Chapter 3

The following morning was Sunday. I did my schedule which was going to church alone. I asked Royal if he was available. He said he wasn't.

What's new, Alpha? You've been alone in your life since Omega died. Pathetic you were, huh?

"The breakfast is ready, Alpha. In case you're hungry." Nanny announced as she walked inside my room to put my clothes inside the closet.

"Sure, Ny. I'll just finish my stuff here." I replied, looking at my laptop.

"Okay. After you eat, do you have something to do?"

I paused and looked up to gawk at her and pout.

"I'm going to see Royal today if he's not busy."

"Okay." She smiled before she faced her back and walked away. I heaved a long sigh and continued typing on my laptop.

I stalked Gero's social media accounts. From IG, twitter and F*. And I could see nothing but albums of his pictures with her girlfriend named "Saera".

I frowned when I realized Saera wasn't totally pretty. She only had dimples and innocent eyes that could capture you. She had milk skin, curve body and long legs. No doubt why Gero was into her. And maybe she was good to be true.

But anyway, I really didn't care about them. Psh. Why was I even stalking him if I didn't give a damn? Silly me.

After stalking, I took a quick shower to freshen up my mind. They would break up soon and Gero would be mine- Okay, enough with that. I didn't really think I deserved someone like Gero. But to be honest, Riley's more handsome than him. Gero only had a monolid eyes because he was half Japanese. While Riley had protuding eyes which I thought was adorable. He had chubby cheeks and I thought those made him more adorable.

After taking a bath, I wore beige suede lace up halter crop top, high-waist maong short and white shoes with big check on it. I also applied make up to look presentable. And after everything, I walked down the stair with my clutch bag.

"Hmm. Date?" Asked Nanny as soon as she noticed me. I smiled at her and slightly shook my head.

"I'll stay inside Royal's room, Ny. He told me he's not busy."

I didn't ask him what he did earlier. I would just assume he did his research papers.

She slowly nodded, giving me a suspicious smile and I rolled my eyes because I knew what she's trying to give emphasis.

"Royal's my older brother, Ny." I stated as I walked past behind her. "And I know she only sees me as her younger sister."

I took a glass and opened the refrigerator to have something to drink. Then I turned to her while filling the glass of milk.

"And I know we feel the same thing. I mean," I shrugged and held down the pitchel on the table. "She has no sister, I don't have a brother."

She chortled which made me furrow my brows.

"Oh, darling." She chuckled, walking towards me. I took a sip of milk while watching her chortle. "Why are you explaining?"

I gulped once and I brought down the glass onto the table.

"B-because... y-you're giving me suspicious eyes." I stammered and I hated it. The environment became awkward between the both of us.

"I'm not, Alpha. But anyway, I'll notify your driver that you're off to somewhere." She stated and whirled around to walk away, not minding what would be my reply.

I let a heavy sigh out. That was so close. Nanny's acting weird and I could not help but feel nervous. I knew she was just overrating things. Royal and I were siblings by heart.

As everything was done, the driver took me to Royal's house. And as I was on my way, I texted him my whereabouts. He told me Mrs. Graciana Mocetti, his mother, was home. But he assured me she would leave soon. I said, "It's okay." It's good to know that Aunt Graciana was around.

I drove off. The moment I got outside from the car, a familiar figure showed up before my eyes. I smiled at him and waved a bit. But he just gave me a stern aura and piercing eyes.

I walked towards him, so as he to me. I was wearing my best smile to make him know I was happy to see him.

"Hi!" I greeted cheerfully but he just looked at me from head to toe.

"I thought you're not wearing something." He murmured.

I knotted my brows together in confusion. I looked at myself and found my outfit good.

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"Let's go." He said with authority and held my hands. He led the way inside his house and I did nothing but to follow him even if my mind wanted to protest.

As soon as we arrived inside the house, a familiar face of a young boy welcomed me. I rolled my eyes, so as him. What an irksome creature.

"What are you doing here, missy?" He asked childishly.

"This is my house, little boy." I announced and turned to Royal who was watching me with his deep set eyes. He crossed his arms in front which made his muscles flex. He's wearing a v- neck shirt and from here, I could see his collarbone screaming my name.

Oh, god, Raphaela. What are you thinking? Screaming your name, huh?

"No! You're not my sister!" He yelled as he pushed me away from him.

"Throne." Called out by Royal with warning then Throne turned to him with a scowl.

"What is she doing here?" He asked in furrowed brows. Royal, on the other hand, heaved a sigh and walked towards him while Throne was watching him and turned to me, scowling.

"Hands off to her, Throne. Or else, I will throw you out." He declared in his warning voice. He grabbed my hand and led the way up to his room. I, on the other hand, followed him until we both got inside his wide room. He released my hand and I rubbed it because it stung a bit. I could still feel his hand on it.

"Why are you wearing that damn thing?" He asked coldly. His anger radiated into my body.

I furrowed my brows and checked my clothes then turned to him.

"What's wrong with you, fratello? You know I'm wearing these kind of clothes?"

He faced me with his blazing eyes and I had to inhale deeply because he's presence was too much to bear. I hadn't feel any tension like this.

He huffed and puffed, looked up and rubbed his temple. I pouted because I didn't get him. He was acting weird.

"Anyway, you're not busy, are you?"

"Obvious, isn't it?" He scoffed. I pouted again while puffing.

"I hate you!" I whined. "You're acting weird, huh?"

He chortled, moving his shoulders.

"So tell me what had happened." He started and sat on the edge of his bed. He looked at me and tapped the space between him. I grinned and walked towards him and sat on the space.

