On one condition
Why is Justin calling me? This wasn't the best time to listen to whatever he wanted to say. Has he changed his mind? His own attitude has made me start giving up on him.
"I'm in the office, attending to something more important," I replied, catching a glimpse of the smile on Gabriel's lips. I hope he doesn't think I’ve fallen for him? As I lowered the phone from my ear, there was a brief silence before Gabriel spoke.
“I’m almost forty years old…”
“I’m older than you, so what do you want from me?” I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
“You may be older, but your beauty is as fresh as a virgin.”
“How do you know that?” I smiled, attempting to brush off the compliment.
“My eyes aren’t deceiving me. Every day, I see you in my dreams. I can’t imagine my life without you…”
“Are you certain you see me in your dreams? Who were you seeing in your dreams before you met me?” I asked, continuing to sign the forms on my desk.
“Nobody. It was a nightmare. I hope this meeting won’t be like my first job interview at your company. I want to be with you.”
"Before you met me, where was the lady you were dating?" I raised my head, leaning back in my chair and locking eyes with him.
“Practically, I was single. Why would I hold onto ordinary stones when I have a diamond right in front of me? You are my love, and I am deeply passionate about you. May I call you pet names? Your name feels heavy on my tongue. You deserve a special nickname. Can I take you out for a drink later today?”
“On one condition,” I said, arching an eyebrow.
“What condition?” he asked, intrigued.
“Tell me, what sets you apart from all other men?”
“I believe that every man has a special woman, and when these special individuals meet, the difference becomes apparent. They understand, cherish, and love each other without causing harm because they are meant for each other. I promise to love you.”
“Wait, Gabriel, please. I don’t want to mislead you. I have no interest in entering any kind of relationship, or whatever you want to call it. I am content with my life. No man can give a woman what she truly desires. I don’t trust any man.” After I voiced my thoughts, a heavy silence filled my office. Gabriel seemed to withdraw into himself, and I feared I’d hurt him. His eyes grew weary, and the only sound left was the scratch of my pen against paper.
Then, he stood up, and a sharp pain pierced my chest. I thought he was about to give up on me. Another voice inside whispered, ‘let him go, he’s not different from other men.’
"Juliana, this may seem crazy. I know I’ve made mistakes in my past, and I’m far from perfect. But when I see what’s perfect for me, I won’t turn away. If you want to know about my past, can I introduce you to my mom? She’d be willing to share everything you need to know, and after she tells you who I am, it will be up to you to accept me or not…”
“When do you want us to meet your mom?” I interrupted him.
“Now, if you want to. This is to show you how much I need you. She’ll tell you everything. But Juliana, will you judge me based on my past when I’ve already changed?”
“It depends on what you’ve done in the past,” I said, noticing he was still standing. “Please, sit down.” He hesitated but eventually sat. After a few moments of silence, he stood again and approached me. Gently, he lifted my chin so I’d look into his eyes, and something inside me shifted. His touch left me speechless. I hadn’t expected such tenderness, and my body responded before my mind could catch up. His face moved closer, and instinctively, I closed my eyes, anticipating a kiss. But instead, he placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
“What are you doing?” I stood abruptly, feeling unsteady. I walked to the door, trying to regain my composure, and entered the adjacent resting room where I could collect myself. I sat on the bed, my mind racing. Gabriel followed me in, his presence overwhelming. I wanted to tell him to leave, but I couldn’t find the words. His handsomeness was a weakness I hadn’t accounted for.
He sat beside me, quietly holding my hand. I could feel my pulse quicken as thoughts swirled in my mind. Should I let him have me here? Should we go somewhere else? The idea of being intimate with him flashed through my mind. But would it make me look cheap if it happened here? To push him away, I asked the first thing that came to mind.
“I think the only reason you’re interested in me is because you want to have sex.”
“No, not at all,” he answered, but still, he held onto my hand.
“Juliana, I’m in love with you. Making love to you is just the beginning. I want all of you.”
Those were the words I secretly longed to hear, but I was too afraid to admit it. My palms were damp with sweat, my breath coming in quick gasps. Should I undress now? Or should we go somewhere private?
Suddenly, my phone rang again, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen.
It was Justin again.
Why was he calling me again? This couldn’t be good timing. What does Justin want to tell me that's more important than what I am feeling right now?
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
