The Billionaire's Enchantress

Chapter 12

 Third Person POV

JD has been Ria’s constant companion for the next coming days. If he couldn’t report to the office, he would go visit her in her condo. Most of the time, he spends his dinner with Ria. They watch TV shows or movies together. That becomes their normal routine during the weekdays. Ria noticed that they are way more closer and comfortable with each other now than before.

The weekend comes, Ria has a plan of going to Blakeson to visit her Aunt Alice. They have not seen each other since her graduation day. She started working after that. She didn’t even get the chance to have a short vacation.

One time, she told JD about her life in the orphanage and how her aunt took her in and cared for her like her real daughter. JD expressed his interest to know her aunt which made her surprise. She thought that maybe this is just the way he is to his girl friends. Although she has other thoughts of the way he is acting towards her but she brushed it off quickly. She is realistic. She never hopes that he would like her romantically. He easily trusted and got comfortable with her due to his dad in a way. I mean his dad trusted her.

Her thoughts were cut short when JD called from the phone. He is inviting her to go out to a bar tonight. It is Friday and the usual time for a night out. She couldn’t make it though. She apologized to him for not informing him regarding her plans for the weekend. They both got busy that day so they didn’t see each other. She also thought that JD might have some other plans with his friends.

“I would love to come with you but I can’t make it tonight though. I am sorry JD I didn’t tell you that I will be visiting my aunt and the kids at the orphanage tomorrow. I have to leave early in the morning.” She said calmly.

“You know what, I am free tomorrow. I can drive you to Blakeson.” He suddenly blurted out. He can just make decisions readily. She got surprised though.

“What?! Are you sure? I thought you have other plans for the weekend with your friends.” This guy is full of surprises. She shoukd learn to get used to it.

“Absolutely...I am going to visit our farmhouse. It is actually in Blakeson. I haven’t been out of town for more than a month now. This would be the best time to unwind.” It should not come as a surprise anymore since she knew that Uncle Jaime grew up in Blakeson.

“Alright. I will leave tomorrow around 7 am. I want to be there for the kids’ special weekend class. It is just a half-day class, morning session.” She explained further.

“No worries, I’ll be there in your place before 7 am.” He replied with certainty.

“As long as I don’t bother you with your time.”

“Hey, there’s another thing that I learned about you.” He chuckled.

“What?!” This must be another of his crazy jokes again.

“Well, aside from being selfish, you’re also stubborn.” JD was laughing hard this time.

“Fine! I can just go to Blakeson by myself. Thanks for the offer.” She was sulking. He likes to tease her and sometimes it’s not funny anymore. She is trying to be dramatic about it so he stops being a big tease.

“You know it was just a joke, right? I am sorry it came out in a bad taste.” He immediately apologized and became serious. Ria stayed silent but he could hear her deep sighs. It seems that she’s running out of patience with him.

JD switched his audio call to video call. He wanted to see her face and apologize. Ria tried to ignore the video call but she pressed it opened at the end.

“Why did you switch to video call?” She is serious this time.

“Well, my baby is upset at me. It was just a joke. You are actually the kindest and most caring person I’ve ever met.” JD was silent after he said what he said. Where did it come from? He is not supposed to say those words.

On the other hand,  Ria couldn’t move. She was dumbfounded from what she heard from him… baby? It keeps playing in her head. He called her baby. A lot of emotions are going inside her. She shouldn’t assume nor get swayed with his flowery words. These are the kind of lines that a notorious playboy like him would readily say.

“Fine, please stop kidding with me. It’s not funny sometimes.” She rolled her eyes at him, telling him she is serious. JD just scratched his head. He shouldn’t push further with his jokes. They continued talking. Ria and JD will return back to the city on Sunday night. That’s their plan. He also invited her to visit their farmhouse. She was hesitant at first but he finally changed her mind with a bit of blackmail.

“You know what, I am really going to feel sad and disappointed if you refused to visit our farmhouse. The place is really nice. I want you to see where I grew up.”

