chapter 5

RYKE CARLOS

“Okay, I will only go with you.”

For a moment, I couldn’t say anything after hearing Elaine’s answer. The words lingered in my mind, repeating over and over. I didn’t even understand myself anymore.

Why was I acting like this toward my own goddaughter?

Since last night, I haven't slept properly. My mind refused to rest. Every time I closed my eyes, the same moment replayed again and again. Her face so close to mine, the warmth of her breath, and the brief, accidental touch of our lips.

I had already cursed myself countless times in my head. But no matter how hard I tried to push the memory away, I couldn’t forget it. And now, it feels even worse.

I let out a slow, heavy sigh and leaned back slightly in the driver’s seat. My mind had been a mess since last night, and having her sitting right beside me wasn’t helping at all. If anything, it made everything more complicated.

Her presence alone was enough to make my thoughts spiral.

“Are we still going?” she suddenly asked.

Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to look at her, and only then did I realize something embarrassing.

We hadn’t even left yet.

“I’m sorry,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t get enough sleep.”

I checked the time on the dashboard and quietly cursed under my breath. I was already late.

“Is there a problem?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at me.

I shook my head. But then my eyes drifted toward her again, and this time, I noticed what she was wearing. Her top lifted slightly as she moved, revealing a small part of her stomach. My hands tightened on the steering wheel.

“Why are you dressed like that?” I asked seriously while starting the car.

“Huh?” She looked down at herself, confused. “My outfit? Why?”

She smoothed the fabric of her clothes and smiled confidently.

“It looks good. I even look sexy—”

“I know, but—”

I stopped myself mid-sentence. My throat suddenly felt dry, and I loosened my necktie slightly because it felt like I couldn’t breathe properly.

“But what?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I only glanced at her briefly before focusing back on the road. I didn’t answer.

“This is actually my first time going out with someone older than me,” she said after a moment, her voice sounding excited. “And he’s even my Ninong.” She laughed softly. “I’m curious about what you do during meetings.”

I exhaled slowly.

“At your age,” I said, keeping my eyes on the road, “I’m sure you’ll just get bored.”

She was still young. Of course she would think meetings were interesting.

“Well, I’ll see later,” she replied cheerfully.

I glanced at her again. Then I quickly looked away.

“Is it far?” she asked. “Where were you earlier when you called?”

“My office,” I answered simply.

“Really?” Her eyes widened slightly. “So, you already have a company here?”

“Yes,” I said. “Before I left, I already prepared everything.” I paused briefly before adding, “With the help of your parents.”

“Oh, I see,” she said quietly.

Her reaction was so innocent that it made me smile a little. Not long after, I slowed the car as we reached our destination.

“We’re here,” I said. But before she could open the door, I stopped her. “Wait.” I removed my coat and placed it over her shoulders. “Wear this.”

She blinked in surprise but immediately smiled.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I stepped out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. I even offered my hand to help her step out.

“This is where your meeting is?” she asked, looking around curiously.

I nodded.

The restaurant belonged to one of my friends. Since it was almost lunchtime, I had decided to hold the meeting here instead of the office. We walked inside together and headed toward the reserved table. I pulled out a chair for her before sitting down.

“Stay here first while I talk to someone,” I said.

“Yes,” she replied with a bright smile. “I’ll just stay here and listen.”

I shook my head slightly, not knowing what to say to that. Just then, I noticed someone approaching our table.

“Mr. Ryke Carlos Ferrero,” the man greeted warmly.

I stood up and shook his hand.

“Nice to see you again after all these years.”

I smiled politely. We had known each other long before I left.

“How have you been?” I asked.

“I’m good,” he replied proudly. “I already have three kids.”

“Wow. Congratulations.”

He chuckled before looking at me curiously. “How about you? I’m sure you have kids too.”

I didn’t answer. Instead, my eyes drifted toward Elaine.

“You brought someone?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said quickly before changing the subject. “Anyway, about your offer?”

“Yes, here.” He handed me a folder. “Check this and read it carefully. If you like my offer, you can sign right away.”

I nodded as I opened the documents. But my attention drifted again. My eyes found Elaine. She was adjusting my coat around her shoulders, trying to make it fit comfortably. Then I noticed it again. Her flat stomach.

“Mr. Ferrero?”

His voice snapped me back to reality.

“Yes?” I said quickly. “Yes, it’s okay. Do you have a pen?”

He looked slightly confused but handed me one.

“You’re okay with it already?”

“Yes.” Without thinking further, I signed the papers.

“I didn’t expect you to be this easy to deal with now,” he said with a laugh.

I forced a small smile as we shook hands again.

“I already ordered food,” he continued. “You can enjoy your time here. I need to leave now. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Thank you,” I said. “I’ll contact you again.”

He nodded before leaving the restaurant. Once he was gone, I stood up and walked toward Elaine.

“Come on,” I said.

She looked surprised. “You’re done already?”

“Yes,” I answered simply.

As we walked out, my hand moved instinctively to the middle of her back, guiding her toward the door. And once again, the same thought filled my mind. Fuck this feeling.

I can’t think straight. I can’t even work properly anymore. It feels like I just want to be with Elaine all the time.

***

ELAINE

I felt a strange electric sensation the moment Ninong Ryke placed his hand on the middle of my back as we walked out of the restaurant. His touch was light, almost casual, yet it sent a warm shiver down my spine.

It felt as if he was being overly protective of me, guiding me carefully through the door and toward the car.

And somehow, it made me feel even more beautiful. Just the simple gesture made my heart flutter in a way I couldn’t explain.

