Chapter 17: Chapter 17

“Is my outfit good enough?” Peppermint twirled in front of her friend before looking at herself in the mirror.

“Of course, even if you wear rags I think you’d still look beautiful,” Orange said, praising her. After looking at herself from any angle, her friend was now the one, fixing herself.

“Are you sure it’s okay for Vincent that I’m coming as well?” her friend asked while putting her pearl-like earrings on her ears. She’s been asking the same question even before they saw each other.

“Of course, I already told him you’re coming with me. He said he’s fine with it since I might get bored,” Peppermint explained before looking at herself on a small table mirror. She put on a light make up on her face.

“Wow, you’re really good with Vincent. Why haven’t you answered the man anyway? Vincent has been courting you for years already.” Promptly after hearing that, she paused for a moment.

“Why should I answer Vincent? That would be unfair. You know that Kael is the one I love,” she said.

“I’m telling you this because the man is waiting for you! It’s obvious that he invited you in this kind of party because he likes you,” Orange mentioned. “Plus, Kael is gone. You should open your heart for someone new now. There’s no other man deserving than that martyr Vincent,” she added before crossing her fingers.

“That’s something I wouldn’t want to do at all, Orange. It will only hurt Vincent and also I already found Kael! Why should I look for someone else?”

“Correction, you must make sure first,” her friend added. “Besides, you shouldn’t hope too much. Just the way he’s treating you, do you think he’s Kael?” Her friend rolled her eyes.

“Whatever, Orange. I still think he’s Kael,” Peppermint replied. The way her friend keeps rejecting the possibility just made her more confident and hopeful. She knows he’s Kael and she’s sure of it!

“Don’t get your hopes too high, for all we know he just looks like Kael. You’re just starting to get to know him so if you discover that he isn’t who he really is, then you’d be more dejected and hurt.”

“I told you, it’s him. I have hunch that he’s him! And anyway, that’s why I’m asking for your help right? So we can confirm the truth.”

“Are you done?” Peppermint asked. She moved away from where she was sitting and let her friend do her make up. After a while, they finally heard a honking sound from below.

“Maybe that’s already Vincent. I’ll go to him first, finish up quickly or you’ll probably gobble up that mirror,” she said jokingly before going outside the room.

While walking downstairs, he found Vincent sitting on the couch. The moment the man noticed her presence, the man stood up and came near her with a beaming smile on his face.

Looking at him from head to toe, the way the suit fits him perfectly makes him stand out. You can’t deny how handsome he looks like and how he can attract and make girls kneel before him. Though, despite having all of those charisma, he’s quite a snob. It only makes woman more attracted to him and even calls it sexy.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” the man couldn’t help but be stunned. He was smiling from ear to ear and to Peppermint’s blushing stature.

“Are you sure? Is my outfit fine?” she asked before twirling in front of him.

“Yes, I’m sure. You’re very beautiful.” Hearing what Vincent said, Peppermint couldn’t help but smile as well.

“Oh yeah, about that thing I asked a while ago. Hmm… What’s your answer?” The man looked like he was anticipating for a good response but for her, she wanted to avoid it.

Vincent asked her a while ago if she could be his girlfriend now, after all these years but she hasn’t responded yet; even up until now.

“Orange is finally here!” Trying to switch the topic to something else, she pointed towards the stairs. She promptly felt relieved because this time she was saved by the bell. Peppermint didn’t want to ruin the occasion by rejecting him today. Vincent is such a good man that he respects him so much.

“Let’s go?” As soon as Orange came down, the man offered his hand towards her. Her friend even pinched her just so she wouldn’t space out and accept his offer. The three of them headed towards the car. Peppermint sat at the passenger’s seat, Vincent on the driver’s while Orange on the back.

The two of them; Orange and Vincent were the only ones talking on the whole driving while on the other hand, she only remained silent. Their topic was quite perplexing as it was all about Vincent’s election.

When they arrived at the Fabregas Suites, the first thing that greeted them was a purple carpet that led them towards the main lobby. Orange was the first one to come out followed by Vincent who escorted Peppermint out of the car. The clicking of the cameras looked like it wouldn’t stop sooner or later and so they quickly went inside. Peppermint was particularly uncomfortable with the cameras so as soon as they saw a place where they can sit, she sat down with her friend.

Her eyes wandered all over the place, looking for the same man she’s been eyeing for; Brenan Fabregas. It was the only reason she came, anyway. It was the anticipation to see him. While looking all over the place, she placed her hand above her friend’s.

“You think Brenan Fabregas is rich, right?” she asked.

“Yeah,” she answered shortly. She didn’t have to say another word about it. Just looking at the venue and all of the people all over the places, you can tell that he’s rich. The hotel looked quite extravagant that you didn’t have to guess if he’s part of those so-called five star hotels in the country.