“How can I refuse you when you emotionally blackmailed me?” She was just laughing at the way he convinced her.

Their phone conversation ended after an hour. Ria double checked everything she needs to bring with her to the orphanage. She brought some gifts for the kids. Some of them were gifts from her friends. For sure, they will be happy with whatever she brings to them. The kids at the orphanage always finds happiness even in small stuff.

Aside from the fact that she’s excited to see the kids, she also misses her Aunt Alice so much. They communicated only through cellphones these past few days.

At exactly 7 am, JD was already inside the parking lot of Ria’s condominium building. That’s where they decided to meet up. Someone just helped her carry her boxes to the basement.

“Good morning. Such a sight to behold in this gloomy day!” It rained earlier. The sky is still gloomy. JD looks so effortlessly handsome with grey polo shirt and jeans. He got out from his new car and helped with the boxes and her luggage.

“Good morning to you as well.” She smiled back at him. She didn’t comment anymore nor react to what he said.

“You keep driving for me. Thank you. I owe you a lot.” She declared.

“Don’t worry, I am going to ask for a payment one of these days.” He replied back with a telling smile. He even moved his eyebrows up and down and simply chuckled softly.  

“Really? How am I going to pay you?” It made Ria curious as to what he is going to say.

“In time, you will know. I have so many ways for you to pay all the things you owed me.” Instead of laughing with his joke, she suddenly felt nervous. She felt like there’s a hidden meaning to his words.

“Alright, let me save some cash so I can pay you back one of these days.” She emphasized the last words. She’s trying to be funny now. He smiled sheepishly at her and they got inside the car.

“Mind if I play some music?” Asked JD after half an hour of driving.  

“Sure. Go ahead. We still have at least a long two-hour drive if we are lucky not to get stuck in the traffic. A good music is a welcome treat.”

And they got stuck in the traffic. JD took his time to browse some good music from his phone. It took him a few minutes to finally find what he wants. Ria was just watching him quietly.

Then the music came on. She’s familiar with the song. It is an old classic song but the one he is playing right now is a revival.

You’re just too good to be true

Can’t take my eyes off of you

You’d be like heaven to touch

I wanna hold you so much

At long last, love has arrived

And I thank God I’m alive

You’re just too good to be true

Can’t take my eyes off of you

Pardon the way that I stare

There’s nothin’ else to compare

The sight of you leaves me weak

There are no words left to speak

But if you feel like I feel

Please let me know that it’s real

You’re just too good to be true

Can’t take my eyes off of you

While listening to the music, her mind wandered back to where they first met. Yes, they see each other almost everyday now as friends. She still couldn’t believe that she would get closed to this powerful man. She studied his face carefully. He has a face you don’t get tired of staring even all day long.

He is indeed a very dashing man. Any woman would immediately fall for him. What did JD see in her that made them become friends? These past few days, she has been asking herself on how and why did they become friends. It started when she bumped into him inside the bar. They never get to talk about that incident. He just came into her life and this is where it led them. She secretly loves him and that should stay that way. The music brought her back to the present.

I love you, baby

And if it’s quite alright

I need you, baby

To warm the lonely night

I love you, baby

Trust in me when I say

Oh, pretty baby

Don’t bring me down, I pray

Oh, pretty baby

Now that I’ve found you, stay

And let me love you, baby

Let me love you

She got confused when JD suddenly turned the car. They stopped at a drive-thru of a famous fast food. They ordered food. JD quickly finished his food and started driving again. Ria is still eating her fries. When she saw JD looking at her, she put a few fries in his mouth on impulse. JD ate the fries and went on driving casually. They are so comfortable with each other now.

After more than two hours of driving, they finally arrived at the orphanage. She already messaged her aunt earlier that they were close to the orphanage. She also told her that she’s with someone but she didn’t mention JD’s name. The gate was opened immediately the moment they arrived.

