CHAPTER 43: ONLY TIME COULD TELL

Somehow Lewis encouraging words and the deep concern wrapped within his embrace soothes away the heaviness inside my heart. I was still a bit perplexed and nervous, but his presence gave me enough courage to fight this battle over Michael together with my father’s.


I never thought I would be given this certain kind of blessing, which enormous wealth can’t even buy. No amount of earthly riches could be compared to the friendship Lewis was constantly sharing and my father’s undying love and compassion towards me. I am simply amazed that I have been blessed not just materially, but most especially, kind-hearted people who I never thought still existed.


During the duration of my coffee break with Lewis, he never failed to convey words of encouragement to me. I was deeply touched by his diligence and earnestness, which made me slightly envious of Nicole. She was indeed such a lucky woman to capture someone like Lewis. With these thoughts in mind, words slip from my mouth without me knowing it.


“She was really lucky to have you, Lewis. You have a heart made of the finest gold. I’m sure she was extremely proud of you.”


The expression on his face abruptly changed as he gazed at me with confusion and puzzlement. It was as if I mentioned something that didn’t ring a bell to him. The contour that his face was emanating was completely clueless of what I just stated.


“Pardon me? How did you know about her? As far as my memory serves me right, I never recall telling you about her, so how come you knew?”


A timid yet teasing smile appeared on my lips as I continued to sip my coffee. “It wasn't intentional, but I saw you with her the other day.”


“The other day?” His confusion only intensified and was now totally lost of what I am saying.


“Yes, the other day. I was preparing for work when I had sight of you and Nicole from my room’s balcony. You were at the pond together” I happily concluded with hopes that he wouldn’t find me prying over them.


“Oh! That one! I thought you were referring to Antonette?”


It was my turn to be confused at the mention of a new woman’s name. “Who’s Antonette?”


“She was my ex-fiance. It’s a long story.”


“I see. But no, I am not referring to her. I was talking about Nicole.”


The bewilderment in his eyes immediately transformed into amusement. He was chuckling, which made me look at him with perplexity, wondering which among the words I uttered made him amused.


“To what extent did you see back then?”


Coyly, I responded as decently as possible. “I’m sorry, Lewis, I didn’t mean to pry. I looked away and headed back inside after I saw her hugging you. That’s what I saw, I didn’t see anything else beyond that.”


“And you concluded that Nicole and I were in a relationship simply because of what you witnessed?” My head swiftly nodded, which made him burst into laughter that automatically creased my forehead as I stared at him dumbfounded. “Women. You always judge the book by its cover. Why is that?” He sounded completely entertained rather than angry.


“Why? Am I wrong? Wasn’t it the truth? I often see her stealing glances at you from the times she dined with us. You two also seemed to be close, so…”


“So you presumed that there’s something going on between her and I?”


“Yes, you may say that.”


“You got it all wrong, my dear Penelope. You went inside earlier so you didn’t see what happened next after she hugged me. Let me tell you the truth, with high hopes that you would believe my words rather than hers, if ever there would come a time that you will bump into her and she would tell you things. I liked someone else and that isn’t her. Nicole and I were just friends, although she wished to level up our friendship into something more intimate, but I couldn’t grant her that wish, simply because I am eyeing someone else.”


I could feel my cheeks flushing and burning feverishly. He didn’t have to say who that someone was, because the way he looked at me now, his eyes already confirmed to me who it was. The uneasiness I didn’t feel earlier suddenly erupted and filled my senses. His expressive eyes conveys what I had in mind, which made me look away from him in an instant.


“I… I’m sorry I misjudged everything I saw.”


“That’s fine, Penelope. At least I cleared everything to you as early as now. I don’t wish for you to get jealous over her and the closeness she shows towards me.”


His last words swiftly turned my head at him. He was smiling lightly while sipping his coffee, but his eyes were boring with teases as he straightly eyed me.


“Me? Jealous over her? Don’t be so full of yourself, Doctor. Why would I be jealous of her? Although she’s stunning and obviously prettier than I am, there's no reason for me to get jealous of Nicole.”


‘Am I that obvious that he sees right through me?’


I must admit that what I saw days ago on the balcony somewhat disturbed me and I was a bit jealous of Nicole, because I thought they were in a relationship. But come hell or high waters, I will never let Lewis know of it, not an inch of it.


“She may be stunning, yes, and very curvaceous, but you are way too prettier than she is. Don’t belittle yourself, Penelope, because in my eyes, you are far more attractive than anyone else.”


His confession even heightened the overwrought feeling I was experiencing. I didn't like the way our conversation was heading, so I swiftly empty my cup and immediately stood up.


“We better head back. Dad must be in search of me already.”


I didn't wait for him to reply or stand as I hastily walked away, still feeling feverish with my heart unsteadily beating and pounding loudly inside my chest. I know he was following me, the hair all over my body was rising as I thought of him staring at me behind my back.


Silence filled the elevator shaft as we headed up. I intentionally distanced myself from him, because my emotions were in a rummage as my mind and body were malfunctioning from its normal state. Even without glancing his way, I could tell that he was still staring at me, because I could still feel myself tensing.


The elevator doors finally opened, but before I could even get out, he gently held my hand and made me glance at him. “Don’t feel jealous of her, Penelope, please don’t. You are beyond her in every aspect. Believe me, you are beyond any woman I ever met.”


What Lewis mentioned was stuck inside my head as we headed back home. It occupied my mind, together with the issue I have with Michelle. I am aware I mustn’t indulge myself with this aspect regarding him, but I couldn’t willed my mind not to think about it.


I am utterly confused with myself and this feeling I didn’t have to feel towards Lewis, especially now that he confirmed everything to me that he wasn’t intimately related with Nicole and he subjunctively confessed his intentions towards me. As much as possible, I would like to stick with what I am here for, but as time passes and how Lewis and I were getting close, I must admit that this uncertain feeling was somewhat disturbing and fascinating at the same time.


Maybe it's best that I let time take its course. To let fate decide what will happen in the future. Although my heart still desires for it to be Michael, who knows what the future has in store for me. Only time could tell and I will just go where fate takes me.