Chapter 27: Chapter 27

He began to move on top of her again. And while the rain kept on pouring outside, it was burning hot inside the hut as Richard claimed her. This was the moment she would treasure in her memory forever. She was free in his arms. With the man she chose.

ESMERALDA was still catching her breath as Richard pulled her close to his body. He felt warm against her skin as the sensation flowed down her veins like a drug. She could feel his loud heartbeat behind her. She closed her eyes and sensed him. The truth was she did not know what to do or say after giving herself to him.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked. “Are you mad at me?”

She turned to him, confused. “Do other women get mad at you after…”

He shook his head. "I always try my best to be the best lover. I make sure that my partner experiences pleasure. But I'm not sure when it comes to you. You were so quiet. I don't know if I somehow failed you."

Based on his tone, he seemed to have many experiences when it came to women. She was not comfortable talking about it, but she was happy to know that he was considering whatever she was feeling.

“I-I’m not hurt if that’s what you’re worried about.” And was it right to tell him that she was still floating until now?

“I just didn’t expect that I would be the first man in your life.”

"Aiden is a kind man, but…" Esmeralda bit her tongue to stop herself from telling Richard the truth. That she was only helping Aiden to get his inheritance, but she chose to keep their agreement. She promised him that she won't tell a soul. Even from the man she had given herself to. "I like your necklace," she said, referring to the pendant on his necklace to change the topic. She touched the stone that was inside a capsule with a hole. There seemed like a blue glow in the middle of the darkness.

“My mom gave it to me when I was four. She said that as long as I wear this, I can be my favorite superheroes.”

The corner of her lips curled. “So, who’s your favorite superhero?”

His forehead knotted and avoided her gaze as if in embarrassment. “I can’t remember. It’s been a long time.”

“You already know everything about me, yet I don’t know anything about you or your family. I don’t believe you can’t remember your favorite superhero when you were young,” she said and pursed her lips. How could he keep that as a secret to her?

He tilted his head. “Let’s talk about other things, okay?” he said in a cold tone.

"All right. Then, what do you do for a living?" she asked and lifted her body a little so she could watch him.

“I manage a resort,” he replied curtly.

“What kind of resort?”

“A small beach resort in Surigao.”

She glanced at him and arched an eyebrow. "Just small? You were worried about a lot of things the other day; that's why you're in a hurry to leave." Esmeralda felt like he was an important person, and he had many employees to look after.

He did not answer right away. Her question had taken him by surprise. "We are in the middle of a negotiation with an investor. I want to expand the resort. And I'm worried because…"

“Because of what?” she asked and shifted on his side when he did not continue.

He shook his head. “Nothing. My work is boring.”

"You know I'm willing to listen to your stories. About your life. about your family." She wanted to know him, not just in the physical aspect. She wanted to know the man she had given herself into.

Esmeralda noticed that his eyes were elusive. “I have nothing to say much except that I have a brother. But we were not that close with each other.”

Esmeralda’s forehead knotted. “Why not?”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “My mother died when I was eight years old. After a few months, my father married his very pregnant secretary. They were already having an affair while my mother was still alive. And the result of that cheating is my brother.”

She sensed the bitterness in his voice, and she could not blame him for that. If it was another son, it would hurt, too. “But you’re not blaming your brother for his parents’ fault, are you?”

He opened his eyes and frowned. “No. But ever since, I felt that I lost a family. That he and his mother stole the family that was meant for me. I did not feel that I belonged in their lives.”