The orphanage is a huge place. It has three buildings situated in a two thousand plus acres land. The right building has two floors which houses the girls and the identical building to the left is for the boys. The main building located in the middle has three floors. This is where all the volunteers temporarily stay for the duration of their service. Her Aunt Alice is the main head of the orphanage. She has been in the orphanage for more than twenty years. She never got married and dedicated her life to taking care of the kids at the orphanage.

Her aunt had a terrible experience in her love life. The only man that she ever loved was mercilessly killed and she witnessed all of that. She got traumatized from that incident. After several therapies, she decided to stay single and devote her life with the kids. It was a big help for her to regain back the broken pieces of her life.

Her Aunt Alice and trusted assistant arrived almost immediately when they stopped at the parking area.

“Aunt Alice, how are you doing?” It was Ria who hopped out of the car right after seeing them. She kissed her aunt on the cheek and forehead and they hugged each other tightly.

“How are you my child? I miss you so much. It has been more than a month since we last saw each other. I am still feeling guilty for not making it to your graduation day.” She said guiltily.

“I miss you more Auntie. I understand why you couldn’t make it at that time. Don’t worry about it. I am here now, Auntie.” She was smiling brightly with teary-eyes. She is so happy right now to be with her Aunt who took good care of her since she lost her mother.

“Aunt Becky, how are you?” She kissed her on the cheeks and forehead as well. They both hugged tightly. She sees Aunt Becky as her family too although they are not related by blood.

“I miss you Ria. Everyone else here in the orphanage miss you a lot. You never changed at all despite your success.” She is in tears right now.

“Thank you so much for always helping Aunt Alice. You are a family to me.”

In the middle of their talks, Aunt Alice suddenly became quiet and serious. She was staring at JD who was leaning on the hood of his car. He didn’t come to them when Ria was excitedly running to greet her aunt. He let them have their time together.

Aunt Alice cleared her throat before saying something.

“Who is with you? Don’t tell me he is your boyfriend? I will really feel bad that you didn’t share it with me.” She seems sad and disappointed.

She felt embarrassed when she looked at JD. She called him to come to them.

“JD, please come here. My aunt wants to know you.” He walked to them smiling.

“Aunt Alice this is JD Lawson. He is the son of Uncle Jaime.” Ria introduced them briefly. JD immediately shook hands with her aunt.

“Good morning. I am glad to finally meet you. Ria talks so much about you.”  

“So, you are the son of Jaime. Forgive me for thinking wrongly about you and Ria. I knew your dad since we were neighbors back in Lyndon. Ria’s mother is his childhood friend. He also comes here in the orphanage as he is one of our principal donors.” Aunt Alice sounded happy this time.

JD’s dad was born in Lyndon but he didn’t know that their parents were friends. Small world… but he still can’t understand how and why Ria ended up with his dad. Or did he make a mistake?

He was surprised at himself. Just last week, he was planning carefully on how to get rid of her from his dad’s life. Why is he doubting his plan now? Something doesn’t match up here and he will soon find out.

“Small world… I didn’t know that our parents even know each other. Ria never told me anything.” He grinned at her.

“You never asked me how I knew your dad in the first place.” She arched her eyebrow. She’s right. He never asks personal questions about her and his dad. He is worried what he is going to find out between them. He already had them investigated and even followed them himself.

After she introduced him to her Aunt Alice and Aunt Becky,  they proceeded to the main building. There are classrooms here for arts at music. Right now, there are about twenty kids who are doing their painting. The moment they entered the art class, the kids were so surprised to see Ria and the class became loud.

“Guys, it’s Ria. She’s here!” A cute little girl is screaming her name.

All of them left their seats and went to greet and hug Ria. The kids love her. She feels the same way. She never forgets to visit them even if she was studying far away.

“I am sorry kids that I just came back now. I miss all of you so much. I got busy from my new job. Now that I am here, I brought something for you.”

“Yeheeey!” The kids were excitedly screaming.

“Kids, please go to your seats now. Ria will bring her gifts for you soon. By the way, we have a special visitor for today.” Aunt Alice signaled JD to come. He was actually looking at everyone from the back.

