Chapter One

BELLA couldn't hide how annoyed she was right now while she's storming to go to the place where she had to meet someone—inside a huge mall in Pasay City—against her will. And the weather today was killing her vibe, summer in the Philippines was beautiful but so freaking hot!

If it was not because of her mother threatening her that she would not talk to her and cooked her favorite food whenever she came home in their house in Laguna, she wouldn't even blink an eye to meet the most annoying man alive on Earth... for her.

But because food is life and she loved her mother so much, she had no choice but to see the man even if she would surely hate every second of it. May the God help me survive this afternoon.

And even if she was old enough—she's already 27 years old—she was still scared of her mother's wrath, because when Beatrice de Lara said something she would never forget it.

So she rather made herself suffer right now than experienced the cold shoulder of her mother again. It's a nightmare! No, no, no!

Good thing she had a good night sleep last night because it was not her schedule to monitor the restobar that she owned along with her three best friends—it's called Caliber Shot. One of the famous places to hang out right now in the metro.

All four of them worked so hard to make Caliber Shot a house hold name. She even gave half of her own-earned savings as her share. Caliber Shot was their bloods, sweats, and tears.

Bella sighed and fixed the black cap that she was wearing, as she looked around. It was already twelve noon—the time that Filipinos loved to hang out at air-conditioned mall to chill and dine specially during the hot weather—and it's starting to get crowded as she expected.

But good thing she already saw the man that she was looking for—unwillingly—and she couldn't help but to roll her eyes as she noticed that he's on the phone. As always!

She let herself stare at him for a moment as she noticed that he was wearing his Armani suit, making it too obvious that he's not the type that spent his afternoons at the mall. The reason why most of the people—and mostly women—kept on looking at him like he's some actor or famous celebrity. They probably thought that he was here to shoot a film or something.

Well, honestly, it's not just his suit that the people kept staring at, it was also because of his handsome face and built. He's like a model standing in the middle of the crowd.

It's just a waste that even if he's handsome, his attitude wasn't.

Bella really wished to leave but she forced herself to walk and stood beside him quietly. She almost rolled her eyes again when he didn't even notice her because he was too busy talking to his phone.

This workaholic beast!

She was standing there for a minute now and still unnoticed—his back was slightly on her while scolding someone on the phone angrily. She decided to tap his shoulder to get his attention.

When the man turned to her, his eyebrows instantly frowned as he looked at her from head to toe, and spent some time at her face, then he hurriedly said goodbye to the one he's talking on the phone.

"You're thirty minutes late, Carabella! You wasted my precious time waiting for you, if I knew you'll be late—"

Bella just kept her eyes on his face but she was not listening to whatever he was saying. And while looking at him, she realized that it's been a long time since she last saw him, the last time she stared at his face this close. And just like how she remembered, he's always wearing his frowned face like he hates what he's looking at... which is her. Like he's always annoyed when he sees her... good thing we're on the same boat on that one.

But as a normal beautiful woman that she was, she wouldn't deny the truth that he was one of the most handsome men she ever laid her eyes on. He was the type that women specially the younger ones loved to admire, the mysterious-snob type. The one that was hard to reach or looking so mighty. To the point that he almost felt like he was friends with Count Dracula.

Well, it suited him because he got a Romanian blood in him because of his wonderful half-British-Romanian mother.

But Bella thought that his almost jet black eyes were the most attractive part of his face, because even if he always gave her a fierce-annoyed look, she found it really adorable—the reason why she avoided looking into his eyes. She was losing her focus whenever she does... just like right now. Damn it!

Her eyes moved to his nose that was so blessed for being so perfectly straight, that added so much definition to his face, his natural pinkish lips were looking so fine, and his jaw line was smoothly sharp. He was tall too, maybe 6'1", and got a lean healthy body like a swimmer.

Actually he looked like a comic character that came to life. Too good to be true, and sadly he was true, and he was almost perfect if not because of his arrogance.

"I have a lot of works to do in my office and I thought this will be done easily but you're late!" And thank goodness, his speech finally ended.

Bella just rolled her eyes as she put her both hands on the side of her waist. "Well, I didn't remember telling you to wait for me." she said sarcastically.

