Lost in Paradise

Chapter 17.5

The graduation ceremony finally went to an end. Graduates are leaving one by one along with their parents who went to witness the graduation of their child.

Nadia who’s leaving alone is receiving congratulations from random people. What happened in Joshua’s speech turned her into an instant celebrity. She’s now being recognized by the people who used to ignore her but she’s not enjoying it. Luckily, it was her last day at the university and she won’t be meeting these people again.

Soon, she saw Rebecca waiting just outside the entrance of the venue. She quickly approached her.

“You’re still here?” Nadia asked

“I’m waiting for you” Rebecca replied

“Why? Your parents didn’t come?”

“Nuh! but Secretary Park came. He said dad brought him... What about your aunt?”

“As expected... I sent them the invitation though”

“Anyway... how’s the feeling?”

“What do you mean?”

“What else would I mean. You’re now in a relationship... and that proposal is just impressive”

“Proposal? It’s not like he asked me for marriage. He just asked me to be his girlfriend... So tell me, you’re an accomplice, right? How did you plan this?”

“Haha! Believe me besh, I totally have no idea” Rebecca chuckled

“Joshua is so unpredictable and sweet, isn’t he?” she added

“I don’t know... I’m so overwhelmed right now but I don’t know what kind of situation I dive into. You know it’s my first time”

“You’re overthinking again. You guys are still friends, it’s just that you now have a label. Just act like you always do”

“Nadia! Rebecca!” a man shouted from a distance.

They turned and saw it was Joshua. He’s with his parents.

“You guys are still here! I looked for you inside but you’re no longer there. I thought you already left” said Joshua as he approached them.

“Director Dioson!” Rebecca greeted as she saw Joshua’s dad. She gave both his parents a beso.

“How ‘bout the chairman?” Mr. Dioson asked Rebecca

“He didn’t come. Secretary Park came instead” Rebecca responded

“Things are getting hectic in the office. Hope you understand”

“I know. Thank you for the concern, Director Dioson”

“By the way, Mom! Dad! She’s Nadia, the one I’m telling you about. She’s my frie— no, she’s my girlfriend” Joshua interrupted

“We know... we witnessed your corny speech awhile ago” Mr. Dioson replied then turned his eyes to Nadia.

“We finally met. Sorry if our son embarrassed you awhile ago” Mr. Dioson greeted Nadia jokingly as he extended his hand for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you Sir Dioson... since you’re as handsome as your son, he’s forgiven” Nadia chuckled as she took Mr. Dioson’s hand for a handshake.

Nadia then approached Mrs. Dioson and gave her a beso.

“Where are your parents?” Mrs. Dioson asked after giving back her beso.

“I... I don’t have parents Ma’am” Nadia answered hesitantly.

“What do you mean?! You’re an orphan?!”

“Mom!” Joshua interrupted.

“Anyway, we’re on our way to grab dinner. We made a reservation, would you like to come?” Mr. Dioson offered.

Rebecca looked at Nadia and gave her an “up-to-you-girl look”. Nadia looked at Joshua and he gave her the same look. Nadia looked at Mr. Dioson and he’s expecting her answer. It’s the first she met his parents and she doesn’t want to disappoint them so she said...

“Of course Sir! We can’t turn down that invitation”

“Appreciated. So come on, we’ll give you a ride”

The elders lead the way. Joshua secretly gave Nadia a wink as they followed them.

They dined in at a five-star restaurant and ordered a full course menu. The dinner was awkward at first but Rebecca and Joshua didn’t let the night get spoiled. Rebecca is close to Joshua’s family. His dad is a key person in the company owned by Rebecca’s family, the Horizon Corporation. Their families have a strong alliance in the business world so they have a close relationship. Mr. Dioson, as humorous as his son, kept on asking about the friendship of the three and also about Joshua and Nadia’s relationship. They also talked about their plans after graduation and the career they would like to pursue.

They are indulging in their dessert when Nadia felt the need to go to the restroom. She asked permission then immediately excused herself.

In the restroom, after peeing, Nadia went out of the cubicle and saw Natalia, Joshua’s mom, at the wash area fixing her makeup. Nadia also went there to wash her hands and retouch.

“The dinner was great, Ma’am Dioson” Nadia praised as she uses the sink next Natalia.

“Is that so...” Natalia replied plainly

“Y-yes... It’s my first time in this restaurant” said Nadia

“You mean, it’s your first time in a five-star restaurant?” Natalia scorned

“Aahh... Ummm” Rebecca is being speechless.

“I don’t intend to be rude but I just wanna be honest. I have high hopes for my son. He has many things to do for his family. What you have right now.. it’s just puppy love. The world is crueler than you think it is. So, know your place. My son deserves better” Natalia exclaimed.

Rebecca didn’t move, her feet are shaking and she might fall if she moves even an inch. Her jaws locked so she can’t say anything. She’s holding her breath as well.

Natalia checked herself in the mirror for the last time then immediately went out of the restroom.

Rebecca exhaled deeply. She almost fell, luckily she was able to hold the wall. Everything she heard was unexpected. She just met Natalia but she already judged Nadia as if they already know each other. Her words were excruciating that she wanted to burst into tears but she’s refraining herself to do so. She doesn’t want Joshua to notice and worsen the situation.

Rebecca just gathered herself and went out of the restroom as if nothing happened. She went back to their table but Joshua’s parents already left. Joshua said they have an early business tomorrow so they must go home early. But Nadia knew that’s not the case. She just disregarded her anguish and smilingly spend the night with the real people who value her, Rebecca and Joshua.