ANNIVERSARY

“ENJOYING THE COLD and breezy night,” he said casually.

“Damn it! Stop playing around, Mr. Saavedra!” I scolded and shot him a disgusted look.

“I’m not here to play games with you, Margaux. I’m just here to apologize.”

I just ignored him and quickly turned around to get out of the water. I picked up my clothes one by one.

“Please, Margaux, let’s talk.” He stopped my arm.

I shut my eyes firmly. The night air filled my chest before I turned to him. I had prepared my sigh and

kicked him out of the mansion, but my lips felt his.

I blink, closed my eyes, and blink again. He’s wearing nothing but black boxer shorts. Water from his

dark hair is dripping on the textile and slowly runs down to his broad shoulders.

I stared for a moment with admiration. His strong chin, hanging jowls, slack mouth, and neck muscles

were his drumhead tight. He looked like hell. All of it can easily bring me down. Easily.

Even though I didn’t want to, I was able to turn a blind eye because of the wind.

“I missed you so much, sweety,” he barely whispers to me.

I felt his warm palm on my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and made a move, but he didn’t let me.

“Please, Margaux, let me explain.” He stopped me from moving away.

“No, you don’t have to. I want you to leave right now if you don’t want me to shout!” I threaten.

He chuckled, so I frowned.

“I have permission to uncle, and I already talked to him about us,” he declares.

My two eyebrows pressed even closer to what he said. Uncle? When did he learn to call my Dad like

that? I shook my head.

“We have nothing to talk about. I’ve finished everything we have, so please, get out of my fucking life!”

I’m almost sure his expression mirrored mine. It broke my heart, yes, that’s not what I want to come out

of my lips. I didn’t want him to leave nor get away from my life.

“Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hurt you,” he said kindly.

He didn’t hesitate to take a step closer. His expression is etched with pure impulsion and some raw,

dark emotion I can’t name.

I was shocked when he pulled the clothes I was holding and effortlessly put them on me.

“It’s getting cold here,” he mumbled, a taunting edge to his voice that made me tremble.

I bit down my lip and hugged myself tightly. Now I could feel the cold rising to my very feet because of

the strong wind.

“I want to rest,” I mere whispered.

He stepped closer again. He reached up to his hand below my ears, thumb caressing my cheek, and

looked intently into my timorous eyes.

“Just a second, sweetie, let me tell you the things I wanted to say.” His voice is husky and softer.

Before I took a few steps backward, he dragged my mouth to his and kissed me, tongue pressing past

my lips. The silky heat of his tongue is a shot of adrenaline that I couldn’t suppress.

I am at his mercy. My anger and doubt dissolve instantly. I want to respond to that kiss because this is

what I wanted to be, to be in his arms again.

But I drew away quickly. I also gave a slap in his face as anger slowly rose in my eyes.

His lips stretch in a thin line, and his jaw clenched damn hard. It seemed unbelievable what I did.

My lips quivered. I had to swallow to get rid of the lump of my throat and took a step backward.

“You can leave now,” I declared. I turned around and started stepping on my feet as he spoke again.

“We just agreed to get married. And it was just a fucking marriage of convenience. No mutual affection.

It’s just politically and pure business!”

I stopped and shot up my head for a beat second, not wanting to hear all his explanations.

“I’m sorry, but I had enough of you Mr. Saavedra,” I painfully said. I finally left and walked away.

***

I SAT ON the cool metal chair. From here, on the balcony, I could see the whole city.

The sun is already rising from the ground. The sky was full of powerful hues, and the clouds were

sprinkled with infinite pink rays.

“Is everything okay, hija?” Dad asked me over the phone.

“Yes, Dad, everything’s fine here,” I replied.

“Leave the rest to your staff. We still have a party tonight.”

“I know, Dad. I’ll just wait for the florist to arrive, then I’ll be at my condo to prepare for the party

tonight,” I said.

I sat up after pulling the cup of coffee on the round table. I will not be able to eat because I am in a

hurry to get here and under pressure on the upcoming anniversary.

I want everything to be perfect. This is actually my first time handling a big event. I do not want to

embarrass my father, even the guests, who will attend tonight.

“Are you sure, you alright? You sound very wearied.”

I sighed deeply. “Don’t worry about me, Dad. I’m really fine,” I insist.

“Alright. By the way, I asked Mr. Saavedra to accompany you today. I want everything to be fine tonight,

as well as the food and drink.”

My back immediately rose to the metal chair because of what he said. From the balcony, I could see

Lawrence getting out of his white car.

He looks good wearing his black long sleeve shirt and blue jeans paired with shiny black shoes.

He ran his free hand through his hair sexily. I followed him, walking up a few until he passed quickly

from my sight.

I blew out a breath, trying to calm the thunder of my heart that was pounding in my chest.

“Hija, are you still there?” Dad asked me.

“Uh, yes, Dad,” I uttered before settling down.

“Alright, I will call you later.”

“Bye, Dad.” I immediately dropped the call and got up to start working.

But I have not yet taken a step when I feel dizzy, feeling a bit weak, and fainted. I went back to sitting

and rubbed my head.

Oh, damn! I can’t count how many times I have felt it.

“Excuse me, Ma’am Margaux.”

I glanced at the staff who called my attention.

“Mr. Saavedra is looking for you, Ma’am,” she politely said.

I gasped again and tried to stand up again. My brain still occupies my constant dizziness. I feel

something is no longer normal for me. And I’ve noticed a sudden change of my body. I also suffered

from constant headaches, nausea, and having a hard time to wake up every morning.

I want to put aside my feelings and just focus on my goal. But how could I do that if I knew I was just

fooling myself?

I headed to the function hall where the gathering was held. I saw him chatting to one of my staff. I want

to ignore him because we have nothing to talk about. But I’m the one who’s responsible for tonigh’ts This belongs to .

party and as being a professional, I approached him and he immediately turned to me.