Love or Vengeance

Chapter 13: You Had Me Shut Up

Louise's POV

Ivan greeted me with a smiling face. I scanned the room, and again, that familiar fear gripped my chest. Was it happening again? I needed to leave. Just as I was about to remove the medical tubes attached to me, Ivan grabbed my hand. He was still smiling at me.

"Are you scared?" he asked, but I didn't answer. I just kept staring into his brown eyes.

"Don't be scared because I'm right here, and I'll help you face your fears," he said with a wide smile. "Because I'm your boyfriend."

"You're not my boyfriend."

Did I hear that right?

I tried to pull my hand away, but he didn't let go.

By now, I was really annoyed at him for introducing me as his girlfriend at the café. Why was I so irritated? Because deep down, I knew it wasn't going to happen. And what annoyed me even more was the fact that he had seen my body! So embarrassing!

Shhh... don't shout," he teased. "I told you; I made you my girlfriend just yesterday. Did you forget so soon?" He still held my hand. Who could forget that? I almost lost my breath from the thrill...

"Be quiet. I don't remember saying yes to you," I said, trying to sound serious.

"How could I get your answer if I never asked you out?" he chuckled.

"Stop it, Ivan, or I'll punch you," I threatened, but he just laughed.

"I already introduced you as my girlfriend at the café, and I even told everyone you're my wife here in the hospital," he said. Seriously? "You have no way out now, babe, because my family already knows about us."

"Babe? Where did you get that from?" I asked.

"I'm not joking around," I said seriously. Yes, I was thrilled, but I had to put aside my feelings because there were more important things to focus on.

"Neither am I joking," he said, playing with my fingers as if counting them. "You know, I just realized something." I didn't respond. "The truth is... I've already fallen for you. I loved you before I even knew it and before I tried to stop it."

"If you're still falling, that means you still have time to find someone to hold on to," I said as I looked him in the eyes. "I can't catch you, Ivan, because I'm standing on a weak foundation myself," I told him with meaning. "There are things you don't know about me... things I'm about to do—things you might come to hate. That's why it's better if we forget whatever is starting to grow between us before it gets any deeper."

"Then I'll find out," he replied.

"I won't let you," I said back. You'll find out and then what?

"Then I'll wait until you decide to tell me yourself," he said, determined.

"That day won't come," I told him.

"It will come... when you're done," he said.

"Don't get your hopes up," I told him.

"I will. Because you're my girlfriend," he said firmly.

"I told you, I'm not!" I snapped.

"You're my girlfriend. I'm your boyfriend."

"Well then, we're breaking up. Right now," I said.

"Nah... that's impossible," he said calmly.

"And why's that?" I asked.

"Because neither of us has the right to break up with the other," he said.

"Shut up. I said we're breaking up," I insisted.

"You're my girlfriend, I'm your boyfriend, and I'm not letting you go," he said.

"Then I'll let you go," I countered.

"You have no R" he shot back.

"What's 'R'?" What is this guy even saying?

"Right," he said smugly.

"So, you have it then?" I asked.

"Nope. That's why we're not breaking up. Neither of us has the right," he said, clearly playing me in circles.

"Keep pushing your luck. I'm going to marry someone else anyway, so we're definitely going to end up apart," I said coldly.

He gave me a cheeky smile. "You'll only marry me."

"Over my dead body," I said.

"You can't do anything about it, because I'm going to fight for you," he said.

"I already told you—" kiss "you per—" kiss "maniac—" kiss "That's three already!!!" I quickly covered my mouth with my hand. My lips aren't virgin anymore!!!

"Wait, that was actually the fifth one," he said, pouting his lips again.

"Pervert!!! You're the worst! You wasted my first kiss!" I yelled at him.

"That was our second kiss, actually. Then third and fourth, and that one was the fifth." He pouted his lips again, but I shoved him away.

"And when did I kiss you?! What makes you say that was my second?!" Then I suddenly remembered that night... the night I thought he kissed me. "You pervert!"

"You remember now? I kissed you while you were sleeping. Hehehe." He even sounded proud of it! I turned my back on him—not because I was mad, but because I was embarrassed.

"Just shut up," I said. But I wasn't talking to him—I was telling my heart to be quiet because it was pounding so loudly.

"I love you. You don't need to say, 'I love you too.' Just letting you know that I love you is already enough for me."

But you came at the wrong time. I'm still in the middle of something, so please... stop now, because in the end, I'm going to leave you anyway.

"I want to go home," I said, trying to change the topic.

"Let's just wait for Rimjel and Emilie. They went to settle the hospital bills." He stood up and let go of my hand.

