Chapter 61: Chapter 61

ROYCE

Jollibee is a famous fast-food chain in the Philippines. I never expected to meet someone in this restaurant that I'd love to take care of for the rest of my life.

After watching the comedy movie, I thought it was cute to eat in a fast-food restaurant where we first met. Nelly didn't object as she was used to eating in a fast-food restaurant since she worked as a make-up artist.

"It was a good movie," I said as we lined up to get our lunch.

"Yes, I love watching comedy. Laughter is the best medicine, as they say, so why not have it once in a while, right?"

"Baby, I'll make you laugh every moment you're with me. I'll make you scream if you want to. That's not a problem with me," I said, teasing Nelly as I kissed her cheek and wrapped my arms around her waist.

Nelly was fast enough to slap my face. She didn't hit it hard though, she was so gentle.

"Stop it; we're in a line full of people wanting to eat."

"I don't care," I whispered.

Nelly glared at me. "Stop acting like a child, Mr. Park."

"As you wish, Mrs. Park."

Nelly glared at me once more, but she could not scold me as we were the next in line to the cashier. And as expected, she ordered pancakes to go along with her spaghetti meal. She had child-like food for lunch.

"I'll have the same meal as you, baby."

"Sure. Make that two, please," Nelly told the cashier.

Lunchtime is typically busy for restaurants, so sometimes it's hard to find an available table. We were pretty lucky to find a table for two to have our lunch.

"This is just a good day for me. Having a pancake twice a day is rare," Nelly said as she sliced her pancake.

"I can make you a pancake every morning if you agree to stay with me permanently," I said casually. I knew I would piss Nelly off for pushing the same topic again.

"Dream on," Nelly answered without giving me a glance.

She was a child happy to have her favorite food.

I chuckled and left the topic. I didn't like the idea of forcing anything against her will, especially since we have started adjusting to each other's priorities and goals in life. It would be best to keep things slow and sure for a stronger foundation of our relationship.

"Baby, do you like the meal I chose?"

"Yeah, it's good. This is my first time having spaghetti in this restaurant."

"That's surprising; I think you're the only child in this country who hasn't had Jollibee's famous spaghetti."

My memory of my dad and mom leaving home flashed back. It was the day my dream of having a complete and happy family ended.

"I waited for that day. I waited to have mom and dad come back for me to be a happy family visiting this restaurant and having a jolly meal together, but it didn't come. I guess some things are not meant for everyone. Anyway, I don't mind, I have you now. We can always have a jolly meal together, right?"

I didn't like revealing disappointments on my face, so I faked a smile for Nelly.

Nelly reached out for my hand and gently squeezed it.

"Of course, baby. You just let me know when you need a jolly meal with me."

"Maybe we can have it at home too," I said with naughty thoughts. But I refused to show it to her; I tried my best to hide my wicked smile.

"Yeah, we can take out jolly meals sometimes."

"That's not what I meant."

Nelly's face scrunched, contemplating what I was implying. Her face turned sour when she seemed to get it.

"Can you be modest sometimes? Goodness!!"

"I was just teasing you, baby. Can you smile for me?"

"Forget about it. Eat fast," Nelly commanded.

We finished our food in nearly 20 minutes as we had a lot of talks while having our meal. I realized that it was fun having loud surroundings at times. It felt like experiencing the typical date of young couples like Nelly and me outside the world.

"Baby, where do you want to go next?" I asked Nelly as she was retouching her make-up.

Nelly paused a bit, seemingly thinking of a better place to visit next.

"How about we go outside, not here. I mean somewhere we can roam around like a park. We need some air, especially you. Most of the time you stay in your office, you need a break."

"That's too sweet of my baby," I said, pinching her chin.

"You are ruining my make-up. So, what do you say about my suggestion?"

"Great idea, let's go there."

We waited until it wasn't too hot to go outside. At 3pm, we were in the vast public park; plenty of people were roaming around. The park is quite far from the city proper. It has a substantial man-made forest where people have picnics and family gatherings. They simply spread a mat on the grass and have their food there. It was a simple gesture but memorable.

We roam through the vast park, hand entwined. Teenage couples like us, married couples with their kids, and the vendors selling food. The surroundings were green and clean.

Nelly let go of my hand, and then she spread her arms.

"Refreshing, isn't it?"

"Absolutely," I answered, inhaling the fresh scent of the trees.

It was nothing like the environment I'm used to in the company. The building is a bit cramped for me to move sometimes. I only see my employees, executives, and business partners.

"How about we try ice cream?" I asked Nelly.

"Sure, it's a perfect fit at this time. Let's get some."

I called out one of the ice cream vendors at the park. He was like a man in his 50s and was very accommodating.

"Baby, what's your favorite? You choose."

Nelly didn't hesitate to pick the small cookies and cream, so I assumed it was her favorite. And the second one was cone ube flavored ice cream.

"These two are enough for me," Nelly said with a wide smile on her lips.

I love it when she has that kind of smile like an innocent child. Nelly could be shallow sometimes; simple things can make her happy. One of the aspects that I love about her.

"Baby, it's your turn," Nelly said as she started opening her ice cream.

Anything with nuts is for me, so I chose matcha flavored ice cream with lots of nuts. I love the crunch it gives while munching the nuts.

We sat in one of the stone benches, peacefully eating our ice cream while watching the little river flow. There are some people fishing, a beautiful view to look at.

"Baby, would you love to have dinner outside?"

"No, not this time. Let's have it in your condo. I'll cook for you. You cook for breakfast, then I'll cook for dinner. How about that?"

"God, I can't wait. That sounds exciting."

"Well, before you think anything naughty tonight, I have to remind you. It's just dinner, we don't do anything funny or something. And one more thing, I have to finish the plan for one of my projects, so I have to work tonight. Promise me you'll give me privacy tonight."

"I promise my love," I swore, raising a hand to seal my promise. It was at that time that my phone rang.

"Take that; it might be an important call from your office," Nelly said like she was concerned about my company. It was funny.

She was right, though; there might be something important I needed to handle, so I took my phone from my pocket and answered the call immediately. I only had to talk to my secretary for a minute, and I got what he had to report, and it was urgent.

"Baby, there's an emergency in the company that I need to attend to. Do you mind if I drop you in the condo and then pick you up after fixing things in the office?"

"No, you don't have to. You have to be in your company immediately. I can take a taxi to my condo."

"No, that's not happening. I'll take you there and then give me a call when you are ready to go home with me. Baby, we can't take the risk. We never know what Dennis and Roxie have in mind."

"Alright then. Let's go."

Dennis and Roxie should be put in their right place. I'll make sure they can't physically, emotionally, and mentally harm Nelly. I can't allow them to get close to Nelly again. My heart still tightens every time I think about their faces. Demon, that's the suitable word for them.