Chapter 108: Chapter 108

Winter's POV

"Yes, that's all for today. Thank you so much, everyone. You may now go home." I said as I stood up and left the conference room.

I heaved a sigh as I stood in front of my office. I had a lot of things today and a lot of meetings to attend. Although they were all about the success of our small company, I can't help feeling so exhausted.

As I opened the door of my office, I got surprised when I suddenly saw Matthew and Elisse waiting for me.

"Mommy!"

Yes, since last night, we decided that Elisse should call me mommy and Matthew as her daddy since we have legally adopted her already.

A smile immediately appeared on my face upon seeing the two of them.

"What are you two doing here? It's already eight in the evening. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping by now?" I said as I pinched both of Elisse's cheeks.

"We couldn't sleep knowing that you're still here, working," Matthew replied.

"Daddy's right. And he told me we could eat dinner at our favorite restaurant!"

I glanced at Matthew, who walked towards me and fixed my hair for me. "How can you manage to still be so beautiful even when you're tired?"

"And how can you be so handsome every single time?"

We both laughed, then we finally decided to go to our favorite restaurant to have dinner. There were just a few people inside the restaurant since it was a weekday and it was already late.

"Mommy, can we go to the amusement park on Sunday? I actually want to ride that roller coaster there and play the gold-catching game!"

"This weekend? Well, I should check my schedule first, okay?"

She nodded without taking off the smile on her face. "Okay!"

"Too many works to do?" Matthew asked me.

"Yes. We're actually thinking about getting models for our apparel and also getting new investors."

"That's good news, then. That only means you and your team are doing a great job. But you should never forget about taking a rest every once in a while. Your health must be—

"My utmost priority." I cut him off with a smile on my face. "Yes, I won't forget that. Also, I shouldn't worry about my health anymore because I know the two of you are always there to take care of me."

***

"Bye, mommy, and daddy!" Elisse waved goodbye to us before entering their classroom.

I still have time before going to my company, so I decided to accompany them to her school. After making sure Elisse already sat down in her seat, Matthew and I started walking.

"Want to go grab some coffee first?" Matthew asked me.

"Sure, I still have thirty minutes, anyway."

We were about to go to the school's parking lot when we suddenly saw two familiar figures walking towards us. My eyes automatically widened upon realizing who they were.

"I-Ian?!"

"Belle?"

They were walking together...while holding hands?!

In the end, we decided to just go to the coffee shop with the two of them. I kept on glancing at the two of them while we were drinking coffee. I think even Matthew couldn't pick out the right questions to ask them. But because I was too curious, I took a deep breath and looked at Ian.

"Ian."

"Y-Yes?"

"I thought you were flying to Japan? What made you change your mind, and why didn't you tell me about it?"

He wasn't able to speak immediately. He took a sip of his coffee before speaking.

"I'm sorry if I didn't tell you I won't be going there anymore. Actually, the main reason why I didn't fly to Japan anymore was because....of her," he said as he glanced at Belle. "I know this would surprise both of you, but Belle and I have a relationship... s-she's my girlfriend."

"Belle, is that true?" Matthew asked Belle this time.

I looked at her too, and I could see her hands shaking as if she was so nervous. She took a deep breath before answering Matthew's question. "Y-Yes, he's my boyfriend."

"Are you kidding us? How come we didn't even know about that? And how come you'd have a relationship with each other when you barely even know each other? Ian, you can't fool me. We both know we just met Belle in a coffee shop last month." I couldn't help speaking about what was inside my mind anymore.

"T-That's right. And ever since that day, I couldn't stop thinking about her already. I called her that night and asked her if she can have some coffee with me. I-I just didn't tell you because I wasn't sure if she likes me too."

I shook my head. "I don't really think I can believe what you're saying. It makes little sense."

"We know it's really hard to believe, and both of us can't believe this is actually happening."

"Then why did you tell me you were going to fly to Japan?"

"T-That's...that was just an abrupt decision. Because I thought Belle doesn't love me too, but then that night she called me and told me she does and can't live without me in her life."

I leaned on my chair as I crossed my arms over my chest while looking skeptical at the two of them.

"Come on, Winter. It doesn't have to last a year before you confess your feelings to someone and before you realize you love them. Also, why can't you just be happy for the both of us? I now found the woman who could make me happy and with whom I want to spend the rest of my life. Won't you at least give me your blessing as you're my best friend?"

And now this asshole's guilt-tripping me.

"It's not that I am not happy. I just can't believe you'll end up with each other. I mean, I didn't even see any sign. Anyway, I think I can't do anything about it anymore. Congratulations to both of you."