Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Ella's POV

“Where are we going?” I ask Zed as soon as I have figured out that we’re not on our way home.

“Lunch.” His eyes are on the road but he casts a glance sideways.

“Okay.” I’m also hungry already, so I just nod and close my eyes.

My thoughts go back to Mr. D right away. And this connects me to the task James told me. That he won’t mind giving me the business he and my dad had worked hard for secretly. However, he indirectly asked me to avenge him by competing against Kim Yuan’s Corporation. And that would be a man named Dennis.

Now, I understand what James meant. Dennis is the genius who leads the team of highly-capable engineers and computer programmers who create and design Kim Yuan’s flagship products. If I’m going to pirate Mr. D, that means robbing him of the source of his success. Though hiring other talents is possible, Mr. D looks like he’s a rare gift. He doesn’t talk like a normal person, but he’s someone who seems to have a brain that works like a computer.

“Penny for a thought?” I hear Zed speaking close to my ears and I jolt up.

“I’m sorry. I’m just thinking about the collaboration with Mr. Kim. Do you find it strange?”

Silence follows for a while but Zed’s brows pull together. I can see his hesitation as well.

“It’s really surprising, knowing I am Yen’s ex-husband. But maybe, it’s all about timing. Kim happened to meet you just in time when Sweet and Spicy withdrew from the company. Or maybe, he just wanted to impress Yen. She’ll think he has no ill intentions against me that way. Jamella is also a famous company. So, it’s an honor to have your company collaborate with him.”

“What can he get from me aside from the small patronage share, rent of the cafeteria, and the payment for the lot where I will erect Jamella, Philippines?” The more I think about it, the more I suspect about Mr. Mori’s offer. However, I can’t turn my back on James.

“How about thinking about this way? Sweet and Spicy also received a similar offer. So, maybe, he’s just in dire need of a company that will feed his employees.” I shake my head, amazed at Zed’s capability to look at the positive side only.

“But he’s apparently not new to the food business. He has Jakara Hotel already. Why not create another company segment for that?”

“You’re right. But Kim’s focus is only on technology. He only founded Jakara Cafés and Restaurants because of Yen.”

Then, Zed pulls to the side of the road and stops. He looks into my eyes.

“Ella, if you have doubt about the partnership, then think about it many times. You still have time to back out since both parties haven’t signed the contract yet.”

Zed has a point. Whatever, I must go on with my plan. Aside from my main goal, who would ever know if I can compete with Kim Yuan this way? His maybe a technology company, but mine is a business that people can’t live without. Food is a never-ending business because it supports people's basic needs.

“But I have already given my word. I don’t want them to think I am an indecisive business partner. I’ll just take extra care.”

Zed draws in a deep breath before he places his hands on the steering wheel again. Shortly after, he pulls over a parking space in front of a restaurant named, “Rainbows and Butterflies.”

The restaurant is on top of a hill overlooking splendid mountain views. Standing on the parking lot, the vast, clear sky on the horizon looks like a walking distance if not for the deep ravines surrounding the area. Everywhere looks verdant green, its lushness soothing to the eyes. The entrance to the restaurant likewise looks magnificent. It is highlighted with perfect landscapes, enclosing a kaleidoscope of ornamental and flowering plants. The blooms look proud and radiant under the sun. It is still noontime, but the strong mountain breeze and the mists under the sky make the place cool and refreshing.

“I’m jealous of whoever is in your mind.” I look up and find Zed towering beside me. “Daydreaming?”

“This is such a beautiful place!”

“I'm happy you like it here. I hope you won’t forget this place after today.”

I laugh. “I never knew you’re such a sentimental person.”

Zed lips curve into a thin smile. “I am. That’s why I find it hard to forget people and places.”

“And that’s why it's hard for you to forget Yen.” I look up and wait for his reaction, but he ignores my comment and places a hand over my shoulders, leading me to a table on the terrace of a restaurant.

A rose centerpiece and boxes of chocolates on the table greet my eyes. The burgundy skirting of the table also matches the color of the roses so that it looks romantic. I start to imagine how it looks a little more romantic during sunset or evening.

