Love is a Trap

Chapter 2

The Sapphire Restaurant located in the tower of B.Hugh was reserved exclusively for our family dinner. I don't question the amount of luxury that they can throw for that wedding; it is the intention behind that I disagree. For tonight, I will play a good girl role for the sake Hedrin who did not even remember to tell me he's coming home.

From the rear mirror, I saw a black Porsche parked behind. My breathing went wild as my heart recognized the same affection from 2 years ago for the owner of that car. He was the nicest guy I met. Even if we don't end up together, I know he will remain to be my home.

He went out from the back seat, and I took that opportunity to go out from my car as well. I flashed a smile as his gaze directed to my way. His deep breath signaled his disagreement to this complicated situation. I understand him. He was busy studying in US, and this event does not help.

His lips claimed mine, and I answered with no hesitation. Guilt covered me when I don't feel a single excitement with the way he claimed my lips and the way he held me in the waist. This used to feel the world to me.

"Did you miss me?" He sounds just like his brother, but Hedrin is more tamed. His calmness is really attractive.

"Of course, Hedrin. You didn't tell me you're coming home." My arms hovered around his neck while my eyes scanned the changes in his face. His features are becoming like those of Alfonso's; defined jaw and dark eyes. I gave a peck to the tip of his nose when he did not answer.

I was stunned when he held the back of my head and gave a long passionate kiss. His tongue touching mine suddenly felt uncomfortable for undefined reason. I pushed him away, but he stood firmly and his hands resided to where it used to be. When I felt his lips on my ear, I could not do anything but bite my lower lip. He was catching his breathe while whispering the words of his desire.

"I will take you home after dinner, and we'll talk about us, Yllana." His jaw moved as he starts walking toward the restaurant still tightly holding me in the waist leaving no space between us.

Trying to remain composed when their gaze scrutinized me and Hedrin's position was hard especially when Alfonso's eyes scanned me from head to toe. I love grand entrance. No need to fake a smile because a bitter one automatically appeared when I look at mom and Gabriel.

"Good evening, hija." Gabriel kissed my cheeks to greet me. Alfonso did not even bother looking at his own brother who greeted mom awkwardly. I sat beside Hedrin, and that added to the already cold ambiance of that dinner.

"Thank you for coming, Yllana. You made me so happy tonight." She was able to say that not knowing how uncomfortable I feel to be sitting here.

When the food is served, Hedrin offered to cut the steak for me. Although Alfonso was just sitting back and eating in serenity, I could feel his loathe from where I am. He does not need to speak because I can read the harsh words he wants to blurt.

"This wedding is so... sudden." Hedrin tried to be cautious. That made me roll my eyes.

"Actually, we don't have much time..." The old man stopped when mom slightly pat his arm.

"It's true that we don't have much time to waste being just casual business partners." His sincere eyes towards my mother appeared so distasteful to me.

"What are your plans after the wedding? Where do you want to have your honeymoon?" I can't believe Alfonso is giving his full support to them. That's more unpleasant than the romance these old people are trying to fake.

But the thought that Alfonso might be thinking how good of a chance this is to take over our company in the future is making me more anxious. It's impossible that he would accept my mom so easily in their family if he has no plans for the fruit of this wedding.

"We are considering a Europe trip for 1 month. While I'm away, I will appoint you as the CEO-in-charge for the meantime." His father was careful in his every word to Alfonso. I have been in a relationship with Hedrin for 2 years, and I knew him way before that, so I can say that he has no interest in business management. All the assets concerning their companies will be managed by Alfonso in the future.

"That's a good opportunity to show off." Hedrin murmured to annoy Alfonso but his brother didn't lift a finger with that and Hedrin is more offended by that reaction.

"I am already busy as a graduating student. I have to decline to that offer, dad." His dark eyes pierced on glass of wine that Hedrin placed beside my plate.

I stared at him and waited for his eyes to meet mine. A grin showed in his face as he daintily placed the utensils beside the plate as if he was done eating. His hair is now in bun making him look exquisitely gorgeous and dangerous.

My brow raised when his lips twitched like he's about to say something that will ruin my night.

"Why don't we talk about your relationship? I am convinced that you, Hedrin, is old enough to know the right thing to do." He's starting to attack. I want to roast him too, but I can hear my character development professor's voice in my head telling me to hold myself because our parents are here.