Fck! Why does he have such a strong effect on me?

The moment we stepped outside, the cool air brushed against my skin. Ninong Ryke immediately opened the car door for me and gestured for me to get in. I slid into the passenger seat while he walked around to the driver’s side.

“I thought I’d get bored,” I said with a small smile once he got inside. “But I guess not.”

He started the engine but didn’t look at me right away.

“I’m not in the mood to stay long,” he said calmly.

I turned to him after hearing that, curious about what he meant. But my eyes widened when he suddenly leaned closer toward me. My heart jumped. Without thinking, I quickly shut my eyes.

For a brief second, I thought that he’s going to kiss me. My breathing stopped. But instead of his lips touching mine, I heard a soft clicking sound.

“Don’t forget your seatbelt.”

Embarrassment rushed through me instantly. I slowly opened my eyes and saw him leaning slightly over me as he fastened the seatbelt across my waist.

Fck.

I cursed silently in my mind as heat crept up my cheeks.

“Thanks,” I muttered awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

He leaned back in his seat and rested his arm casually on the steering wheel.

“Where do you want to go?” he asked. “I’m free right now.”

I turned my head toward him when he said that. And the moment I did, I saw his smile.

It wasn’t big, but it was enough to make my heart skip a beat.

“Anywhere?” I asked slowly while staring at him.

But something strange happened. The moment our eyes met, he suddenly froze. For a second, it felt like time had paused between us.

“Yeah,” he said after a moment. “Where do you want?”

He was smiling again, but I didn’t look away. Instead, I kept staring at him.

“Your house,” I said seriously.

The smile on his lips disappeared immediately.

“My house?” He repeated the words slowly.

I nodded, still smiling.

“Why my house?” he asked, though there was a faint smile returning to his face.

“I just want to see your place,” I answered honestly. “And what’s inside.”

He didn’t respond right away. For a few seconds, he just looked at me as if he was thinking deeply about something.

“Okay,” he finally said. “Are you sure?”

He asked again, as if giving me a chance to change my mind. But I simply nodded twice.

“Yes.”

Without another word, he started the car and began driving.

During the ride, my mind refused to stay quiet. My thoughts kept wandering, imagining what his place would look like and what might happen once we got there.

Why did I suddenly want to see his house so badly? I didn’t fully understand it.

Not long after, the car slowed down and stopped in front of a tall building. It looked like a luxurious condominium.

“I live here,” he said casually. “But soon I’ll buy a new house.”

“Not bad,” I replied as I looked around the area, impressed by the building’s modern design.

The car moved again, heading into the parking area. When we finally got out, we walked side by side toward the elevator. But suddenly, he stopped walking. And then he stepped right in front of me.

“What?” I asked, frowning slightly in confusion.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he looked down at me and began adjusting the coat that was still draped over my shoulders. He carefully pulled the sides together and buttoned it up, covering me completely. His fingers brushed lightly against the fabric near my chest.

My heartbeat quickened.

“By the way, why do you rarely call me ‘Ninong’?”

I slowly lifted my head. Our eyes met instantly. For a moment, I couldn’t answer. I just stared into his eyes, feeling my chest tighten for some reason.

“Okay,” he said after a moment. “You don’t need to answer.” His voice softened slightly. “Call me whatever you want.”

I hesitated for a second. Then I spoke.

“Can I call you Ryke?” My voice came out softer than I expected. “Not ‘Ninong’ when it’s just the two of us?”

I looked straight at him after saying it. I didn’t even know why I said those words. But now that they are already out, I couldn’t take them back anymore.

He didn’t answer. I just felt his hand on my back as we started walking. I kept glancing at him, wondering what was going on in his mind after what I said.

We rode the elevator, just the two of us, silent, until we reached the floor where his unit was. We walked for a few moments before stopping in front of a door. He simply placed his finger on it, and it opened. I immediately caught the cool scent of the air conditioning and that same fragrance I always noticed on him.

When I saw the couch, I sat down right away. My hips felt heavy because of my menstruation, and I felt annoyed that it had to come at a time like this.

“You want juice—”

“Water only,” I answered, holding my lower abdomen. He frowned slightly at me.

“Are you in pain?”

I saw the concern on his face, and it made my heart flutter a little.

“I’m ok, I have a mens—”

“You don’t have to say it,” he cut in, as if he already understood.

“It’s better if it’s warm water.”

Before I could even respond, he already walked away, leaving me alone. My eyes wandered around the place, and I noticed a picture on a small cabinet, it was him with two people. I immediately assumed they were his parents because he looked like them.

The place was clean, with a black-and-white theme, simple but elegant. Everything looked expensive, and there was a huge flat-screen TV.

“Here, drink this.”

I turned and saw him holding a glass of water, it was warm. I drank it right away.

“Thanks, are these your parents?” I asked, pointing at the picture.

“Yes,” he answered, stepping a little closer to it. “They’re gone.”

I froze for a moment, then walked over to him and stood beside him.

“What do you mean?” I asked, even though I already had an idea.

“Because of an accident,” he said in a low voice.

I held his shoulder, and he turned to face me. Our bodies were almost touching because of how close we were. He took my hand from his shoulder and looked at it.

I swallowed hard at the way he was looking at me. My gaze dropped to his lips, slightly parted. I bit my lip, then glanced at his throat as he swallowed. My knees felt weak, and before I could lose my balance, one of his hands wrapped around my waist.

“What did you do to me? What should I do?”

I got confused by what he said, I didn’t know how to answer him.