Chapter 88 - 88: Home Sweet Home

(Michelle POV)

Shortly after Kate and I exchanged numbers, the captain of the ship announced that Aurora has just docked at Port of Peng corporation, and that passengers will be allowed to disembark in 5 minutes. We waited for about 15 minutes to let the crowd thin before we exited Lara's cabin.

Another 5 minutes after that, me and the girls were already on the gangway. While walking, I saw Steven, Vince, Jeff, and Anthony standing together at the side, most probably waiting for us. 

My eyes of course zeroed in on Anthony who has his back facing us. Gosh, even from behind he looks perfect to me! 

Lara nudged me with her elbow and said, "Anthony might melt!" 

"You!!!!" I exclaimed in mock anger as I tried to tickle her waist.

Lara laughed then ran towards the boys pulling her luggage along. As she got near them, Anthony turned around, he smiled at her, then he looked at my and Kate's direction. 

My symptoms again attacked me, and I forgot how to breathe. Anthony must be Gods greatest gift to this planet! Really, I might just explode with how much attraction I'm feeling for him. 

"You really have it bad. Worse than Lara to Steven." Kate said as she pulled my arm to make me continue walking.

When we reached the boys, Jeff informed us that Andy already went ahead as his parents were throwing him a birthday dinner with their extended family. Then, he asked us how we will be going home. Kate and I both informed then that our drivers were already outside waiting, while Lara said that Steven's sending her home.

With that, the 7 of us exited gate 2. Outside, there were already lesser cars as many have already left. Kate's car was first to arrive and before Kate could reach to open the door, Jeff already opened it for her.

Kate just scoffed and entered her car, waving me and Lara goodbye.

Vince laughed at Jeff, but Jeff just ignored him.

When my car arrived next, to my surprise, Anthony opened the door for me. THIS IS BLISS IF I'M DREAMING NOW, PLEASE DON'T EVER WAKE ME UP!!!!! Was all I can think about. Anyway, I mumbled, "thank you." And entered my car as I waved them all goodbye.

--

(Third POV)

"Smooth." Vince commented as he wiggled his brows at Anthony after Michelle's car left.

"Stop it." Anthony said as he playfully jabbed Vince's shoulder. 

Vince laughed good naturedly. "Only when you tell me the juicy details! Anyhow, my car's parked over there. I'll go ahead. Guys, see you when I see you!" he announced, saying his goodbye, but not forgetting to add, "By the way, Lara, stop clinging on Steven like a koala, aight?" then he ran for it.

Lara's face was red in anger. She wanted to give chase, but Steven held her arm to stop her. 

"Don't mind him. Let's go." Steven said.

Lara pouted. "I swear, I'm gonna have my revenge on that scoundrel one of these days! Anyway, Jeff, Tonton, we'll go ahead. Bye!"

Jeff nodded his head. "Ok, take care you two."

Anthony waved, "Take care!"

--

"Steven, do you think Tonton likes Michelle?" Lara asked. Honestly, she wanted to ask Anthony directly herself, but felt it awkward to do so. She did, after all, indirectly rejected him in the past.

"Why are you asking?" Steven responded as he drove the car.

"Well, I just think that they're a good match. Hehe…" Lara answered.

"You should tell Andy that."

"Andy? Hmpft! Michelle is too good for him. Besides, she doesn't like him that way at all. Haha! I can't wait for the day he realizes just that! Anyhow, you haven't answered my question yet."

Steven smirked hearing that Michelle doesn't like Andy that way, but then recalling that it must be because she likes Anthony instead, he frowned. He shook his head, what the hell was he thinking? 

"Whether or not Anthony likes her, it's none of our business. Don't meddle. You will only do more harm than good. Now, let's stop talking about them." Steven said. He knew that Lara's wanting to play matchmaker, but he has to stop her. It's not that he has any agenda, rather, he's just stating the truth. Then, on not wanting to talk about them, well, he doesn't want to think of Michelle. Talking about her was counterproductive to his desire to eradicate the unknown origin of his attraction to her which was highly unwelcomed. 

Lara sighed. She understood Steven's point but… "It's just that I like Michelle, she's a great girl. It will be Tonton's loss if he doesn't seize the chance. But okay. I won't meddle and won't mention it anymore." She replied. Well, just giving advice to Michelle and cheering her on was not meddling right? 

-- 

(Michelle POV)

When I arrived home, it was just in time for dinner. My Mama and Papa asked me to join them as they asked me how the party was. Although feeling tired and sore, I joined them and started telling them about it. Of course, I omitted some parts, like the partying, and me drinking alcohol. Honestly, it was the best party I have ever been in all my life, so I was excited to tell them all about it.

"So, it was just amazing. But I think the best thing from the party was that I also made a new friend, her name is Kate Tan. Mama, Papa, she mentioned that her family will be hosting a charity gala 2 weeks from now and would like to invite me. Can I go?" 

My papa sighed. "Michelle, though you told us that you want to build connections, I don't want you to think that only those from the exclusive 8 are worthy. You should not measure a person's worthiness as a friend based on their family's net worth. You also have no need to impress them or anything like that. Our family is doing quite well too." 

Oops. Did I make the impression that I only befriend those from the exclusive 8? Or did my papa think that I was being some trying hard sidekick?

--

TBC