Chapter 17: Chapter 17 - Meeting

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

We went back to our room and changed into our swimsuits, then took the elevator to the pool.

WHen the elevator door opened, I immediately felt the Miami sunshine. The pool water glistened in the sunlight, like a huge blue jelly, and it looked sparkling and translucent.

I walked straight to the pool and saw someone swimming inside. The bottom of the pool was made of a few huge pieces of glass. Through the glass, I could see the person downstairs looking up. I put my feet in the water and tested the temperature. It was just right. It felt so good to swim in such hot weather.

I wanted to call Ravi to join me in the water, but when I turned back, I saw a sexy woman talking to Ravi. Her eyes were glued to Ravi, and her bright red lips had a smile. She even winked at Ravi from time to time.

I stood up from the edge of the pool and walked toward the recliner that was just out of Ravi’s line of sight. I took off the shirt I had draped over my body, revealing my black bikini. I took the clip off my head. The hair that had been curled up around my shoulders instantly fell away. I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair to comb it. I picked up the sunscreen and squeezed some onto my hand. I pressed my palms together and rubbed it away. Then I applied the sunscreen to my calves, my knees, my thighs, and my arms. From the corner of my eye, I saw a naked man walking toward me.

“Do you need my help?” the man asked me. “I can help you put sunscreen on your back.”

“No, thank you,” I replied with a smile, and saw Ravi walking toward me.

I got up and walked to the pool. When I dove in, I created a huge splash.

In the water, I felt the thrill of revenge when I saw Ravi’s befuddled expression. Ravi leapt into the water and swam toward me. I swam forward quickly, and when I reached the pool, I rolled over and swam in the opposite direction. Ravi was hot on my heels.

I didn’t stop. I swam to the other side of the pool and turned back. Suddenly, I felt a pair of hands wrap around my waist. I stood up, wiped the water off my face with both hands, and opened my eyes to see Ravi.

His hair was wet and water was dripping down his face and shoulders. The scorching sun shone on him, and every drop of water glistened. His muscular abs were firm, and the biceps on his arms were tight.

I panted heavily as I slowly adjusted my breathing. Ravi had one hand on my waist as he pulled me closer to his body. His other hand wiped the water off my face. He pressed his lips to mine. In the face of such a sexy man, I couldn’t refuse his kiss and I took the opportunity to kiss him. Two seconds later, I pushed him away and panted heavily. As he touched my head, he smiled, revealing his dazzling white teeth.

After I adjusted my breathing, I tilted my head back and closed my eyes as I waited for him to kiss me.

‘No.’ Ravi smiled and shook his head.

“You said I could kiss you at any time.” I stared at the man in front of me with widened eyes.

He lowered his head and whispered in my ear, “If you kiss me, everyone here will see the change in my body, including the people below.” Then, he glanced down at the water.

I felt my face blush. I broke free of his arm and turned to swim ashore.

Ravi came ashore after me. “I didn’t expect you to be a swimmer.” He ran his hand through his wet hair.

“You’re not bad yourself.” I put on a towel and headed for the elevator.

“Go back to your room and rest for a while. I’ll look for you in an hour.”

“No problem.”

I took a shower in my room and changed into a long dress. I put on some light makeup and some light lipstick. I remembered my mom saying that at my age, I would look good without heavy makeup. It would be better if I put on some light makeup, but heavy makeup would be unnecessary. I thought about my mom again. I wondered how she was, if she was hurt, and if Raul had given her a hard time. I took a book and snuggled up on the couch to read, and before I knew it, I fell asleep.

“Cecilia,” I heard someone call my name. It was a familiar voice, so familiar that I couldn’t discern if it was a dream or reality.

I opened my eyes and saw my mother sitting beside me. She looked slightly haggard, but her eyes were still so bright and charming. She touched my cheek gently and I could feel the warmth of her fingers.

“Am I dreaming?” I murmured to myself.

“My baby, this is not a dream. I’m here.” Mom smiled kindly, and wrinkles appeared at the corner of her eyes.

“Mom.” I sat up and hugged my mom. My eyes were tearing up, but I was smiling. “How have you been, Mom? Did Raul or Father give you a hard time after I left?”

“I’m good. They didn’t make things difficult for me. How are you?”

“I’m good. Ravi has been good to me.”

“Was it Ravi who helped you escape?”

“It’s a long story. Anyway, I live with him now. Mom, why are you in Miami?”

“I accompanied your father to the casino our family runs in Las Vegas. Yesterday, a few people suddenly came and said they wanted to bring me to see you. They were polite to me, and I didn’t think it was a trap, because I had no value to them at all. So I came with them.”

“It was Raul. He told me you were dead, and I went back to Philadelphia after I found out. I almost fell for his trap. In the end, he told me you were in Vegas. Mom, didn’t Father know?”

“How could he not know? Why else would he take me to Vegas?” Mom sighed, then stroked my hair.

“Mom, you don’t have to live with them anymore. Move out. I’ve already discussed it with Ravi.”

My mother looked troubled.

“Cecilia, I still have to go back. I have something I need to do,” Mom says sternly and calmly.

“Why? For the assets? That place is hell. We’ve already escaped. I really don’t understand why you want to go back.” I widened my eyes and kept shaking my head.

“Time will tell you the answer, my baby. From now on, you’ll know what kind of woman your mother is.” She stroked my head and tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m relieved to see you’re safe. I’m going back.”

“But you flew to Miami to see me without my father’s permission. He’ll punish you.”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.” Mom kissed my forehead lightly before getting up to leave.

I stood up and hugged Mom to cherish this moment as much as I could, even if only for a minute, a second. Mom and I stood in front of the couch and hugged each other for a long time. My tears wet her shoulders, and I felt her tremble as she sobbed.

“My princess, if I don’t leave soon, I won’t make it for the last flight today.” Mom wiped my tears away with tears and smiled kindly.

I let go and watched Mom leave with tears in my eyes..