–Caia–
My uncle and I went fishing.
I was wearing a big hat, oversized pants, and a T-shirt while we were on a small boat with a young chef named Carter.
“I got one!” I exclaimed as I reeled in the fishing rod, and they helped me as we pulled up a big fish.
Uhh, I didn’t know what kind of fish it was, but Carter said that it was edible.
“Lapu-Lapu!
Yum!” Uncle Alec exclaimed.
“Good one, Caia.”
“Thanks.” I grinned at my first fish.
When I was little, I remember that Dad and I used to do this with Uncle Alec and Kuya Aamon.
It was so much fun.
I fell from the boat once, but I had my life vest on.
Kuya Aamon scooped me out of the water, and I was only laughing.
His face is still a blur, but I know that he cares for me.
We caught more fish, and we let go of the ones that weren’t meant for eating.
Uncle Alec turned on the small boat and maneuvered it toward the yacht.
I saw my sisters and Aunt Vivi laughing while they were playing whatever game they were playing.
I climbed up onto the dock of the yacht and helped with the buckets.
A few staff members took them from us and helped tie the boat to the yacht.
I went upstairs and found them playing board games.
“Hey, Caia.
Join us!”
I smiled and sat down.
“We caught a lot of fish.”
She giggled.
“You and your uncle really get along well.”
I sat down as one of the staff members gave me a cold cocktail.
“Thank you.” I sipped it and watched them play Uno.
I saw them getting frustrated, flustered, and overwhelmed.
I don’t know the game, but the three of them took it seriously.
Would Kuya Aamon also play that kind of stuff?
From what I heard, he’s very serious and dangerous.
I tried searching his name, but there was nothing at all.
I mean, I’m not really active on social media, but I’m curious about what he looks like now.
I yawned, and snacks were placed in front of me.
Uncle Alec sat beside his wife and rubbed her back.
He’s so sweet and caring.
They’ve always been like that, from what I remember.
More snacks came, and I didn’t hesitate to eat.
I mean, I couldn’t eat anymore…but I wanted to.
I ate slowly, savoring every bite because it had been a while since I tasted delicious food like this.
It was so fucking good that I could cry.
We lived in poverty for years.
I only ate once a day to save more money, too.
I might have been pampered when I was young, but I survived until now.
What I missed was my dad.
Ever since his business went bankrupt, Dad would secretly buy even a small cup of ice cream for me on my birthday.
I watched him rummage through his empty wallet, with only a few coins inside.
I will never forget that moment.
I remember telling him that I didn’t like ice cream anymore and that he didn’t have to buy me one.
I forgot how he looked back then.
Seeing him lifeless a week ago—thin, like he had shrunk—broke something inside me.
A tall, big man whom I always looked up to, always dressed in a pristine, tailored suit, ended up lying on a hard bed in old clothes, skin and bones, looking older than his age…suffering from pain.
I swallowed hard as I looked at the fresh meal served to us.
Everything was plated perfectly, even with edible flowers.
Just a few days ago, I was eating instant noodles.
They were cheap and made me feel full instantly.
I would just add more water to the noodles to sate my hunger.
Then, I somehow heard Mr.
A at the back of my head, telling me to eat more because I was thin.
People would say that I was sexy, a perfect Barbie, and that I should maintain my figure as it was.
But for him—he wanted me to eat more and look fuller.
I had never met a man who would prioritize my health over my slim looks.
Right, I was underweight anyway.
So, I must eat more.
Not to please anyone, but for myself.
Somehow, I feel relieved now.
After I met Mr.
A, everything around me somehow feels so much easier.
I still feel sad about losing my dad.
But Mr.
A didn’t realize that he made me forget all of it with his kiss, his touch, and the way he made me lose myself in intimate ways.
I suddenly miss him.
I shouldn’t fall in love with him, but every time I see how dangerously handsome he is, it makes my knees weak.
Even his scent was like an aphrodisiac to me.
Mr.
A…I wish he were with me.
But he’s a busy man.
His time is worth millions, probably billions.
******
–Aamon–
It’s been fucking hours.
I don’t want to leave this underground control room, not unless there’s trash waiting for me.
The reason I stayed here, monitoring everything and refusing to leave, was because of a certain person who smells like she bathes in different types of perfume.
It made me nauseated.
I fucking hate Natasha.
But when Max said that she had left, I finally headed upstairs to have a fine meal.
I looked at Anna and Matt, who were sitting apart from each other, like they hadn’t just fucked yesterday.
I guess they didn’t get to eat a while ago since they were busy fucking.
“Please, stop pretending, you two!” I pointed at them accusingly.
“What?” Matt asked nonchalantly, clearly in denial.
“When’s the wedding again?” Anton teased them as Anna rolled her eyes.
She probably didn’t want to remember the broken engagement after everyone thought that Matt had gotten cold feet.
But Matt didn’t get cold feet.
I know exactly what happened, and he doesn’t want to tell Anna about it.
Anna sipped her water, wiped her lips gracefully, and left.
Once she was gone, Maxim leaned closer to Matt.
“Seriously, Matt!” Maxim turned to him as we all looked at Matt.
“What the hell happened?
Why’s the wedding delayed or…is it already over, but you guys are still fucking?”
I rolled my eyes.
Matt was silent as he shook his head.
I know the reason.
But I am not the one to tell at all.
Matt’s reason is very deep.
I know it hurts Anna, although it’s nothing but an arranged marriage.
But Anna loves Matt.
She might not show it since she’s a detached person, someone who can’t show much affection.
“Come on, bro.” Anton insisted.
Daria sat down and interrupted.
“Stop it, guys!
There will still be a wedding, but it might take a while.”
The elders wanted a traditional wedding.
There would be a lot of people.
A possible bloodbath.
Or it’ll just be like a business event.
I checked my phone as Caia showed me a photo of a fish that she caught with Dad.
I sent a big heart to that.
My Caia, finally smiling so genuinely.
Her eyes were smiling too.
I love it.
I tapped my phone and sent her my reply.
Me: I was thinking of making love with you in the middle of the sea with fish around us.
Probably on that small boat, my love.
Little Bunny: Well, well…stop messing with my sanctuary with your fetish on exhibition.
I found myself chuckling as I tapped my reply again.
Me: You are the reason why I have a fetish, and let’s also add those kinks.
When I come back home, there better be cuffs or cable ties.
Little Bunny: Yeah, I was planning on tying you up so you wouldn’t exceed our original plan of one round only.
“Someone is crazily in love,” I heard Daria muttering.
“He never smiles like that,” Anton added, but I focused on my Caia.