It has been hours since my conversation with Damian but I still can't take it all in. Of all people, why does it have to be me? I released a sigh. I still need to talk to Damian about the whole fiancé thing. There must be something he can do about it. He must be a powerful man after all. 

 

I got out of bed and headed to the glass door. I want some fresh air. It might help me think of what the right thing to do in a situation like this. As I slid the door aside, the heat of the sun engulfed me as if embracing and calming me from the storm I'm in. I took my first step and celebrated at the sight before me.  

It was an enclosed garden. I smiled. Damian sure likes his privacy that I'm guessing. The garden is amazing. One side is made of thick concrete that is painted white and in the middle is a square shaped hole which I can't think the reason is for, maybe for aesthetics purposes. On the other side the wall is made of thick mahogany. The lines are straight and sharp very typical choice for a man. Two round outdoor lounge chairs were set on a platform and decorated with olive cushions to match the greeneries. The plants were carefully arranged to make sure that it has an outdoor feel but not crowded. In the center of the garden was a series of mahogany planks arranged tightly side by side to create a space were one can spread a blanket without worrying that the weeds would get to it. It lacks the abundance of flowers but it is enough to take you away from your worries. 

 

I have just made three steps when the door of the bedroom opened. In came Damian who is carrying a lot of shopping bags. His strides were relaxed and a smile is fixed on his face. I set my eyes on the bags  

and nearly got a heart attack. Gosh! Are those for real? Famous designer brand names were printed on those bags. My whole years salary won't be enough to cover all of them. 

 

Damian saw the shock written all over my face as he set all the bags on the bed. What was he thinking spending that much money? 

 

"Hey! Don't wrinkle that face." He stood leaning on the glass door's frame.  

 

"I know those are for me but I won't accept it." I said defiantly and crossed my hands on my chest as if trying to prove a point. 

 

He smirked. "Would you rather spend another day in those PJ's?" He said pointing at what I'm wearing. 

 

I look down and saw that I'm wearing dark blue silk PJ's which obviously belongs to him. Oh my! First I became his responsibility, then I became his fiancé, then I became a liability and has to share his room and also his PJ's. Krystal how can you  

be so pathetic. I mentally cursed myself for getting into this mess. 

 

"I have my clothes at my apartment. I can just get them or you can just drive me there and I'll go back to the life I had before the party."  

 

"Do you seriously think that would solve our problem now?" He started towards me and grabbed my arm gently as he guide me back to the room. 

 

"I can't pay you for all that!" It came out as a high pitched shriek. 

 

"Who says you have to?"he said in a calm voice. 

 

"Me. I can't take gifts from strangers even six year old's knew that." 

 

"I'm not a stranger." He said as he pushed on my shoulders and make me sit on the bed. 

 

"Yes, you are." I said as I look up to see his face. That is better than staring at his chest even though he's wearing a sweater. 

 

"I am your fiancé'." He looked down amused. He then stooped, bended his knees in the process and they bumped into mine. I felt a sudden stream of emotion get to me and I swallowed. Damn, he's gorgeous. Get a hold of yourself girl, I mentally scolded myself. 

 

"It's not real and I've only known about that a couple of hours ago. Seriously, you won't think I'd take that without any protest?" I said and leaned back a little to give space between us.  

 

"Outside that door, it is real." He said and pointed at the door. He leaned closer that I could feel his breath on my face. "I'm not asking you to make it real, all I'm saying is I got you into this mess so I want to protect you and you have to let me. The least you can do is to pretend." I leaned back again and planted my hands on the bed for support. My heart started to race and heat crept up my face. I opened my mouth to speak but I'm at loss for words. I have never experienced being with a man.  How can I pretend? 

 

As if he had read my mind, he cleared his throat and said, "Don't tell me.. By chance...I mean, you haven't had a man in your life?" Way to go! He said it. I  gathered up my courage and pushed him away. I immediately stood up and put a large space between us.  

 

"That's none of your business!" 

 

"So, it's true. That's good then." He said chuckling. I have never felt so offended by the truth as I am now. Is it really bad that I haven't had a man? I glared at him and he seem to understand how I felt. 

 

"Hey, I don't mean to offend you. I'm just amused that someone like you never had a man. In any case, I'm sorry." His tone shifted to a calm and gentle one. "Freshen up first, we'll continue our conversation later." 

 

"I told you, I'm not accepting those. Take it with you!" 

 

He looked at me, a small smile is visible on his face.  "Then I'll just throw it." He said nonchalantly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    He picked up the bags and headed for the garden. He dumped the bags in the corner where a little bin is positioned then walked back in the room. I stood there looking at him the whole time. Fuck! Did he really threw them out?     

 

"I'll see you in an hour. Make sure you look presentable." I see no expression in his face.  

 

Is he angry? Did I go overboard?  I debated what should I do. I headed to the bathroom to have a good soak. 

As I entered the room, I was taken aback by its elegance. Like the bedroom, it is also designed with wood panels of dark tones with straight and sharp lines which is very masculine. I set my gaze at my reflection in the mirror. I look so small in his clothes and ghastly. My color has paled even more the past few days. My eyes lingered until it stopped on the oversized tub lined with candles. I let out an exasperated sigh and got ready to soak myself and feel relaxed. 

 

After taking my bath, I wrapped myself in the robe that was hanging on the wall with the towels. 

 

I was drying my hair when a thought struck me. I don't have anything to wear!  

 

"You are such an idiot Krystal!" I cursed at my reflection. I rushed out of the bathroom and headed for the garden. I hope the bags are still there, I prayed. 

 

I was relieved to see the bags in the corner where Damian had put them. I picked them all and throwing my pride away I told myself, "If I'm going to be in this mess then I'll try to make the most of it." 

 

 

I was ready in an hour. I decided to wear my hair down and let my natural curls loose. I picked a soft pink chiffon long sleeved blouse with dainty little prints on it and paired it with a denim skirt. I just want to look casual and simple not to mention this pair are the simplest I found from the bags. I also saw a pair of white ballet flats that I thought was perfect for my outfit. 

I was about to open the door when I heard a knock. I knew that it would be Damian. I turned the knob and opened it to see him standing just right outside the room. He is wearing khaki slacks and a powder blue shirt. 

 

"I'm surprised you aren't wearing your PJs." He said grinning. 

 

"Well, I've grown tired of it." I told him. 

 

"So, you decided to accept my gift after all then?" 

 

"Nope." I said indignantly. Upon hearing this he furrowed his thick brows. "You threw it remember? It so happened that I was rummaging through the trash and found it. Finders keepers." I flashed my best grin at him. 

 

He scratched his head. "That's a weird way of putting it. Anyway, we need to talk more about our situation and we have to eat lunch." He offered his hand and I just stared at them. 

 

I was contemplating whether I should take them or just walk and ignore it. Which one would be better? Would I appear to be rude if I didn't accept? These thoughts were running through my head when I heard him clear his throat. 

 

"You are overthinking again. You completely zoned out there. Take my hand." He said as he motioned for me to take it. 

 

For now. Okay Damian, I told myself. I'll take your hand, for now. I do not want to think about the future yet, I need to know and weight my options. Yes, that's the plan or is it?