The man gave her a looked of disbelief. "Aren't you supposed to say thank you to me because I waited for you, if Ninang Bea learned about this, she would surely get mad at you."

She just sighed heavily as she tried to calm herself. Because as much as she hated it, he got a point there. She would be in great trouble to her mother if he didn't wait for her.

It's because Theodore Andrus Montemayor or Theous, was her mother's favorite godson. She was so fond of him that sometimes she was choosing his side more than to her very own and only daughter.

(Ninang means godmother)

Their families were good friends, and they could have been friends too—they were friends but they just didn't wanna admit it—if he was not just so annoying and arrogant towards her.

And that arrogance leveled up when he started managing their family business three years ago. He became workaholic, strict, cold, and demanding, specially when it was his time that's on the line. You could mess with anything but his time. It's gold for him.

"Fine. Thank you for waiting for me." She was smiling but the sarcasm was so evident.

But Theous didn't put any attention to that and roughly held her arm, "Enough. We're wasting more of our time here. Let's go."

Because of the shock, and the weird feeling of his warm hand on her arm, Bella didn't got a chance to react when Theous pulled her somewhere.

What a gentleman!

Again, she chose to not argue anymore because it would just for long their time together. She want this to be over as soon as possible!

But to be honest, she didn't intend to be late, it's just that this meeting was so sudden and not part of her schedule for today. Her mother just informed her this late morning that she had to meet Theous and make sure to help each other buy a gift for her Lolo Luis's 75th birthday this coming Saturday, because that's the old man's requested.

And how can I say no to my most favorite grandfather in the world?

Bella grew up mostly with her grandparents in her father side because when she was four her parents needed to work abroad, so her grandparents volunteered to be her guardian for three years. They're excited because she's their first grandchild.

And because her grandparents were both chef she grew up with great love for food.

"What gift are you planning to buy for Lolo?" Bella asked while glancing at the store that they're passing by, because they just kept on walking for ten minutes now and he was not even looking or going inside the shops. I thought time is gold for him?

She just sighed when he didn't say anything.

Calm down, Bella... it's for Lolo Luis!

Just like what she said earlier, their families are good friends, and not just their parents but also their grandfathers. Lolo Luis and Lolo Tomas were childhood friends and both were retired army personnel, that's why whenever there's special gatherings their families spent it together.

And it happened that her mother and Theous's father were best friends during college, so their families has a strong bond.

"Hey, what gift are we gonna buy?!" Bella repeated her question when they just continued walking nowhere.

"I don't know," Theous said, his hold on her arm was not that tight anymore but he's still pulling her, and it was hard for her because her legs were not as long as his and he's walking way too fast.

I cannot believe this man, I swear! Arrr!

She rolled her eyes in the air—for the hundredth time today—then she tried to stop walking and take her arm from his hold. "Wait! Wait!" Now she's trying to stopped him from walking when he didn't let her arm go.

"Will you please stop walking? We need to talk first because we been walking for so long now and you don't even have any idea what to buy? Why don't we eat and talk about it first, huh? I'm hungry!" she said the last line absentmindedly cute. And it was already too late when she realized it.

She cursed at herself silently when he abruptly stopped walking and turned to her with deep frown on his always serious face. She stood straight and acted like she didn't say anything. He looked surprise, clearly he didn't expect that, but it didn't last long and he just continued walking without saying anything.

She let out a sigh that she was not even sure if its because she was relived or she's annoyed... well, it was because she was expecting that he would tease her, mocked her or laughed at her but nothing. Very unlikely of him.

Tho Bella was not lying when she told him that she's hungry, she didn't get a chance to eat breakfast because she was in a hurry and didn't wanna be stuck in the traffic. She's really not good on sudden plans, specially when Theous was involved.

After another five minutes of walking, she had enough and was about to yell at him, when Theous suddenly made a turn and came inside a Japanese restaurant. She swallowed all of her annoyance when her nose was embraced by the smell of her favorite food.

And she couldn't believed that Theous still remember that she loved Japanese food. It's been years since the last time they saw each other, because they were both so busy with their works. She smiled secretly as they looked for an available table.

