MTLNOVEL Chapter 4: CHAPTER FOUR
KATELYNN
As the plane took off, I stared out into the window, the city became small beneath me. I was doing the right thing for myself and the future. But why am I feeling this way?
Maybe I shouldn't have left him, but he was a stranger. Maybe I should have waited to see who he was. I should have introduced him to my father, but would he approve? Even if Father were to approve, I can't have him go through this life, he deserves better. But I do too.
I felt bile crawl up my throat, a dry sensation that reminded me of my bitter life.
Rowando or whatever his name was doesn't deserve a girl like me, running away from feelings, the feelings have worked so hard to suppress.
The memories of last night came flooding in, it left me in disarray. They were still vivid.
From the way his eyes locked on mine, the way he laughed, then the way he made me laugh, he made me feel seen, truly seen for the first time in forever. Oh, his touch too, his warm touch that ignited a spark in me that I didn't realize I had.
It all felt like a dream— a dream I want to forget but at the same time keep forever.
"Hey honey," My father tapped my arm lightly.
His sudden touch snapped me out of my daydreaming, and I turned to face him, "Yes."
"You look pale, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Dad." I lied.
"Rest up there."
I nodded and turned my attention back to the window.
******
"You did what?!" Richardo screamed.
I rushed to his side and covered his mouth with my palm, "Shh, you don't want to attract attention to us, do you?"
"This is good news, they wouldn't mind."
"Shut up," I slapped his chest and took a few feet back away from him.
Richardo's glass cup glittered under the soft golden light that hung above us in the center of the hall.
A slow melody in the background had people's attention, and they didn't even turn when Richardo shouted.
Father had hosted a little party after we came back from Italy a week ago. He said it was mine. An opportunity for him to declare me as his heir apparent to the company.
I wanted to protest but it would be a waste of time and effort so I just played along.
I told Richardo about the magnificent human I had the one-stand with and his reaction was a total thing from what I had expected. I thought he would judge me but he didn't.
"Was he handsome?"
"From what I can remember, he was…"
"What can you remember? Were you drunk?"
"I was."
"Another fight with your father?" I sighed and nodded. "Sorry love. At least the travel was fruitless, you had sex."
"Stop it!" I said between clenched teeth.
"You know I wouldn't. Anyway, when you return to Italy make sure you find him again. Don't be drunk this time." he winked and took a swig of the liquor in the cup.
"Back to Italy? What do you mean?"
"I heard your father would be going back to Italy this weekend, I thought as his little personal assistant, you would be going too."
My face furrowed the more he talked, and I arched my brow at him. "You don't know about this?"
I shook my head, "No. I would have been complaining about it from the moment I saw you."
"Damn. Bye-bye to your new boy."
"Be serious."
"What? I was hoping you'd follow to find your soulmate again."
I scoffed, "He is not my soulmate."
"Yeah right."
"Can we focus on the positive thing here? My father listened to me for once. I could use this break."
Richardo's lips curved into a wide smile"What plans do you have?"
"To read my books. I have a lot to cover."
The smile disappeared, replaced with a scowl, "Of course."
I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled.
We left the spot where we stood to join my family in our reserved seats. It was time for the father to give his speech.
After the whole process, the ceremony ended and everybody went back to their various homes, including us.
The weekends came in a blink of an eye, a lot faster than anticipated. Every day I prayed for Father not to change his mind about going alone. Fortunately, God answered my prayers even after sinning. Was it because I asked for forgiveness that he answered?
We all got ready to leave, to escort Father to the airport. A tradition we had always upheld. No matter how busy you are, if a family member is traveling, our presence is needed to bid the person farewell. Even if one of the family is not around, a face time would be done at the airport before the plane leaves the airport.
Luisa would always be the last to get ready. God knows how much male up is putting on her face now.
"Luisa!!" I screamed. "We are leaving you!!"
Within a few seconds, a loud thud came running down the stairs. It worked, again. Luisa hated the idea of being left out of anything. She was a Velcro baby.
"Wait for me," her voice rang from the stairs as she appeared from the corner, hastily putting her shoes on while coming.
"What kept you so long? Let me guess, Makeup?"
"Try them one day, who knows it might fit you." She walked past me to meet my father waiting for us at the garage. I locked the door and ran to join them.
We all entered the car and my father drove us off to the airport. As we got there, we bid him farewell and he kept glancing back at us as he walked into the station.
"Be good girls!" He called out as his silhouette disappeared into the station through the door.
We waved at him till we held no sight of him anymore. "Let's go," I said to Luisa
We returned home and lived our lives like usual but the only thing bothering us was the fact we hadn't received a call or text from our father. He doesn't return my calls or texts.
A week has passed and still no calls.
The next morning, the telephone rang. It had us sprinting into the living to answer. Why was Father calling us from his business line? Maybe his other phone got spoiled.
Luisa got to the phone before me, a smirk tugged at her lips as she lifted the phone to her ear, "Hello."
I stood there impatiently as the person from the other end responded. I couldn't hear the person's voice, just Luisa.
"Yes, I know him. He is my father."
What is happening? After she answered, she waited for the person to reply.
After a few seconds of silence, Luisa turned pale instantly, and the phone slipped out of her hand.