CHAPTER 29
The Fontalva family was inside an SUV. They were on their way to her cousin's house.
"Don't you have any gift for your cousin?" Her father asked.
"She doesn't need mine, anyway." She answered, looking outside the window.
Adolfo sighed in his seat.
"The D'Arcos invited us for dinner tomorrow." Her mother announced.
"I'm going back with Ade tomorrow morning." She mumbled.
"No. You're joining us. Max would be there and would use their jet after dinner. He'd expect that you are going back with him." Sofia stated. "And don't worry about Ade. I already told her. If you have anything you want to bring back there, you can call Ade to come to the mansion."
She was about to open her mouth but kept it shut then. Well, what more could she say to that? It was already decided and planned out. She opened her phone to message Ade, but she thought to give her a call later instead.
It was a little over 7:00 pm when they arrived at her uncle's villa. A valet opened the door for them, and her uncle's family met them when they stepped out of the van.
"Aurora, you've grown so beautiful." Her uncle commented and responded to his embrace.
Their parents exchanged greetings with her cousin. But Lesa and she ignored each other. She didn't mind though. It was much better that way so that there won't be any arguments. Her parents gave their presents. She didn't ask what it was. They led them inside the house, and she heard a faint sound from the courtyard. It could be seen through glass walls that there were a lot of people.
She looked at her father with an 'I told you so' look. He didn't react to it.
They were led to a dining room. Food was already set on the table. Italian cuisine. "We'll have our dinner here so that it'll be more private. We apologize. We didn't expect Lesa would invite this many people." Said by her uncle's wife. "You know how young people are. Building connections." The wife chuckled and looked at her like she should be like her daughter.
Aurora wanted to raise her brows at that. Connections, huh? Your daughter just loves making peers. She was just silent at the back. They settled themselves then.
"I'm sorry, Uncle, Aunt. I can't join you for dinner. I had to attend to my guests outside." Lesa apologized.
Thank God. She thought.
"It's okay. Go. Take care of them." Sofia smiled at her. "Enjoy your party."
"Thanks, Auntie. You're the best." Lesa hugged Sofia before leaving them. She hadn't even glanced her way. She didn't mind at all.
They ate harmoniously with some questions about work, and they also asked her about her school arrangements. After the dinner, her parents said that she should go outside to enjoy herself with the people her age. She didn't know anyone since she wasn't even the same age as her cousin. But she still stepped out to get some air.
There were people who looked at her way when she walked in the courtyard. She could easily get anyone's attention because of how beautiful she was already and even more tonight.
She was wearing a simple sequined sapphire dress with a cold shoulder style and an asymmetrical hem that showed half of her legs and deep blue high heels. Her wavy hair was on one side with a long silver star and drop earrings.
She went to the refreshment tables to get a wine. The air was cold, and she didn't bring any coat with her. So, the wine would help her feel warm.
Aurora just hoped no one would attempt to talk to her. She didn't know anyone, but she's a Fontalva. So, some would still attempt to get her attention. There were guys who really approached her, but she shrugged them off.
She moved to a cocktail table that was unoccupied. She brought a wine glass and a plate of macaroons with her. She was roaming her eyes around. If there was a guy that attempted to step up to her, her glare was always ready. They would stop on their way and dismiss whatever they had on their mind.
"Hindi ba sumasakit mata mo sa kakabanta mo ng tingin sa kanila? (Don't your eyes hurt from glaring at them nonstop?)" She almost jumped from that sudden voice. She was focused on guarding her front that she didn't notice someone behind her.
Her eyes widened when she turned to the one who said it. She blinked a few times to make sure that she wasn't imagining it, or maybe she was already affected by the wine. But it was just her second glass. Her gaping mouth finally formed some words. "Why are you here?"
His eyebrows scrunched up, and he laughed at her reaction. "Really? Yan bati mo sa'kin? (That's how you greet me?)" He paused to sip from his wine and put it on the table. "We're classmates in the first degree. Your cousin invited me since she knew that I came home."
She couldn't stop looking at him. His lush hair had been tamed back on his head. He was wearing a navy-blue blazer jacket that had been folded below his elbow with a white V-neck shirt underneath.
"Stop ogling me." He stated with a naughty smile.
She did not just hear that. She chuckled at what she heard from him. She wasn't laughing because he was right; it was for how he said it. "Nagbibiro ka na pala ngayon, Max? (So, you're making jokes now, Max?)" She said in between laughter.
"Sorry. Yeah. I'm just kidding." He immediately straightened himself like he was guilty of what her said and even avoided her gaze.
"No, no, no. Don't be." She instantly replied and waved a hand for him to stop thinking what she said. She was still laughing. "Tama ka naman. It's just, ngayon ko lang 'yon narinig sa'yo. (You're right. It's just, this is the first I heard it from you.)" She couldn't stop smiling.
"So, you're really ogling me?" He asked innocently.
She blinked at that question. Was he teasing her or what? But he looked serious! Her forehead knotted. Did he find it surprising that girls ogled him? That made her think.
"Are you serious? You're shocked that girls—"
"—Wait, wait." Max cut her off with a hand gesture for her to stop. "Not to brag but I know what girls think of me."
Her brows rose from what he said. Now… this is interesting.
"But what I mean is... you. That Aurora Fontalva would also react to me like that." He reached for his glass of wine and drank from it.
Her mouth gaped open. "Why would I not?"
"You're not like most girls. I mean…" He paused, contemplating for his next words. "You don't even look at Primo." He finished his drink and placed it back on the table.
"Are you comparing yourself with your brother?"
"No." He opposed in an instant, rustling his hair back on the top though it wasn't even out of place. It was a habit out of habit.
"Do you feel insecure of him? I only look at you."
"Of course not. I—what?" He turned to her in shock when he caught her words.
She faced him properly and looked into his eyes directly. She sighed and gave him an alluring smile. "I don't look at him because I only have eyes on you."
She was staring at him. Max stared back. He was searching in her eyes that she might just be kidding. He never expected what she'd said. He needed a drink but he already emptied his glass. Gladly, a server passed by and he grabbed a glass of wine.
Aurora stepped closer to him. Not minding that she entered his personal space. She reached for a glass of wine from the waiter too. It was at the other side of Max. She almost touched his arm.
Max gulped his drink. "Why me?" He couldn't look at her directly.
"Why not?" She asked back. She retreated when she got a wine from the waiter. She wasn't batting her eyelashes at him. Rather, she was gazing up to meet his gaze.
"Please stop teasing me." He said and Aurora chuckled.
"Oh, but I am not." She was still laughing.
"Excuse me, can I have my guest?" They both looked at the person at Max's other side. "Let's go, Max." Lesa held Max's elbow and was about to drag him away.
"You didn't even ask him if he wants to go with you." She said that made Lesa face her.
"He attended my party. That answers it."
Aurora rolled her eyes at her and drank the wine in her hand to stop herself from retorting back.
"And please, stop flirting with him. Maybe he had a girlfriend that you're not aware of." Lesa gasped mockingly in realization. "But I'm not surprised. After all, you've done it before." She immediately turned around, pulling Max with her.