Chapter 36 - Every Woman's Dream

Feeling the depth of his emotion and carried away by the tide of his melancholy, Ajie was also moved to tears. And while he felt the warmth of his embrace, all of a sudden, there was a strange feeling which welled up inside him. It was somewhat like a deep longing and a sense of missing someone dear to his life whom he hadn't seen for years. He also recalled that drawing, odd feeling which prevailed inside him in that moment he saw him unconscious on the shore. With this and his current surge of emotion, he also sobbed.

"What's happening to both of you? "

Jane, who was watching them from the start, also got carried away.

She began sniffling in her tears without really understanding what was going on. Looking at Ajie, she also felt it strange why she easily got comfortable with him. Perhaps because of that brother image she saw in him. Because until now, she was wishing she had grown up with a brother.

After a long while, Mr. Lopez released him and he laughed.

"I'm sorry for the emotions, Jie. It's because I lost a son about your age. And I see him in you now though I couldn't imagine how he would exactly look like today. His loss caused an irreparable damage within us as a family. He was our first baby and, naturally, the excitement of his coming was overwhelming, only to lose him afterwards. Yet, I don't give up my hope until today. I still believe he's in good hands. "

"I understand, sir. " He smiled, almost tempted to tell them that he was also a lost child. Only that he didn't have that sense of loneliness because he was loved and pampered so much by his adoptive parents.

"Come, I have prepared a special lunch for us. It is my way of thanking God for sending you on that day ahead to give me chance to live again. "

Then, Jane butted in. She had not informed him that aside from him, they also had other guests.

"Jie, dad has invited someone from the media for an interview. It's up to you to reveal yourself or not. We will respect your decision. "

Ajie felt awkward and he smiled sheepishly. "I'm not ready for any publicity, yet. "

"No problem. "

In the function room situated at the northern wing of the big house, the camera man and another crew had already put up the interview set up. Few feet beyond a long table which was full of food, a small coffee table with the glass wall at the background was placed, along with two seats. Beyond the glass wall, a kaliedoscopic view of the garden could be well reflected. It would give the viewers an impression of a very elegant household.

Without further ado, Mr. Lopez and the interviewer sat across each other at the coffee table. When the light of the camera was turned on, the interviewer started throwing his questions.

"Mr. Lopez, kindly tell us what happened in that afternoon by the shore."

Without being conscious of being recorded, Mr. Lopez answered the question fluently.

"How were you able to escape from your bodyguards? "

Mr. Lopez let out a cultured laugh.

"That's a secret. There's no sweeter thing in this world than freedom. "

"Mr. Lopez, granting that no one suspected when you escaped from your guards, how were you able to get help? "

Mr. Lopez shifted instantly to a melancholic state.

"God saw the incident ahead and he sent someone. He was just strolling to get some fresh air when he saw me fell down on a mossy boulder. He picked me up in his arms and ran towards the main road before he was able to get a help to call an ambulance. "

"Once the rescuers arrived, what did this someone do? "

"He went with me to the hospital, shouldered the expenses for my surgery and my ICU admission. "

"That was such a miracle, Mr. Lopez. What else did he do? " The journalist asked further.

"He donated me a blood and left a big amount for further expenses. "

"This is such an unbelievable incident, Sir Lopez. Who is this someone? Is he a relative? A man with influence? Or, a businessman who knows you very well? "

"He doesn't know me at all. He is still a student, about my daughter's age. He spent for my hospitalization his parent's budget for his schooling. Because of this, he ended up taking a summer job in order to further provide for his tuition and other school expenses. " Mr. Lopez was already holding his urge to cry.

"Such kind of person is one in a million. What prompt him to do this for you? "

"Out of the pure intention of his heart. "

"Such an admirable trait, Mr. Lopez. You said, he is about your daughter's age. Wouldn't you wish that your daughter may find someone like him?"

"If I could decide for my daughter, I would do all means to get them married. Why not? To know that my precious daughter would be in the hand of someone like him, would make me go in peace someday. "

"Exactly, Mr. Lopez. Last question, can you please describe him? "

" Tall, fair and very handsome. He's every woman's dream."

Watching the interview at the side, Jane giggled at his father's answer while feeling clumsy at the fact that Ajie was there beside her.

Ajie felt the same awkwardness. They were no ordinary people. It's too flattering to hear that Mr. Lopez, one of the richest people in the country, would want an ordinary man like him for his daugher?