Chapter 5: Love Is A Decision

Rica was taken by surprise when Cali took her into his arms from behind. She could feel her heart beating so fast. She swallowed hard and steadied herself. She didn’t expect him to do this.

"Please stay even if you don't understand what's going on, Erica," she heard him say in a muted voice.

She tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth. She was so surprised she did not notice when Cali ceased to hug her. When she turned to face him, he was already walking out of the room.

She let out a deep sigh. Must she stay or must she leave? Can she trust another man again after all the pain she had been through?

***The beautiful thing about pain is that, we can learn a lot from it. We learn to forgive. We learn to trust. And we learn to love again. Not everyone is capable of doing that. So if you do, be proud of yourself. It only means you have grown in life from your experiences.*** - Author

She was thinking of leaving but she was also thinking of staying when she noticed a little green paper with a written message on the top of the bed. It was from Cali. She picked the paper up and read:

"You'll find the walk-in closet next room. Entrance is at our veranda. Please use this key. It belongs to you." – Cali

She flipped the paper over to see if there were any other words written on it. She found nothing else. "Why am I expecting words like "I love you" in his message?" she said, shaking her head and laughing at herself.

She took the key on the bed and headed for the veranda.

The air smelled so sweet. She found some beautiful red flowers growing everywhere on the veranda. They looked like the ones she saw around the spring in the mountain. She wanted to check them but she was running out of time. She had to hurry or she’d be late for work.

She instantly fell in love with the walk-in closet. In front of her was a wide variety of clothing. They were beautifully arranged according to their colors. Her eyes widened more when she noticed that many of them were expensive and luxurious. They were carrying the label of well-known fashion designers around the world. In the middle of the room she could see the display of jewelry and perfume. Next to them were bags, most of them were expensive and branded too. At the far end of the room, there was a huge collection of shoes, boots, sandals and more.

She chose a pastel-coloured, button-down dress shirt with a collar and a black pencil skirt for a sleek and structured silhouette. She wore a pair of heels and paired it with a statement bag. She finished her look with a simple blazer and pearls.

After dressing up, she went downstairs. 

As she walked down the stairs to the living room, she heard Cali and Mr. Lorenzo having a casual conversation.

"I'd love to. That's a brilliant idea!" said the butler.

"I think that's everything we need for the party," Cali said. "If there are more things we need, you can call ---" 

He paused the moment Rica got to the bottom of the stairs. 

"Y-you look amazing, honey," Cali exclaimed when he saw her.  

"Thanks." She gave him a soft smile. She could still hear Cali's words in her mind. Please stay even if you don't understand what's going on, Erica.

"Let's go," he said and offered her his warm hand. 

Rica reached for his hand. Together, they walked out of the house. Mr. Lorenzo smiled and bowed to them.

She saw a Mercedez Benz luxury car waiting for them outside. A chaffeur gracefully greeted them and opened the car door for them.

"Oh, Simon. I forgot to call you earlier. Please spend the rest of the day with your family. I want to drive my wife to work," said Cali.

"No objections, Sir," Simon replied with a smile. He closed the back seat door and opened the front passenger seat door for Rica.

"Hop on, honey," Cali told her and guided her while she got into the car.

Simon closed the car door, bowed to Cali and went on his way.

Rica was impressed Cali chose to drive for her. She felt important and cared for. 

She turned to Cali. "Am I really your wife?" she asked him as he drove out of the large gate. "I'm sorry, I don't have any memory of what had had happened yesterday. I could only remember the bird, the old woman, the spring and the wish I made."

Cali held her hand. "I know," he said. "I know this sounds crazy but I am here just as you wish. But please trust me, my feelings, my love for you. They're real."

She looked deeply into his eyes and she could see nothing but honesty. Her heart was telling her to believe him and accept his feelings, that everything would be okay.

"You have to trust my heart, Erica," he continued and pulled her hand toward his lips. He gently kissed it.

She nodded. She might not understand what was happening but she knew she could trust the man in front of her. She could feel pure sincerity in his words. 

"Cali, I hope when the right times comes, you would tell me all the answers I need to hear," she told him. 

"I will, honey. I surely will," he replied with an honest smile. 

"Thanks," said Rica, flashing a wide smile on her face. Her heart was filled with hope. She promised herself she would stay by Cali's side. She promised that she'd love him and fulfill her duties as his wife. She had decided to be his woman. 

"Love is a decision," she whispered serenely to herself and smiled at the man she chose to love and spend her life with.