Chapter 7: Shan Martinez

Tired from last day's activity, consecutive ringing of my doorbell woke me up early in the morning. I picked myself up from bed even though I’m still not in the mood to wake up.

I peeked into the window and saw a man with black disheveled hair standing at the gate of my apartment. I instantly frowned when I realized that he was the man I encountered two nights ago. The man who gave me an attitude but tossed his handkerchief at me.

He saw me looking at him from the window and gave me a smile and waved his hand in my direction. Without a choice, I went out and opened the gate for him with my brows furrowed in confusion.

*Why is he here?

“Good morning!” He grinned and continued to enter my apartment.

“Wait . . .”, I ran after him, “what are you doing here?”

“What's for breakfast? Have you cooked already?” He asked, ignoring the question I gave him first.

I held back myself from throwing my slippers at him as I followed him entering my kitchen.

I grabbed his arm when I managed to catch up to him. “Don't you know that you're trespassing right now? I could call the cops on you!”

“Really?” His eyebrow raised and a smile crossed his face. “Why don't you try it then?” He leaned closer, our face inches away, “Try me, Solene.”

I was terrified when he started walking closer towards me. I took steps back and I ended up being cornered against the kitchen counter. I felt the cold cement on my back despite the t-shirt I’m wearing.

I tried pushing him away, but he's like an unmovable stone. His body is harder than Fire’s.

*But wait, why am I comparing him to Fire?

“What the hell?” I scowled at him, “I can sue you for what you're doing! And how did you know my name? I don't even know you.” I shouted angrily and nervously that only made him smile even more.

*Bastard!

“Relax, Solene.” He stood straight, “I won't do anything to you. You're too plain. Definitely not my type.” He replied teasingly.

My mouth opened with his statement.

*What a thick-faced jerk! He is trespassing and now he even has the guts to insult me like he’s some drop dead gorgeous guy!

He left in front of me and whistled cheerfully as he lingered his sight on the interior of my apartment. He headed to my living room and sat on the couch comfortably on the couch while I’m just steps away from his back, throwing sharp glances at him but he didn't mind it.

“What do you want? And how did you know my name?” I asked him calmly even if my chest is filled with a storm of emotions right now.

“I have plenty of resources.” He shrugged, “You are Solene Ramirez, a junior taking Bachelor of Science in Architecture at University of the East.” He explained that it left me in awe.

My eyes widened in amusement. “How did you know all of that?”

He just smirked. “That's what I usually do if someone catches my attention.” He winked at me, “I research about them.”

There's definitely something in his words that bothered me. Or was it his smile that I found mischievous?

*Is he a stalker? Is he stalking me?

“I don't know how to cook”, he suddenly said and rubbed the back of his neck.

“That's not my problem”, I shrugged.

“But I’m already hungry”, he put his hand on his stomach and pouted. Now he's whining like a kid.

*I can't believe this man!

“So . . .”, he continued, “I want you to cook for me.” He smiled brightly as he looked up at me.

“You barged into my house, harassed me, and now you want me to cook for you? What are you? Are you high?” I couldn't stop myself from raising my voice any longer.

He just laughed softly, “You're funny. Now I know . . .”

“Know what?”

“I want you to be my personal cook, Solene. Don't worry, I’ll pay you well.” He added, ignoring my question.

Now it's my turn to laugh at him. “Why bother me if you can just order food online or eat at a fancy restaurant?”

“Nah! I don't like the food outside. I prefer home-cooked meals.” He puckered his lips that somehow reminded me of Fire. From an ass, crazy dog to a cute, harmless, little puppy.

I pondered on his words . . . *he’ll compensate me as long as I’ll cook for him. Not bad.

*But what if Fire knew. What if he’ll know that I’m cooking for others besides him? Damn it! As if he cares!

I took a deep breath. “Deal.” I stretched my hands at him, which he gladly took.

“Deal! By the way, I’m Shan . . . Shan Martinez.” He beamed.

*Martinez? His surname seemed to be familiar. Like I’ve heard about it before, I just forgot when and where.

*Then it hit me. Of course, the Martinez family is famous!

Martinez came from an old and rich family. They are well-known tycoons in the country. From what I heard, they own a number of restaurants inside and outside the country. They also have other businesses that I don't know about. But what I’m sure of is that their business expands across the globe.

My eyes rounded as I looked at him. “You said you're a Martinez?” I asked him again to confirm.

He nodded as an answer.

*At first, I met Fire Dustin Callante . . .* Callantes are a very strong and powerful competitor when it comes to hotels and trading business. Like the Martinez clan, they came from an old and rich family. From what I know, Callantes also have politicians in their family line. And one last thing, I am owned by a Callante heir.

*And now, I’m in front of a man coming from the powerful Martinez family. Just what is happening to my world that I’m meeting such influential people?

“You're spacing out.” Shan waves his hand in front of my face.

“I just can't believe it . . .” I said, with amazement still visible in me.

“That I’m handsome?”

I rolled my eyes and that made him laugh.


Shan’s first requested meal was Chicken Adobo which I hurriedly prepared for him. Gladly, my fridge is full of supplies.

From the kitchen, I can see him sitting casually on the couch while his feet resting on top of the center table. I just shook my head with his arrogance.

After a few minutes, my phone chimed and saw a text notification on the screen. I got anxious at once as I read Fire’s name on the screen.

*I remembered that he told me not to let any other man enter my apartment except him. But why would I be afraid? Shan and I aren't doing anything bad.

**Fire Callante:** *We're going somewhere. I’ll fetch you at 10. Be ready.

And I was more tense after reading his message. I glanced at the man sitting in the living room before looking at the wall clock hanging on the wall.

It's only seven in the morning. I still have three more hours before Fire comes here. I should wrap everything up before it. I hasten my work.

*Why would Fire pick me up? We didn't agree to meet today though. Where are we even going?

Thankfully, it only took me an hour and a half cooking. I served the dish for Shan and he finished it quickly. But the problem is that Shan doesn't want to go home yet. I’ve been urging him but he doesn't seem to have a plan on going back.

“Please, Shan. Go back to your own house. I have already cooked for you.” I pleaded.

“You look like a scared cat,” He answered after glancing at me, “Are you hiding something, Solene?”

*Yes, and that's you!

“Just go home, Shan. Please! You can come back later if you want.”

“Later? Really?” His face brightened, “You sure?”

I nodded slowly and made him stand up from the sofa at last. I saw him off the door.

“Alright, I’ll come again later. You’ll cook my dinner.” He smiled before turning his back to walk back to his apartment.

I just smiled at his naughtiness.

He was near the gate when he turned at me with a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

“What now?” I was irritated.

“Chill, Solene. You're too angry. Are you on your period?”

I scowled at him.

“I have something to tell you,” and he gestured his hands for me to come closer to him.

I followed but with visible vexation on my face.

“And what is it that you want to say?” I asked him as I came closer.

“Next time, if you do the deed, please lower your voice. I can hear everything next door — even your *ahhs* and *hmms".” He burst out laughing before going out of the gate, leaving me while my mind is still processing what he said.

He already entered his front lawn when I finally realized what he meant. I almost exploded from embarrassment and exasperation at him on the ground where I was standing.

“Damn you!” I shouted in his apartment and I swear I heard an echo of laughter coming inside his living room.