"Whatever we decide to do, you're out of it, Alfonso." I am actually stunned for a moment wondering where Hedrin got the courage to answer that way to him. He's always been his underdog, but I understand why and accepted it eventually after knowing Alfonso.

"Of course, I will not indulge myself in your personal matter unless you insist on staying with each other. What do you think people will think of our families if they see you around kissing!" His voice rose with the last question that didn't sound like a question.

I remained silent while observing the 2 men argue. My lips twitched when I saw Gabriel's brows furrowed in disappointment. Hearing more of Alfonso's points convinced me that he is made to dominate and never to concede.

"Why? You're going to send me abroad again? I am already in legal age. I can make decisions on my own!" Alfonso remains calm despite Hedrin's manic.

"I can send you anywhere in the world if I wish to. Listen to me because I know what's good for you."

"Not because you can control dad does not mean that I will be controlled by you as well. I will make my own decisions from now on and I'll start with continuing my studies here in Manila."

Alfonso's jaw moved in displeasure. He swayed the glass of wine and watched it circulate in the shape of the glass.

"Stop with your childishness, Hedrin. Break off what there is between you and Yllana at this instant before I say something that will really hurt." And that made me jolt for a moment. I am certain that he's talking about my flings while his brother was away.

"Do not intercede with our relationship, Alfonso. We will..."

"I won't. Promise I won't. But I might disclose facts to my brother if you make me wait longer." My heart ached a little when Hedrin faced me. My heart is racing not from his gaze but because of his brother's disturbing smile.

"What do I have to know?" Hedrin's voice cracked when he asked that. I could not even look at him. I remained glaring at the devil in front.

"Yllana..." He grasped my arm to make me look at him and that made Alfonso more infuriated. Maybe he cannot stand the sight of us being touchy.

"What were you doing while I was in US?" His eyes were hopeful that I will not say anything that would hurt.

This made me want to slap Alfonso a hundred times. He told me to be here in return of not telling Hedrin about my flings. It is entirely my fault if he gets hurt, but Alfonso did not cooperate in delaying the fire. He proudly blurted it in front of our parents that I'm cheating. Everyone knows without me having to say a word.

"Let's talk in private, Hedrin." I stood and he did too.

"We'll go ahead. Thank you for inviting us to dinner." Hedrin formally said, but when Alfonso also stood, everyone's attention went to him. I start walking away without saying anything to our parents. They were not courteous to us too. If they have a little consideration, they would have talked to us before announcing their wedding. They just suprised us, and now they are using Alfonso to destroy me and Hedrin.

"Take a seat, Hedrin. Let me talk to her." I heard Alfonso said before I got too far to hear anything more. The fear of being alone with Alfonso consumed me enough to make me walk faster.

I opened the door of my car but someone from behind closed it. When I was just about to turn around to confirm if it was Alfonso, he held my waist and pinned me to the car.

"You have boys on your hands, Yllana. Do not dare include my brother in your games because I will be the one to deal with you." He's a psycho.

"Let me deal with him, so don't be rash on him, Alfonso. I will tell him every..." My words hang when his face moved closer to me.

"I am very impatient, Yllana. I will not tolerate immaturity regarding this matter. I'm giving you 2 days to end it with Hedrin."

"Okay. But promise me that you won't tell him anything. I don't know what you already know, Alfonso. And I'm afraid you will just worsen the situation." His jaw moved again and his teeth gritted.

"We are not close enough for me to make promises. Stop being ungrateful to your mom like a little kid. You are already 20, act your age."

He loosened up. He fixed his white long sleeve before his eyes darkened on me again.

"We are not close enough for you to dictate me too. Such a jerk." I quietly took a sigh because I almost forgot to breath in our position.

I opened the door of my car and gave him a final look before I shut the door. He smiled playfully as he watched me maneuver the car out from being parallel parked.

It was another sleepless night I had to bear. Hedrin sent 3 messages saying he was able to go home safely. The next one says he would get some sleep because he has not gotten any sleep while on the plane and the last one states that he will pick me up tomorrow from school.

On the next day, Heirra and Zey were out of school all day for the sports competition in the next district. They represent Stallion University in Taekwando along with other athletes in the annual district sport fest. Sceeya and I were keeping up with them through Messenger.

