CHAPTER 16 “BOND"

"Are you serious?"

That was Cynthia's unbelievable question to her after she told her everything that happened to her last night. That also includes this morning.

“Can't you believe it too? Well, I won't be surprised there because that's how I feel until now,” she said, glancing at her friend for a moment and then looking back at the computer monitor on her desk.

"It's like you have a special bond," Cynthia commented.

She immediately turned to her best friend. “What do you mean special bond?” her confused question.

Cynthia shrugged her shoulders and then turned the swivel chair she was sitting on. “Well, actually it's not just the two of you. It seems to be your daughter is included as well. I mean, Callie. I think fate has really made way for you guys to meet. And that is for your child,” she explained.

Lara thought for a moment about what she heard. Then she sighed then picked up the cup of coffee that was in front of her.

“I don't want to think about anything that could hurt me and my daughter. And one more thing, aside from you, no one else knows about the truth. I mean, that he was Callie’s real dad. I didn't say that to Papa either because I thought that everything might just mean something bad to him. Or maybe it will be a way to make him think and get stressed,” Lara explained.

“I can't blame you for that decision not to tell your father about everything. But Callie, do you think you're fair to her? Or to Joaquin? He has the right to the child because he is the father,” Cynthia replied in a tone that seemed to want to indicate to her that she had to admit the truth to Joaquin.

"It's impossible what you want to happen, Cynthia," she said in a tone that was full and firm.

"Doesn't your daughter ask you about her father?" Cynthia asked.

Lara was immediately taken aback by that question.

Callie also asked her many times about her father. Where he is and when he will return to her.

Honestly, as a mother, it’s not easy to make a story that she knows can be convincing to her child. So, she just says, her father is in another house and busy working.

But she also had to admit that many times she wished that Callie could be with or could be with her father. And now that her dream has happened and come true, will she deny it to her daughter?

"Actually, that's why I agreed when he asked me to be his friend. Because I want him to be with Callie and the other way around," she confessed to Cynthia.

“So, Joaquin offered you friendship. You know Lara, I understand you. But hopefully, when the time comes, you will also admit to him the truth. Even if it's just for Callie, don't think about yourself first because I'm sure you can handle any problem,” Cynthia said with a smile as she encouraged her with the tone of her words.

“So far, I can't admit everything to Joaquin. Or even to my father and especially to my little girl. It’s just you who knows about this. So, when it happens that someone else knew and discover my secret you know, I will make you pay,” she said jokingly while laughing.

Cynthia's eyes rolled. “And when else have I ruined you? All your secrets are safe with me. But I just hope you know what you are doing because this is your chance to have a whole family,” she insisted.

At what she heard, Lara was shocked and couldn't stop laughing.

"And what's funny about what I said?" Cynthia also laughed at her.

Shaking her head Lara remained smiling. “Why you are so good at jumping into something like that? Where did the idea of a whole family come from?”

“Why? Do you think Joaquin lied when he told you he had no family or even a girlfriend? You know what Lara, I never imagined how numb you are until this situation came. I’m not sure, or maybe you are just pretending to know nothing? Because it's obvious that that man likes you!”

“You crazy! Well, you really are indeed my best friend for giving me false hopes. Oh no, I don't think so because I don't want to get hurt just in case!” she laughed again then turned her attention back to what she was doing.

“Oh of course I don’t believe you. I just want to meet this man. And then I will tell you what I will notice,” said Cynthia who faced her work again.

“Of course, I will definitely introduce you to him. He will pick me up tonight so wait,” she said to Cynthia.

At that moment Lara's attention was on her work. That's why she only heard Cynthia's thrilling giggle. Then she turned to her friend again.

"What's wrong with you?" her amuse question to her.

"Is it bad to be happy for my best friend?" Cynthia answered her then rolled her eyes.

Lara just shook her head there. "All right, let's work," she replied.

"Yes ma'am!" Cynthia's smiling and happy response.

Shortly after that, silence engulfed the whole room. They only hear the noise that computer keyboards create. It also includes the sound of the hand of the wall clock.

But in all of that, Lara knew that Joaquin had occupied her mind. As well as the confusion that she couldn’t afford to ignore even if she wanted to.

Why did this happen? What does destiny want to inform or give her a message?

That is what Cynthia is saying right? That Joaquin likes her?

She would be lying if she didn’t admit that she wanted to see the man’s handsome face. But that was not the only physical attractiveness of the young man. Because everything about him is beautiful.

That's why she can't stop her mind from going back to the past. How the young man used to devour her. How he embraced and felt even the most hidden and sensitive part of her body.

She also admitted that when she woke up the next day, she was sad to see that he was no longer beside her. While at her side was a personalized atm card.

The password was attached to the card itself. And when she put it in the atm she was very surprised to see that it contained a large amount of money.

Joaquin also left her a short note.

Venus,

This money is not compensation for what happened to us last night. Because the truth is, for me, what we share has no equal value.

I will never forget you.

Hopefully, this money will help with all your problems in life.

Joaquin

The money indeed became a big help for her and her father.

She was able to graduate even though she was also working at the time. So she got promoted and now earns a lot.

So maybe, she just made the right decision.

She should not deprive Joaquin of their child. And as well as the friendship he demanded from her.