Fragments Of Love

Chapter 4

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner and not to advertise any of them at all. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Do not distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this story in any way. Please obtain permission from the authors themselves.

------------------------------------------------

Chester smiled automatically when he greeted his mother when he entered their mansion. He was with Sheena that night on the way home from Celene's restaurant.

"Mama It's been eight years since I last saw you. You still look young.”

He then hugged his mother.

He hit him lightly on the shoulder. "You are a joker now. My son is very handsome.” She said proudly when she broke away from hugging her.

"By the way 'Ma. Shes Sheena, my girlfriend. She will stay here at our house while we are here in the Philippines.”

"Hi aunty. Nice meeting you." Sheena congratulated her mother.

"Nice meeting you too." Don't worry, you can use the guest room."

His mother answered with a smile.

"Have you eaten? You didn't even say you were coming, we wouldn't have even picked you up."

"Yeah we've already eaten 'Ma, one more thing I didn't say because I wanted to surprise you."

"You really are young! It's better to rest first."

"Yaya come, take Sheena to her room." his mother ordered their assistant.

"I'll go up Ches first, Aunt." Sheena said goodbye.

"Okay then. Take a rest."

"Goodnight Sheena." he said.

He followed her with his gaze as he went up to the second floor with their assistant.

"Are you serious about her?"

Suddenly, he looked at his mother. "Not really. I'm just enjoying her company 'Ma. You know how much I love Celene.” he said directly.

"Yes, I know. And I know Celene was also your inspiration for all the changes in yourself, Chester. I'm really proud of you. You made me happy."

"Thank you, Mom. Where's dad?"

"Go to sleep. Too tired from work. You know what a workaholic that guy is. You can surprise him tomorrow morning.

That's sure to be a surprise because our Chester is a young man and it looks like a lot of girls have cried." His mother joked, then led him up the stairs. "Let's go, I'll take you to your room so you can rest. Fortunately, I still clean it every day even though no one uses it."

"That's okay, Mom. I'm not a child anymore. I'm a big boy now and I'm responsible enough." He smiled at his mother.

------------------------------

"LEAVE again?"

Celene is getting angry because of her fiancé. Anyway, he promised to go with her to a food tasting.

those who offer caterers for their wedding. But when she called, Sheena was said to be in Davao because she was going to take care of someone there.

"Why you? Doesn't she have a boyfriend?"

"Hon, that food tasting can be done another day. Sheena's future role in Davao is important and she needs someone to be with her. Her boyfriend can't come with her because Ches is being toured by his father at their company."

I really felt different about Sheena. Does she like his fiancée? I was about to fill up. It is no longer right

to keep coming with Gino. Also, Sheena is the reason why Gino seems to be neglecting her. He doesn't pick her up on time anymore, he's always busy and, most of all, he cares more about Sheena instead of her. This son of an ass can not even feel what I am feeling. He doesn't care anymore.

"Isn't the food tasting important that we should go to? My God Sir! It's for our wedding!" I was really annoyed. Really annoyed.

"Hon, don't be like that. Of course it's important. But what I mean is, it can be postponed. Sheena will fix it in Davao. It can't wait. I'm sorry, I promise I'll get back."

There was nothing I could do. Looks like Gino won't hold back any longer. Maybe Sheena is that important here. Now, she doesn't know if in the next few days she will be able to take care of her and Gino's wedding. I could not fully imagine that just because of that Sheena, her fiance had become like that.

"Okay." I answered without emotion.

"Hon, Celene, excuse me if I've been busy these past few days. But like what I've said, I'll be back." He is pleading on the other line but I am not in the mood to talk back anymore.

Celene didn't realize that her tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. Because her fiancé makes her feel so sick. Because he is not used to being ignored by her, she is not the one he prioritizes and cares about.

She didn't answer, instead hung up. She knew that if he spoke more, she would only feel sorry for herself.

Her restaurant is about to open. She quickly wiped her tears and took a deep breath.