"Don't leave me here alone," I pleaded.

Because I was afraid... afraid the pain and fear from my past might come rushing back again.

"I'm not leaving, just grabbing this," he said, showing me the bowl of porridge. He blew on it first before offering me a spoonful. "Eat this for now. Later, when we get home, I'll cook you something even better."

Why is he doing this? He's making things harder for me.

"It's okay... Emilie's there anyway. I'll just ask her to cook for me," I replied.

"You're my girlfriend, I'm your boyfriend—and then you'll be my wife, and I'll be your husband, and then we'll have a dozen kids together," he said like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I smacked him on the head. He's always saying the most ridiculous things.

"Ouch!"

"You're talking nonsense."

"Tch... Stop pretending. You're totally giddy inside." Ugh, annoying.

"Wow, really? Giddy? Maybe you're forgetting that you still have a lot to answer for."

"You mean when I introduced you as my girlfriend?" he asked.

"Not just that."

"Ahh, that?" He scratched the back of his head. "Well, I'll see it anyway when we get married—just think of it as an early preview."

"What?!" This guy is unbelievable. "What do you mean, 'early preview'?... Do you want me to send you flying out of here?!"

"Hey... don't get mad. If you want, you can see my body too—just to make it fair," he said with a wink. Ugh, my head hurts from dealing with this guy.

"Honestly, I don't even know how to explain my side to you. I'm sorry, okay?" He even gave me the puppy eyes. "I was really scared at first. I didn't know how we'd even talk again after that happened. But I kept thinking... it's okay, because you're my girlfriend."

"Of course it's okay for you, but not for me!!!"

"Hehehe, I love you, my babe... don't be mad, please."

Is this really my crush? The serious one? The guy who never talked to me. The one dressed in all black who almost ran me over? I couldn't help but smile as the memory of that night flashed back in my mind.

The doctors and nurses in white coats entered, and I felt that familiar rush of fear and anxiety again. The painful memories from the past started replaying in my mind—again and again.

I felt Ivan's hand tighten its grip on mine. We looked at each other. His eyes seemed to say, "I'm right here." Just like that, my heart calmed, and the fear vanished in an instant.

He spoke with the doctor about my condition. Tsk... I suddenly remembered my failed attempt at cooking. That's what led me to end up in this state.

After their conversation, that annoying couple arrived. I shot them a glare, and in return, they gave me a teasing look.

"Don't look at me like that," I said with a pout.

"Get ready, we're going home now, bestie," Emilie said, so I did just that. But when I stepped out of the bathroom, the two of them were already gone.

Rimjel, I'm evicting you from Emilie's house.

"Let's go?" Ivan took the bag with my things and held my hand. I tried pulling it back, but his grip was too firm.

People at the hospital started looking at us. What's going on?

"Sir, is she your wife?" a nurse we passed by asked.

"Hmmm... pretty, right?" he answered.

I was blushing, but a part of my mind was reminding me—stop these.

"You two look great together!" the nurse giggled before saying goodbye and walking off.

He gently helped me into his car. Mmm... he smells good. That scent suddenly reminded me of Christian, so I called him right away.

"Hello, Louise. How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine," I said while Ivan glanced over at me.

"Do you feel well enough to come to the headquarters?"

"Hm." I gave a short reply. "Are you guys okay over there?"

"Yes. We'll just wait for you here."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye." I ended the call and slipped my phone into my pocket.

"Who was that?" Ivan asked with a pout, pointing his lips toward me. Hehehe, he's so cute.

"One of my friends," I replied casually.

If I weren't stuck in this whole mess right now, I probably would've thrown a party the moment he said he loved me. Ivan Axel Roberts—fair skin, pointed nose, thick brows, soft reddish lips, that kiss. I shouldn't be thinking about that anymore.

He's 6'1", not too skinny, not too bulky either. His arms are well-toned, probably from regular gym workouts. My gaze drifted down to his chest—hmm, broad and firm. I wonder how many packs he has. Six? Eight? Maybe ten?

"Hey!!! Don't lust after me in your head," he teased with a smirk, snapping me out of my thoughts. My whole face burned with embarrassment. "You- What exactly are you trying to figure out?" he added in a teasing tone.

"Nothing," I muttered, eyes still fixed on the road, refusing to look at him.

"Sure... just ask me already," You even bit your lip," he teased again. So embarrassing!

"Shut up!" I yelled at him, but he just laughed at me.

I didn't glance his way again until we reached the house. It was still locked. Where could those two be? We quietly entered, turning on all the lights. The place was eerily quiet. Where could they be now?

