Chapter 6
1031 Words
ALI
As we stepped into the establishment, a wave of attentive waiters surrounded us instantly. It was as if the man accompanying me held a VIP status, attracting the staff's eager attention and prompting them to serve us with utmost enthusiasm. The air was filled with a sense of exclusivity, and the surroundings resonated with the notion that this man was accustomed to a level of special treatment that set him apart from the usual patrons.
Magnus gently pulled out the chair for me to sit. After that, he swiftly turned to the chair in front of me. Before we could even settle into our seats, I heard a familiar voice from my side.
"What do you think you're doing?" The tone carried a hint of irritation.
I took a deep breath before facing him. I prepared my sweetest smile to show him that his dismissive behavior didn't affect me. Although internally, I couldn't help but pity myself. I felt like a beggar seeking his attention, like a dog chasing after him, content with the meager scraps he would throw my way. The vast gap between us became even more apparent. Memories of what happened ten years ago flooded my mind—the painful words he uttered.
"I am waiting for you, Mr. Dela Vega, and Mr. Montejo here was kind enough to offer me a table while waiting for you," I said with a still-smiling face. His expression darkened even more upon hearing my words.
"Hey, buddy!" Magnus greeted him with a friendly tone.
"Shut up! I'm not talking to you," he replied, dismissing Magnus without a glance.
"That was rude," Magnus chuckled, seemingly unfazed by his friend's grumpy demeanor.
"I don't care! You know I could punch you right now, but I'm not in the mood," he threatened, his intense gaze still fixed on me.
I made a conscious effort to maintain eye contact, refusing to reveal any vulnerability.
"Are you done with your dinner, Mr. Dela Vega? Can we proceed to our meeting?" I inquired, forcing a fake smile to add a touch of annoyance.
"No, and yes. Let's go!" he declared, abruptly pulling my arm, catching me off guard and prompting me to stand.
"Wait! Where are we going?" I questioned in confusion, attempting to free myself from his grip.
"I thought you wanted to proceed with your presentation?"
"Yes, but can't we eat first? I've been hungry since earlier. Magnus offered to treat me, and it would be a waste not to accept," I innocently suggested, unknowingly awakening the beast within him.
"Deliver all my orders to my penthouse!" he commanded Magnus.
"We don't have delivery, Bro," Magnus replied, clearly amused by his friend's assertive demeanor.
"I will triple the price. Just have it delivered to my penthouse," he said sharply, determined to get what he wanted.
"Sure, boss! Pleasure doing business with you. If every day is like this, my restaurant will surely thrive," Magnus happily responded, showcasing his easygoing nature.
"Wait a minute! You own this place?" I asked in surprise, directing my gaze towards Magnus.
"Didn't I mention it?" he grinned at me, as if it was a casual detail.
"Unfortunately!" I sarcastically retorted. It struck me that, among all the information he could have shared, he conveniently forgot to mention that he owns one of the most famous restaurants in the Manhattan.
I felt Sancho's grip on my arm tighten, a silent reaction to my apparent admiration for Magnus.
"You're amazed that he owns this place? Did you know that I own half of all the establishments here in the Manhattan?" he practically shouted at me, his frustration evident.
"So?! Why are you yelling? Do you need to broadcast it?" I mocked him, fully aware that my words were only adding fuel to the fire of his irritation.
"Let's go!" he said again, his grip on my arm tightening as he forcefully dragged me out of the restaurant. In that moment, I glimpsed the woman who had been with Sancho earlier, her expression displaying surprise.
"Wait a second! You're dragging me so hard!" I shouted, but it seemed like he didn't hear or care as he continued pulling my arm.
"Hey! Where are you taking me?" I asked again, attempting to break free from his relentless hold.
"To my penthouse," he replied shortly, leaving little room for further inquiry.
"W-What? What are we going to do at your penthouse? Why don't we just go back to your office, so I can show you my presentation there?" I stammered, my confusion and apprehension evident.
He remained silent, maintaining his serious and handsome face. I couldn't understand, but there was an unusual tension in the air, causing a strange nervousness to settle in my chest.
After a while, his car arrived at the valet parking, and without a word, he opened the passenger seat, forcefully pulled me, and made me sit. I pulled my arm away forcefully to remove his grip. As soon as I did, I faced him and met his dark gaze, but I was the first to break eye contact and entered the car with a flourish. He then fastened my seatbelt before closing the car and turning towards the driver's seat. He didn't say anything as he started the car.
Minutes passed, and neither of us spoke. I didn't even bother trying to talk to him since he still seemed in a bad mood, evident from the continuous scowl on his face.
Only now did he feel fatigue, enjoying the comfortable seat of Sancho's car. It was as if the seat was tailor-made for her. You wish! I countered myself. Yes, why did I even think that the seat was made for me? I don't belong here and never will, not even in my dreams.
After a few minutes, neither of us uttered a word. I didn't even try to talk to him since he still seemed to be in a bad mood, as evidenced by his continuous scowl.
At this moment, I no longer cared where Sancho was taking us. Right now, all I wanted was to take advantage of this moment and savor every second of it.
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- Writer
