Chapter 307 - GATHERING I

Rissy looked at the small box in front of her and looked back to the face of the man that she's been thinking since he showed up in school to find her.

She's not an expert when it comes to love and she wasn't sure if he was being sincere to her or not. They didn't know each other that well and they just hang out once in a while when they're not that busy.

They have different profession and they're both busy. Rissy thought a lot of things and when these came into mind, even though she likes him, she still hesitated to accept his feelings. 'What if things won't work out? What if we won't have time for each other? What if he will find someone better than me? What if…What if…' So many what ifs and she just stared on his face.

Chris scratched the side of his face with his index finger while letting out an empty laughter. He thought that he's got a chance because she seemed to like him but looking at her reaction, Chris thought it was all his imagination. He was just about to take back his gift when Rissy spoke again.

"Can we get to know each other more first? Can I keep this gift for the meantime? Once I'm ready to accept your feelings, you'll see me wearing this gift. Is that fine?"

As if getting absolution from her, Chris sighed in deep relief. He didn't realize that he was holding his breath until that very moment she finished speaking.

"Sure. I don't mind. I want to get to know you better as well. And you don't have to force yourself to like me. Don't let my feelings burden you. No matter what happens, just follow your heart."

"Then, is this consider our first formal date?"

"How can this be? This is not counted." Chris replied with a deep smile. "I'll plan our formal date next time and I'll let you know."

"O-okay. I'll look forward to it."

The two of them continued eating their lunch with new goal in mind.

'I'll make you fall in love with me and be with me for the rest of our life.'

'I'll see how serious you are first and reel you in to keep you by my side.'

With smiles on their faces, no one knows what the other was thinking.

At two in the afternoon, Jonas was sent home by Cayenne and Stefan. They didn't stay for too long and drove back to City B and went directly to the Madrigal home. This time around, Jillyanna and her family weren't staying in her house but they were staying in Hacienda Amore, a huge farming land that was owned by Thomas, Travis' father. Originally, it was owned by Venus but she died early and left everything to her husband and son.

Venus Plaza Industry was also named after her.

There was no special occasion but the Madrigal and Madrid family likes to gather from time to time. Before, Cayenne would refuse their invitation because she'd always feel awkward befriending these socialites. But after knowing them, she realized that they weren't like those wealthy people who discriminate the poor.

It wasn't just Jillyanna's family who were good but everyone who's close to them were really kind and they don't befriend people who were cruel and unjust. If you're a scum of the society, just make sure you won't trifle with them or they will ruin your life even more. 

They finally saw the mansion but they just passed by it and continued driving towards the farm. When they arrived at the place, it was so lively.

"Auntie Yen!" It was Jade who saw them first, who let go of Savannah's hand and ran towards them with her little arms wide open. "I'm so glad you came."

Cayenne crouched low to catch Jade and hugged her. "I miss you sweetie pie. How are you?"

"I'm great." Jade smiled sweetly and kissed Cayenne on her right cheek. "Auntie Yen, I topped among our class and I will be receiving awards on my graduation day." Jade told her with a proud expression on her face.

"Wow! Our little sweetheart is really amazing! When is your graduation day? Can I come and watch you, too?"

"Of course. I will graduate next Friday. The ceremony will start at nine in the morning." Jade looked behind Cayenne and smiled at Stefan. "Uncle, you must come with Auntie Yen, alright?"

"Sure, sure. We'll come." Stefan rubbed Jade's hair gently, making sure he won't mess up the hairstyle that Travis painstakingly make for his daughter. Not many know this but, Travis was actually responsible for styling his daughter's hair. He needed to learn how to take care of children because he didn't want to bother his wife, afraid she'll have sore arms after styling Jade's hair.

Cayenne hugged Jillyanna and the other people that she was familiar with. She was also introduced to the other family members that she saw for the first time. And she found out how prominent their family was. There were military officers, police officers, businessmen, actress, and etc. But they never let her feel belittled or left out.

"Did you know that Stefan never attended this our gathering before?" Jillayanna asked Cayenne which surprised the latter. Seeing her reaction, Jillyanna continued. "I even thought that he wasn't really friends with my husband. If my memory serves me right, he only attended my wedding, Raizel's birthday and Jade's birthday. And he always left in a hurry after giving his gift. He didn't even sit and eat with us."

Stefan raised his brow and looked somewhere else, pretending he didn't hear anything.

"There might be some things that prevents him from attending this kind of events." Cayenne replied, trying to defend her husband.

"Right." Stefan added, agreeing to his wife.

"Tsk!" Jillyanna clicked her tongue at him. "I'm just worried."

"Worried about what?" Stefan and Cayenne asked at the same time, making them look at each other and laugh.

Seeing their expression, Jillyanna also relaxed. "In the future, I hope you guys will come again."