Andre sighed softly and smiled as he accepted the letter of his enlistment. On his way, he knew he was first, going to refuse the job offer from England. Then train harder while waiting for the general training with other athletes.
Something he took leisurely, just using it to distract himself from going depressed had turned out to be the opportunity he wasn't expecting nor looking forward to. On the platter of gold, it came.
From there, he decided then and there, he was going to buy a new car. He has the money and he might not be leaving X-city any moment soon. On his way home, his phone buzzed and he glanced at the caller ID, he sighed when he saw it.
Camella Wood again!
That woman is tirelessly working hard to pester him. She should have concentrated on investigating the past and secret life of her fiancée rather than trailing him. Because of her, he no longer feels interested in going to play basketball on the court anymore.
Just what does she want from him?
He grudgingly answered his phone. He might end up blacklisting her contact when he is done talking to her. He hates it when he's been pestered this way by a woman. Of all species of God's creation, it has to be a woman, the league of people who only knows how to ruin men's happiness.
“Hello Andre…” Camella began. By the time the conversation was over, Andre sighed. He just accepted her invitation!
“Fuck!”
An hour later, Andre walked into a restaurant, his tall figure astoundingly imposing. His face, calm and composed. He glanced around at the table number Camella left in the address and saw her seated and waving at him.
She's a rich kid, why wouldn't she have a special reservation in a seven star hotel like this. He started walking towards her. He hopes whatever is the special reason she invited him, it's finalised that day and she doesn't have to bother him again.
Camella smiled. Nanny's suggestion was working out as expected. She wants to believe that after her lunch with Andre that day, things would change for the better. No more resentment from him and she would be the happiest person in N.Y.
As he walked elegantly, Camella could not help but admire him. He doesn't seem to be a rich guy, but his presence carries an unexplained aura. He was a figure to be reckoned with and she could see how people turned their heads to glance at him and that made her a little uncomfortable.
She stood up as he arrived at her table and said “Good to see you again, Andre” with a broad smile. He simply nodded “thanks” with a blank face.
As he took his seat before her, Camella smiled, she can't just stop staring at him. His presence breathed happiness in her and when the waiter approached them, Camella made an order. She glanced at Andre, he was going through the menu meticulously.
His long slender fingers holding the menu and when he eventually looked up, his grey eyes were beautiful. He made a single order and looked away.
“I feel honoured to have you here, Andre. Thanks for accepting my invitation within the shortest notification. Thanks” Camella said. She wished Jack could just be like Andre, she wouldn't desire anything else.
But being engaged to a man and feeling attracted to another is cheating. No one told her it is, but she just assumed that to be. Andre is the dream guy of many women. She knows how women describe men they like, and Andre would definitely be a hot chase.
“You're welcome,” Andre replied. So she really can appreciate someone and use the word thanks? That's so unexpected.
When the meal arrived, Camella was surprised that Andre only ordered noodles and fish. Nothing else. Her lunch was three times what Andre ordered and was eating and she felt uncomfortable.
He was eating with utmost carefulness. He doesn't seem to be aware of anyone around him. She glanced at him and their eyes locked. He didn't look away but let their eyes remain glued to each other until Camella glanced away.
She swallowed hard. What is wrong with him? Is there something he wants to say but doesn't know how to go about it? He can talk to her, she's ready to be his friend.
Andre sighed softly. He was contemplating on whether to tell her about her fiance’s private life. His goals and desires and the reason for wanting to marry her. His motives are not pure and his affection isn't genuine.
But what if she doesn't believe him? He doesn't know how intimate and in love she is with that scumbag surnamed Johnson. He also wouldn't want to be the one to come between them. He just doesn't know what to do about the whole discovery.
But one thing is certain, Camella needs to be protected. Even if she loves him, when they get married and he tortures her both physically and psychologically, will she still want to be with him?
He might not disclose anything to her, but how can he protect her in his own way? She's indeed a feisty woman and arrogant. But does she have to suffer that much because of that?
He pushed the dish away and drank a glass of water. Camella urged him to take a glass of juice but he refused. Until she threatened him that she would stop eating if he doesn't take it, he took a bite and said he's fine.
“Thanks for honouring my invitation,Andre. I'm so excited…” Camella paused. She smiled and glanced at him.
“You've said that before Miss Camella. Can you just flip to the next page on why you invited me?” Andre requested. He doesn't know why he feels like she doesn't know how to begin.
Camella smiled and said “okay, fine. I have invited you to talk to you, you and I alone. There are a few things I need to put in order. First, I want to thank you for that day in the snow…” she appreciated.
She saw Andre squinted and next asked “You were in that car, that day?” The day he almost died. His mom thought he was going to commit suicide and she scolded him for many days for choosing to die in such an unpleasant way.
“I was, Andre. You forgot your jacket behind and I have held it with me everywhere since then. And that leads me to the second reason why I invited you” she paused and watched his calm demeanor.