A Mystical Destiny

Chapter 6 - She Crumbled on His Remarks

It's been 2 days since they returned to Manila after the short vacation in Batangas. Klasy made herself busy with the photoshoots and attending gatherings on behalf of her parents.

One slow afternoon, she bumped into Theo in a coffee shop. She was in a meeting online with her manager. Their eyes met as soon as he entered in the shop. It was a quick glance before he sdisplayed a grin. From his long sleeve and slightly messed neck tie, she can tell that he's on the way to work. She also noticed his new cut. He looked like a total heartbreaker with his hair fringed up like that.

After he ordered, he went straight to where Klasy was sitting. She's still in a meeting, but she managed to give him a loathing look. He watched her from his seat, and admired the effortless beauty. She's wearing a casual dress and her hair is tied up. He is fascinated amd whipped.

Klasy ended the meeting quickly as she felt intimidated by Theo's stare.

"Really nice to see you here like this. You look so busy." He gave a quick glance to the papers on the table. She was studying a little about their business before the meeting. It was a request from her mom, but she couldn't find the interest. 

"Nice to see you too. Just some business I need to finish." She didn't want to interact much with him, but she also didn't want to be rude. 

His coffee was served not long after. 

"The coffee here is nice. I might come back often." A playful smile showed in his face. She knows what he means, but she is not falling for that.

"They serve appetizing foods too. You should come often." She answered sarcastically bit with a sweet smile. She just plans not to go in that coffee shop again. 

"Really? Glad I changed my fireshooting club. The view here is also one of a kind." He said as he gazed at her with full of amazement. 

Her brow raised. By now, she's really aware that this guy is a master of flirting. She never fell fpr such tricks before, she found them creepy, but the guy in front of her now screams power and dominance.

"I guess I won't be going here for some time. You know I really hate to be bothered on my alone time." She answered with conviction. 

His lips pursed as if challenged. She's enjoying talking back and getting reactions from him. Though she felt the danger, she's also having fun necause they are on the same league. 

"You tend to run away. What's funny is I haven't even done anything yet." He let out a singular laugh that sounded really sexy to her. 

"No one wants to be associated with you. Do you even know what impression you exude?" Little did she know, her voice became really aggressive now. 

His smile widened as he leaned on the table. He's watching her very carefully. 

"I don't know. Tell me." He commanded. 

"You are just full of arrogance. I can sense how controlling you are. You are someone who can make people around you uncomfortable and you won't be bothered by it. You are full of confidence and won't take other people's opinion valid. You are someome who force what he wants and dumps what's useless to you. I can feel that your ego and pride are everything to you." And she wasn't wrong. Every single thing he said about him is true.

He reached out for his coffee and sip a little from it without breaking the eye contact with her.

"You're a good judgment of character." He let out a sigh as he pulled his neck tie as of thinking whatbelse to say.

"That's how a man should be, right?"

"But I specifically don't like you." That was a honest attack. She wanted to conceal it. but he's provoking.

She also reached out for her coffee but found herself weak when he uttered something.

"I guess you never had someone who can take you seriously that's why until now you are still single." That was so sudden. She gave him a fiery look.

"Excuse me?" Her voice cracked which made him smile more.

"I'm also a good judgment of character. You are distant despite being surrounded by people in your work. Paolo? He's not that interested on you. I can tell from..."

"You know that your personal view on my life is not valid to me, right? I only got to know you recently, we had a vacation with friends for barely 2 days and that's all. I won't take your critics..."

"You don't know how to handle romantic relationships. You don't even know how to kiss." He laughed sardonically as of he found some secrets she's been keeping all her life.

"I can get into a relationship if I want to. You have no idea how many boys are lining up for me." She tried to save her image even she didn't have to. She felt so ashamed with what he said.

She's been in the coffee shop for almost an hour, but it's the first time that she felt cold when Theo leaned forward to her and looked her straight in the eyes. She tried to calm herself but it's too late to withdraw from thr eye contact.

"From the look of it, none of those boys lining up for you can handle you, Klasy. And Paolo? My brother is not interested at all. You know who he really wants. I take interest on you and your principles. I have never seen someone so strict on their boundaries. You are very reserved to yourself, and I want to intercede on that. I'll give you everything. I'll show you what's out of your comfort zone, Klasy." He grabbed the tissue on the table and wiped his lips. Still with an amuse smile, he stood and pit his hands inside the pocket of his slacks.

