Chapter 12

Franco When I got home, I found an invitation and a package at home. Sensing that it might be from Saphira, I hesitated.

She invited me to her party. I know she wanted me to be there with her that’s why I asked a favor from Bill to take over the rest of my shift for tonight at the café. I was just supposed to go near the hotel and text her since I do not have anything to wear and I wouldn’t want to embarrass her, but now that I am holding the classic black suit and light blue dress shirt, I debated whether I can do it.

I have never done this before. But I want to make her smile. Just knowing that my presence means a lot to her makes me feel funny. I’m starting to act like an infatuated guy, which shouldn’t be. Not yet at least.

I got dressed seeing that I was already late, I took a cab and went to the La Verne Hotel where Saphira’s party was in full swing.

When I arrived, I showed my invitation to the concierge and an usher led me to the ballroom. The entrance was elevated and it was strange that as I entered, all nervousness faded away and was replaced by confidence and anticipation because of her. I can’t help but smile that she looks so innocent in a corner of the room somewhat hidden from the view, but from where I was, I saw her right away.

My breath almost caught up in my throat when I saw her radiating beauty and elegance. She is different from the shy and simple Saphira I know. She looks so pretty in her midnight blue gown, which accentuated her features, she tilted her head and I know she saw me. I pretended to not notice her but I confidently, well I pretended to confidently stride towards her.

I was nervous as hell and I don’t even know why. When I reached her, I sat down on a seat beside her and that was when I had to do a difficult thing.

To act like I was not affected by her alluring beauty.

“Saphira. Happy Birthday.” I smiled at her hoping that she will not notice how much I was appreciating her body in a dress.

“Franco.”

She sounded breathless. I wonder if she is also affected like me. Trying to act so cool so she wouldn’t notice how my hand trembles as I fight myself from touching her or hugging her.

“Well bestie, I am here now and wearing your impossibly expensive gift that I will be returning tomorrow. Shall I say the magic words now?”

“Huh?” I guess she’s shocked. But I can’t be fazed.

“Surprise!!!” Foolish me. I don’t even know what to say.

“Oh that. Yeah. Thanks for coming.”

Now I know she’s nervous and I have to break the ice, for both our sakes.

“What?! No gushing over me? You won’t even jump into my arms and hug me tight to acknowledge my very commanding presence?”

I tried to act my normal self and boom! Of course she will also be on her normal self. It was like her second nature. Hitting me. Which I kind of enjoyed since I know she is very comfortable with me that way. Stupid as it may sound but sometimes I provoke her just to see her feisty reaction.

“Awww!”

“Shhhh. Not too loud.”

I didn’t want any attention.

“Why flick my nose?!”

“Because you’re being too cocky.”

I saw some eyes were starting to look at us and I know I needed to get out of there, but I won’t be leaving without her. I guess almost 3 hours into the party and she already pleased her parents, now it’s my turn.

“Can we go somewhere else? I mean, I don’t want to be rude but I just came her to see you and you alone. I don’t want to meet anyone.”

I saw her struggling maybe arguing with herself on whether to come with me or not but I was willing to wait even if it takes me the whole night. I can just look at her my entire life.

“Come on, I have something to show you but I have to say goodbye to my parents first, else they may have another party, a search party just for me.”

“What a lame joke but sure, I’ll wait for you here. Aww!”

"I can't help it you're being so . . ."

"Cute."

She smiled. I stood up and offered my hand to help her. Well, Saphira sitting down was hot, but nothing could have prepared me for the view when she stood up and when our faces were just inches apart. I was literally breathless.

"Just stay there and wait for me."

"Yes my Princess."

The Billionaire's Daughter Chapter 11: Party Lie To Me She could have ordered me to jump a building with the way she looked and I would have obeyed without batting an eye.

It took her some time to get back and I was just minding my own business when Francine, one of Saphira’s school bullies approached me.

“Hey poor guy, must be waiting for his treasure, ooops pun intended.”

I ignored her.

“You know, for a gorgeous guy I don’t know why you keep on leeching on a nerd, excuse my poor vocabulary but leeching is the word that came into mind. Well, I must admit, she’s rich and has the right connections. It must be beneficial for you to be friends with her. But that’s just my observation.”

It’s a good thing nobody is hearing her derogative words. I just have to endure it since this is Saphira’s party and I wouldn’t want to make a scene even if I wanted to rip the smirk of this bitch face.

“What? Cat got your tongue? Why aren’t you fighting me? Oh, I see now. You don’t want to humiliate your friend on her party. Well, seeing that she must have spent a fortune on your suit, you really have to endure anything that will be thrown at you tonight.”

Patience Franco. Patience. Yeah. Keep telling myself that.

“You know, Saphira is such a slut for thinking that she could dress you up and everything will be better. Is she any good in bed? Your whore. . .!

Aaargh!”

I pulled her forcefully but closer to me, pretending to hug her then whispered furiously on her ears.

“I can swallow every demeaning words you said about me, but never degrade Saphira ever again. You’re a liar. There is no other whore here but you.”

Then I pushed her and turned away.

That was when I saw Saphira’s tear streaked face and I know I have some explaining to do.

The Billionaire's Daughter Chapter 64: End