Chapter 31: Chapter 31

“She’s on leave.” He held her arm. “Let’s go.” Jeremy was already asleep while waiting. A private nurse was taking care of him.

She swallowed and brought her hands together as they were on their way. “D-do we really need to go to the party?”

"Of course. It's the first time that I'm going to introduce you to everyone and to my brother. I think it is about time."

Esmeralda caught her pounding chest. "What if you'll get embarrassed because of me? I know there will be only elegant people there. I am not like Lexie, who speaks fluent English like an American."

“You are beautiful. No need to fret. And I know you’re smart. You can answer their questions. Not everyone in there looks down on people. Just smile at them.”

"And what am I supposed to do with your brother? What if he humiliates me in front of everyone?"

“Are you scared of him?”

Her expression hardened. “I’m not scared of him. I was just worried because you might get humiliated because of me.”

She had been waiting to meet Amadeus dela Merced. And she was never scared or intimidated by someone like him who acted like he owned the world just because he had money.

“He’s kind now.”

“How did that happen? Does a person change that easily?” she asked, unconvinced.

“Let’s just say that a miracle happened to my brother after his vacation. He became kinder, and he said he wanted to welcome you to the family. He understood me now because he was also in love. Imagine, my brother is a playboy. He had never taken a woman seriously. Then he suddenly changed because of love. I must meet that girl. Because of her, my brother is not against our wedding anymore.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” she said in a cold tone.

But Esmeralda did not trust Amadeus. He was mad when they first talked on the phone. He almost cursed her. She still had to be careful despite the change of his treatment toward her. And she was already sympathizing with the woman he chose to love.

Esmeralda was clinging to Aiden's arm tight as they entered the hotel lobby. They were welcomed by the music from the piano, violin, the laughter from the people in fashionable voices, and the elegant and amazing decorations. The guests wore beautiful and expensive attires.

An old woman came to welcome them. “Aiden, I did not know you’re back already. I thought you’re still in Thailand.”

“My brother asked me to return for this party. He said I should not miss it, and he asked me to take Esmeralda so he could meet her. Esmeralda, this is Aunt Florida. She’s Papa’s personal assistant and was passed down to my Amadeus. But she’s my old teddy bear.” Then, Aiden hugged the woman.

Florida could only laugh. “This kid. You haven’t changed at all.”

Esmeralda extended her hand to the woman. “I’m so glad to meet you, Ma’am.”

The woman hugged her. “Just call me ‘auntie.’ You will be Aiden’s wife, anyway. I hoped I’m invited to your wedding, though.”

"Next week, we will start sending out invitations," Aiden replied.

Florida gave her a worried look. “How’s your town, by the way? Have you recovered from the typhoon yet? Amadeus said your area was greatly affected.”

“A-Amadeus?” Esmeralda uttered in surprise. “How did he know about it?”

"Maybe he heard that San Luis was affected by the typhoon. I asked for help from Brava Hotel's foundation. He must have found out," Aiden replied.

I’m glad he did not intercept the assistance. Esmeralda felt like Aiden’s brother was an executioner. He did not care about the feelings of other people. Wasn’t he called heartless for a reason?

Aiden looked around. “Where’s my brother, by the way? Is he with his girlfriend?”

The old woman shrugged. “He never mentioned anything about his girlfriend. He had no date tonight. Does he have one?”

“He said he’s in love, and I’m going to meet her tonight. That’s why he was in a good mood when he invited me with Esmeralda here,” Aiden explained.

“Amadeus is in love?” Florida let out a hearty laugh. “That is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. I don’t think that’s possible, Aiden. He must be joking.”

“My brother does now know how to crack a joke,” Aiden said in a stern tone.

Florida could not help laughing. “That is impossible.”

“What are you laughing at, old woman?” a man’s cold voice behind Florida said.

Esmeralda’s heart skipped a beat with the sound of that voice. She could not be mistaken. She knew that voice so well.

When she stared at the man, the blood in her veins stopped flowing. His nose was tall, just like Aiden's. His face was clean, newly shaven, and he smelled good. He was dashing in his tuxedo. She could not understand, but he looked like she had seen him before, aside from his familiar voice.

When he lifted his gaze, and their eyes met, her knees shook. Richard's eyes. It was deep and almost black. There was the same intensity that she felt as it watched her. It goes deep into her soul. She could not be mistaken. It was Richard.