Our class finished at 2 PM that day and Sceeya planned to go to the school where the competition is being held. I felt bad sending her alone because I have to see Hedrin. She understands, but I know she felt a little disappointed with me.

"Cheer them for me!"

"I will. See you tomorrow. Enjoy your date!" I have not told her anything about my plan with Hedrin because I am really not certain about my plans too. I want to keep him, but there is no way to do that.

When my phone rang and displayed Hedrin's name on the screen, I immediately answered it.

"I'm in the parking lot. What time does your last class finish?" He seems to be in a good mood. I guess he had enough sleep.

From a distance, the guy in uniform caught my attention because he was looking at me like he has been watching me since a while ago. My face flushed with the sudden jolt that embraced me. How long has Alfonso been staring at me from the next table?

"I'll be there." It's a wrong move to stay in this restaurant alone. I was thinking of meeting Hedrin here, but there is no way I would tell him where I am now that I saw Alfonso here too. His presence is shaking my confidence for unknown reason.

"No, I'll come to you. Maybe we can grab some snacks later. I just have to meet Alfonso for a favor he asked. He left important documents for his meeting later. By the way, where are you?" Something in my head constrict when he mentioned that name.

Why do I have to run away? He's just Alfonso Keith Ferrer. His gaze cannot shake me. Not ever.

When my eyes went back to his direction, I saw him busy entertaining 2 ladies who are sitting around him. No need to voice out shame for him because he is famous for such acts. Not even 1 lady at a time, but 2.

"D.Clinton's Restaurant. Your brother is also here." I heard a wow from him.

"Alright. I think we can have some snack there before we go." Of all places, Hedrin. But I am not in the mood to choose a fancy place to eat. This is an urgent matter. I am about to lose the man who understands me the most.

When I hung up, I called for the waiter to order for me and Hedrin. Surprisingly, Alfonso is not with his friends right now. They would always walk together around the campus and charm girls with their grace. It's a shame that I can only see him alone here.

It took Hedrin almost 10 minutes to get here. Alfonso didn't seem to notice Hedrin's presence when he walked past at him. He went directly to my table and gave me a smack on the lips. My brows furrowed with what he did. We are at school, he might have forgotten for a while.

"How was your day?" He asked after placing an envelope and 2 flashdrives above it on the table. He looks better in his new cut. I'm wondering where he got the inspiration for that Fringe style. Nevertheless, he looks hotter and more matured. I fixed some strand that went over his forehead. Despite the difference between him and Alfonso, there are still similarities that show occasionally. They are both heedful of their looks.

"It's just an ordinary day, but I feel so tired from thinking of all the projects I have to finish later." I answered.

He looked surprised when the waiter put the food in front of him. Maybe he did not expect me to order before he came.

"Thank you for the food." I nodded with a smile. My heart almost skipped a beat when his eyes departed to someone behind me. It was suddenly cold around.

"Thank you for these." His manly perfume hugged me when he leaned to the table with his broad shoulder almost touching mine. It was very spacious, but he decided to choose to get his things from that position.

"Anytime. I have nothing to do at home anyway." Hedrin answered and carefully observed his brother before his eyes went to the table where Alfonso was sitting. The 2 girls are looking at us too.

"Really? Then do you want to go to Bangkok for the Loi Krathong Festival this weekend? I can book you a flight right away." I rolled my eyes at Alfonso. He's so fond of sending his only brother away. For once, I never saw Hedrin a threat to the position that Alfonso desired in their company. Hedrin is into Science. Even he gets paid a billion, he might turn down the offer to manage their group of companies.

"No. You can go with your friends if you're not busy. I want to spend some time with Yllana and my friends here." Despite the confidence he's trying to show, his uneasiness still shows.

"Yeah. Do that while you're on a vacation here." Hedrin was still going to say something, but Alfonso already turned his back to return to his girls.

"Damn! He's acting all mighty again." It's just in his personality already.

Time went fast as we talked about the past year that we have not seen each other in person. Our plan to go somewhere private was cancelled because the restaurant was already perfect to catch up. No one was able to bring up the topic about break up and that's fine. Perhaps, I am thinking of detaching slowly. That would save what we initially had before this relationship. We were more than good friends, he understood me and my old school soul.