Because of what Zandy told me on the beach, I almost couldn't sleep thinking about it. It's confusing my mind, whether I should believe him or my fear that I might be the one who gets hurt in the end. It is not easy to give your love to someone who is not sure if he loves you or not. I don't want to be left and hurt again.
I yawned and stretched on my bed. I can still feel sleepy in my body. After all, I didn't sleep enough last night because I was thinking about Zandy and all the strange things he does and says to me.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the clear surroundings and the blue sea. I smiled because it gave me unique vibes, relaxation, and peace of mind. I closed my eyes again but immediately woke up when I smelled the fragrant food being cooked.
I left the room where I slept while Zandy was in the living room. I frowned when I saw him facing the stove while cooking. If I'm not mistaken, he's cooking tortillas, which are one of my favorite foods because I can smell them.
I stepped closer to him and I knew he heard my footsteps so he faced me. "Wait for the food to cook, Miles, sit down first," he said seriously and turned back to what he was cooking.
"Why did you even bother to cook? We are on vacation and we're here to enjoy," I said to him.
"I know, Miles, and this is one of the things that makes me happy, cooking and I wanna share it with you," Zandy said while looking directly at me. "Just sit there and wait for the food."
I didn't say anything because I got his point. I forgot for a moment that Zandy enjoys cooking and no matter where he is, he will and will do it.
I sat in the empty chair in the small kitchen of the villa. The table is also small enough for two to three people. I just quietly watched Zandy doing what he was doing and I still couldn't help but admire him.
"The food is ready," Zandy happily announced after the food was cooked. He placed a few pieces of eggplant torta and fried rice on the table, which made my hungry stomach feel fuller. I was amazed at the unique plating of the torta because it looks so expensive. "I know this is one of your favorite foods, Miles," he said when he sat across from me.
I frowned and couldn't hide the surprise there. How did he know that? "Huh? How did you know that tortilla is my favorite?"
Zandy smiled casually. "I have my way of knowing your likes and dislikes, Miles," he said. "I have my resources and he's your dad," he confessed.
My mouth fell open and my forehead furrowed. "Dad? Oh! Dad really can't stop telling my stories," I complained with a trace of annoyance on my face.
Zandy looked at me and shook his head while smiling. "Don't worry, Miles because everything I've learned about you, I like it all," he said seriously.
I couldn't answer because I was once again mesmerized by his handsome face while I felt my chest beating rapidly because of the strange joy he was making me feel.
"Go ahead, eat, I know you're hungry." Zandy put a piece of tortilla on my plate. "I made this full of love, Miles and I hope you can feel it," he said which made my heart sink even more.
I calmed myself down. I bowed for a moment. "Just eat, Zandy because something else is coming out of your mouth," I scolded him laughing. Zandy just smiled too. "By the way, where did you get all of the ingredients?" I'm curious.
"I asked at the restaurant," he replied and shrugged his shoulders.
"Huh? You asked for it?" I said surprised. Zandy just nodded and started eating. I just shook my head and finally smiled.
—
"WHAT do you want to do today? Bathe in the sea? Go for a walk?" Zandy asked me while we were in one of the cottages near the beach. The sun was rising and I could feel its heat on my skin so I wore a thin Jacket.
"It's too hot for us to take a bath, Zandy," I said.
It's our first day at the resort and honestly, I feel like I've been away from Manila for a long time because of the unique relaxation that the resort made me feel. My head also doesn't hurt from thinking too much because the ambiance of the place, and the views are enough for me to have peace of mind.
"Ok," answered Zandy. Later he stood up from his seat and faced me. "Wait here, Miles." He left in front of me. I was amazed and speechless.
I just shook my head and frowned. I just distracted myself to observe the blue sea and the fine white sand, along with the blue sky and white clouds that were pleasing to the eye. Until I realized it, my mind was running again with Zandy and his strange treatment of me that I knew I wanted to.
I appreciate all the things he does for me and I can see all the changes in him since I met him. I didn't expect that because I thought he wanted to divorce me to show his family that they can't get everything they want. But why did the wind suddenly change?
"Hey! You're thinking so deeply, Miles?"
I was slightly shocked. I turned to Zandy who was looking at me seriously. I didn't say a word.
"Let's go," said Zandy.
I gently shook my head and looked away from him. I bent down to calm my mind on those things.
"W-where are we going?" I was curious when I looked up but was not looking directly at him.
"Just come with me, Miles," said Zandy. I was just surprised when he held my hand. I stood up from sitting. I felt the energy that flowed through my body at the same time as my heartbeat which was not normal to that beat. I was speechless when he gently pulled me somewhere.
I was surprised when we left the resort. "What are we going to do here?" I asked him. I fixed my hair that was blown by the wind.
Zandy took out the key and showed it to me. Only then did I see the motorcycle parked not far from us? "Let's go for a ride, Miles."
I didn't say anything right away while just looking at him. "Ride? Do you know this place, Zandy?"
He smiled, causing his white teeth to show. He shook his head. "No, but I'm ready to get lost as long as you're with me, Miles." He smiled and grabbed my arm again and pulled me closer to the motorcycle.
I couldn't get a word to say to him. My heart is losing again as if it wants to get out of there.
Zandy let go of my hand and took the helmet. He faced me and gently put it on me. "Wear this," he said. He looked at me seriously. "Also remember, Miles, that when I include you in the things I want to do, it means you're important and special to me."
I clung very tightly to Zandy's clothes because of how fast he was running. I couldn't hug him because I was outnumbered. I also closed my eyes because of the strong wind and my nervousness.
"C-can you please slow down?" I stammered that I could barely hear my voice because of the strong wind and I didn't even know if Zandy could hear it.