“Kids, this is Mr. JD Lawson, a friend of Ria. He is also the son of Mr. Jaime Lawson.” The kids warmed up to him quickly. They know the older Lawson who is always nice and kind to them.

“Good morning Mr. Lawson!” The kids said in unison. They are all smiling at him.

“Good morning kids. Just call me JD, okay? I hope you are all doing great!” He smiled back at them.

“So, Ria here has some gifts for you. And I… also brought some gifts for you.” He looked at Ria who was also surprised just like the kids.

“Alright kids, please continue what you are doing quietly. I know you are excited today but please no noises while waiting for Mr. Lawson to get your presents.” Aunt Alice informed the kids in a strict voice. She left after that. It was Ria and the Art teacher, Ms. Valerie, who are left in the classroom with the kids.

“Ria, can I ask you a personal question?” Ms. Valerie said.

“Sure, go ahead.” Ria had no idea how personal the question is and she got curious.

“Ahmm… is Mr. Lawson your boyfriend? He is really handsome!” She giggled. Ms. Valerie is still single and just two years older than her. They became friends when she started teaching at the orphanage two years ago.

“No, he is just a friend. He is the son of Uncle Jaime, also my employer now who helped me with my college scholarship. Remember what I told you before?” Ms. Valerie’s eyes got wider with excitement.

“Do you like him? You know what, you really look good together. Now, I remember why he looks familiar. I’ve seen him in several magazine covers. He also appears on the TV. He is a famous personality then. Could you please help me get an autograph from him?” She said non-stop. She gave her pleading look as well.

Ria smiled since she knows too well JD’s effect on women. The guy just doesn’t care though.

“He is nice and accommodating. Why don’t you approach him so you can also introduce yourself to him?” Ria suggested.

After like fifteen minutes, JD came back with five big boxes and her two medium size boxes. There were three men carrying some of the boxes. JD took one box with him. She was wondering where all those boxes came from. She never saw any boxes in his car earlier.

She gave him a questioning look but JD kept walking to the front. The kids got so loud this time. They were very excited.

“Kids, please go back to your sit. I know you are excited but we all need to settle down first. Alright? Otherwise, we won’t be able to hand your presents.” It was Ms. Valerie in her calmed voice. She was looking at JD with a big smile.

“Kids, thanks for listening to your teacher.” He also smiled at Ms. Valerie, making her blushed. Ria just shook her head while watching them.

“Are you all excited to see what’s inside these boxes?” He asked the kids.

“Yeees!” The kids answered in chorus.

The three men brought the boxes in front. JD started unboxing. The first box contained some school supplies such as papers, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners and a lot more. Then he unboxed the next one. These are all backpacks and bags for both boys and girls. The third boxes are full of art materials with different sizes of crayons, water colors, paints, color pens and so much more. The fourth and fifth boxes are musical instruments like guitars, tambourines, maracas, and flutes for the music class. Finally, he asked Ria to unbox her two boxes.

Her boxes contained new clothes and shoes, not the used ones they usually got. She and her friends used their own funds and bought the kids new clothes and shoes to wear. The kids were so happy that most of them were crying. Ria even cried herself. She went to JD.

“Thank you. You brought so much joy to the kids today. It does help to lessen the loneliness they felt knowing that someone cares for them.” On impulse, she just tightly hugged JD to show him how much she appreciates what he did.

JD was moved by what she did. He felt too much emotions with that hug from Ria. He feels he is warming up to her. Ever since he met her, she showed nothing but kindness and care towards everyone. Who wouldn’t melt with her rare traits?

After every kids got all their gifts, JD has another surprise. Inside the function hall where the orphanage does their special events, JD prepared food for everyone. It is buffet style. He got everything fixed just last night after his talk with Ria. He contacted people from Blakeson to make things possible for today. He feels great to see the smiling faces of the kids. And most of all, he feels elated to see Ria overflowing with happiness. Whatever is happening to him right now, he can’t name it yet. He is simply happy and contented. He never felt these feelings towards any woman before.