"Hey." Veron called to her. Mariely kept her eyes on her phone—she and Edward had exchanged numbers after the meeting a month ago.
He'd been constantly inviting her out; she thought at first he just wanted to be friends. She sighed.
"You still haven't replied to that guy?" Veron asked.
She shook her head and sighed again.
"He's a nice man, isn't he? Why don't you give him a chance?" her companion pressed.
"Veron," she said at last, "I'm not ready yet to start a relationship."
"Because of Frank?" Veron asked. She heard her friend sigh and then felt her gaze. "Maybe Edward really is the one for you. He's persistent and doesn't give up easily," Veron added.
"Ugh, I don't know," was all Mariely could say.
"It's okay, Mariely. My only advice is—before it's too late and before you fall too deep—just make sure you won't regret it."
She simply nodded at her friend's words and smiled faintly.
Life had kept her busy, and before long, Nadia had given birth to a baby boy. Mariely was overjoyed; nothing could match the happiness she felt at meeting her new nephew.
That Saturday, Edward wanted to see her. She didn't have any plans, so she agreed.
"Did you wait long?" Mariely asked when she arrived.
He gave her a smile. He had been sitting, waiting for her, but shook his head and stood as soon as he saw her.
"No, you're on time," he replied.
She nodded and smiled back. She had rejected him several times already, her feelings still tangled—her heart still called out for Frank.
Ely, maybe we need to give him a chance; maybe you'll find in him what you couldn't get from Frank, she told herself.
He's a nice man, Ely. You can learn to love the one who's with you. Maybe he's the one for you.
She was lost in thought when he spoke again.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something," she apologized.
"It's okay. My bad if I invited you again," he said with a faint chuckle. "I'm just the type who doesn't give up easily, even after being rejected. I'm still hoping you'll say yes to me someday."
She thought for a moment.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to pressure you. I'm a man, and I respect your decision. I just want to express what I feel for you," he said, looking straight at her.
Her cheeks grew warm at his words. She took a deep breath to gather her thoughts.
Just try, Faith, she told herself.
"If that's how you really feel, why don't we try it?" she said casually.
Edward looked at her. "Did I hear that right?" he asked.
She gave him a small nod. His face lit up in delight, and he smiled.
"I promise I'll take care of you," he said.
****
Good thing I didn't give up, Edward thought to himself.
"Can I hug you here?" he asked her.
"Sure," she replied shyly.
They hugged there in public. He chuckled while holding her, then smiled and looked at her intently before putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Hey, why don't we celebrate?" he suggested.
She seemed to be thinking it over.
"Come on, my treat. You'd better get used to me always treating you to meals," he said with a grin.
She let out a soft laugh and agreed. He knew he had to act the part of a good boyfriend in her eyes.
He brought her to a nearby fast-food place.
"Soon, we'll eat at expensive restaurants," he said.
"There's no need. I'm happy as long as I have company," she smiled.
He nodded. "What do you want?" he asked.
She looked at the menu. "Ah, fries, and maybe Chicken Joy; if there's a value meal, let's just get that," she replied.
He nodded again. "Just wait for me here," he said, standing to place their order.
She agreed, and he quickly headed to the counter, thankful the line wasn't long.
Their time together went smoothly. He even walked her home afterward before heading to his own place.
On Monday, he was busy tapping on his phone—they had exchanged more messages.
"Hey," Anthony called out to him.
"What?" Edward replied.
"What's that face?" Anthony asked, brows furrowed. He must have noticed Edward's current expression.
Edward didn't bother hiding it—he smirked.
"She's my girlfriend now."
Anthony frowned. "Really? I thought you'd given up after she rejected you so many times."
"I thought so too. But I knew she was just playing hard to get," Edward said, grinning as he told his coworker.
Anthony shook his head, sighing as he walked past him.
"Straighten up. That woman… I sense she's a good person," Anthony said.
"It depends on what she can give me," Edward replied.
"You really love controlling things. I just hope you don't get what's coming to you."
"Karma? I've never been hit by karma," Edward said proudly.
"Edward, you don't meet people like her every day. Be careful with what you're doing. Maybe—not now, but someday—that woman will be your karma," Anthony warned.
Edward just laughed at his coworker's words. Anthony said no more and went to his desk.
Edward then received a text from Mariely and smirked.
She's a virgin, right? he thought.
Well… maybe she'll give me what she's been saving. He couldn't help but grin wider.
He knew he had to control himself—go slowly until he had her completely under his control.
I will use her, he thought.
Then the bell rang. Time to hide his other side from the students—unless, of course, a female student caught his interest.