10: Reason

Chapter 10

Reason

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POV: Lia Salvador

It takes me time to finally gather myself.

What the heck!

I just kissed Lawrence McGregor!

Who wouldn’t have their legs get wobbly if that happens?!

I swallow hard – as I slowly open the door.

I instantly close my eyes because of the ear-splitting noise coming from the door as it opens.

The eerie sound coming from the door is just too embarrassing for me to hear right now.

It just makes my heart race like a mouse who might be caught by a cat – lurking behind the door.

My eyes instantly look around – trying to spot where Renz is.

But he is nowhere to be found.

Well, I couldn’t help but to breathe heavily.

I don’t even know whether it is a good thing or not.

Well, for a moment, I just feel so embarrassed. I don’t know how to react. I don’t even know what to say.

However, I know I need clarifications.

I just don’t know whether I could handle talking to him right now.

I moved slowly out of my room.

It seems to be a miracle that I am able to move my sprained foot gently.

I smiled at the crutches I am holding – which was making it easier for me to move.

I hadn't noticed it a while ago because of… well, what happened to me and Renz in my room, and it took me a while to finally get out of there and face him anyway.

However, as I looked around our simple house – he wasn’t around anymore.

I was about to frown and feel betrayed – when I saw a note on the fridge telling me to eat breakfast and that he had to take some errands at work.

His handwriting is so neat and lovely – that I put it instantly in my pocket.

‘Damn! What a fangirl!’ My thoughts commented teasingly.

But I am just in a good mood to care about it.

I bit my lower lip as I glanced at the fried rice, bacon, and egg – neatly prepared on the dining table.

We don’t have a nanny in the house.

Of course, we don’t want to blow our cover.

And so, for the past few days, since my shift at the café is earlier than his, I took the initiative to cook breakfast for us.

However, I couldn’t prepare breakfast today. But it seems like Renz took the initiative to prepare one… for me.

I bit my lower lip to stifle the smile that is trying to escape from my mouth.

I believe my lips are so red now – trying to calm my raging heart.

I can’t help but to devour the delicious breakfast prepared for me.

I even urged myself to send Renz a message of thanks – but I simply couldn’t do so.

In the end, I simply choose not to – I don’t want everything to be awkward.

Besides, I just think that he might have felt like he needed to do the cooking today.

It seems like he can be something she could finally lean on to.

Someone that I have been hoping to have in my life – someone I could depend on.

However, my smile vanishes the moment my phone beeps and reads Eina’s message for me.

It didn’t only crash the feelings slowly building inside me – but the fact that I am only in this marriage for convenience.

And now, I realized that it will always be the case.

Not just for me, but especially for Renz.

I smile bitterly.

For a moment, I created a bubble inside my head – a bubble of hope and love. 

However, it was all my wishful thinking.

The door burst wide open.

I hope I haven’t had the chance to read Eina’s message. I hope I don’t know the truth. But who am I kidding?

I swallow the lump in my throat. It is just too painful to do so – and it’s making my eyes blur with unshed tears.

Damn these feelings!

I know that whatever this situation I have with Renz right now – it is all for convenience.

But he shouldn’t have used me!

My mind was in haywire when I heard the front door unlock.

And when it turned wide open – Renz entered our house.

His face filled with exhaustion.

However, that only triggered the raging emotions inside me.

“So, should I congratulate you?” I blurted out – couldn’t hide the pain and bitterness in my voice anymore.

His forehead creased – as he looked at me.

“What the heck are you talking about?” Renz retorted back – his patience is running thin.

But I will not back down.

Or should I say – I was already being eaten by my emotions.

“So, finally, I know your reason, huh? For your inheritance? For the company?” I uttered intensely.

His jaw clenched – as if telling me that I hit the right nerve.

I chuckled without humor – as I tried to stand up, ignoring the pain on my hurt ankle.

“Why not marry the woman you love, huh? Why use me?”

It is probably the reason why.

I knew that the bitterness dripping isn’t just because he used me.

It is making me mad because he entered my world – and he is not yet finished loving that Clinton girl!

I knew it!

I could see it in his eyes.

How it turned livid – the very moment I mentioned that woman.

“Don’t even go there, Princess Aurelia…” His voice is hoarse – and almost uncontrolled.

It is as if the last draw of his patience – but I didn’t listen.

“Why? Because she left you?!” I mockingly uttered.

But it was enough for him to give me a deadly glare and hold my neck.

It came so fast that I couldn’t even anticipate it coming.

I try swallowing hard – but the air had been blocked.

I gasp.

I try pushing his hand away from my neck – but he is too mad to even do so.

For the first time, I got scared out of my wits.

“You think I could even spare the heck out of you this time? Do you know why she left me?”

Renz’ voice is low and filled with threat.

I felt scared.

Yes.

But there is more to his face that is easing it.

The pain.

The sadness.

Then, he let me go.

I cough.

I gasp for air.

I glare at him.

But I am caught off guard upon looking at his face.

It’s blank.

Void.

“You think I simply chose you?” He chuckled without humor.

I purse lips together – trying to swallow my own words.

“Isn’t this the one that you wanted? To marry me? That’s why your parents even went the extra mile just to make it come true?” He sardonically stated – causing me to be dumbfounded.