The CEO's Royal Princess

Chapter 2

PHILIPPINES 

IT WAS HUMID, and I feel like I am inside a steamy kitchen. I felt so sticky by the time I reached the gate. I am so glad I chose to wear a black top, or it would have been grey by now with all the dust sticking on me. I would have worn shorts, but Charissa said not to because I am not used to Manila. It's better to be safe than sorry, she added. So here I am, wearing jeans, silently sulking, and drenching from sweat.

I took a direct flight from Spain to Manila. That alone already took me less than nineteen hours to arrive at my destination. The flight included a quick stop-over. And now, I just stepped out of the airport to get some fresh air. 

It's true what they've said. The population is high and the air is polluted here — thanks to the vehicles that emit black smoke almost everywhere. In all fairness, since the new president was elected, the airport and even its surroundings had been cleaned. 

There are still some people here who don't know how to follow the signs. Wait! Just like that guy in the street! The sign next to him screams 'No Crossing' and... Oh, my God! Look at him! He still ran! Talking about discipline. Jeez!

Charissa showed me a picture of the airport ten years ago and told me that the washrooms smell. She said so many other things that are not pleasant in all senses about this place too. From what I can see, It could say that it has improved since then. 

When my flight to Dumaguete was called, I walked back to the airport's gate. It took an hour more before I found myself resting inside another plane. Charissa's parents know about my arrival. She also said not to pick me up so I can just take a taxi. It will give me time to prepare for our first meeting.

Flying in first class is something I like, and it would have been more comfortable if it's not for the man who keeps staring at me. I didn't pay him any attention at first. However, he kept on looking, and it began to irritate me. 

A few more minutes, and I've had enough. My nose was already flaring when I turned to him and asked, "What is your problem?" 

He smiled. He looked a bit younger than me. "Nothing. I just think you're stunning. Know what? You looked— familiar. Have we met?"

Okay, I didn't expect that. I was acting a bit rude, and he just complimented me. My attitude was uncalled for since the man was just trying to be friendly. This is not how I usually present myself to others. It must be the tiring flight that made me cranky. Not to mention that I am super tired, both mentally and physically.

"No, I don't think we've met. It's my first—" Oh crap. I almost slipped. I was about to say it's my first time here in the Philippines. How did I even forget that Charissa was born and raised here? "What I mean is I haven't been home for ten years, so I don't think we may have met before." Whew! That was close.

"Really? Whereabouts?" he asked.

Was he asking me where am I from? "S-Spain?"

"Ah. That's one of the countries I would love to visit. By the way, my name is James." He extended his right hand to me.

I didn't want to be rude, so I took his hand and shook it. "Mine's Charl— I mean, Charis." I think Charissa and I practiced too much, and between the two of us, I am the one who is not ready. I'm slipping. I was about to say my name was Charlotte. Damn.

"Charis? Is that a short form of something?"

"Charissa."

"That's a nice name. I like it. My mother likes biblical names, hence, James," he let out a small laugh. "Where in Dumaguete are you from?"

Even though I have a pounding headache due to lack of sleep, I tried to keep him company and talked to him some more. I think he is kind and just looking for someone to talk to. I haven't dated anyone at twenty-eight years old. Now that I think about it, maybe that's the reason why my father arranged my marriage. Did he think I was going to be an old maid? Oh, for Pete's sake. I am the youngest child in the family. My older brother, Carlos, is married. He resides in Seville Palace with his two children and his wife, Emilia.

"Just the main town. It's near the old church."

His eyes widened, and he looked like he couldn't believe what I've just said. "Really? 

"Yes, why?" I suddenly felt nervous. Did I mess it up again? Charissa said their house is near the old church.

"Because our house is near the old church too. Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. What a small world!" he said.

I didn't even bother to remember the church's name, but it did sound something like Saint Catherine. 

"So we're... neighbors?"

"I don't know. I guess we will find out later. Is your family picking you up from the airport?"

I shook my head. "No. It's not far from the airport, so I just told them that I would take a taxi. I only have one luggage with me anyway."

"I can give you a ride since we're practically neighbors. My car is more comfortable than the taxi for sure," he offered.

James is good-looking and friendly. He got this good-boy charm oozing from his pores: pointed nose, fair-skinned, smiling by default, and very homey. He looks genuine, but then I can never be too sure. I just met him, and sometimes, a wolf hides in a sheep's clothing. Besides, Charissa said abduction is close to being common here nowadays. The black market is big now on organs, particularly on kidneys. A lot of people all over the world need it, and bad people are taking advantage of that. It's a sad reality, and it's giving me the chills.

I smiled at him. "Sorry, James. Your offer is tempting, but we've just met. I'm just trying to be careful. I hope you don't mind."

"It's okay. You just proved to me that not all women are into my charms. Actually, you are the first to resist it. Anyway, I will just follow your taxi, so I know you will be home safe. How's that?"

"You don't need to do that. I am old enough," I said to him.

"I know. You're like my age. Twenty-five, right?"

"No. I am twenty-eight. I'm three years older than you are."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Age doesn't matter."

I smirked. I think James has a crush on me. I'm not the type who likes assuming things, but that's what he's showing me right now.

"Just let me make sure you are home safe. You haven't been home for so long, remember? I don't mean to scare you, but you can't be too sure with public transportation too."

"It's up to you. I just didn't want to bother you."

He waved his hand. "It's not a bother. I will be staying here for a week on vacation, and then I will be going back to Manila. The branch I manage is there while my brother looks after the main one here."

He's the youngest too. Maybe that's why we get along. I didn't bother asking what kind of business they are in. It's not like we are going to see each other again. Who knows, we might not be actual neighbors. He asked me many things about Spain. I was happy to tell him stories, including a little bit of historical information. James didn't ask about the royal family, which made me think either he is not familiar or just plain uninterested. It's not like I am always in the limelight anyway. If there's any picture of myself, it is always from a fair distance.

Being in the limelight is something I was never fond of. If I didn't need to go out and socialize with the elites, I wouldn't. I just want a quiet and normal life. Truth be told, I feel envious of my classmates back in university. They are pretty wealthy too, but since they don't belong to the royal family, their life is a little laid back. They have a family of their own now, at least most of them. 

Now that makes me wonder. When am I going to have a family of my own anyway?