"You'll be disappointed. I never let anyone in..."

"There's always a first time. I'll see you again, I have to catch an important appointment now. " The way he said that seriously is bothering her.

When he walked out of the shop, she slowly took a breath. From now on, she shouldn't get engaged even in a conversation with him. He's dangerous. She didn't want to fall into his games.

She tried to erase from her mind the things that Theo said but it kept bothering her all day.

She called Paolo in the evening to ask if he's free to have dinner. The man immediately confirmed that he's available. He even reserved a seat in Klasy's favorite restaurant where they met.

"All of a sudden? I'm surprised you asked me to a dinner. Is everything fine at work?" He seemed so worried. She didn't want to bring up Theo in the conversation.

"It's fine. I just missed you and having conversation with you. How's your day?" She grabbed the bottle of wine to open it, but Paolo insisted that he should do it.

"It's the same old. By the way, dad's birthday will be celebrated on Saturday. I sent an invite to you, did you receive?"

His father is known to throw party every year. Since Paolo and Klasy became friends, she never missed a birthday party of this old man. He is very fond of her. Everytime they meet, he keeps asking when Paolo and Klasy are getting married as a joke.

"Of course. I'll be there. What gift should I bring this time?" She struggles to decide on what gift to give every year.

He poured wine on her glass. Even at that moment, all she can think about it Theo and his harsh words. She bite her lower lip and try to toss away the thought of him.

"He will appreciate anything from you. Just your presence is enough." He answered as he also poured wine to his glass.

They talked about how their day went, the next fashion show, all random things, and Klasy realized something. They have been stuck on this phase for a long time, she keeps wondering if she really doesn't like Paolo. Tonight, she gets an answer. They remain friends because none of them wants to cross the line. Paolo would sometimes call him babe as a habit and sometimes flirt with her but that's all. It lacks sincerity.

She stares into Paolo's eyes, and found that what Theo said is true. He's not into her. All these years, while everyone was waiting for them to develop into something more, they were just treasuring each other as dear friends.

"Why are you not in a relationship, Pao?" She dared to ask.

She feels like she might cry once she gets home. It's not because Paolo doesn't like her more than a friend. It's because she's afraid that everything Theo told about her is true.

Meanwhile, Paolo was flustered with that question.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm wondering why I'm not in a relationship too. Are you waiting for someone? Or are you not ready for commitment? Are you afraid to break your heart? Or you simply haven't found someone worth it?" Her eyes were twinkling when he asked those questions. Paolo was still trying to figure out why she is suddenly acting strange.

There was silence between them for a short period. Both of them were looking into each other's eyes trying to figure out what's happening.

"Klasy..."

"I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that if you're not comfortable. I'm just confused." She bite her lower lip again. She hates how Theo's words are taking hold of her.

"Make it clear. Is it about the two of us? Is someone pressuring you to get into a relationship?" He asked a gentle question. He figured she's overwhelemed right now, and he did not want to add to that.

"No it's not about us, Pao. I just thought... if we're going to cross the line, we would have done that ages ago. You were in a relationship before, but I have never been into one. I'm just thinking if I have a problem." She can't believe she is questioning herself now.

" What? It's your discretion to stay single. What's wrong with that? I don't know exactly why you are suddenly asking about that but please know that you are very much respected and love by everyone around you. Being in a relationship is not everything."

"I don't think someone ever likes me to the point of wanting me in his life forever. It's not because I don't want to be in a relationahip, it's because no one has ever given me sincere feelings." His jaw dropped. They have been friends for a long time, and this is the first time she talks like that.

She is always on top, she is admired by people around her. She is protected by her family, she's treated like a princess. Men flocked over her even before. Paolo is surprised that after everything she achieved on her own, she's still questioning her worth. What made her think that way?

He grabbed her hand gently.

"You know you are more than worth it. When you find someone you want, that's the right time to get into a relationship. Don't put any pressure on you. You are successful without a man in your life. It doesn't define your worth to be loved. All these people around you would do anything to keep you in their lives. That's how special you are."

That night, she can't help but keep drinking until she forgets what Theo said. The way she crumbled because of him is unacceptable. Paolo's driver took her home. But the insecurity is uncontainable when you are alone.