Zed pulls out a chair and gets me seated properly before he walks to the other side. After he settles across from me, a waiter approaches us with steaming food on a tray. My stomach instantly growls. And I notice that even the dishes are garnished with heart-shaped pepper bells, cucumber, and carrots.

“Is today a Valentines’ Day?” I ask and Zed chuckles.

“Nope, but today is a special day.”

“Your birthday?”

“No. Today is special because I am with you.”

I pick up a slice of red pepper bell and throw it at his chest. “What’s happening to you? You’re not having a fever, right?”

“Of course, not.” He laughs. Damn, he looks so dazzling just now. I haven't noticed he wears a rather formal attire today, even if it isn't his usual three-piece suit.

I am about to touch his forehead, but he picks up his spoon and fork and places food on my plate. “Let’s eat.”

“Oh, okay.” I pick up my cutleries right away and pick a slice of honey-glazed chicken meat. It’s so delicious that I eat it fast. I realize I am so hungry already.

I glance at Zed and find him staring at me. It seems he wants to say something. “What?”

“Is it delicious?” he asks, smiling.

“Yes.”

“I’m glad you’re past the stage of nausea and vomiting already.”

My eyes lit up as the realization hit me. A few days ago, although Zed is always careful with the food, I have already noticed that my appetite is improving. I haven't thought I'm already in the second trimester of pregnancy where that symptoms usually fade.

“This is also bad news,” I chuckle.

Zed furrows his brow and stares at me, perhaps finding me ridiculous.

“Because I love food and it will increase our food budget.”

“Stop it. Eat as you wish. I won’t ask you for a cent.”

I smile. Zed is as romantic as the one who set up our dining table. I only appreciate it better as my eyes fall again on the flower centerpiece.

“But I love restaurant hopping.”

“Then let’s do it every day.”

“Wow, the world of the rich!” I exclaim, teasing me.

“As long as it makes you and the baby happy.”

I smile at him, but he must have seen the sadness in my mind. I’m not totally free. Sooner or later, I am going back to James. I hate to be reminded, but he’s the reason why I am here in this country and with Zed.

“Eat first,” he says, and I start eating again. He eats silently this time until he puts down his spoon and fork after a few minutes.

He turns and gestures for the waiter and the latter appears immediately.

“Two tall cups of milk and dark chocolate shake, please. Plus, two cans of Coke.”

I look up and say, “Coke and shakes?”

I nod. “Because the food is greasy. A few sips won't hurt as long as you won't drink it every day."

I put down my spoon and fork, smiling to myself. He still knows how to compromise a little. Perhaps because I just ate a lot of fried meat.

I then take three sips of Coke before I lift my chocolate shake. He knows already that I love this beverage. I close my eyes, savoring the cold and milky chocolate goodness through the straw. It feels so good, especially that I’m feasting on the magnificent views before me.

“Hi, ma’am!” I look up and see a waiter standing beside Zed.

“Yes?”

“We offer welcome gifts, ma’am. But pick your choice.”

Another waiter comes in, bringing a heart-shaped pillow. On top are two velvet boxes, their bright red shade glare against the sun.

“You have to pick one, ma’am,” says the first waiter, his eyes beaming with excitement.

He’s too contagious, that I giggle and look at Zed who watches me with a look of amusement and sadness.

“Zed, help,” I beg. The glints of sadness in his eyes disappear, but he looks nervous, instead.

“Right, left, right, left,” I say, laughing as I move my finger between the two boxes.

Finally, I place my finger on the left box. I don’t know why, but I also feel nervous. I am already thinking that this might be a prank. But remembering that Zed is with me has removed my worry right away.

“Open, please, ma’am.” One waiter says, giggling afterward. Then, the other waiter laughs as well before he pulls the first waiter away from the table.

I look closely at the box. It has a rectangular hole where the tip of a paper pops out.

“I will pull out this one?” I look at Zed, getting more nervous.

“Perhaps.”

I slowly pull out the strip of paper and read the bright letters printed on it. I hold my breath right away, my eyes gleaming wide. My heart seems to stop beating as well.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” the note says.

The smile on my face instantly dies down.