Chapter 121 - I Don't Need Your Whole Heart

"Mary Ramos?"

Mary narrowed her eyes as she stared at him, wondering why she was recognized by such an important person in the higher society. Mr.Dioko was a public figure and his image would appear every now and then in business news and publications. Even before Allie availed the scholarship program, Mary already knew him through these news portals. Who would not when he was the one who developed the district of Kamelyo? Through him, their roads were well-paved. Through his factories, the community were provided with means of livelihood and their students with summer jobs and scholarship program. Only that, there was an underground movement behind his charitable works.

"Yes, sir. I wonder how this humble fellow earned your recognition?" said Mary softly as she shifted her gaze from him then to everyone around.

The rest also tuned in their ears, it was something intriguing after all. Even if Allie was already a successful figure, it didn't change the fact that they came from a common society..For Mr. Dioko to recognize her would make one think she was most likely a part of his past. It was expected of him, as someone rich and famous and an early widower, that there could be many women associated with him. While it remained a mystery why he did not remarry, any one would not give him an impression that he did not go into any relationship after the death of his wife.

Mary, in her early fifties, still reflected her attractive physical attributes and beauty she once possesed when she was younger.

No matter how much she tried to do a quick recall, she could never remember any event where she happened to come across with him.

"In God's eyes, Mary, we are all fair and of course, I know you as a very important person. You were Zara's childhood bestfriend but you were separated when her family migrated in Europe. I met her there and we got married. For five years, we were childless, until we decided to adopt other ways of having a child."

Hayri winced in hearing this but Mr. Dioko was quick to address him. "Don't worry, son, you are our biological child," said Mr. Dioko as he chuckled and patted Hayri's shoulder.

Looking back at Mary, he continued.

"We decided to settle here since many of her friends were here. I just thought she could be happier with them around and stop brooding over her barrenness."

Mary started to become more uncomfortable at the mention of her bestfriend. Her loss was one of the most bitter chapter of her life. She was not just a friend, but someone closer to her heart than her family. Whatever she wished, if it is within her capabilities, she was always more than willing to help her with it

"Zara had in mind her wonderful plan from the start. I still remember when she took a short vacation prior to our permanent moving here. You two met and after that, she got very excited... "

Mary's blood started to drain from her face and she instantly turned pale. "Sir, shall we not disturb her peace, please. At least, not now."

Mr. Dioko's smile started to disappear as he saw her reaction. He gave Allie a quick glance and also saw her discomfort.

"Okay, let's talk about it some other time. Tonight is our children's night, after all, " said Mr. Dioko with a forced, thin smile on his lips.

They all went back to the garden where the guests were waiting and the program went on as planned. Hayri and Allie's success were presented as it was the highlight of the thanksgiving party. It was also an informal way of introducing Allie to their society prior to their hoped-for-engagement.

The party extended into the wee hours of the morning. The laughters, the heightened conversations and the clinking sounds of bottles and glasses finally died out as everyone resigned into the comforts of their assigned rooms. Everyone else was having a good time except Mary. Nevertheless, there was one thing which perked her excitement that night and that was the announcement that everyone was invited to celebrate with them at the arrival of Amor Omnia Vincit.

Later into the day, the guests started to leave the resort and so were Allie's parents. As soon as they were settled comfortably inside the resort's shuttle van, Allie came in together with Hayri and Mr. Dioko.

"Auntie, uncle, I and dad are going to see you at your home prior to the arrival of the vessel. I wish we can finally discuss about the engagement," said Hayri as he cast a pleading look at Allie.

"We, indeed, have so many things to talk about, " Mr. Dioko butted in as he threw a meaningful gaze at Mary.

Mary just nodded while Sam exchanged few words with them. As the main gate closed after the last guest left, Hayri lifted Allie off her feet. Caught offguard, Allie shrieked and wriggled but her protests fell on deaf ears.

He brought her to his room and the moment he placed her on the bed, he didn't take any delay. He sealed her lips right away in a deep and hungry kiss. After who knew how long, Hayri relased her as he saw that Allie was already gasping for air. There were glints of amusement in his eyes as he tenderly gazed at her.

"You were so ready to die, weren't you? How about dying in my hugs and kisses?" he said as he pinched her nose, chuckling at the memory of their drama last night

Allie felt awkward at the thought of it and responded only with her giggles. She was punished, instead, with more passionate kisses. As her body responded and found herself returning his kisses in an equal fervor, she suddenly stopped. Ajie's image floated into her mind and she felt guilty.

"Why?" asked Hayri whose voice was now filled with burning desire.

Allie responded with a weak smile and looked away. A drop of tear slid down from her eyes. She quickly brushed it away and urged Hayri to go ahead but his desire quickly died out. He knew what she was thinking. He also knew very well that Ajie was the one who prompted Dino and his

men to supposedly rescue her.

"I'm envy him, Zheena. He already annuled your marriage for someone else but you still love him, " he said as he got up and sat at the edge of the bed.

"Can we talk about something else? "

Allie felt a sense of guilt for him as well. She knew she was already free but she understood well why Ajie made that decision. However, none of them could turn back. Jane was already expecting and she didn't like the idea that she would also be hurting. Hayri, on the other hand, did so many things for her and was also expecting. More than anything else, she didn't want him to go over the process of depression again.

"No, let's talk about it now, Zheena. Would I still expect for you to say yes?"

"I need time, Hayri, because I want it to be when I am ready to give you my whole heart."

"But when?" he asked and a feeling of frustration cracked in his voice.

Zheena looked away. She just couldn't tell. She felt she had to wait until Ajie would forever walk away from her life. That would be the moment he would tie the knot with Jane.

"Zheena, I don't need your whole heart. A little affection from you is enough. I will help you forget and start all over again," he bargained as he lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

Allie was greatly moved with this and she cried hard. No matter how she tried to reassess herself, her affection for him could only be defined as a feeling derived from pity and special friendship.

She moved closer to him and hugged him tightly. "I'll marry you, Hayri but I don't want you to be hurt."

"As I said, it doesn't matter. I'll help you heal and forget."

"It's unfair, Hayri," she mumbled in between her stiffled sobs.

"But I can no longer live without you. You're such a part of me already."

His declaration of selfless love brought more tears into her eyes. Her halfheartedness didn't deserve him. Yet, she needed him as a shield when Ajie would finally make a formal announcement of his engagement to Jane.

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