to retrieve a small box from my bedside drawer. Nelly was eyeing the box as I approached back to the living room.

"Royce?" Nelly said. It came as a question. "What's in the box? You're killing me," she asked when I sat beside her, holding a little jewelry box.

"Should I open it, or do you want to open it yourself?"

"Please do it for me."

"Okay, one, two," I counted.

"Open it, stop killing me," Nelly begged.

"Tsadaannn"

"Baby," Nelly prolongs our endearment with joy in her tone.

"Are you gifting me that beautiful piece?"

"Yes. Why not? The cut pink diamond is from the wedding ring of my grandma."

Nelly's mouth fell open. "No, don't give that away. That's memorable for you."

"Baby, I especially customized this ring for you."

"I can't, I think, I can't take that."

"Too late, I engraved your name in it," I said, showing her nickname in the inner part of the ring. Nelly didn't protest when I took her right hand and inserted the diamond ring in her ring finger.

"Wait, that's for an engagement and wedding ring," she pointed out.

"But it fits so well here; it wouldn't fit on the other fingers."

Nelly tried to fit the ring on other fingers, and she gave a frustrated sigh when she confirmed I was right.

"I should be the one giving your gifts tonight."

"I know you'll give me special gifts later," I said in confidence as I winked at her. Nelly snorted, a little annoyed.

The diamond ring stayed in the correct finger where it belonged. My heart rejoices at the thought of it.

"How about a little reward in return?" I asked as I nibbled my lower lip.

Nelly rolled her eyes.

"So?" I said, adjusting and pulling her close to me. Her cheeks flushed instantly. I didn't have to wait when she bit her upper lip, moistening it.

We were supposed to deepen our kiss when a successive knock came on my door. With a heavy heart, I had to stop and attend to the guest on my door, whoever he might be.

"Expecting some guests?" Nelly asked when we parted our lips

"No, baby, I got it," I said and stood up to open the door.

The unexpected visitors were not present on my special guests' list. But, by the look on their face, they knew that I wouldn't like their presence on my door. I gritted my teeth. The warmth of my face spiked not because of Nellys but of the 2 unexpected guests in front of me. The atmosphere suddenly turned in 360 degrees from romance to resentment.