Chapter 68 - Chapter 67

@International_Pen

((( CLAIRE )))

"Sister Ema!" I smiled.

"I rarely see you around."

"Yes," she hugged me briefly.

"I passed by to tell you that this chapel will be renovated next week. And the convent at the back."

"Really? That's wonderful!"

"We received a huge donation from the Zel Cantheliz Corporation. They wanted to bring back color to this place," she narrated.

"The young Zel Cantheliz is too thoughtful to even think about this humble forsaken chapel."  

"I wish his kindness would reach more people. This town needs somebody like him."

"Claire…" another familiar voice caught our attention.

It was Derick, smiling ear to ear.

"Good morning Sister Ema."

I felt unexplained fear when I saw him.

"You knew Claire?" she asked confusedly.

"I'm Claire's boyfriend," he introduced as he placed his arm across my shoulder.

"Is he the guy you've been telling me about?" she smiled at me then to Derick.

"Yes."

After a little conversation, she left to give us some privacy. I felt unsettled to be alone with him again.  

Derick's smile disappeared and he looked at me with hidden contempt.  

"Why did you leave early last night?" he asked coldly.

I knew it! He came here for this.  

"I hate bars. I think you knew that," I sighed.

He smiled out of the blue.

"Why didn't you ask me before leaving? What if something bad happened to you?"

I felt a little relieved he cared for me.  

"Didn't you know you embarrassed me to my friends?" he continued.

So that was it? Anyway I'd have to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I knew you'd be furious if I ask you."

"Don't you think I'm mad right now for what you did?"

His face was unnervingly serious.  

My heart was racing.

"I didn't want to go from the start."

"So you mean you were forced to come?"

"Derick…" I wasn't able to answer.

"Tell me, did you also feel forced when you accepted me as your boyfriend?" his voice was calmer with an angry undertone.  

"It's not like that," I sighed again.

I paused a little and thought how I could steer his question to something else.

"I promise I'd never leave your side again."

"Okay," he held my hand and smiled.

"I just came to see you'd gotten home safe. I'll come back at eight tonight to get you. Nadine will give you what to wear."

"Where are we going?" I worried it would be another bar.

"You promised…" his eyes narrowed.

I regret even saying promise to him.  

I helplessly nodded.

@International_Pen