Chapter 25: Chapter 25
Richard Infante was a stranger. She knew nothing about him. Aside from the fact that he's from Manila, the flood swept him away while traveling to the next town. That they came from different worlds.
She was a smart woman and a practical one. She could not choose her dreams and her brother's life over a stranger's plea. Even his kisses could destroy her sanity. She could only wish Richard was Aiden. Her wish was impossible. Richard was madness. A fire burning in hell that caught her whole being. A fire seducing her just like it did to a moth.
Esmeralda closed her eyes tight. "What we feel is complete foolishness, Richard. This will bring us no good. If you leave, you will eventually forget about me and this place. Leave me alone."
“It’s not as easy as that,” he whispered. “Don’t marry him, Esmeralda. You will never be happy with the man you don’t love.”
She glared at him and pulled her arm away. “Don’t confuse me, Richard. My life was good before you came. Why can’t you just leave my life alone?”
He hugged her tight. “Don’t you want to do something that could make you happy even once in your life without thinking about your responsibilities, whether it’s wrong or right? Live a little, Esmeralda.”
Live a little? Just like surfing without thinking about his own safety? Driving in the middle of a storm? Impulsive and only thought about how to enjoy life. He did not have a huge responsibility. He lived a wealthy life, and he did not have to sacrifice his principle just to save a loved one’s life. He had nothing to compromise. He was free to do what he wanted.
"It's easy for you to say that," she said and took a deep breath. "You're not in my situation. You have not gone through what I did. It's easy for you to tell what's right and wrong because you don't have a brother that needs treatment. Do you think, if we have switched places, I will marry the man I don't love?"
And her tears could not help pouring. She did not want to look pathetic in front of his eyes. It hurt to be judged. Who would want to be desperate enough to sell her soul just to prolong her loved one’s life?
She should have gotten used to it because Aiden’s brother thought the same. That she was only after his brother’s money. But she did not know that it was more painful to have the truth slapped into her face from someone who already meant to him like Richard. Because in just a short time, he had made its way into her heart.
Richard caught her shoulders. “I can help you. You don’t have to push through with the wedding.”
Esmeralda shook her head. “It’s just a promise, Richard. I have no assurance from you. I don’t know if you’d ever come back once you leave. You’ll forget San Luis. You’ll forget about me. Ever since my parents died, I know I have no one to rely on but myself.”
Richard stared at her intently. He seemed to weigh her words. If he thought lowly about her, she would accept it. It was the choice she made. It was the way she thought was appropriate.
“Esmeralda, I won’t force you if you still want to get married,” he said softly and pressed her shoulders.
“Y-you understand me?”
He sighed. “You’re right. I have no right to get in your way. That’s your life. You just met me. I’m leaving soon. But I want you to know that I care about you. I really want you to be happy.”
She forced a smile though her heart was already crushed into pieces. “I’ll be happy once I see my brother well and healthy, living a normal life. I can sacrifice everything for him.”
He pulled her by the waist and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I can’t leave you like this. Please, even just for today, be true to yourself, Esmeralda. Forget about Aiden. Forget about your responsibilities. Forget about what other people would say. Follow what your heart says. Follow what you think is right for you.”
“What do you mean?”
He caressed his lips as he stared into her eyes as if seducing her. "Set yourself free, Esmeralda. Just this once. You don't have to hide what you truly feel. Do what could make you happy as a woman. We still have until the rain stops. Take whatever you want. Take me. Let me be your slave for a little while. I'll do everything you say."