Reunited (The Secret Admirer Book 2)

Chapter 1: I Just Don't Know What to do With Myself

♥ Vanessa’s POV ♥

AFTER the events that happened in Manila, my parents have been convincing me to quit my job and move back to Cebu with them. I kept convincing them that I was fine and that I am safer now more than ever since Karl is already in prison. I also said that I can’t just leave right now since I am handling multiple accounts at work and it would be irresponsible for me to just leave.

These are all true, but the real reason why I didn’t want to leave is because I wanted to stay exactly where I am just in case Julian comes back. He didn’t say when that would be but I am living for the hope that one day, he’ll be knocking on my door and we can finally be together again.

After a month, my dad had to go back to Cebu because he needed to take care of the business. My mom stayed with me longer and it looked like she never wanted to leave. I went back to work, and everyone in he office seemed happy and very welcoming. I wasn’t sure how much they knew about what happened to me, but I bet there have been gossips and speculations.

On my first day back, I went to my office straight away and checked my emails. Even when I was recuperating at home, I made it a point to check my emails and respond to those that I can. I was essentially working from home because I didn’t want to be bombarded with too many tasks when I get back to the office. Besides, this helped take my mind off Julian. I really miss him so much. If I knew that the last time I saw him at the hospital would be that last time that I’d see and even kiss him, I wouldn’t have let him leave my side at that time.

The worst part is, I don't even have a clue of where he is. I have been unable to reach him or his family. They must have changed numbers and blocked me on their social media accounts. I tried searching to find an alternate account particularly for Kelly whom I know is always on her socials, but to no avail.

I also contacted his basketball teammate Jerome, but he has no idea either where Julian and his family went to. He heard rumors that he might have accepted one of his scholarship offers and went abroad. This made me sad as I realized that if he was abroad, it might take him a longer time to come back to me.

However, I tried to be happy for him. If this was the case, at least Julian will be able to fulfill his dreams of becoming an artist. I can imagine him exhibiting his artworks in galleries in the US or Europe. With the little information that I have, I tried to imagine what Julian’s life is like right now, and I am even imagining him looking at my pictures and pining for me. Call me conceited, but I do the same thing to him. My phone gallery is full of pictures of us together. I’ve also taken individual snaps of him. One of my favorite pictures is of him half-naked while flexing his muscles. I might be perverted, but looking at this picture of him turns me on so much.

I also have a picture of us lying in bed post-coital. It was just our faces but anyone can see how happy we were. I was smiling as I looked at the camera, and Julian was looking at me lovingly while smiling as well. Sometimes, my mom might think I’m crazy because I will just suddenly smile or chuckle when I remember a happy memory with Julian. This is how I stop myself from being too sad. I kept telling myself that Julian loves me and that he’ll be back for me soon.

Sometimes, I even imagine what our wedding is going to be like. One time, I even went into a bridal store and looked around. I remembered Julian and I talking about my dream wedding. I mentioned I wanted it by the beach and he seemed amenable to it. I imagined wearing a flowy gown that would move with the wind as I walked towards my groom.

I was taken out of my reverie when the store attendant walked towards me and asked how she can help me. She must have spotted the ring on my finger and assumed that I was getting married. I haven’t taken off the ring since I put it on.

Store Attendant: "Hi miss, how can I help you?"

Vanessa: “Uhm, I’m just looking around.”

Store Attendant: “So when is the wedding?”

Vanessa: “Oh, we haven’t set a date yet.”

Store Attendant: “Have you decided on a theme or where it will be?”

Vanessa: “Uhm, we talked about a beach wedding. Most likely in my hometown in Cebu.”

Store Attendant: “Oh, that’s great. We have a branch in Cebu so you can find a design you want here and you can pick it up there just in case.”

Vanessa: “That sounds good. What dress would you recommend for a beach wedding?”

Store Attendant: “Well, if it’s going to be at the beach, we can’t have anything too heavy in case you’ll be walking on sand.”

Vanessa: “That’s exactly what I’m thinking. I also want something that’s flowy and the train can maybe move with the wind as I walk down the aisle.”

Store Attendant: “We have a few designs that match exactly what you are looking for.”

She introduced herself to me as Danica, and she then toured me around the store. She even asked me to try some of the dresses on. I declined and said I’ll just come back with my mom so I can get a second opinion. She gave me a brochure and even offered me something to drink.

I left with her business card and a few brochures. She asked me to give her a call once we have set a date. She recommended that I should allocate at least a six to nine months before the wedding before ordering the wedding gown. I made a mental note and thanked her for her time.

I was excited as I left the store and even thought about the other things I would need to plan for the wedding. I slightly chuckled as I thought that I would probably need a groom. Well, I have a groom, he’s just not here right now. I started missing him again and thought about what he’s doing right now.

For the next few days, I fueled myself with excitement over planning the wedding. There are times when I think I might be delusional but when I look at the ring on my finger, I feel energized and optimistic once more.

I know that the diamond setting on the ring is authentic, and I wonder how Julian was able to afford the ring. He was just a student and his sole money source is the allowance his parents give him. This is why when we go out on a date, I prefer going to affordable places just in case he insists on paying. I’ve made him understand that I don’t mind paying every now and then.

My mom eventually had to go back to Cebu since she had been away for too long from her business. I assured her that I am fine. She did notice that I have been doing better and smiling more lately. Physically, I am also in tip top shape. As I drove her to the airport, she kept telling me to come home anytime I feel like it and that I’m always welcome.

As I hugged her goodbye, I had to suppress a tear from falling. I’ve gotten used to coming home to my mom and I wonder what it would be like now that I will be alone at home once more.

When I got home, the house looked different although nothing’s really changed. I decided not to wallow and go out.

I wanted to start working out again since the doctor assured me that I am fully healed now. He said that I shouldn’t have to worry about being physically active as long as it’s not too strenuous. I decided to do some cardio exercises but I wasn’t inclined to jog around the subdivision like I used to do. This will definitely bring back too many memories of Julian.

I remembered joining a gym near the subdivision a few months back but I never really got to go. I figured this would be the perfect chance to finally get my money’s worth. I packed some work out clothes before heading to the gym.

When I got there, the receptionist found out that I haven’t used my membership yet, and offered to extend my membership for another month for free as a courtesy. I thanked her and headed to the locker rooms to change into yoga pants and an exercise shirt. I put on the new trainers I bought for the gym before that I haven’t even used before.

I did some stretching and headed to the treadmills. As I was walking, I noticed a tall man with his back to me working on one of the machines. His back looked very familiar, and I couldn’t help but smile as I realized I might be looking at the man I have been missing for a few months now. Julian.