8: Forget

Chapter 8

Forget

***

POV: Lia Salvador

I lost track of time – just by talking to Eina.

We have a lot of things to talk about.

And I can’t believe that I felt so exhausted to the verge of feeling so down right now.

It seems like my mind is spinning spirally. I don’t know what to think of anymore.

I let out a deep sigh.

*** Flashback…

“You got married?!”

I am just grateful that we are far away from the other customers.

Eina didn’t change one bit.

She is still so loquacious.

I eyed her – as if telling her to keep her voice low. And it seems like she immediately understands and pouts her lips.

If we are in a different situation, I would have let out a bark of laughter because of the way she looks right now – but then, that isn’t the case.

We are in serious trouble.

So, I began telling her about my contract marriage with Renz.

Eina is my distant cousin. And she is my most trusted best friend – a sister that I couldn’t have. I trust her fully enough to tell her everything.

On the contrary, she shares the same way.

There is nothing about her that I don’t know about.

“What the heck is that…” Eina uttered lowly – as I finished telling her everything.

Then, she looks at me from head to toe.

“Did you… Did you do it already?!”

My eyes widen when I realize what she is referring to.

“Mary Eina Lee!” I called her name in a low but full emphasis tone of voice.

My cheeks turn bright red – seems to be brighter than ripe tomatoes now. I guess – especially that I felt so hot because of embarrassment.

However, Eina chuckled heartily as if everything seemed to be cool and normal – and there is nothing offensive about her words.

“Oh, dear… You know I have my full name… Drop the ‘Mary’ thing, alright? Anyway… So, that is the reason why Mr. McGregor is missing in action, huh? I thought he followed the love of his life abroad…”

This time, my forehead creased – as if I was looking at her.

It was as if all of my senses automatically became alert for what she was about to say.

“It was all in the news. You know Velice Clinton, right? From the Clinton clan. Your parents’ self-declared rival… She broke up with him, and I heard that she left him to pursue her career. However, there are some rumors that she betrayed Mr. McGregor…” Eina continued like a news anchor – ready to tell her all the juicy details.

I swallow the lump in my throat.

Even until now, I don’t realize all of this.

Then, I suddenly remembered before the night I ran away – Renz proposed to Velice.

I even remembered that my parents were so mad because of it.

I am not surprised though.

Like what Eina said – the Clintons are my parents’ self-declared rival. And I don’t even know why or when it all started.

I let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, do you know why he had married you in the first place? Of all people, he chose you… He might have feelings for you, huh?” Eina uttered teasingly – as she looked at me with her eyes into thin slits.

I scoffed at her.

I doubt that.

Perhaps, he had other motives. But falling for me? I highly doubt it.

However, there’s a huge part of me that felt like it was pricking with so many needles. And I hate it.

“Stop it… It is impossible. He just wants to play…” My words escaped with bitterness – which caught Eina’s attention.

She looked at me worriedly and held my hands on the table.

“Hey… Is he bullying you?”

This time, her voice seems sinister.

That made me smile.

She could really be so protective of me.

And I like that.

I felt so warm – like someone truly cares for me.

I shake my head.

“No… But I can always count on you, right?” I told her seriously.

Eina let out a deep sigh and looked at me – straight to the eye.

“Of course. Even though that Velice will come home soon.”

*** End of Flashback…

Velice…

She is coming home soon.

I grit my teeth and harshly calm my nerves.

“Damn it, Lia… You are not affected by the news about your parents… But when it comes to Renz…” I uttered in a whisper.

“What about me?”

I shrieked when I heard someone say that.

Damn it!

My left foot hurt – as I accidentally stepped on a small rock from behind.

And I knew I would be losing all my balance. I close my eyes as I embrace myself for the painful impact – because I knew that my *ss would be kissing the dirty road behind me now.

However, a warm and huge hand held my arm and pulled me forward – trying to save me from my own clumsiness.

I slowly open my eyes – only to meet those piercing, cold, deep blue eyes.

My heart automatically beat so wildly that it made me feel like it was already blocking my airways – I couldn’t breathe properly anymore.

His intense gaze is like penetrating through my soul.

Warmth flooded my system – as that electrifying sensation filled all of my sane thoughts.

Not to mention the close distance from our bodies – like no air could penetrate between us.

I could feel his muscles contracting – making me want to stay there forever.

“How long are you going to cling to me?”

However, Renz’ voice seems to be a button that pulls me back to reality.

It is low, sharp, and cold.

But in my ears – it sounded so damn sexy!

‘Get a grip of yourself, girl! Stop drooling at him!’ A part of me reprimanded my reactions – causing me to immediately push him away.

However, it is a wrong move for when I feel like my leg has been electrocuted.

My face contorted with pain – and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimpse of worry flash on his deep blue eyes.

He pulls me once again towards him – steadying me…making sure that I won’t fall from the ground.

And I couldn’t stop myself from being grateful for that.

I don’t need to say a word – but it seems like he knew it already.

“You sprained your ankle.” He uttered – like he was so sure of it.

Then, an unimaginable thing happened.

I gasped for air – and stopped myself from shouting in shock when he suddenly carried me into his strong arms.

“W-What are you d-doing?” I asked the obvious.

But he simply looked at me like I’m an idiot or something.

However, the corner of his lips rose – making me forget everything around me, even my sprained ankle.

Damn it!

He looked so gorgeous.

And it wasn’t even a real smile!

For a moment, I wanted to seize the moment – feel the warmth of his arms… the peace and safety of his strong hands.

Damn it!

Can we just forget everything and make this real?!