Chapter 265 - Home In Molave 11

Jane watched Kyle as he lay down on the bed. She wondered how Mr. Blacksmith prepared the mind of his son. It sounded unusual that Kyle never complained nor cried ever since that morning when his dad dropped him off.

"Kyle, please tell me if you'll miss your dad." Jane offered, taking a closer look at the child's features, wondering how his parents looked.

The child was fair-skinned and possessed attractive features like thin lips, a perfectly-shaped nose, and a heart-shaped face. Anyone who looked at him would take a second look, if not a stare. His parents must be both beautiful, passing their best genes to their son. Though she saw Mr. Blacksmith in person, he was wearing a bonnet and a pair of dark sunglasses at that time. However, if a man's sturdy built, perfect height, and a body that any woman would want to touch could predict to a handsome face, then that's it.

"Okay, mom." Kyle answered, whispering the word "mom". He still felt uncomfortable in addressing her as his mom.

"Does your dad often leave you?"

"No, this is the first time."

Jane got worried and surprised. It was really unusual that a child his age would not show any signs of homesickness.

"Then why are you not missing him?"

Without replying, Kyle got up from the bed and went to his closet. He was already holding out a phone when he got back on the bed.

"He's just a call away."

Jane smiled and nodded, but it was not enough to convince her. "Place it on your bedside table so that you can hear if he calls."

While he was tucking him on his bed, there was a knock on the door. As soon as she opened it, Hayri's body filled the door frame.

"May I come in?" Hayri's tender eyes met hers, and she quickly looked away, opening the door wider for him.

Hayri dropped himself on the couch while Jane sat at the edge of her bed. "You're avoiding me?"

Jane's senses jolted at his question, and she furrowed her brows. "Why would I?'

"You're too far away."

"The couch is too small to contain even yourself."

"This used to contain the two of us."

Not waiting for her to reply, Hayri stood up and pulled her to sit beside him. "I'm not going to eat you. I'm just not being used to talk to someone at some distance apart."

"You're paranoid. Who said I am avoiding you?"

"You said it."

"I never did."

Harry laughed at how serious did Jane took his joke. His heart ached at the thought of her unreturned love for Ajie. She recalled how she mentioned it to him that Ajie never promised her anything and that he only consented to the marriage because of his gratitude to Mr. Lopez and of his anger to Allie. His heart had been shattered a thousand times also, but Allie was true to her commitment. He was the one who gave way even before he knew that he was her sister.

When both of them got back to the couch, a smile twisted on his lips. He was glad everything was over between the six of them and that they could look at each other as if nothing happened. The spirit of a genuine family relationship was now binding them, and it was more precious than material wealth.

"Jane, a classmate named Markus, invites me for a coffee. Can you go with me, please?"

Hayri stretched his arms at the top of the backrest like he was placing an arm around Jane's shoulder. He saw how Jane stiffened, and he got amused. It seemed like only a few hours ago when Jane gave no malice to their touches. She didn't mind going out with him and spending long hours just for trivial chats. Jane was just afraid she would only be a cover-up, and he understood it well.

"No, it's going to be a men's talk."

"Please. It would be so boring to talk to him."

Jane could not say no to his begging eyes. She also knew he wouldn't get out if he wouldn't win.

"Okay, then."

In his joy, he suddenly hugged her tight, sending Jane's eyes upward. "I'll wait for you outside."

Jane hated herself. How could her heart go wild for just a friend? Why did his touch send pulses to her skin? She shook her head to lose herself from such thoughts. Changing into a pair of long pants and blouse, she picked up a jacket from the closet and left the room. 

Aside from the restaurant, the resort also had a coffee shop where tourists could spend long hours to chat and do business matters. Hayri was already there sitting before a table. Across him was a man who seemed to be of his age. It seemed like they were already talking about an important subject because the man was staring at Hayri with a serious expression.

The door chimes sounded, and Hayri looked in her direction. He stood up when she got close to them and ushered her to the next seat beside him.

"Jane, please meet Markus, my classmate in college," Hayri looked at her first then to Markus as he continued, "and Markus, this is Jane, my girlfriend."

"Dr. Jane Lopez," Markus stood up right away and extended a hand to her, "who in this world doesn't recognize the epitome of beauty and intelligence?"

"I'm flattered. I hate the journalist who starts naming me as such."

Jane sat down gracefully at her seat, retaining the smile on her lips. None of these men knew the unease she felt at Hayri's introduction.

"Dr. Jane, it's not the journalist's fault. It's a survey."

"Whatever," Jane smiled politely then looked up unconsciously at Hayri. Hayri gazed back at her with apparent glints of admiration in his eyes, earning a chuckle from Markus.

"You're so lucky, Louise. Earning the love of a woman like her is such a precious achievement."

"I'm afraid you're exaggerating, Mr. Markus-"

Hayri cut her off and held her hand. "You're right, Markus. She's such a treasure."

While Jane fidgeted in her seat, a hotel attendant came in with a bouquet of fresh, red roses.

"Excuse me, ma'am, sir. This is for Dr. Jane Lopez."

Jane creased her brows as she accepted the flowers. She opened the card and read the initials.

"Thank you so much. DCM."