"I saw him, fratello." I complained and shoved my face on his chest. Few seconds passed when I felt his hand on my hair. I stiffened and eyed him. Our faces were just few inches away. "I saw him with his girlfriend."

Tears pooled over my eyes. I could still feel the pain of the past. I could still feel the pang he caused when he made me feel like he liked me but everything turned to a nightmare when I woke up and knew he had a girlfriend. How I wished I knew it from the very beginning that he had been courting his crush. He was a thief that came into my life unexpectedly. He stole my heart.

"Shsh." He ran down his hand on my hair with love and affection then he kissed me on the forehead and hugged me, rubbing his palm on my shoulder in a soothing manner. "You'll get over from him."

I groaned and loosened up from him.

"But how? Everytime I see him, my feet wobble and my heart starts to race."

He chuckled at my statement and I jabbed his shoulder because I found it irksome.

"What?" He asked innocently between a laugh.

"Why are you like that?" I groaned and rolled my eyes.

"Hmm, my baby's whining. What do you want to eat?" He shifted the topic. My ears suddenly widened and my eyes glistened at his question.

"I want some... ahm," I tucked my lips out while thinking of something to eat, then I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Come on," he growled and I laughed at his reaction.

I grinned. "I want... sweet... something sweet."

"Aren't you sick of me? I'm sweet, just so you know." He bragged and I laughed because he was switching on his playful side.

"Well, it isn't new to me. You're always sweet, fratello. But I want something I can eat."

"Cake, perhaps?"

I tightened my jaw and pouted after.

"You'll be the one to make."

"I can't." He replied quickly.

"Then I don't like any cake." I said with finality. I frowned at him but he just laughed his ass out, pissing me.

"You really love to hit my nerves, don't you?" I scoffed.

"Yes, baby. I couldn't help it. I love your reactions."

I mocked at him. "Whatever." I rolled my eyes and faced my back at him to walk out.

"Not so soon, baby." He said and gripped my hand and pulled me, making me squirm because he lifted me up and tickled me.

"Oh, god!" I exclaimed as he was not stopping from tickling me so I had to punch him but he just laughed at me. "Royal!" I hollered while jabbing his back. Then he laid me down on his bed as he jailed me between his arms.

"Hmm." He hummed sexily. "I think it's my very first time to hear you saying my name." He declared and I smiled because it's true. I hadn't called him by name.

"Which do you prefer to be called? By your name or fratello?"

"Keep it that way." He simply said and got off from bed. My cheeks burned to red when I realized how akward was that.

"Where do you think you're going?" I asked as I watched him walking away.

"Stay there. I'll just get some foods to eat." He shouted, he's pretty far from me.

"Okay." I shouted back and laughed at the end.

Damn, Royal. If only you were not my brother, I should have kissed you. Kidding.

I got off from bed and fixed my top. I took the seat beside his bedside table and opened his laptop. Good thing they had internet connection here so it's not a problem in case I wanted to surf an internet.

I opened my f******k account and my heart abruptly raced when I saw Gero's name in my message box. I frantically opened it and I realized he's online when a green button appeared on his chathead.

Gero Sandoval

Hey :)

I bit my lower lip in nervousness. My heart was palpitating. I could feel my feet wanting to collapse.

Should I reply? What if I wouldn't? And what if I would?

Oh, god, help me!

I gulped once before I typed my reply and sent it while fidgeting.

Raphaela Marcos:

Yes?

I inhaled deeply and puffed as I widened my eyes. I was nervous, oh my god! Why was he chatting me? Was he single?!

The laptop beeped, signalizing I have a new message.

Gero Sandoval:

Will you be free this Saturday?

I narrowed my eyes. I thought I already knew what he was trying to say.

Raphaela Marcos:

No. I have stuff to finish.

Phew. Really, Raphaela?

Raphaela Marcos:

No. I have stuff to finish.

Seen 10:38 am

I heaved a long sigh and licked my lower lip. Seen meant he was going to reply.

Gero Sandoval:

...

He was typing. I thought I was going to die.

Gero Sandoval

Is that so? I just want to invite you for a pool party this Saturday. It'll be fun. I promise. But if you have your "stuff to finish", then it's okay.

I rolled my eyes exaggerately. Really, Gero? Really?!

"Who told you to use my laptop?"

Startled, I almost fell on the ground when I heard Royal's voice. I turned to him with a grin, secretly closing his laptop behind my back as I stood up to face him.

"Hey, you're back!" I grinned but he just cocked his left brow at me so I diverted my eyes to the tray he's holding. "Is that for us?" I asked innocently.

"No." He curtly said and sat beside his bed. He placed the tray on his lap and started eating apples.

"Hey! You can't do that to me!" I whined but he ignored me. He continued eating apple while his eyes were lightly rolled.

I was about to grab the apple when he slapped my hand that caught me off guard.

"Hmp!" I frowned at him. "You know what? I'll get my own food." I declared. But before I could take a step, he gripped my hand and pulled me towards him. I out balanced but he was quick enough to catch me before I fell.

My head's on his chest. His arms wrapped around me like he was afraid of letting me go.

"R-Royal," I stammered, confused and nervous at the same time.

I heard his heavy sigh as he released me from his arms. Then I eyed him. I wanted answers. Why was he doing this to me? Did he even know my heart was hammering inside my chest?

"You can have my food if you want to. Just don't go outside and leave me here." He said in his baritone voice and I nodded as a response. I then licked my lower lip and faced my back at him. I swore, my heart was thumping which I didn't understand.