Chapter 16 - Heartstrings

Aila spent the whole morning idling and enjoying the view of the sea. She hasn't had a break ever since transmigrating in this book, so it was a welcome change to have some time to herself while enjoying a good read.

By noon, she is ready for when Calvin will pick her up to go to Dalton's Villa. She doesn't know if he'd eaten so she had the staff set up some light lunch by the window.

Calvin strode in wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and khaki pants. His curls in light disarray, seemingly casual.

"You're here, have you had lunch yet?" Aila asked smilingly at him.

Calvin stopped in his tracks to look at her and was not expecting her to be thoughtful enough to prepare this for him. He was quite touched.

He moved closer to her and kissed her on the cheek then smiled and said:

"I'm quite ravenous, honey."

Aila, reminded of what happen last night, blushed. She tried to dismiss the thought.

"Why are you always so feely touchy? there's no one here to see. Take a seat and eat."

She then hurriedly got to her side of the table; afraid he'd do something reckless again.

"Well honey, any man faced with a woman as beautiful as you will be tempted to monopolize you any chance they get and besides, I'm not made of stone." Calvin responded cheekily.

Aila wasn't expecting a straightforward answer from him. She was under the impression that he just enjoyed teasing her. She thought how something so normal with him is quite serious to her. With every touch, embrace and kiss she felt she was getting attached to him.

She can't exactly say that to him, the first to fall is the first to lose after all. She can't admit that within just 2 weeks in this unexpected relationship she was starting to break down. She can't believe she was this weak and wishy washy. She had prided herself to be quite independent and strong-willed. She was actually thinking of just running away from this. She didn't want this complication.

Sighing she said. "Calvin, you said touching when only needed. You've been having too many liberties with me lately. It's not like we are a real couple."

She unconsciously raised her hand to where she found a hickey this morning and her face got crumpled.

Calvin moved closer and kneeled in front of her.

"Have I been making you feel uneasy?"

Aila paused and admitted hesitatingly.

"Yes."

Calvin raised her hand to his lips and said:

"I'm sorry I've made you feel that way. This may be late, but I take responsibility to whatever had happened between us. I swear it on my life."

"wha..what do you mean by that?!"

"I will take this engagement through and through to the altar if need be." Calvin said seriously.

"!!!"

Aila was flabbergasted.

That's not it! what is he thinking?

what am I expecting to hear anyway?

She shook off the incoming thought, she can't expect love from him. She has to renew her resolve. He belongs to the female lead. I am just a passing character. Probably in the years to come these memories will become faint and she will move on with her life. Away from the storyline. She wished to live her life anew in this world, to make the most of this untainted place.

Aila looked at Calvin complicatedly.

"I..."

Calvin silenced her with a kiss, he had a feeling he is not going to like what she was about to say.

"I'm not pressuring you; I'm just letting you know I am supporting you wholeheartedly. I think you and I both know that there's something between us that we can't deny. Who knows, maybe it will all work out somehow."

He then stood up and went to his side of the table.

"Let's eat or we'll be late."

Aila sighed. She is confused right now. Her mind and her heart are not in sync. She might have to put this one on hold.

"Alright."

They lapsed into silence. Each loss in their own thoughts.

*****

By the time they arrived at Dalton's villa, the place seemed to be bursting with people.

Wow, he had them all flew here for a birthday party?!

Aila's commoner thinking has been broken down again.

"Welcome! so good of you to come. I apologize it seemed hectic at the moment. An attendant will be here shortly to guide you to your room." Dalton greeted them at the front door.

"Thank you for inviting us, Dalton, your villa looks splendid. I'm sure you will have a wonderful celebration tonight." Aila responded cheerfully.

"Happy Birthday, Dalton." Calvin replied simply.

"The pleasure is all mine! we are good friends after all."

An attendant then guided them towards their room. It was quite spacious; the scale of these male leads' wealth is incomprehensible to her. Even though she belongs in quite a wealthy family herself, she still hasn't come to terms to this life's opulence.

"The party will start around 5 pm, you probably want to rest up before then."

"What about you then?"

"I have some business to take care off. Don't worry about me honey, or do you want me to rest beside you?"

"You're such a scoundrel! why do you always have to twist my words in that direction. What I'm trying to say is, you said this was a vacation, why are you always working?"

"My, my, my...I didn't know you were so concerned about me honey."

Calvin then swooped her off her feet.

"What are you doing?!"

Calvin carried her to the bed and embraced her.

"We are taking a nap."

"Like this?!"

"Why not?"

"This is not necessary."

"Shh...or I'll kiss you senseless."

Aila stiffened.

Dammit! am I stupid or am I always left speechless by this man?

****

Apparently, even if the world comes to Armageddon, Aila will fall asleep on the dot.

What's wrong with me? why am I always so sleepy? Is this a penalty for transmigrating into a book? I've never heard or read something like this as a side effect.

Aila gave a start when Calvin touched her back, she was trying to zip up the dress but got loss in her thoughts again.

"Here, let me help you."

She thought Calvin seems to take his time zipping up the dress. She is about to give up at this point. They've already went and gone beyond before already. What else is there not to see?

"You look beautiful dear."

Aila looked up and saw the reflection of both of them. She was wearing a black cocktail dress that hugs her curves perfectly, she had her hair in an updo with some loose curls at the front. She went for a softer make up look tonight and wearing gold platform sandals.

Calvin is dressed like a he's going to seduce every female in this party wearing a white deep V neck casual sweater and black slacks. He had on some diamond studs and a Patek Phillippe watch.

They looked like a perfect couple. Each reflecting their personality amusingly.

He was looking at her quite intently, he then embraced her and bowed his head towards her swan like neck. He planted a quick kiss, sighed and let her go.

"Let's go honey, you're tempting me out of my self-control."

Aila was quite nervous as well, she felt her heart is going to burst with the excitement his actions caused her.

She cleared her throat and hooked her arm with his. She boldly said:

"The things you do that make a girl's heart flutter is really a work of art."