Elena's POV (May)
I went straight to the bathroom after having entered my room. I locked my gaze on the reflection of myself in the mirror for a long time. Miss Elena is very stunningly gorgeous and blessed. Maybe if I was like her, Papa might've accepted me and loved me... but he does not.
I let out a sigh and went to bed after I showered. Having these thoughts would change nothing.
"Elena, wake up. You have a suitor I mean a visitor." I was startled awake by an eager voice. When I opened my eyes, I can see Misty's toothy grin. "Hurry up. He's waiting outside."
She dragged me to the bathroom, then shoved me inside. He's waiting, she says... I felt my heart beating wild with the thought of him waiting. Is it really him? I hurriedly took a shower and immediately fixed myself overjoyed that we could finally meet. I hurried downstairs.
"Let's grab fresh air. What do you think? Want to go with me?"
A flood of sadness welled up inside my soul. I had a vain hope. What am I doing? I'm a moron who thought I'd meet Luke when I was the one who pushed him away. I just forced a smile and nodded. It's probably a good idea for me to get some fresh air first. I was reluctant to get into his car.
"Shall we go?"
I turned to face Jake, then looked around to see that we were in a park. I went for a walk around the park with Jake. I witnessed a girl crying close to the tree. I felt so sorry and approached the child right away to console her.
"What's wrong? Are you lost?" I asked.
I turned to Jake after she nodded. I'm not familiar with this area, so I'm not sure if I can help guide this child.
"You could play with us while we look for your mother," Jake suggested with a smile.
The child's face lit up. I couldn't help but smile. Maybe it's nice to be young again... the troubles of the world don't really bother you. Though, I can't really tell for sure since my childhood is nothing but a bitter experience.
"Okay, so for starters, can you tell us your name?" I warmly inquired. "My name is Elena, and his name is Jake."
"My name is Freya David... I'm six years old," she said softly.
Awwwww! She's so adorable that I want to pinch her rosy plump cheeks. But, I don't want to scare her, so, I have to stop myself from doing so. We went to the play area and had a great time playing with Freya. I've spent a lot of time in orphanages since I adore children.
I love their innocent view of the world, their bright smiles, and the happiness they share. When I see the children's happy laughter and smiles, it's as if I forget about my problems for a moment.
"I had no idea you were fond of kids," I turned to face Jake when he suddenly spoke. "I mean, II never saw you interact with children, and I just assumed you wouldn't be good around them— particularly playing with children since you're always so into your work, even during your vacation or spare time."
"Their smile is so innocent, joyous, and carefree... doesn't it seem like their happiness influences you as well?" I asked, smiling.
We decided to rest on the bench. Jake took Freya, who was sleeping, in his arms.
"Don't I really have a chance, Elena? You know, I'm still hoping that we'll have a chance," Jake said out of nowhere.
"Don't hurt yourself, Jake. You already know the answer to that," I said sadly.
I heard him swear. I turned to see him laying Freya on his leg and looking me in the eyes. I felt guilty... I know exactly how painful it is to not be loved by someone you love. May it be or the real Elena, the two of us can never reciprocate his genuine feelings.
He brushed his hair with his hand. "Perhaps, no matter how much you loved them, they could slip through your fingers like water, and there would be nothing you could do about it."
I couldn't say anything. Jake reminds me so much of myself that it breaks my heart into a million pieces. We both fell for someone who is in love with someone else.
"Let's keep it this way for now. I promise that after this, I'll accept the fact that we'll never be more than friends. It hurts to have someone in your heart but be unable to have them in your arms," he added.
It's excruciatingly painful. I genuinely love him, I truly love Luke Javier... but he is in love with someone else and will never love me as me. I'm just an impediment to their love... I am an obstacle for the woman his heart truly beats.
I tried to change the topic. "I had fun today. Thank you, Jake"
We both remain silent for a while before Jake stood up and prompted that he needed to use the restroom first, so he left quietly so Freya wouldn't wake up.
"Where's Mom?"
My gaze was drawn to Freya. I was about to say something when Freya's name was suddenly called.
"Oh my god! I've been searching for you Frey!" a woman said as she hugged Freya. "Thank you so much for taki—"
I was taken aback when she abruptly came to a halt when she have seen me. I suspect she is about the same age as Sir Elandro. She has charming almond-like eyes and black, bouncy hair. What is with the look in her eyes?
"E-Elena," she stammered nervously, her face turning pale.
Is Elena acquainted with her? Who is she? Before I could ask, she abruptly turned around and grabbed Freya before fleeing. I was left perplexed and befuddled.
"Where's Freya?"
I stood up and turned to face Jake, who had just arrived.
"Her mother arrived earlier and picked her up," I explained. "Come on, let's go home."
We were walking to his car when Jake's phone started ringing.
"Please excuse me for a moment," he said just before answering the phone. "This is Jake. What do you—what?!"
I noticed the abrupt change in his expression, he immediately hung up and looked at me.
"Let's go back to the house," he said anxiously.
My brows knitted with his obvious change. What is his issue? He was just fine a while ago, but now he is very serious. Nonetheless, I followed him right away. The entire trip was remarkably quiet, and I didn't try to talk since Jake was deep in thought.
I wonder what was his call about for him to look this anxious. We arrived in less than twenty minutes. I went, shut the door, and said my goodbyes through his window.
"Thank you, Jake, you lifted my spirits," I said, smiling. "You truly made me happy today."
"I'm leaving for the Philippines tonight," he announced abruptly.
Despite my surprise, I smiled politely. That was definitely too sudden, but based on his reaction earlier, they are a high possibility that they might have a problem with his company.
"Be careful," I advised, smiling.
I stood up straight and waved as he drove away.
"So, how's the date?"
I turned to face the person who had spoken, and it was none other than Misty. I peek at my wristwatch and realized it was already one o'clock and I hadn't started anything with what grandma had ordered, which is why I couldn't answer Misty's question. I went rushing to my office and wasted no time. I started to study the books that Grandma had left me.
"It's time for dinner Elena, come down."
I nodded as I looked at Grandma. She is in a great mood since she is frequently irritated when I am late for her appointments. We went to the dining hall together and overheard Misty and Winter arguing about who was the true winner. There isn't a day that goes by when they don't argue.
"I have some good news," Grandma Diane stated, a wide smile on her face.