Chapter 71: Chapter 71

"Ms. Dagsinal."

I heaved out a deep breath. I can't count how many times he has called me since we entered his newly built office; made him coffee, stapled papers, photocopied, and more.

Why did I even pursue architecture if I would only become a servant in the end too? Tsk!

On the other hand, I felt relieved. I was more satisfied with his gradual order than with the miraculous change in his attitude. In this way, I know why he is torturing me—though it's really not that hard—because of what I did to him. But the way he treated me with such kindness, that’s what is difficult to decode.

Yes, it's weird. But I am more comfortable with this. When he's nice or doesn't get annoy with me, I felt like I'm having a shortage in air. Every beat of my heart is getting fast and it felt like I was about to lose my organs in my stomach whenever he treated me differently. It's kind of... scary.

I stood on the side of the office where my desk was moved onto and then went in front of Agustine. From looking at the scattered papers, he held them up to me.

"What time is it?" he asked.

I couldn't stop raising my eyebrows and looked at his beloved watch. Instead of being sarcastic, I just let out a breath and looked at the wall clock.

"It's already 11:36, Sir," I replied formally.

He nodded and licked his lower lip. "Let's eat then," he uttered.

"Huh?" I stared at him.

Instead of speaking, he stood up from his swivel chair and walked towards me. "Let's go," he said and pulled me by the arm without saying anything. Even though it wasn't violent, I was still able to get myself drag due to shock.

My heart skipped a beat when his hand went down to mine and intertwined it. The monsters in my stomach which have no names are getting wild again.

I stammered when we left his office, but he acted deaf and just continued walking.

I could clearly see some pairs of eyes following us as we passed by. I don't know what they are thinking at this moment. There was nothing that I could but to bite my lower lip due to shame. I was gradually consumed by nervousness, fear, and other emotions.

It is nothing new for me that I am looked upon as a slut by those who have known my name in Vista Querencia. However, I could not bear it if all the people here in the company will think the same way about me every time they would see me.

"Get in."

I came back to my senses as I heard his voice again. I just managed to lift up my head. Here we are outside the company, on the side of his car as he opened the door for me.

"I-I don't want to come..." I whispered weakly.

His forehead knotted. For a moment, I felt he was staring at me, examining me. Later, I heard him sigh.

"Get in," he said with finality.

I didn't do anything else but followed him. Our whole trip was quiet, even though I could feel him often turning his head on me. However, one thing I'm thankful for now is that he didn't dare to talk.

A few minutes later, the car stopped in front of an Italian restaurant. I stared at it dumbfounded, my mind was wandering everywhere.

Why did he bring me here?

My attention only returned when he opened the door for me. Our eyes met for a moment. This time I tried to hold my gaze on him—hoping to get an answer there.

What are you planning to do?

I thought he didn't want rumors. It was difficult not to get notice by other people because of what he was doing.

"Come on. I'm getting hungry," he complained while pouting his lips and gently grabbed my arm to pull me from the passenger seat.

I just let him pull me. I don't know if I was weak because of I was thinking too much or because of the shortness of breath caused by him holding me. I just chose to believe the first one.

We sat in his reserved table. I don't know when he had done that. I didn’t recall him calling anyone earlier in the office or even while we were in the car.

"What do you want?" he asked casually while holding the menu.

I slowly took a deep breath and then boldly looked at him. "What are you doing, Mr. Revelar?" I asked directly.

He was not surprised or shocked by the question. It was as if he expected that at any moment, I would explode in anger because of his undefined actions. He leaned on his chair and slowly licked his bottom lip.

"Lunch?" He shrugged, waving the menu card.

"Ahuh? With me? End of the world?" I chanted sarcastically.

His side lips rose. "Why? Is it not allowed? Will your boyfriend get angry?" He asked.

"I don't have a boyfriend," I replied quickly, too late to process it was a trap.

A ghost smile appeared on his lips. "Good. What do you want to eat, then?" he inquired again.

"I thought you didn't like petty rumors." I asked instead of answering him.

He sighed and dropped the menu, then crossed his arms around his chest. I could see his bulging biceps, so I tried to pretend I didn’t see them..

“I usually eat with my employees, Khrystal. Stop thinking too much and just tell me what you want to eat," he stated.

I sat up straight. A little shame slowly crept over my face.

What are you thinking, Khrystal?

Why didn't I assume he wouldn't do that if it wasn't usual to see it in him? Of course, Khrystal. He despises rumors, jezz!

I cleared my throat and picked up the menu card in front of me. I quickly looked at him because I could feel him staring at me.

“P-pasta. Pasta is enough for me. I guess,” I stammered, "Pasta A La Norma."

Why am I suddenly like this?

Was it because I cried in front of him? Was it because I shared some of my hidden resentment?

"Okay," he uttered and raised his hand to get the waitress' attention.

The waitress quickly came to us. I could clearly see the tension and admiration on her face as she looked at my companion.

Well, Agustine really has such an effect that at a glance he can make your knees shake. I can't deny that he is handsome.

It's just stupid.

“Two Pasta A La Norma," Agustine informed.

"Drinks, Sir?" The lady asked.

Give me a bottle of Nero d'Avola. That's all," he dismissed.

The woman's face turned red as she nodded. Just as how fast she came to our place earlier, she also left in a jiffy. I thought that, like the other girls I have encountered who find their customers attractive, she would offer something.

Silence enveloped us in the next moment. I secretly played with my fingers under the table while my eyes wandered around. The place is not that crowded. I only saw about two pairs of partners; we were the third to count. Although we're not really that kind of partner.

The ambiance of the place is great. It's peaceful. It's just that the place is obviously for couples; it's not suitable for the two of us, Agustine.

"Do you like the place?" he broke the silence.

I acted normally. I simply looked at him and nodded.

He kept looking at me. I don't know whether to avoid it or fight against it.

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked.

I straightened up in my seat and didn't immediately answer. Well, I don't know what to answer.

He heaved a deep breath. "Look, Khrystal. I know I've been a jerk to you. The reason why you can't believe anything—“

"Mr. Revelar," I cut him off coldly. "I told you, you can still fvck me even if you don't spin me around."

His eyes sharpened. His jaw also tightened.

"I will never bed you again," he said firmly.

My lips parted.

"Of course, not without your consent. I mean, if you are not really willing to do it. Then I will not do it," he added.

I still couldn't speak.

For the second time, he sighed. "I meant my sorry, last time, Ms. Dagsinal," he stated.