Encounter

ALEIA

When I reached home, I immediately looked for my diary. This is the diary that I have kept since I was ten. Every inch of my feelings for Zach was written here since the first day that we met.

I could still see the handwriting of a little girl. I smiled. Today was unexpected, but I think it was the best day. The man I loved came like a falling star in front of me. I never asked or expected it to happen, but I guess it is a sign that I should start fighting for what I want.

I lay in bed thinking of everything that had happened today. I do not know what happened to Natalie and Zach. But I just followed what my heart wanted. I do not have regrets after all.

Whatever the reason is, this time, I’m sure I can’t just let him go quickly. I need to get back on my place and claim what is mine. Not for the money but to have Zach. I need to gather my thoughts and think of a plan. I have been hiding and giving them all the time they wanted. I gave way for Nathalie for so long already. Maybe this is the time to get back what is mine. Zach is supposed to be engaged to me. I am the eldest heiress of the Grymes Empire. I was born first before them.

…

When morning came, I woke up early to look for a signal. I needed to contact Chelo and ask her about what was happening back in the city.

I put my hair on a messy bun and wear my denim jacket and sneakers. If I run out of time, I’ll go directly to the port area. I still need to run errands for Mrs. Wills and go to school after. I need to continue my routine for now.

I parked Ryder beside the coffee shop where Zach and I had coffee yesterday. I dialed Chelo’s number and smiled when I heard it ring on the other line. She must be awake now. She has a daily workout schedule every morning.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Lei?” she immediately said upon hearing my voice.” How are you?” she asked excitedly. It has been a long time since the last time I called her.

“I’m fine. Chelo? How’s everything there?”

“Still the same except the chaos after Matthew runoff from his engagement. The two families are in big trouble, and the media are all ears to them now.”

“How about my dad and Nathalie?”

“Well.” She paused a bit. “Your dad is surely stressed about it, Lei. And your bitchy sister is making a fuss out of it. We all knew how she adores that man.”She laughed.”, Oh, well. I’m sorry I forgot that you feel the same, too.

I cleared my throat while looking at the wide vast ocean with its waves splashing to the shore.” I have something to tell you but promise me you won’t tell anybody.”

“Sure.”

“Matthew is here with me on the island?”

She was silent for a minute, and then she shouted. “, What!? I mean, what is he doing there with you. They were looking for him anywhere.”

“That, I don’t know. He arrived just yesterday alone. It has nothing to do with me. He doesn’t know me, and I intend not to let him know for now.”

She laughed. “What game are you trying to play? Is it the blind item game? Sooner or later, he will unravel the truth.”

“I’m still not ready for now, especially that he is running away from something that is connected to me. What if he runs away again?”

“Gosh! Aleia! You are fond of playing hide and seek. So what’s your next plan? I know you have something in your mind.”

“I’m gonna take back what is mine, Chelo,” I said firmly.

“That’s is good. That’s what I have been telling you before, Lei. So when are you coming back?”

I sighed. “I’ll call you again when the right time comes. Chelo, I can’t give up, Matt. You know how much I loved him ever since.”

“Go, girl! I’ll support you all the way. Before anything, make sure you’ll make him fall in love with you.”

“So, I need to end this call. I’ll call you one of these days.” I said as I tried to take a glance at my watch. The fishing boats will arrive soon. I need to be there before they come.

“Okay, Lei. Bye for now. I’ll wait for the real princess to return and sit on her throne.”

I smiled.” I don’t want to sit on the throne. I want to get the man I love. That’s all.”

After hanging up with Chelo, I buzzed off the port. But I was shocked to see Zach carrying buckets of fish to the truck. Topless. With sweats covering his body. I swallowed and watched him as he effortlessly transferred all the buckets to the delivery truck.

His upper body is in full display. I noticed that some of the ladies in the village were here too. I did not know if they still wanted some fish or the one carrying it. I strolled closer to him.

“Zach,” I said, and he looked at me smiling. It melted my heart, and I felt like it made me fall in love even harder now. Now that he is here with me, just a meter away.

“Aleia,” he answered, trying to wipe the sweat in his body. I grabbed the towel inside my pocket and wiped his body with it. He was smiling like an idiot while watching the towel travel all over his chest.

“Zach, what are you trying to do?” He grabbed my hand and brought it to his chest. I can even feel his heart beating like a drum.

“See? My heart is doing good! I’m just having a little bit of work-out here, and Cleofe told me that you are supposed to do these things,” he said,” Aleia, you are a strong woman. I admire you for that. But can you refrain from doing all these things?”

I sighed.” We can do your job, too.”

“No need to argue with me, Ale. I’m just worried about you. It might affect your health in the future?”

He continued what he was doing as the girls were drooling over him. The men were watching with jealousy, He looked like a Greek God that descends from the throne. A god that I will never let go of from now on.