Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Talk

Three years have passed since the day I made the hardest decision in my life - to run away from Mew.

I must admit, it was not an easy decision to make, just like how my life in Spain turned out at first.

I had no money, no job, and no support from my family in the Philippines. My mother was so disappointed with me that she did not consider me her son anymore. Between my mom and dad, I expected her to understand my decision, but even she abandoned me.

They cut me off so I had no idea with what happened to the business and the merging of our companies.

Did Mew's parents cancel the partnership? I don't know.

And Mew? I have no idea about his life. I told no one about my whereabouts. I did not even tell Mild, my closest friend.

With the fear that Mew might come after me, I deactivated all my social media accounts.

We lived in Barcelona, Spain, where Hughie was born. At first, I couldn't believe that Hughie agreed to run away with me. He gave up his position as the manager of the restaurant. When we arrived in Spain, I found out that he was about to get promoted the following month as the general manager of the resort. I felt bad for him.

Mew did not try to find me. I didn't hear anything about him looking for me. To be honest, it also hurt me because a part of me somehow hoped that he would. But he did not.

During my first month here, I did nothing but drink, party, and be a burden to Hughie. But he was always just there for me. He took care of me at all circumstances. Never once did he complain about it.

I was a mess. My decision hurt me so much even if it was my choice to leave Mew. It was so hard to move on. But as time went by, I learned how to focus my attention on Hughie. It was when I realized that I was being unfair to him. He was there, but I was thinking of Mew. Not long after, I started to realize his efforts, how he willingly gave up his developing career in Maldives just to help me escape from my tragic situation.

Hughie is not only good-looking. He's also a very kind person. He fixed me. He fixed not only my broken heart, but also my messed up life. I tried to push him away several times, but never did he give up on me. That is why, three months later, he became my boyfriend.

For months, I worked at a fast food chain as a service crew. It was hard to find a job without a college degree. I felt ashamed because I was a burden to him. That is why even if my salary at the fastfood was low, I kept my job to somehow be less of a problem. Though he never really made me feel like a burden.

Hughie became a manager of a big department store here in Barcelona. He is smart, that is why he did not have a hard time applying for a good paying job.

After almost a year of living in Spain, a talent scout discovered me and offered me to work as a model. At first I wasn't convinced to accept the offer, but I realized that I would earn bigger if I worked as a model and it would help us a lot in our finances. That is why in the end, I accepted the offer.

My first project was modeling for a jewelry set designed by a new jewelry artist. The project was a big success. I did not expect it to happen.

The product became a hit and was very popular across the country. And because of my successful first ever project, many more projects were offered to me. Even big brands wanted to work with me.

Two months in the industry and I became one of the fastest rising models. There were daring projects where I had to model for boxer briefs and beach outfits. Hughie did not agree at first. But later on, he decided to support me with everything I did.

And because of my work, I had no choice but to create new social media accounts. A lot of my friends back in the Philippines reconnected with me, including Mild. He had this grudge at first but he later on forgave me and understood my decision. He would sometimes update me about Mew even if I already told him not to because I already moved on.

I became one of the most popular model in Spain, with projects after projects. A lot of both male and female models tried to hit on me. But I was quick to tell them that I already have someone.

Hughie threw the used condom in the trash can as I tried to catch my breath. He walked naked inside our room in our condo located in the heart of Barcelona.

He returned to the bed and lied down beside me before enveloping me in a hug.

It's already seven in the evening and we haven't eaten dinner yet. Hughie's phone rang so he got up and picked it up from the bedside table.

"It's my boss. The department store owner."

I nodded. He kissed me on the lips before he wore his boxer briefs and proceeded to the balcony. I stood up and wore my underwear before heading to the kitchen to cook dinner. But when I opened the refrigerator, I found out that we were out of meat. Oh wait, I just had one earlier. If you know what I mean.

I went back to our room and told Hughie that I will just buy food to cook from the grocery located at the bottom of the building.

I thought of just ordering food but I was craving for Filipino foods which aren't available here. So I am left with no choice but to cook them myself.

I changed into my usual muscle shirt and black shorts and slippers. I went down the building using the elevator.

There were only a few people inside the store since it was already evening. I was silently picking up ingredients when I noticed a familiar body built and stance. He was wearing a business attire but was standing far from me so I couldn't really see his face.

I only thought of one person. Mew. But it's impossible because he is in Philippines. I shrugged my shoulder and decided to not think about it.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid.

While paying at the counter for the items I wanted to buy, I kept glancing at the area where I saw the familiar man earlier. But he wasn't there anymore. I scanned the whole store but he was nowhere to be found.

"No Gulf, it wasn't Mew. You're just being paranoid," I whispered to myself.

I am just being paranoid. What will Mew do here when he's busy managing the business and perhaps busy with Aron.

After paying, I immediately walked towards the elevator while carrying the bag of groceries. I pressed the button to the 81st floor where our unit is.

The elevator only had me as the passenger. I took out my phone from my pocket and scrolled through Instagram. The lobby was silent as usual. The elevator door was about to close when a familiar hand stopped it so it opened again.

I almost jumped when I realized who it was. In his gray business suit and black shoes, Mew stood in front of me with a serious expression on his face.

He went inside the elevator and stood beside me. The door closed, leaving us stuck inside with each other. My knees trembled and my heart started racing. Nevertheless, I forced myself to look calm.

My unit with Hughie is on the 81st floor that is why I am certain that this will be a long ride, unless he gets off at a lower floor. I hope he really does get off on the second floor. I did not like the idea of being in a closed space with him. The pain from the past just comes back.

We were both silent. My eyes were directed at my own reflection at the silver door of the lift. But this person beside me was also staring at my reflection.

I tried hard to compose myself in order to maintain a good stance. I did not want him to see me affected. After all, I am not affected anymore.

What is he doing here? A business meeting? It's possible, but the fact that he is in the exact same elevator as me is definitely not a coincidence! He did this on purpose!

Bullets of sweat started forming on my forehead, but I did not dare wipe them. I am so eager to get out of this elevator. Good thing that he is not speaking.

When we arrived at the 5th floor, the door opened and a woman and her son entered. She eyed us both, as if feeling the tension between us. The boy was loud, asking questions about his father.

"Mamá, dónde está papá?" the boy asked. (Mom, where is dad?)

"Tu padre estará en casa pronto." (Your father will be home soon.)

They both went out of the lift when we got to the 8th floor. The door once again opened when we arrived at the 10th floor and a teenager guy went inside.

"Buena noches," he greeted us. (Good evening.)

"Buena noches," I greeted him back. He went out at the 17th floor.

The atmosphere once again fell silent. Mew still hasn't gotten off. It was awkward and definitely the longest three-minute ride of my life.

When we arrived at the 79th floor, he finally spoke.

"Can we talk?" he asked in his serious tone.

My knees felt weak again. I did not expect that. But slowly, anger crept into my heart.

Can we talk? What is he talking about? Can we talk after three years of no communication? After three years that he did not try to come after me? Can we talk?

I am so sorry, Mew, but we fucking can't.

I clenched my hands, turning them into a fist.

How dare him show his face to me after three years just to ruin my now peaceful life?

The door opened, a sign that I was already on the right floor. I went out of the lift before I faced him.

"I have long forgotten about you, Mew. We have nothing to talk about. Everything about us ended three years ago."