I do not know. I feel like I want to back out of his marriage proposal. I'm losing my appetite.

---------------------

"THE company is doing great, dad. No wonder I inherited when it comes to business."

His father put his arms around Chester. They were there for their company. Papa nia showed him around because he wanted to familiarize him with company because one day he will also manage it even though he has several chains of business in New Jersey.

"You're right there, Iho. And I'm proud of you. I don't regret that I allowed you to go abroad even though you will be graduating from high school in just a few months. That girl, Celene really has a great impact on you." His father's voice was sarcastic.

"Papa, you know me. Ever since, she's the only girl who has made my heart beat."

"And worse, she didn't even like you. That was the basis for you to be a better man Chester.” His father spoke seriously.

"You're right 'Pa." He then sat on the sofa in his father's private office.

"Yes, by the way, where's your girlfriend?"

"Sheena? She needs to arrange something in Davao. She will be there for maybe two to three days."

That morning, Sheena informed him that she was going to Davao because she needed to arrange something. He did not ask if he could accompany him. If anything, she can manage. He was used to walking alone even when they were in New Jersey.

"Do you love her?"

"I'm just enjoying her company 'Pa."

"Really? But Chester, it's not right to get your hopes up and cheat."

"I'm not fooling him 'Pa. He knows what we are right now. We both enjoy other company."

"Okay then, but that's still not right. You are a man now. It's time for you to have a serious relationship."

"Don't worry 'Pa, it's close." He gave his father a meaningful smile.

He saw the surprise on his father's face. Right now, he can't say that he intends to steal Celene away from her fiancé.

He knew she would object because it was wrong.

But with a loving heart, it is not wrong to fight for what his heart is crying out for.

------------------

"It's like starting now. I hate Papa Gino because of what he's doing to you."

"Gosh! Let it go. If that's the case, he'll be happy!" Celene replied to what Lemon said while wiping her lungs with a tissue because she was already crying.

"What are you, Celene! I've only seen you cry because of Gino in your two-year relationship. You're always happy."

After that, I was still left alone.

They were still in the private office at the restaurant. Because earlier, when Gino called that he and Sheena would take care of something in Davao, she couldn't stop herself from feeling sorry for herself and compassionate.

"After all, it looks like what Sheena has to attend to there is so important that she can't turn it down." I said.

"Very important? Hello girl! Is there anything more important than your marriage? Ohmaygad!"

Lemon is right. Is there anything more important than their marriage to Gino? I am more and more compassionate. I hope he didn't just make her confused, that I am always his priority and I always come first.

I had already told Lemon about Sheena and, like him, he felt something that would annoy her. Even the strange attraction I felt towards Ches. Lemon is still thrilled, while I feel guilty.

"I'm just hurt." Another thing that makes her feel bad is that Gino didn't even say goodbye to her in person. What he did was wrong, he only said goodbye on his cellphone.

"Okay dear. It's good, while he's not here in Manila, just have fun. Don't mind him. He's the one at fault, so he has no right to stop you from doing what you want to do now. Try to refresh your mind, Celene . You might even realize that you don't want to continue your marriage," Lemon said teasingly.

"Lemon!" I shouted.

"Just kidding!" He said, still making the peace sign.

He looked up at the door when he heard the knock. His assistant manager, Daisy, was spat on.

"Ma'am, someone is looking for you outside."

"Who is it?"

"Didn't say who. That's all I can say about it to those who are looking for you; Tall, dark and handsome.” Daisy seemed to be thrilled while saying that.

“Oh! Celene is beautiful! Let's go outside quickly?" Lemon's assistant loves her.

She also had no idea who was looking for him. She had better stand up. She looked at herself for a moment in his pocket mirror then put some powder in her. It was obvious in my eyes that she was crying.

"Celene? You really suddenly become conscious of your appearance because the person outside is looking for you handsome." Lemon teased.

"You are crazy, I am fixing myself as I look like a mess with all this crying" I defended.