“Do you want anything?” Vincent suddenly broke the silence between them. He looked at Peppermint before standing up and going near the waiter to ask for wine.

‘

“I’ll just take water,” she answered before the man decided to take one and give it to her.

After a few minutes, the celebration finally started. One by one, the host called for the prominent people along who were invited and so Peppermint felt nervous. She might be called as well along with her friend because of Vincent. The moment Vincent was called, the three of them stood up. Orange held her hand so that she could ease her nervousness.

“And next to our prominent list, we have Mr. Vincent Celo, one of the strong candidates for the next governor position.” As soon as his name was mentioned, the whole room was filled with applause.

“And for the first time by his side, we are proud to meet, Mr. Celo’s girlfriend; one of the famous business women in the Philippines, Ms. Peppermint Vuenarobles!” Stunned by what the host said, Peppermint couldn’t do anything anymore but to stand up and accept the premonition. The place was filled with applause. Some people where amused to learn of the information but the others also squinted their eyes out of annoyance; especially the ladies.

Deep within her conscience, she’s already dying of anxiety as tomorrow, she’s sure to be filled the newspapers with hers and Vincent’s relationship. After mentioning two more prominent people in the list, the guests were now allowed to go to the food line to grab their own meals or gather around to talk about their businesses.

“Hey, is it okay for me to leave for a few minutes?” Vincent asked and so she looked upward to see him. “There’s someone I have to talk to,” he added before gesturing towards an old man.

“Sure thing, you can take your time,” Peppermint answered while nodding.

The whole place was filled with the same routine. Everyone had their own businesses while she and Orange just sat there, trying to entertain themselves by talking with each other until the host finally talked again.

“Ladies and gentleman, the moment has now come! We would like to present to you, our dearest CEO and owner of the fasted growing hotel in the country, Mr. Brenan Fabregas!” The woman extended her hand and pointed towards the silhouette of a man.

Everyone who were busy earlier stopped to look at the man who appeared out of nowhere. They observed and analyzed the man standing in front of them followed by the rains of applause. For Peppermint to see him standing there, she couldn’t even help but be stunned.

Brenan Fabregas, a man who looked like he came out of a fictional world. His looks were perfect beyond human perception; even with his thinnest and smallest hair strand, he looked perfect. Peppermint almost squealed from the inside as soon as their eyes met. It felt like her clothes were suddenly removed, followed by his alluring smile. She almost collapsed as her gaze slowly fell down to his lips. For her birthday, she’d be fantasizing about claiming his lips.

She averted her gaze. She couldn’t help but think about how this man could affect her so much. She grasps on her chest before straight up drinking the wine from the wineglass.

“Are you okay?” Her friend might have noticed her strange behavior and so she quickly hit her using her elbow gently. It looked like Orange would laugh at her at any moment.

Brenan stood in front of the crowd in the platform. Even his voice sounded deep and inviting. Peppermint thought of Kael’s voice. She glanced towards the person and damn! He was looking at her! Her heart was pumping hard, from those mesmerizing eyes to those jaw dropping red lips. Peppermint couldn’t help but worship his godlike features. After finishing with his speech, he started talking with his guests. Peppermint found her eyes following him and landed to a woman who was taking an initiation to seduce him. She looked gorgeous and Kael—Brenan looked like he was enjoying the conversation. She took another wine on the waiter’s tray.

“Hey! Your eyes are obviously glued to him!” Orange mentioned.

Peppermint couldn’t help but sigh. “Who wouldn’t?” she paused before continuing quickly. “I mean who wouldn’t admire his looks?”

She almost admitted that she was admiring his looks to her friend.

“But still, you like him.” Peppermint scowled.

“What? I don’t like him! I was just… just surprised about how he looked exactly like Kael!” she denied before drinking her wine again.

“Well whatever, you say,” Orange smirked at her. “Anyway, I saw Mr. Chua earlier, I’ll go and meet him first,” she added.

“Who’s Mr. Chua?”

“You weren’t listening before, weren’t you? Mr. Chua’s the one I’ve mentioned before. The one who’s going to invest in my upcoming restaurant!” she explained.

“So you’re going to leave me alone here?” Peppermint pouted.

“Of course I would! DUH! What am I supposed to do? Bring you with me while talking to him about our business? Mr. Chua’s quite a private man.” Her friend rolled her eyes towards the other side. “Anyway, I’m off. Just stay here and enjoy.” Her friend now, waltzed towards the crowd and talked to a man while she, on the other hand, was left alone drinking. Vincent is still busy talking to others and so she decided to just stay there and wait.

Her attention was now caught by a few women who were talking about Brenan. It looked like they were enjoying themselves and so she decided to approach them.

“Hi,” she shyly greeted. “Care to let me join?” she asked and the women nodded.

“Sure, why not?” one of the women said. She pulled on one of the chairs and then sat.

“You’re Mr. Celo’s girlfriend, right?” A woman in her fortys initiated the conversation.

