Passionate mysteries

Chapter 2- Zoe: Journal

Hi, I'm Zoe Elize Carter. I'm 23 years old and the sole heir of the Carter group of companies all over Asia. I grew up in Florida with my Dad and his super busy schedule. I barely have any fond memory of him except when he'd take me on his travels and I got to explore other places, but most of the time he was never there when I was reaching the first milestones of my life. He's always busy handling our business and, as for my Mom, I never had any chance to get to know her. They told me she died when I was like a year older and the only memory I have of her are her crumpled photographs inside my dad's drawer. Dad doesn't talk much about her and every time I open it up he'll always shut me out, saying that it is irrelevant to speak about the past. He even made a rule not to mention her name inside the house. How cruel can he get right? I lack the love of a mother and I have an absent father. Growing up was agonizing and tragic. I may have had it all, the money and comfort in life, but there are just some things that money couldn't even buy. That's love, cliché as it may sound, but it's just something so hard to find, even for me. I would sometimes dream of having someone like a ride or die in life. Yet, my longing for those things didn't really end up well for me.

I guess you're wondering what is happening or where it all started? And why am I having such a hot, steamy dream with someone I don't even know? For starters, I'm dating someone. His name is Tyler Mathews, and we've been dating for almost 3 years now. Our families are business partners and, as the sole heir of the Carters', my dad planned this whole relationship for us. I'd say I have no choice, and I'm just being obedient to my Dad's wishes. He said it's for my future and the companies' well-being. Tyler is 2 years older than me. He has a model-like physique with brown eyes and black hair with fair skin, not the Caucasian type. He could be someone's dream guy if you'd ask me. Tyler and I met during our trip to Sweden during my 20th birthday when our families planned a boat trip to the archipelago in Stockholm. The scenery is breathtaking while admiring the island's best view, peaceful waters, and sunsets. Its amazing landscape sets a romantic and intimate mood and that's exactly what our families wanted, hence, choosing this birthday date for me and Tyler. The whole night was amazing and we both enjoyed each other's company. We talked about a lot of things and we both shared the same sentiments when it comes to traveling to new places. I was sipping my champagne when I saw him staring at me, so I asked, "Is there something wrong with my face?" He smiled and replied, "There's nothing more beautiful than this," He paused in between, cleared his throat and said, "I mean the view, it's magnificent right? I'm glad I get to share this experience with you, Zoe." I laughed softly and looked straight into his eyes as if I was looking for any hint of spark or sincere admiration. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Tyler's compliments but somehow, I got used to this. Given that I had many suitors and blind dates that my Dad would arrange for me, all of it felt the same. I don't see any sincerity, like what we read in books. No heart racing moments when someone would confess their admiration. Most of all, no spark. I just felt normal, I was hoping Tyler would be different, so much for making my hopes up. "Tyler, would you mind if we dance?" I offered him just to break the awkward silence between us and might as well create a fond memory with this beautiful scenery. He looked at me reluctantly and said, "I'm not a good dancer, but for you, I'll try." He stood up and offered his hand, "Would you dance with me, Miss Zoe?" I smiled and said, "Oh, I guess chivalry's not dead. I would love to dance with you, Tyler." He grabbed my hand and guided me to the center of the boat and started to waltz through the harmonious tune of the music. We were exchanging smiles, and he was looking straight into my eyes as if he was hypnotizing and trying to captivate my heart. Our bodies were moving slowly into the beat and I could feel his hands slowly wrapping around my waist. He slowly pulled me closer as he whispered, "You're not just beautiful, you're also a good dancer." I smirked and said, "I guess all those dance lessons paid well." We both laughed and enjoyed the moment, "Happy Birthday Zoe." He said as he spun me around and kissed my hands. "Impressive," I replied. He turned his focus onto his chair as he grabbed something underneath. "A birthday won't be complete without a gift," he smiled and gave me a pink box with brown ribbon laced around it. "Thank you, Tyler." I happily said as I opened it and saw a journal inside. "I heard you loved traveling and loved to collect a lot of food memories, so, I thought you could put it all inside this journal. I know it's a bit ordinary, but when I bought this I was thinking we'd create memories together and put it inside. It's like an adventure book of our journey." He blushed and stared at me, "I love it, Tyler, and it's not an ordinary gift, it's a thoughtful gift. I have never had a journal of my trips before. Well, does posting it on my i********: count?" we both laughed, "I really love it, thank you, and filling it with memories of us together seem a good idea. This will serve as a keepsake of our story together." I leaned closer and kissed his cheeks. Somehow, I felt happy with Tyler. His calmness just seemed to radiate within me, "And speaking of memories, let's start filling this up now." I grabbed my phone and took a picture of us together. Every photo captured the sweet mark of our friendship that would soon begin to blossom.