Chapter 85: Chapter 85

"We have to go home, Agustine." I don't know how many times I said that but he just shook his head in response.

"We're on a date, Khrystal," he uttered.

I couldn't help but slap my forehead as I stood in front of him. If earlier I was the one sitting on the couch, now we both switched. Now, I'm the one begging.

"The longer we drag it out, the worse it gets, Bryll," I said frustratedly.

He lazily looked at me. "I told you I can handle that issue. Now, can't we just enjoy our date?"

I shut my eyes tight and heaved a deep breath. How does he manage to stay calm during these times? I know he knows that people is already feasting against himnow. The two of us actually. It should be time for us to go home to fix and stop this mess.

"Bhryll," I called weakly. "You are aware of what's going on, aren't you? The impact of the scandal."

He immediately nodded.

"Then we should go now," I said.

He was now the one who sighed. "Can we forget that tonight? Can't we just enjoy this date first?" he asked in frustration.

It was as if my heart was pinched while watching him. I also thought for a moment about the favor he wanted. Is it possible?

In the end, there was nothing I could do but sit next to him. We both fell in silence. Both feel, both think deeply.

"I know you are worried. I get that. But can you give this night for me?" He didn't look at me when he said that.

I bit my bottom lip and turned. I played with my fingers on my thigh while keeping my eyes from clouding up. If this is the last moment I will be with him, can I be selfish at this time?

I stopped playing with my fingers and slowly leaned my head on his shoulder. His hand immediately wrapped around my waist. I don't know but at that moment I was determined to forget the mess that was happening.

"Bhryll..." I called softly. "Thank you for bringing me here," I continued.

His arm tightened around me. I even felt him kiss my hair once and then he loosened up a little. We both looked at each other.

"You are not going to leave me. I will not allow it," he said with conviction.

I just smiled.

I don't want to either, but if it's necessary in our situation... there's nothing else I can do.

"I'll just go to the kitchen. I'll cook our food," he said, stuttering at last.

"Can I watch?" I asked, smiling.

He smiled at me and nodded. He stood up first and then extended his one hand in front of me. I accepted that and we walked together towards the kitchen of the house.

When we arrived at the place, I sat in the high chair and watched him prepare the tools he would need. I couldn't help but smile while watching him seriously at what he was doing.

An image suddenly came into my mind. Us—waking up and having meals together. Chilling and talking about anything. I smiled at that.

Agustine continued what he was doing. No one says anything to us even though our eyes often meet. A few minutes later, we sat facing each other at a table.

He prepared simple pork rice porridge but I really appreciated it. I don't know if it was because he cooked it or because I thought it would never happen again. My heart hurt at the last thought.

Enough, Khrystal. You already decided to enjoy this moment with him. Even for a moment... I will forget all the negative things.

Agustine started feeding me food. Every movement of his hand you can tell that he comes from a rich family. Each of his spoons is clean and polished.

"Eat a lot," he said, stammering calmly.

"Thank you," I replied simply and then started eating.

I was on my second scooped when I noticed him staring at me. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows. Little by little, his lips snorted.

"Is it good?" he asked.

I smiled because there was a trace of curiosity on his face. "Delicious," I replied.

It was like a thorn was pulled out of his chest after that. His aggressive shoulders relaxed. He adjusted his sitting position and he took care of his food.

"Can we swim later?" I uttered.

He lifted his gaze at me, a little bit flustered by my sudden invitation. I understand him. I know he knows that I'd rather go home and face all the problems than stay here.

He gulped for a moment and straightened up. "Of course," he replied.

I smiled and ate again. We still get bombarded with questions and such from time to time. Slowly, we became okay. Back to how we normally do.

"How does it feel?" I asked.

We are at the edge of the pool now. Both had changed into bathing suits while their feet were soaking on the side.

"Feel what?" I felt him staring at me.

I kept my eyes on the blue water. "To be successful at a young age," I continued.

He became silent for a moment. Later he slowly moved his feet in the water. I turned and watched him.

"Happy," he answered simply. "Because my hardships paid off," he added.

I smiled. "I am proud of you," I stated.

He stopped moving. He slowly turned his head towards me. He looked shocked by my words.

"What's with the reaction?" I chuckled.

I saw him swallow slowly. An unknown emotion came through his eyes. He averted his eyes from me and took a deep breath.

"It's..." he trailed off. "My first time hearing those words," he said.

Now I am shocked. "Huh? Are you flattering me?"

He smiled but it wasn't because of happiness. It was as if the lifting of his lips was accompanied by a deep emotion.

"I came from a broken family, Khrystal," he told me and faced me again. "My father cheated," he simply explained.

My mouth parted with disbelief.

"At a young age, I need to grow faster. Our family's businesses were founded by my mom. As an only child, all the responsibility was automatically handed over to me after I graduated." He smiled emptyly. "I've never heard something like what you've said a while ago because from the beginning it was my obligation to develop and maintain our legacy in business."

I couldn't utter any words after hearing all of it. I didn't think that behind his successes he had heavy responsibilities.

"No failures allowed," he ended firmly.

Silence enveloped us after that. I am still trying to fully comprehend what he just said. Too heavy. It's too surprising.

"It was not written in your information," I murmured and lowered my gaze to the pool.

I heard his soft laugh. "Because it was not publicly announced. Everyone thought our family was still fine because my parents were still together in business."

I just slowly nodded in understanding. Suddenly I remembered my family. Apparently, like him, my dad cheated with Mommy Francheska. The only difference is, they still tried to save their marriage.

"Brhyll!" I screamed out from no where when he suddenly wet me with pool water.

He laughed. "Come on, let's enjoy our night, sweetie," he said.

I covered him then I scooped water with my hand and then wet him. He stood up quickly while laughing to get away from me because of what I did.

"I have no plans to take a shower yet!" I blurted.

"Ahuh? You are already dressed," he pointed and looked at my one-piece suit.

He gave me a malicious look. My cheeks got hot so I stood up to hit him out of annoyance. Or it's more correct to say shame.

He ran like a child. He laughs as he walks around the pool. I couldn't do anything but smile and laugh.

We were in that situation when my phone rang on the pool lounge chair. Ever since I found out about the issue that was spreading about me, I didn't even try to look at my cellphone despite all the notifications.

Agustine and I looked at each other for a moment before I slowly walked over there to check on the caller. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Mommy's name on the screen. I swallowed hard as I slid the answer button.

"Come back here. Your dad is hospitalized."