Okay, fine, it's kinda cool that he still remembers but he's still annoying!

"So what gift do you have in mind?" Theous asked right away after they gave their others to the waiter.

How sweet, he really not gonna let me eat first, no?

Again she just swallowed her annoyance and gave him a fake smile. Japanese food was really her weakness.

"Actually, I already have a gift for Lolo, kitchen knives set form Osaka, Japan," she said proudly.

It's been Lolo Luis wished to have those set of special knives because Osaka's known to have the best quality of knives, so when she learned that her friend's going to Japan last week she asked her to buy the knives.

She had no idea that the old man wanted her and Theous to have one gift for him. And now that she's thinking about it, why the hell her Lolo Luis wanted that? It's weird! Something is really fishy here.

Theous gave her an annoyed look. "I'm asking you what gift you think we should buy, not your personal gift, Carabella."

The nerve, really!

She just shook her head and gave him a tired look, "Then smart pants, why don't you think of a gift if you're that in a hurry?"

"I'm busy. And I know that you're more an expert when it comes to this stuff," he said with a shrugged.

"Whatever! Like I've said, I'm hungry, so please don't make me think right now!" Because I might eat you instead! Dammit, I'm really going crazy because hunger!

Bella smiled instantly when saw the waiter walking to the table with their orders. The very moment the waiter put her food on the table she hurriedly said 'thank you' and she went straight to eating. Oh, heaven!

It's been two months since the last time she ate Japanese food so she's eating like a caveman right now. She really missed sushi!

"Eat slowly, no one's taking your food," Theous said as he gave the glass of iced tea to her, making her realized that she's thirsty.

She took the glass before nodding 'thank you', she drank half of it before she continued eating. He didn't say anything anymore, and ate his food silently.

But the moment she finished eating, he instantly asked her about the gift that they had to buy. This man! Argh! Patience, Bella. Patience.

"Now, that you're full, is there any idea of what gift we should buy?" His face was so serious, and it was like he was talking to an employee at a board meeting. He was clearly expecting that she would say an answer right away.

God, doesn't he know how to relax and chill? So bossy!

Bella just shook her head and as slowly as she could, she wiped the side of her mouth with tissue. Then she gave him a sweet smile. "Yes, boss. I really enjoyed the food. Thank you so much." And that was full of sarcasm.

Theous gave her an annoyed look but didn't say anthing. So she just shrugged her shoulders as she wore her cap that she took off when they started eating, then put her bag on her shoulder before standing up.

"Anyway, we know that Lolo Luis love antiques. I saw a good shop that sells perfect antiques here before, so let's hope that we'll find something there. Come on, I don't wanna waste your time any more," she continued when they were outside the restaurant.

He remained quiet and just followed her to where the shop was. And she didn't know if she should be thankful or worried that he was not saying anything. Although, she chose to think the former for her peace of mind.

They went inside Trolits, the antique shop that she was talking about. She just remembered about this shop while they were eating earlier, she went here with Callian—one of her friends and business partners—before and she saw an item that she's sure her Lolo Luis would love so much.

Bella was busy looking around the shop and after few minutes, she smiled when she saw the item that she was looking for.

"Oh, there it is! Thankfully, it's not yet sold." She looked behind her and realized that she was alone. "Where is that man?" She sighed and tried to reach the item but it was put on the top shelf and her cute height couldn't reach it. "Theous, come here!" she called as she kept on trying to reach it.

It's a bronze sculptured horse with its coach, it's the same size of a normal book. When she first visited the shop, she already noticed the item and asked the owner about the origin of it before, he told her that it was made back in 50s by a well-known sculptor.

"Theous!" Bella called again and when she looked at the other end of the aisle she rolled her eyes when she saw that he was busy talking to someone on his phone. Again. And by the way he was frowning, it looked like he was scolding someone. Maybe he's talking to his secretary.

"I really cannot understand why I'm here?" she said to herself that's so tired of the situation. She just continued trying to reach the item even if she knew its impossible.

"Miss, do you need help?" That baritone voice made her instantly turned around and without exaggeration, she almost dropped her jaw the moment she saw the lovely creature who asked her.

He's so freaking handsome!