“H-huh? Ahm, y…y-yes.” Surprised by her sudden question, Peppermint couldn’t help but agree despite it being false.

“Aren’t you lucky to be Mr. Celo’s girlfriend? He’s handsome and a gentleman. He’s also part of every girl’s fantasy aside from Mr. Fabregas,” she explained. It looked like the woman was happy to share her thoughts about him but Peppermint felt uncomfortable, she smiled awkwardly.

“You know hija, if I were just your age, I’d be all over Mr. Fabregas. He’s single and successful,” the woman added; her eyes twinkling from all the imaginations.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Another woman joined their conversation and whispered, “Don’t you ladies know that Mr. Fabregas’s family actually died in an accident when he was just ten years old?”

“Oh? I also read that on one of the magazines! He’s quite inspiring knowing that he’s working and now successful.” The women in the circle praised the man nonstop while she on the other hand felt sad. She felt pity for him for living by himself all these years and how mysterious he looked like.

“How about his personal life? Do you guys know anything about him?” she asked out of curiosity.

“That’s also one of the things everyone is thinking about. There’s nothing about him when it comes to personal life. The news was just filled about his family and business.” Peppermint just nodded. She thinks it was enough information she gathered today about Brenan.

The woman started standing and going towards the food line while she stayed on the table. She was about to go her way out and approach Vincent when she noticed Brenan coming her way. It felt like time had stopped and flowers were blooming all over the place. She back away as soon as he was in front of her.

“Nice to see you here,” the man started. “Let me guess, you’re stalking?” he asked but she didn’t answer. She didn’t want to make a scandal in a formal party and put Vincent’s reputation on the line.

“I came here because someone invited me,” she answered.

“I see. You’re a business woman?” His forehead creased.

“Of course, I am. I sell fragrances all over the country,” she proudly stated.

“I see.” The man didn’t look like he was bothered by it and just smirked at her. She simply averted her gaze out of annoyance. He never once talked to her in a gentle way. “Oh yeah, I heard that you’re Mr. Celo’s girlfriend,” the man said but she didn’t reply. “Actually, Mr. Celo and I are good acquaintances. Promptly saying, we’re close friends before,” he added.

She tried to hide it but her eyebrow raised from what he said. Vincent never mentioned anything about this.

“Well that’s great to hear,” she then replied.

“Maybe this is the time for us to formally meet.” He reached his hands towards her while Peppermint stared at it for a few seconds before reaching on it to shake his hands.

“Brenan Fabregas.” The man smiled at her the moment he introduced himself. She was trying to compare his and Kael’s hand at that particular moment and almost leaped from her position when she was surprise to see him smile.

“P-Peppermint Vuena…Vuenarobles,” she said in return. It was obvious that she was feeling awkward and embarrassed but she did her best. She was like a 1st grade student introducing herself for the first time.

Feeling his hand in hers, it felt like bolts of electricity stung her, blood flowed towards her head. His hand was so soft like a baby’s. After shaking his hand, she quickly took her hand away and grabbed another wineglass to drink. She was embarrassed by her actions.

Having to be in such an awkward position, it was only at that moment that Vincent appeared. He smiled at Peppermint first before looking at Brenan.

“Hi bro, long time no see.” The two seemed to be close as the two exchanged a friendly gesture of handshakes.

“Yeah, same to you. By the way, how are you doing?” Vincent asked.

“I’m fine, still alive, I guess?” The two laughed at each other’s greetings. “I didn’t know you were going to invite your girlfriend here as well,” Brenan mentioned and glanced at her. She yanked her head down.

“Yes, it looked like you know her well now that you don’t need any more introductions.”

“Of course, I just met her earlier and she looks absolutely stunning! You picked a great deal.” Peppermint’s cheeks continue to flush as Brenan complimented her.

“Yes, she’s stunning.” Vincent glanced at her for a moment and she saw how sincere he looked like. “I’d kill anyone who’d take her away from me,” he added.

“Yeah, yeah. How cheesy!” Brenan laughed at him before continuing, “But be careful, bro. Especially, now since anyone can take her away from you. You know…business tactics,” he said jokingly while smirking.

“Let’s see who’d dare do that.” The two seemed to be smiling but Peppermint can feel the tension between them. She’s not even sure any more about what they’re talking about with all the flushing she’s been feeling inside. She raised an eyebrow between the two as she realized how they both stared into each other’s eyes.

“Anyway, see you around, bro,” Brenan said. Before he could even leave, he glanced at her again and seductively winked at her.

Gosh! It felt like at that moment, she couldn’t breathe anymore. Her heart almost leaped out from her chest and she’d forgotten how to breathe.

Brenan has been making all of her nerves move, giggle and crack. She remembers Kael in him. The man she thought to be cold and rude is unknowingly sweet. It was like Brenan was the new version of Kael.