Later I felt his palm grab my arm and put it on his waist, the same with my other hand. Because of my fear and nervousness, I tightened my grip on him.
I also have no idea where he will take me. The motorcycle has been running for a while but it still hasn't stopped. I'm not familiar with the place so I don't know where we are.
Then, the speed of the car slowed down. My nervousness decreased a lot. I breathed a sigh of relief when the motorcycle finally stopped at a large restaurant.
Unlike in Manila, no tall buildings are standing around. There are only a few high establishments there and it is obvious that the place is not that civilized yet.
"What are we going to do here?" I asked in surprise as I took off my helmet. Zandy is just serious. His face was wrinkled because of the strong sunlight.
"I want you to meet one of my inspirations when it comes to cooking, Miles," he said. "Because I want to share my life with you." I hadn't finished speaking yet when he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the restaurant which is one of the big infrastructures in town.
I was not surprised when we entered inside it was full of customers. I was also amazed by the very elegant interior design of the restaurant. The ambiance is very relaxing and I can smell the delicious food making my stomach growl. It's already afternoon and Zandy and I haven't eaten yet.
"Oh, it's you Sir Zandy," said the male server in surprise when he saw us. "Long time no see, Sir." Zandy smiled and fist-bumped the young man. He turned to me. "Let me guess, Sir she's your wife, right?"
Zandy nodded. He turned to me with a smile. "Yeah, she's my beautiful wife, Sam," Zandy seemed proud to introduce.
I hesitantly smiled at the young man and bowed slightly. I was embarrassed because Zandy introduced me as if everything between us was real.
"Hi," I casually greeted.
The young man smiled. "Hello, Ma'am, Sir is right, you're pretty and I won't wonder why he loves you."
I was surprised by what I heard at the same time as my eyes widened slightly. I bowed slightly and tried to smile.
"You're right, Sam, she's beautiful inside and out that's why she's the girl I choose to live with and to spend my life with," Zandy continued, driving my mind and heart even more crazy. It's good to hear that but despite everything I heard there is sadness because maybe she's just pretending in front of the young man.
Sam looked at me again before turning to Zandy. "By the way, Sir, if you're looking at Chef Jr, he's in the kitchen. I'll leave you for now, Sir," he said goodbye before leaving in front of us.
Zandy turned on me. Only then did I realize that he was still holding my hand and I was about to take it back when he tightened his grip on it. He guided me toward the kitchen of the restaurant. Can we just walk in here?
The kitchen of the restaurant is very spacious and everyone there is busy cooking in their kitchen. I also smelled the delicious food they were cooking.
"Chef," Zandy said. Everyone there turned to face us and I felt ashamed because of their looks.
"Oh! Zandy, you're here," a man said in shock. Based on his appearance, he is also aged. He wears glasses and has a beard and mustache. He came to us.
"Chef, Jr," greeted Zandy. He let go of my hand. The two hugged for a while. "Long time no see, chef. How are you?" Zandy said kindly.
The chef took off the apron and the hairnet on his head. "Let's go to the office, Zandy, let's talk there." He signaled to one of the people there before leading us out of the kitchen.
We entered a room inside the restaurant. I turned around to see that it was medium in size and had a dark gray theme.
"Have a seat," offered the chef, then sat down in the empty seat. He turned to me. "She's your wife?" He asked. "I never thought that you could bring another woman here," he added laughing.
I smiled at the chef. I can't help but think about who this woman is referring to.
"You know, I'm just bringing here the women who are important to me and she's one of them," Zandy answered casually. He turned to me. "He's chef, Jr. I look up to him and he is my mentor in cooking. He taught me a lot when it comes to cooking. He studied abroad to pursue his career in the food industry," Zandy introduced and I couldn't help but be impressed.
I turned to Chef Jr and smiled. "Hello, chef, nice meeting you," I said politely. "I'm happy to meet you, chef, especially since you are one of Zandy's mentors. He cooks well and all the food he serves to me is delicious," I added, seeming to be proud of Zandy.
The person in front of us smiled. "That's the proof that Zandy's learned a lot from me and his experiences. You probably know your husband's situation and it's a big deal that you're there to support him," Chef Jr. said seriously. "I saw his dedication to do more in his dreams and I want to help him as much as I can. Zandy has potential, he's willing to learn and I see his dedication to what he wants to do despite everything he's been through. And look, it's only a matter of time before he can do what he wants. Everything you'd work hard for, someday you'd get it on your hand," he said.
While Chef Jr was talking, I was just looking at him. I couldn't help but be amazed at how he spoke. Who wouldn't be inspired by Chef Jr.? He has had a lot of experience in life which has been the reason for his success in the field he has chosen.
Zandy smiled. "That's the reason why I'd always look upon him, Miles. When he speaks, you will be inspired," he said.
I smiled, and so did Chef Jr. Zandy was right because I was also inspired by the words that came out of his mouth. I don't know but my heart filled with joy for Zandy because apart from me, many people still support him.
"I'm happy for Zandy, chef because there are still people behind him who believe in what he can do. Thank you, chef. You're right, Zandy is great because of his dedication and love for cooking. I can see that while he is in the kitchen and I can feel it in every dish he serves me," I said with a smile that showed admiration for Zandy.
"You're lucky, Miles, to have Zandy as your husband. He doesn't bring a woman to me unless she's important to him and he loves her. It's been almost 2 years since he brought a woman to introduce me," he said.
"I'm more lucky, chef, to have Miles as my wife," Zandy answered and turned to me. "She gave me strength, motivation, and inspiration to pursue what I love to do. She made me feel her support. She's the girl who taught me that if you're happy with what you're doing, then continue to do it until you feel satisfied with yourself."