At first, Bella thought that Douglas Booth was in the Philippines, he really look like him. No joke! But on her second glanced, she saw the difference, first were his eyes, it's dark brown, second was his black hair. But nonetheless, he's so handsome. So perfect!

She instantly smiled sweetly to the man and tucked her hair behind her ears, acting so demurely.

"Oh, thank you for asking, I actually need help—" But she didn't got a chance to finish what she was saying when someone took the sculpture without any words.

She looked at Theous full of annoyance. What the hell is wrong with him?! Dammit!

"Let's go. I need to go back to the office right now," he said and dragged her to the counter, then paid for the sculpture. And he continued dragging her out of the shop, he was walking so fast like he hated the air inside that shop, because his face was wearing a mad disgust look.

What is he mad about this time?

She looked at his hand that was holding hers tightly. Now, she's wondering if there was something bad happened at work. But it looked like he heard her because she instantly got an answer.

"I was just busy for a minute and you're already flirting with that guy!" Theous said harshly, he was clearly mad as he continued dragging her. They're at the parking lot of the mall now.

Bella was shocked for a minute, confused of what he was trying to say, then she realized what he meant. But when she tried to took her hand from him, he didn't let her. "What the hell is wrong with you?! And I'm not flirting with that man. He was just trying to help me when you can't because you're so busy on your phone. And even if I'm flirting with him it's none of you business—"

Again she didn't get to finish whatever she was going to say when Theous suddenly stopped walking and turned to face her, and with no words he claimed her lips in a deep kiss. It was aggressive as his hand held her nape to stopped her from moving away.

Bella couldn't do anything, she was just standing there so stunned and staring at his face that so close. Her heart became frantic inside her because of the unexpected kiss.

Damn... damn!

She was really shock, but she's not sure if it's because of shock that she's not doing anything to stopped him from kissing her.

Dammit, Bella! Push him!

But she couldn't really moved to push him, instead she just fist her hands as she let him kiss her, that this time full of gentle and became slow, like he wanted to savor every touch of their lips. It was melting her and making her knees week. And she was not sure if she felt longing on his kissed or she's just too shocked right now, but the gentleness of it was like saying how much he missed her.

And just after few seconds, her lips acted on its own and returned his kisses, then after that her hands betrayed her too and found its way to his nape as she pulled him closer, making their kiss deeper and intense.

You're damn stupid, Carabella! The voice in her mind said but she didn't listen and just enjoyed the moment.

At this point, Bella couldn't hide how much her heart felt so good, like it was on its sweet haven. She tried to deny and covered it up before but it's useless. She never succeeded.

They're both panting when they're lips parted, but Theous was not moving away from her, he stayed closed. Then she felt his nose gently touching hers. His hands were still on her nape gently moving his fingers on the both side of her jaw, while her hands stayed on his waist with no intention to let go.

Their breath that became one a moment ago was now caressing their parted lips with its warmness. No one wanted to move away, like they wanna fully consumed the mind blowing kiss that they shared.

When Bella opened her eyes she instantly met Theous's and she badly wanted to punch herself when she saw the way he's smiling while staring at her.

That smile was so familiar to her because it's his smile whenever he won something against her before.

But she couldn't make herself fully mad at him at this moment because when her eyes looked at his swollen red lips, she remembered how those lips took her first kiss. The one she annoyingly treasured for years even if she didn't want to.

Bella closed her eyes and tried to dismissed the foolish memory, even if she knew it's useless.

Why did you let this happened again, Carabella?! You're so stupid! That voice scolded her and she fully accepted the fact that she became stupid... again. That kiss shouldn't had happen.

She opened her eyes again when she heard Theous's chuckle.

"Nothing's changed, a kiss can still make you quiet," the brute said annoyingly. Like she's the only one who enjoyed the kiss. Damn him!

She looked at him with disbelief, she felt like she was splashed with cold water. It's annoying but she's more hurt right now.

Does it mean that he just kissed me to shut me up?

What a jerk!

Her hand lifted to slap his face, strong and painful—making it sure that he felt her pain too—as she tried to stop her tears from falling down.

"I HATE YOU!"

Then she turned her back and walked away as her tears fell on her eyes rapidly. Dammit!