"They left me again," I told Ivan. "I'm seriously kicking your best friend out of this house."

"Wanna go find them? They're working at the café."

"No need. It's not worth the effort," I replied. "I'd just end up tired."

"They were baking some new desserts, so they left early," he explained. "Let's just stay here," he added, settling into a single sofa.

"Wait here!" I dashed to my room and took a quick shower. I changed into black shorts and a white t-shirt, slipped on my black slippers, brushed my hair, and wore a headband. Tadaaa! All done.

Ivan looked surprised when he saw me. Probably wondering where I was going.

I can't wait!!!

I walked over and straightened his white polo shirt, gently combing his soft, short hair with my fingers. Tsk... Even without trying, this guy is really handsome.

I grabbed my sling bag and held Ivan's hand—he froze. What's up with him?

I pulled him outside, made sure the house was locked, and stepped out the gate.

"Hey..." I nudged his arm. "Unlock the car," I said, pointing.

He pressed the key fob, and I immediately jumped in.

"Where are we going?" he asked, almost stuttering.

"To W&B Café. Are you okay with that?" I asked, smiling.

Ivan's blushing.

"Hmmm... What is it?"

Is he blushing? Why?

"Let's hurry, please?" I urged him.

I jumped out of the car before him and ran into the main lounge of the café. The smell of freshly baked pastries hit me.

Then I felt someone put an arm around my shoulder.

Ugh. I pushed it off.

"You're heavy," I complained. He moved his arm to my waist instead.

"Just admit it—you like it here," he teased, referring to where his hand was.

I elbowed him in the stomach—wow, solid. Ten packs confirmed. "There you go again, biting your lip," he said, shaking his head. "You really want another kiss, huh?"

Annoyed, I pushed his hand away and left him to approach the counter and order.

"Two frosty misty shakes, one raspberry choc chip, one pistachio cream supreme, one Swiss almond fudge torte, one Astoria red velvet, two rum raisin pancakes, one blini pancake, and one chocolate hazelnut cream supreme," I listed.

The staff typed fast.

"How much?"

"₱10,865, Miss Allejah."

I handed over ₱12,000.

"Ma'am, here's your change—"

"Keep the change." I smiled and went to look for a seat. The main lounge and garden were full. I noticed Ivan staring at me. I rolled my eyes and walked upstairs to the second floor.

I found an empty seat and pulled out my phone to check for messages. Then a guy sat across from me.

"Hi," he greeted with a grin.

I ignored him and went back to my phone.

"Can I get your number now?"

"No."

"And why not?"

"Because I'm not interested. So, if you don't mind, leave," I said flatly.

He smirked. "Playing hard to get? I like it."

Ugh. I was about to punch him when I saw Ivan. I waved at him to come over.

Ivan's glare could burn holes through the guy.

"If you don't mind, please leave. My company is here," I said to him, motioning toward Ivan.

"Suit yourself," he muttered.

"Why was he talking to you?" Ivan asked, clearly jealous.

"He's a customer, don't overthink it."

"Then why didn't you just let me handle it? I could've made him leave."

"People like him aren't worth the effort," I said as we walked downstairs. "You'd only ruin your café's image."

He sighed. "Come on, there's a free spot in the garden."

Once seated, he muttered, "I'm a little upset, you know."

"Why? Did I do something wrong?" I asked.

He nodded.

"What is it?"

"You didn't even tell him I'm your boyfriend," he said. "And you said, 'If you don't mind, leave. My company is here,'" he mocked me in my own voice, which made me laugh.

"Don't laugh! It's not funny."

"Well... You're not really my boyfriend," I shrugged.

He lightly hit my head. "What was that for?!"

"To knock some sense into you. Don't you remember what I told you at the hospital?"

I pretended to think, then shook my head. He grinned.

"If you don't say I'm your boyfriend right now..." he leaned in close, "I'll kiss you in front of everyone."

He even pointed at the other customers!

"What?" I gasped. But he kept leaning in.

"One..."

"Okay! Fine, just stay back," I pushed him away slightly. Now everyone was staring.

"What do you mean 'fine'? That's not what I told you to say," he smirked. "Three—"

"Okay! You're my boyfriend already!" I shouted.

The crowd started clapping.

This is so embarrassing!!!

Some people even stood up and cheered, "Congratulations!"

"Thank you! Thank you!" Ivan waved like he won an election.

Confetti launchers exploded all around. Crew members cheered.

At the center were Rimjel and Emilie in their chef uniforms, grinning wide.

"CONGRATULATIONS!!!" they shouted. My food's still not here.

................................

Hi-Yu