Chapter 13

His Affection

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"Nicole, Vine vocalist and only girl member," one guest whispered.

"She's beautiful. Beauty and talent, what could a man ask for?"

"She's gorgeous!"

The venue was filled with whispers when Nicole entered. The corner of her lips rose and she glanced at me. I could see her haughty look and complacent attitude. I clenched my fist. The smile on her lips was annoying and I couldn't help but to look away and let her show off to the guests.

I knew that she's beautiful. That's a given fact and I didn't have a problem with it, but why I could only hear the repeated compliments on her beauty? She's not the only beautiful one in this world.

Yes, I guess I'm being jealous of her. But it's not just me, I think all Levi's fans are jealous of Nicole.

I avoided looking at her and roamed my eyes around the bar. The disco lights were on and some bottles of beer were placed on tables and on the counter at the side. I was sitting at the round table right in front of the platform where I sang earlier.

After my duet with Levi, I returned sitting to my previous chair. Fortunately, there weren't many guests at that time so most of them didn't know who's challenging Nicole.

The bar was an open space so everywhere I look I could see trees decorated with blinking lights on its branches. It's dark outside and the resort lights were on. The light that illuminated the entire bar was dim, a perfect ambiance for a dramatic movie.

A waiter walked to me and asked, "Miss, this is our signature drink. Do you like to have a taste?"

I turned my gaze to him. He had a small tray with a wine glass on with it. "What's that?" I asked.

"It came from the southern islands and a famous drink that the resort's owner recommend to first time guests."

"Oh?" I raised my eyebrows. Suddenly, I was curious about the taste so I reached for it. "Thanks."

The man just smiled and walked away without saying a word. I frowned at the wine glass before putting it down on the table. I'll drink it later.

A few minutes passed before Vine introduced themselves in front of the guests. Soon they started playing. Some were confused. Maybe they thought the Vine would go straight to the contest but they didn't know that gig comes first before the contest.

They played first an upbeat song which made some guests do headbang within their chairs but I stayed leaning forward and watching Vine. I admit that Nicole has the talent. Her voice is beautiful and pleasant to listen to. I frowned, lips forming a line.

I stared at Levi. I couldn't see the strange color of his eyes. I didn't know if it was because of the dim light or if he was wearing contact lenses.

After a while the tune changed into a gentle one. It must be a love song. I just watched how Levi and Nicole stared at each other like they're the only people around. It made me clenched my jaw and closed my fist tight. They looked perfect for each other and I couldn't blame Levi if he's attracted to Nicole. Even a number of fans admit that they the two fit for each other.

I looked down and reached for the drink the waiter gave me earlier. I drank it straight away and I closed my eyes as the bitter and cold liquid went down my throat and down into my stomach.

I frowned and looked up at the two people singing at the stage. Yes, they're for each other because they're both stars I couldn't reach. They were still staring at each other like they mean it, and I didn't know why my heart ached. Clenching my closed fist, I grimaced when my vision suddenly became blurred. I shook my head and looked up at the stage where an emcee stood, announcing the start of the contest.

"Nicole, the female vocalist of Vine is such an outstandingg artist!" The emcee said and continued, "But after proving herself worthy of the title Vine's princess, there are still some fans who can't accept it and think that they're better than Nicole. The girl who likes to contend with the Vine princess, let's welcome... Rishel!" And the emcee pointed a finger on me.

My vision was blurry and my ear couldn't take all the noise around. I could hear jests directed at me but I couldn't retort because my vision's spinning and my head was throbbing in pain. What's happening with me?!

I stood while holding on the table as I bit my lip and moaned a little. The surrounding was spinning and it was making me dizzy and nauseated.

"It seems like Miss Rishel can't sing tonight. By default, we will declare Nicole the winner of the contest! Congratulations, Miss NIcole!" the emcee announced.

The people cheered. My head throbbed in pain even more because of the noise. I put my elbow on the table and put my face down. I was feeling uncomfortable from my head and to my stomach.

I covered my mouth. I closed my eyes tightly and took several deep breaths. I looked up at the stage where the Vine was. In my blurry vision, I noticed that Tiden and Nicole were arguing but because the emcee's voice could be heard loudly on the speakers and the two were not using their mic, I couldn't hear what the two were talking about.

My head became heavy and I couldn't take it anymore. My face kissed the top of the table as my head went down.

It's hot!

I tried to fight the poison. I can also feel my palms and forehead sweating. I tried to raise my head but my muscles lost strength.

"Rishell," Tiden's familiar voice called. His voice was full of concern.

I slowly raised my head and looked at him. I smiled. "Sorry, I can't go on stage. I lost the contest..."

His jaw clenched and he quickly lifted me onto his arms and out of the bar.

"Isn't that Tiden? What is he doing with that girl?"

"Shh... you see her not feeling well?"

"Oh. Did she drink something?"

"Don't ask. This is normal for someone trying to get something they can't. Who ask her to get head on with Nicole? Tch. She knows that fighting with Nicole will not end well for her."

A few minutes passed and the surrounding went silent. The whispers of the guests disappeared even the voice of the emcee. I sighed in relief.

"Thank you, Tiden..." I whispered. "There was so much noise earlier, it felt like my head was splitting open." Sighing, the corner of my lips curled up while closing my eyes.

He tightened his hold on me. "Are you okay? What did you drink earlier?" he asked gently.

I felt the cool breeze on my skin. I opened my eyes and the small lights hanging from each tree illuminated the surroundings. When I looked up, I saw the stars. They're twinkling.

"Mmm... I don't know," I replied and closed my eyes again.

"Next time, don't drink things given by a stranger." He sighed. "Even if you know that person, don't just trust that easy, Rishel."

"Oh." I smiled. "Not even you?"

He stopped for a moment and laughed softly. "Trust me. I can't hurt you, Rishel."

"Really?" I smirked.

"Yes."

I felt him kiss my forehead but I didn't pay attention to it. "Alright. Then protect me as long as you can," I joked and opened my eyes. I looked up at him and both our gazes met.

He smiled. "I will do it, even if it costs my life."

Just then, laughter came out of my mouth. "Whatever!" I rolled my eyes but my I felt more dizzy than ever. "I want to sleep. Take me to the cottage," I said and buried my face on his neck.

I felt his body stiffened for a second before he continued walking ahead. It took him a few minutes before he lay me down on the soft bed. I frowned when I inhaled men's perfume on the pillows. "Where am I?" I asked barely in a whisper.

"At the cottage," he answered and sighed. "Sleep. We'll be sleeping in the lounge later."

My brows met and I tried to open my blurry eyes. "Not in my cottage?"

He was silent for a few minutes before he sighed. "I don't have the key. And I have to go back."

"Are you coming back? Don't tell me you'll come back for Nicole?"

In my blurry vision, I saw his slight grin. "Don't be jealous. It's necessary. The gig isn't over yet."

"Jealous?" My face contorted and Tiden laughed. I huffed. "Go to your Nicole then!"

I saw his distressed look but I didn't mind it. "If you want, I can stay here with you," he teased. "Afterall, you need me."

"Who needs you? Tch. Go! Don't bother me!" I said and pull the cover over my head.

I felt him caressed my covered head before saying, "I will return later."

There was movement before the whole cottage fell silent. I pulled the sheet down and stared at the ceiling. But after a few seconds, my eyes dilated and I turned my head to the side covering my mouth. Then I quickly got up and ran to the bathroom not far from the bed.