ROYCE
I was dismayed sleeping without getting any reply from Nelina. I should have expected it but there’s a part of my heart that told me to be hopeful. The reason why I was disappointed. It was a relief that I was able to text her, though. Let Nelly know, I’m not giving up on her and never will.
I woke up the following day in Nelly's room with another plan to fulfill and it was getting rid of Roxie. I called my detective to ask how his investigation was going.
“Mr. Park, I was supposed to call you. I have good news, I already solved the puzzle. And your doubts and theories were right. It was Roxie.”
“I knew it all along. We only need solid evidence to hold Roxie on her neck. I don’t want to make a wrong move. Tell me, have you found evidence that will put Roxie down?"
“Of course, Mr. Park, I'll give it to you right away.”
“Thank you, I’ll see you then.”
The next thing I did was something I never thought of doing again but for the sake of ending it all, I called Roxie. The woman I never wish to hold a conversation with again since I completely deleted her from my life.
“Hello, Royce?” Roxie asked in surprise, with a hint of excitement in her tone.
“Hello, I’m sorry for disturbing you…”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t mind. We can talk all day long.” Roxie said, cutting me off.
“I don’t have much time for that. There’s something personal I want to ask and I think it’s proper to talk about it in person. Can we meet up this afternoon?”
“Sure. But afternoon won’t work for me. How about dinner?
“Sure, let me know the place or I’ll have my secretary arrange it for the two of us.”
If not for the reason of ending all the problems that hinder me from getting back to Nelina I wouldn’t agree to meet up with Roxie for dinner.
“Oooh…seriously?” Roxie said in her smoky voice. It didn’t appeal as seductive to me, I was disgusted. “How about in the Bocca Felize restaurant? Are you familiar with that Italian restaurant?”
“Yeah, I’ll reserve dinner for two at 7 in the evening if the time is right for you.”
“Sure, I’ll be there at 7 in the evening. Oh, wait, can you pick me up?” Roxie said in her smoky voice again. I’m not having any of her flirty moves. There was only one woman in my mind and that was Nelina.
“Sadly, no. I still have work until then, but I’ll cut it to be there on time. I’ll make sure to go directly to the restaurant; I won’t make you wait.”
“That’s not a problem. See you later, Royce."
"Bye! See you then.” It was a relief when the call ended.
After talking to Roxie, I called my secretary informing her that I’ll be late, and had him reserve a table for two at Bocca Felize. I hurried to prepare myself to meet up with the private investigator.
I meet him in the park somewhere not crowded early in the morning for us to freely talk. I only have a cup of coffee while sitting in my car reading all the documents in the envelope. It's true, Roxie paid a fake witness, edited the photos and videos to make me look bad in the eyes of Nelly.
"Mr. Park, I believe there is more to it. There might be more people helping Roxie Diaz in gathering and faking the evidence. Do you want me to investigate further?"

"Sure. We want to know our enemies if there are more of them. Thank you for all of these. You may go now."
I arrived at the restaurant at the exact time Roxie and I agreed. The place reminds me of Nelina again and I wish it was Nelly that I would be having dinner. I promised myself that the next time I will step into the restaurant it would be Nelly I’ll be dating again.
Before I even got to the table I reserved, I saw Roxie sitting on one of the chairs. Roxie was on her phone and she seemed to be texting as she did not notice when I stood on the opposite side of her.
I cleared my throat to get her attention and it did work. Roxie glanced up with her eyes celebrating as she laid them on mine. “Hey!! I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you.
Roxie stood up and came to my side. The red mini dress she’s wearing shows her abundant fake breast and it was too short that it almost shows her behind. Roxie surely loves attention, some people are even looking at her like they were entertained.
As she seemed to kiss me on the lips, I kissed her on the cheek instead but unfortunately, her lips left a mark on my face.
“Oh, sorry, I left a kiss mark on your cheek.” Roxie lifted a hand to remove the dirty kiss but I stepped back to avoid her.
“I got this.” It was disgusting enough to think of. I couldn’t even lay my hand on Roxie’s kiss mark so I excuse myself. “Have a seat and take your order, I need to go to the bathroom first.”
Roxie’s smile on her face faded. “I’ll wait for you. Let’s order together.”
I didn’t answer and went to the bathroom quickly. I had to wash my face to get rid of Roxie’s kiss mark. Roxie never changed. She was still the childish and careless woman I know. It took a little while to erase the red lipstick.
Roxie is already holding the menu when I get back to our table.
“What do you want for dinner?” I asked, sitting opposite her.
“I’m having a hard time choosing. I think I’ll have the same as what you’ll have.”
I ordered the same food I used to have when I eat dinner in Bocca Felize which is the same food Nelina loves to eat. Roxie wants to have it and it felt awkward.
"Royce, you still look drop-dead gorgeous as ever," Roxie said, biting her lips.
I know it was a compliment but it didn't turn out that way. I feel disgusted seeing her face and her desperate moves. "Thank you. You too, you look well."
"Really?" Roxie said with a big smile on her face. She reached for my hand but I pretended to fix my plate to avoid her holding my hand.
"I think we can both agree that we have a better life than ever. I'm doing well with business and my love life and hopefully, you are as well."
Roxie had a fake laugh. She doesn't look entertained by what I said. "Are you sure everything is fine between you and that poor girl?"
"Roxie, Nelina is the name of my girlfriend. Don't call her poor girl," I said calmly.
"Fine." Roxie raised her hands like she surrendered as she seemed to notice my impatience.
"I don't want to drag this conversation long. Roxie, can I ask you something?" I took the opportunity to ask while waiting for our order.
“Roxie, tell me, did you have something to do with the fake document sent to Marica?”
Roxie looked at me in confusion.