I gasped at that.  Before I could even protest more, he hung up on me.
I shook my head and returned to our table. I saw the squad had finished dancing as they returned to their seats.
Hannah noticed me smiling. “You were talking to someone? Who was it?” 
I sensed Phoenix staring at me but I ignored him.
"Just a friend," I replied. 
I waited for fifteen minutes and I was just surprised when I saw Theon at the door. 
He really wasn’t kidding when he said that he was really on his way. 
His eyes scanned around, obviously looking for someone... I stood up quickly and turned to them. “I better leave now. Tell my cousin I wish them good luck in their married life.”
Saying that, they all just nodded and I excused myself from everyone.
I was about to walk away from the crowd when I felt strong hands stopping me. 
I turned to look at him and wasn't surprised it was Phoenix. 
“Who were you talking with on the phone earlier?” He asked, his jaw clenching. 
“It’s none of your business,” I replied, trying to get his grip away from me. 
“You’re not part of my life anymore, Phoenix. Let me go.” I said and he lost his grip.  
He watched as I made my way to Theon who now spotted me. I saw my cousin Eion and Snow, the newly wedded couple, stopping Phoenix in his tracks and I made a mental note to thank them for that. 
I faced Theon. 
“You really came,” I said in amazement. 
He smiled. "Of course, I never back down on my words. Ready to leave?"
I nodded. I glanced back to our table and saw them staring at me, including Phoenix.
I ignored him and waved bye to the others. I then motioned Theon for us to leave quickly so we wouldn't be noticed.
When I was in Theon's matte grey Porsche car, I cleared my throat. "Thank you.” 
I knew I acted on impulse, texting him. But I don’t want to be alone right now. 
He glanced at me, buckling my seatbelt, "For what?"
I motioned to the place, "This. Helping me to leave that place."
"No worries. I got your back." He winked and went to the driver's seat as he started the engine. 
I stopped at that.
I sighed. I would fall for that wink if I'm a different girl. I would fall for that handsome face and attitude. 
But why can't I let myself answer yes to him? What's stopping me?
"Theon ... can I ask you something?” I asked as he started to drive his car. 
"Sure, ask me anything, sweetheart.” 
"What do you like about me?"
He stopped at that. "Why are you asking me that?"
I sighed, "I'm serious, Theon."
He faced me and answered sincerely, his eyes were glimmering with something. “I honestly don't know what is the answer myself."
I nodded at that. 
"Why? Do I need to have a reason to love you? I promised that I will never give up on chasing after you. If you allow me to put you in my life.” He announced. 
I could melt in those words. I could get used to those words every day. But ...
"But I've never been a part of your life," I said.
He smiled at that, "But you will be... soon. If you allow me."
I sighed just stared at the window beside me. 
If my heart allows me, why not.
 I want to love you, Theon… I really do. 
But my heart…it already had someone. 
Theon drove me around the Samal island and we returned to Hudson’s villa when we got tired. 
Theon bit his lip and stared at me as he walked me to my room.  “I guess this is it for tonight. Let’s drive together tomorrow on our way home.” He invited me and I nodded.
“Goodnight and sweet dreams, Sereia.”  
I smiled sadly at him, “Goodnight.”
He nodded and walked to his room now.
That night, I could not sleep. I couldn’t help but think of Theon. 
He’s always been a gentleman. He never dared to force me to do something I don’t want. He respects me. 
And I admire him for that. 
Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my assistant, Ruth. 
My eyebrows furrowed. My assistant never called me in the middle of the night. I felt my hands trembling, sensing trouble. 
I pressed the answer button and before she could even greet me, she instantly said it. 
“Boss, have you seen the news?” 
I raised my eyebrows, “What news?”
“Girl, you’re famous. People have been talking about you.” 
I let what she said sink in. What is she talking about? 
Hanging up, I turned on my phone and just browsed on the internet when I saw something.
My face was plastered all over the internet. 
I searched for it. What is happening? I read the title and I saw picture of me and Phoenix sitting at a restaurant. 
“Mysterious girl with Phoenix Mason Hill.” 
Someone seemed to see me and Phoenix and decided to take a picture of Phoenix that time when I invited him for dinner. Damn.
When I opened my social media accounts, I was shocked to receive hundreds of messages each minute. I gulped. Opening one message, I read an account sending a hateful message to me. 
Damn. All of these are probably Phoenix’s fans. 
How did they even get my name?
Just then, I heard some knocking on my door. Opening it, I saw Phoenix’s figure. I caught a whiff of his scent and smelled some beer. 
“You’re drunk,” I stated, standing by the door. 
“That’s not important.” He said.  
but I guess it’s good that he came here so that I won’t have to scold him through the phone. “You know, I always forget that you’re someone famous.” I brought up. “Have you seen the news?” 
He nodded, “Yes. That’s why I came here.”
“I’m sorry.”
I felt my phone ringing nonstop from notification. Phoenix noticed it. 
“You’re fans are so aggressive. They’ve been sending me hateful messages just because of that time we had dinner.” 
He sighed. “I’ll fix this. I’m really sorry that you were dragged into this. I’ll call my manager and the media companies to take it down.” 
He was about to leave but I stopped him. 
“It’s best if you stay here,” I suggested.
Well, I think this is the best option. What would happen if his fans saw him coming out from my room? 
He nodded quietly and slurped. Opening the door wider, I let him in and gave him a glass of water.
He accepted it, pacing back and forth and calling people left and right. 
When he finally calmed down, He laid down on the sofa and took off his shoes and closed his eyes.
He breathed in and out and asked, "Why didn’t you go to my exhibit?” 
“Oh, when was it?” I asked. 
“Earlier, before Eion’s wedding…” he said. “That’s why I was late.” 
I nodded. “Oh, I didn’t know. And it’s not like I was planning on going.” 
He sighed, not bothering to argue anymore. He turned away from me and fixed his position on the sofa. “It’s alright if I can sleep here?” 
I nodded, regretting that I let him in here. 
“Yes, just stay away from me and we’ll be okay.” 
He didn’t reply and all I heard was a snore. Peeking at him, I saw his eyes now closed. He’s probably now asleep. Good.
I just slept on my bed. I have to wake up early tomorrow to go home. 
The next day, I woke up to the sound of water from the bathroom. 
Phoenix appeared, wiping his face with a towel. He noticed me awake now so he smiled, “Good Morning.”
“Goodmorning.”
“Why are you up so early? What about your hangover?”
“Oh, I have to attend my meetings with the investors and my manager for taking down the news last night.” He answered, now fixing his hair as he looked at the mirror. 
“Can I hitch a ride home?” He asked. 
“Oh, Theon and I will be leaving in an hour now. I don’t think we can wait for you.” I said, refusing to be in the same room with him and Theon. They would probably clash or something… 
Just then, the door knocked. Phoenix came to open it and I saw Phoenix’s jaw clenching, his stance changing into an intimidating one. 
I stood up and went to the door to see who was the person and froze. 
It was Theon. He raised his eyebrows at Phoenix who was beside me and looked at me with a confused look. 
“Why is this man here in your room, Sereia?” Theon asked, his cold tone slicing through the air.