Chapter 21| In Love

"W-wait..." I interrupted the topic and let go of our hug.

"What's wrong with you, Bel? Why are you acting like that all of the sudden?" I asked curiously and laughed.

"You look like a mother on how you worried about me," I added and giggled.

I was trying to divert the conversation. Hoping she would forget about Clark.

"Of course! I'm worried!" she whimpered and scratched her neck.

"Besides..." She stopped for a moment and looked straight into my eyes. I suddenly felt nervous because of the way she looked at me.

"You're important to me," she added in a serious tone. I was stunned by what I heard and stared into her eyes.

"Uhmm..." I whispered. Not knowing what to reply to what she had said.

Wait. Do I need to say something?

I lowered my gaze and thought deeply then turned my gaze back to her.

Later, she suddenly smiled.

"Because you're my best friend!!" she shouted exaggeratedly and hugged me tight once again. She even lifted me from the ground and spun me around.

I couldn't help but laugh. I slapped her arm.

"B-bel, put me down..." I breathlessly protested but it seems she didn't hear me. She continued spinning me while laughing.

"B-Bel... Come on!" I slapped her right arm once again. With that, she finally stopped and put me down gently.

Happiness and joy were visible on our faces. There was a smile on our lips as we stared at each other. We both gasped for air because of what she did.

"Thank you..." I whispered enough for her to hear. I reached for her right hand and squeezed it gently before smiling.

She stared at me for a few seconds before she smiled back.

"Let's go! Let's eat! I know you haven't eaten breakfast yet," I invited her.

She chuckled and laughed at what I said. She nodded at me as a response and we walked together heading to the dining.

* * * *

Clark's POV

It's Saturday. I decided not to go to work in the company today. After all, I finished all my paperwork last Friday. I forced myself to finish it in order to get some rest.

I eagerly got up from the bed and glanced at the digital clock on the top of the bedside table.

It is almost ten minutes before six in the morning.

I rested for a while. Thinking of what is possible or can happen to me today.

I didn't realize I was already smiling like a fool. There was only one image playing in my head.

Damn! I miss her!

I stood up from the bed. I quickly picked up my phone and dialed my secretary's number.

"Good morning, Sir," she greeted.

I went to the closet.

"I'm not going to work. Cancel all my appointments. Take care of it for today, Linda." I said and put the phone between my ear and shoulder while busy scanning the clothes hanging inside the closet.

"Copy, Sir," she replied.

I fished out an oversized checkered green polo.

"Thank you, Linda," I thanked her and then took out the black slacks from the closet. After that, I ended the call.

I went back to the bed and laid down the clothes I had chosen to wear. I grabbed boxer shorts before going to the bathroom to clean my body.

After a half-hour, I already finished taking a bath. I stared at the body-size mirror that was fixed against the wall.

"Handsome..." I praised myself when I saw my reflection.

"It's just shoes that are missing," I spoke to myself and went to the personalized shoe rack where all the shoe collections I bought when I was in the USA were stored.

I roamed my eyes at the shiny shoes in front of me until they landed on leather shoes chocolate color. I no longer hesitated to pick that up.

After wearing the shoes, I approached the bedside table and opened it to choose a wristwatch. I put it on and looked once again in the mirror. When I was satisfied with my looks, I left the room with a smile.

Today, Angela will come here to the house so the kids can swim in the pool as I promised.

When I got to the dining area, I saw mom already eating breakfast.

Yeah, my mom is back. She has been here in the Philippines for a week. She said she has something to take care of and it's all pure business but I doubt it. I knew she had another reason why she arrived here without even telling me. I was just surprised by her sudden appearance.

"Good morning, sweetie!" She greeted me. She stood up from her seat and gave me a peck of a kiss on my cheek. I did the same thing to her.

"Goodmorning, mom," I replied politely.

I sat down on my seat and accompanied her to breakfast.

"Aren't you going to your office?" she asked while blowing her hot coffee and then sipping it.

"Yes, mom. I already informed my secretary," I replied then took a slice of loaf bread. I put bacon and some cheese on top of it.

"Why? Do you have a date, huh?" she asked teasingly.

I couldn't help but smile after hearing it. The thought of Angela dating me was full of joy and satisfaction.

My mom was stunned after seeing my reaction. Looked like she didn't see it coming.

"Am I right, sweetie?"

I nodded at her in response while smiling. I managed to hide this stupid smile on my face but I failed. Now, my mom was amused to see me like this.

She put down her spoon on her plate and then looked at me intently.

"Is that Natasha? Are you dating her now?"

I stopped chewing the moment I heard it.

Here we go again

I groaned mentally.

"Mom, I don't want to talk about it."

I replied in a frustrated tone and continued eating.

"Why not? There's no wrong about that because I'm sure you and Natasha will be good together soon,” she happily said and sliced the hotdog on her plate.

"Mom...." I uttered tiredly. I sighed and stopped eating. I looked at my mom who was happily eating her breakfast. She didn't turn her gaze to me. She was still slicing the hotdog.

I sighed once again.

"I like her," I said, instantly putting a wide smile on her face.

"I like her as a friend," I added. That made her stop what she was doing. She looked at me in disbelief.

"You're hard-headed, Clark," she stated in annoyance.

I sighed for the nth time.

How many times have I been sighing this morning?

"Mom, look. I know you like Natasha because she's gorgeous and brilliant. Also for our business but—I already settled the problem in our company and now it runs smoothly and... " I paused for a moment and took a breath.

"...I'm in love with someone else," I uttered breathlessly.

My mom looked at me blankly at what I said.