Mick took a deep breath, staring at Selena for a moment before finally speaking.
"Back then, my family was going through a lot. My father had gotten into serious financial trouble, and things were getting worse.
I was given an opportunity to study abroad, and my family wanted me to take it because they believed it would give me a chance to help them."
"But you never told me any of this," she said.
"I didn't want you to worry about my family's problems," he said.
"I wanted to tell you, Selena. I really did. But I was scared. I thought if I told you, you would try to come with me, and I didn't want you to get involved in my family's problems."
"Then why didn't you call me or text me?"
"I wanted to text you when I got there, but I lost my phone."
Selena listened silently.
Mick looked at Selena nervously. "I'm really sorry."
"It's fine. What's in the past is in the past," she said.
"So, does that mean you forgive me?" Mick asked.
"I already forgave you a long time ago. I just didn't want anything to do with you. That's why I acted that way yesterday," she said.
Mick nodded, looking relieved.
Selena stood up. "I'll get going."
"Let me take you home."
"No, you don't have to," she said.
"Okay, fine. It's your call," he said with a small shrug.
Then she left.
When she got home, she received a call from her dad.
"Hey, Dad. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Are you sure?" her dad asked.
"Yes, Daddy. Why did you ask?"
"Well, you haven't been coming home recently," he said.
Selena felt a little guilty. "Oh, about that, Dad, I'm sorry. I've just been so busy. And I got the job," she told him the good news.
Her dad immediately sounded happy.
"Wow! That's my girl. I'm so proud of you. But I'm still angry."
Selena laughed. "How do you want me to make it up to you?" she asked.
"Then you have to come home. Let's also celebrate," he requested.
"Okay, Dad, but I will be busy this week. I promise to come next week," she said.
"Fine. Take care," he told her.
"I will. And you too."
They exchanged goodbyes before the call ended.
Over the next few days, Selena and Lucian slowly became more comfortable around each other. Their conversations at work became more natural, and they started talking about things beyond work. Lucian would sometimes check on her during the day, while Selena found herself looking forward to their little conversations.
Before long, the awkwardness between them had almost disappeared. Without either of them realizing it, they were beginning to grow closer.
Sunday finally arrived.
Selena woke up early that morning. It was also the day she was supposed to give Lucian her answer. A nervous feeling settled in her chest whenever she thought about it, so she tried not to think too much about it as she got ready to pick Mia up from the airport.
She quickly got ready and headed out, excited to see her best friend again after so long.
When Selena got to the airport, she waited for Mia. Then she spotted her and ran toward her. They hugged each other.
"Selena, I have missed you so much!"
"Me too," Selena said.
"You look more beautiful now."
"Selena, stop," Mia said with a smile.
Selena helped her with her bags, and they got a cab.
During the ride, Selena told Mia about Mick.
When they got to her house, the car stopped. Selena lived in a small apartment, but it was big enough for both of them to stay.
After Mia freshened up, she saw Selena holding her phone like she wanted to make a call.
"If you want to call him, do it," Mia told her.
"But I don't know if I should accept," Selena said.
"Okay, wait. What's the name of this guy we're talking about, by the way?" Mia asked.
"Lucian," Selena replied.
"What? You mean Lucian Leonardo?"
"Yes. Why are you shouting?"
"Selena, are you dumb? That's the richest man in Australia!"
"Please, don't delulu. I know he's rich, but I don't know what you're talking about."
Mia took Selena's phone and searched for Lucian Leonardo. The results showed his name, but there was no picture of him.
Mia gave the phone back to Selena.
"See? He might not be the only one bearing this name."
"Are you stupid? There's only one person bearing this surname in all of Australia."
Selena took the phone and searched for his name herself. When the results came up, it should that it's just one person,she stared at the screen in shock.
"Wow! You should get married right now!"
"Mia, stop! I haven't even accepted his proposal yet."
"Then you should!"
Selena shook her head.
"I don't want to say yes because of his wealth. I want to accept because he promised to help me find my mom. And..." She paused. "And also I think I like him."
Mia smiled. "Then call him," she said.
Selena picked up her phone and decided to call him.
"Hello," she said when he answered.
"What's the matter?" Lucian asked.
"Um... can we meet?"
"Sure. Where?"
"At my house. I'm not going to waste much of your time."
"All right," he replied.
"Bye," Selena said before ending the call.
"Ahh! OMG! Selena, you're telling your boss to come over? You really got some nerve!" Mia teased.
"Mia, stop teasing me."
"But seriously, what gave you the courage to ask him to come over?" Mia asked.
"Well, you're the one who told me to call him," Selena replied.
"I did, but I wasn't expecting you to invite your boyfriend over."
"He is not my boyfriend," Selena corrected.
"But he will soon be more than a boyfriend," Mia teased.
Selena blushed when she heard what Mia said.
"I'm going upstairs."
She quickly walked away, unable to continue the conversation.
"What do you think you're doing, red tomato?" Mia teased as she ran after Selena.