Luke's POV
I was left dumbfounded. No matter how much I pleaded iniwan niya pa rin ako. What did I do wrong, Elena? How did we suddenly end up this way?
"Luke," a baritone familiar voice called out.
When I realized who had called me, I was stoned. I took a glance behind me, and my guess was correct.
"Jake," I replied, "you heard and saw everything didn't you?!" I angrily asked.
He simply shrugged and gazed up at the sky. Was this something he planned? Isn't this too much of a coincidence? My mind begins to race as a result of his reaction. I drew closer to him and sprang at him. Is he thinking I'll just leave him alone?!
"Are you here to cause more trouble?! I wouldn't hesitate to kill you, Jake!" I shouted between clenched teeth.
He looked at me sympathetically. Instead of returning the punch he just wiped off the blood in his lips. He stood up and moved towards me, his hand on my shoulder.
"I don't know what happened between you and Elena," he paused for a while before looking straight into my eyes. "But... You don't own her anymore Luke. You broke up," he stated flatly without any emotion seen in his eyes.
This isn't the regular me; I know what I'm doing is risky and dumb, but him being here at the wrong time irritates me even more. I know he's in love with my fiance, and he's also my brother. Elena is too important to me to give up on. He passively smirked at me. And returned my stare.
"She said I need to patch up things with you," he suddenly informed. His eyes reflected pain. "She really loves you. You changed her."
I grabbed my hair out. Why is she acting this way if she loves me? I'm not sure what she's thinking. I'm not sure why she's doing this. What does she mean when she says she isn't Elena?
"But, now that I have a chance to get her, I won't back down Luke. I will fight for her," Jake said smiling at me. For some reason, his smile sent warmth in my chest. It's like I found brother back again. "May the best man win," he said reaching his hands to me for a handshake. "Brother."
I still wish to avoid him, but he's my brother. I snatched his hands in mine. I'm not about to go down without a fight. Especially since I'm fighting for something important. Elena loves me, and nothing, no matter who enters her life, can change that. I'm going to show her how much I genuinely love her. I believe in her love as well as our love.
"See you, bro," he pats my shoulder before leaving.
As I watched Jake walked away, I was reminded of the first time I met my beloved...
"Urgh! That annoying jerk! How could he?! He embarrassed me! I would definitely make him bald if I see him again!" I heard someone say from behind a tree.
I went over there. It was there that I saw a pretty young lady. For a brief moment, I was captivated by her beauty. She cast a sidelong glance at me. She rose up and turned to face me, waving.
"You boys are just so stupid, selfish conceited jerks!" she accused while lightly punching me endlessly.
I was awestruck for a moment as I stared at her lovely face. Even when she's angry, she's adorable. Her eyes glowed with contempt and pain. It must be so hard for her that she even rant to a complete stranger. Who made her feel this way? This woman deserves all happiness the world could offer.
"Elena!" someone called out.
She froze and morphed into an emotionless young lady. Her enraged expression had vanished. She turned her back on me, then she returned my gaze and made a face. I couldn't stop laughing at her childishness.
As I returned to reality, a tear fell down my cheeks. The sky astounded me. That was my first encounter with her. I was 19 and she was 18. It must have been love at first sight. I looked for her but couldn't find her. All I could recall was her angelic face and name. I'm hopelessly in love with her.
I decided to stock up on beer and stay in my condo. They claimed that if you want to forget, drink as much as you can. I've drank five beers, but the ache isn't going anywhere anytime soon. A memory flashed inside my mind again...
"Elena, this is Luke Javier. One of our business partner's sons," Mr. Perez introduce me and my eyes widened when she turned to me. "Luke, this is my daughter. Elena Perez"
She smiled at me but I saw the emptiness in her eyes. I can't read what's she's feeling nor thinking.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Javier," she formally commented and extending her hand.
There has been no change... She's still classically beautiful, but you can see how she's grown over time, and she still makes my heart race. I took her hand in mine, but we quickly let go.
"Are you an electric man or something?" she asked giggling.
"Elena!" A girl suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Misty is making another prank!"
She simply touched the little girl's head and nodded. She smiled broadly as she turned to face me.
"I should be going now Mr. Javier, it seems like my sister is making another trouble," she said before turning her back to me.
I don't know what came to me when I grabbed her hand. I can feel blood rushed to my face.
"W-Will we meet again? C-can I ask you on a date?" I asked stuttering, but my desire to meet her again is stronger than my embarrassment.
I noticed that she had a surprised expression on her face, but she quickly changed it.
"Oh, grandma would be so mad when she hears this Elena," the little girl teased.
The little girl runs away giggling and made her way through the crowd.
"You're the only guy who actually caught me off guard," she laughed.
When I heard her chuckle, I was delighted. It's soothing to my ears, it's like a beautiful lullaby you can't get enough of. I can't believe I'm going to see her after all these years. I was about to give up, I'm glad I didn't. Does she remember me? Because I have not forgotten her ever since then.
"So, will I take that as a yes?" I teased but deep inside I am hella nervous
"I like your guts mister but I'm sorry. I'm a man-hater," she said as she winked at me.
Her words made me recall the first time we met. Yes, of course. She despises men. The revelation sent me into a tailspin of despair.
"How can you be so nonchalant about this?" I asked her staring at the people around us.
"In business, it doesn't matter how much you despise someone. You must conduct yourself in a professional manner," she replied, confident with her words but I heard the sadness in it.
I let out a sigh as I returned to reality. It took me years just to find her. Despite the fact that Jake and I severed our brotherhood, I still believe it is worth the expense. I love her, and my feelings for her are becoming stronger by the day. I love how she reveals her own self to me. I am the only person who has seen all sides of her, and my affection for her has only deepened. I can't stop myself from dialing her phone number. Elena, please respond.
"Elena?" I called out when she answered my phone
The other end of the call was silent. I exhaled a long breath. It's fine if she doesn't say anything. At the very least, she responded, "I will not let this opportunity pass me by
"I'm not giving up," I announced with conviction.
I hung up the phone after hearing her quiet sob. I slammed myself to my bed while staring blankly at the ceiling. Tears ran down my cheeks as my eyes welled up. Elena is someone I will not let go of. I care too much about her to let this go. I'm not going to let it go without a proper explanation. I'm not going down without a fight.