CH 8: The Runaways

GULF'S SITUATION

GULF'S POV...

I've been here, at the beach house, for two days. I don't know what to do. Mew was opening up to me, I thought I now have a chance. But I believe I was wrong. Maybe I should have tried better. Or maybe I shouldn't have tried at all. Was I trying to push my luck?

Why can't I just stop loving him?

I remember the time he came for the interview, five years back. The way he walked into the room, his confidence and aura were so strong. I felt I lost my heart to him the moment I felt his presence. I didn't even need to look at that face. I just knew that he was going to be the one I would cherish for the rest of my life. His voice was even sweeter. Damn, I was so crazy about him the moment I saw him. On his first day at work, he handled everything like he had been working for decades when it was only his second job. He was always so charming.

It had been so hard for me to love him secretly for all these years. But even worse when he knows I love him. Before, I never had to care that he would walk away. But now, I have to be mindful of everything I do around him. I have to be careful not to cross the limits he has set for me.

He said he loves someone else. I wonder who that lucky person is. Being loved by such a great man must be great. I wonder what he or she looks like. I wish I can meet them. No. I won't do anything bad to them. Hurting them would hurt Mew. I can't hurt Mew. Anybody in this world but not Mew. He is already way too precious for this world to deserve. Does the person he loves so much even know about Mew's secret? I think I am the only one who does. He said that he doesn't like talking about it. That must mean that I am the only one who knows that he is a hermaphrodite.

I feel special. Sigh. But he just told me because I demanded to know, not because he wanted to... I guess I'm not that special after all.

Why does he have to hate me? Can't he be a little nicer? I just like him and am courting him. Okay, after getting married to him, but still. Can't he at least be a little appreciative of my efforts?

I threw whatever was in my hands at the moment at the beach. SHIT! Wasn't I holding the keychain Mew got me? I am such an idiot. My eyes were already brimming with tears as I was rushing out of my house, running towards where I threw the keychain.

I can't afford to lose it. That's the only gift Mew ever gave me. DAMN YOU GULF KANAWUT! HOW IN THE HELL COULD YOU THROW IT AWAY!

I was already pacing around at the beach. Looking down at the sand as carefully as I could. Tears were falling down from my eyes from time to time. I am so scared. What if can't find it? NO! I have to find it no matter what! You can do it Gulf! You can find it. You. Have. To. Find. It.

I still couldn't find it. It's been about an hour. I just flopped down on the sand, frustrated. I was grabbing my hair. And someone pats my shoulder. I don't want to show anybody my face while I'm crying. It's too embarrassing. But, this person pats again.

"Is this yours?" it was a girl's voice. Could she be talking of the keychain? I instantly looked up. My eyes met with a very beautiful girl's. She was holding out her hand to me. My keychain was placed on her palm. I quickly grabbed it and thanked her.

"I never thought the great businessman would go haywire over a keychain," she said. "Who are you?" I asked. She just giggled. Do I sound like I am kidding when I asked? She smiled widely at me. What is wrong with her?

"I'm Puifai. CEO of Pleum Corp," she again held out her hand. This time asking for a handshake. I complied. "If you are trying to talk business with me, then please don't. This is not the time for it." I said bluntly. Her jaw dropped, "If I was to talk work, I won't be here. I'm on a break." I looked at her suspiciously. "What? Oh, well I'm sorry I didn't go to the contract signing we had for the new project yesterday. I ran away a day before." She said. I looked at her, confused. "Are you talking of the investment thing for the Chiang Mai resort?" I asked. She nodded. "I ran away before knowing of that meeting. Sorry" I gave details. She looked stunned.

"What?" I asked. She shook her head, "You really ran away? From work?" I nodded timidly, "Why can't I run away?" She was hitting her own mouth for some reason. She's cute. "Nothing. You see, you were so successful at a young age, without any help from your rich parents. And you're always so determined about work. So..." I frowned, what does she mean? She continued, "So, you running away from work is weird to me."

I can't believe people think I'm so strict with work. If not for Mew being in the office, I'd probably just work from home. He's the one always dragging me to him like he's my magnet. I can't help but go in his direction, but it hurts. It hurts really very bad. How I love him and how he wants me to stop loving him... it makes me a mess. But I can't be weak no matter what. I have to stay at the top.

"Hey, hey, hey... what's wrong? Why the long face?" Puifai seems concerned. Did I just make a sad face? She sat beside me, "Anything troubling you? You can tell me. I'm a good listener." She smiled comfortingly. I don't know if I should trust her. " You can trust me. I am good at keeping secrets," she confirmed. I sighed, guess it's time to talk about it.

"I love someone and they keep on rejecting me," I told and she nodded. "Who is this person?" she asked. "Someone I know for years now. I have been courting that person for about a month." I proceed. She frowned, "Do you perhaps show off your money and power?" I shook my head. "I try to be as modest as possible. Giving flowers, telling them my feelings sincerely. Trying to make them happy. I've done it all but..." I can't say anymore. Tears are blocking me from looking at the beautiful sea. Puifai was rubbing my back.

"How long have you been in love?" she asked. "Five years" I answered. She was shocked, " Then why are you courting them only now?" I looked at her, "Only now could I find the courage to confess. But I was rejected right off." She had pity in her eyes, "Why were you rejected? You're everything anybody could ask for."

"But the one I love is not like anybody else. Not the slightest bit," I said. She nudged me teasingly, "Now you're smiling" I blushed, my cheeks and ears feel hot. "Tell me about this person, I'm curious now, such a gossipy person. But I would love to talk about Mew's charms.

"The most beautiful person. He is very nice but can be scary when angry. I always try not to get on his nerves," I chuckled thinking of the day I confessed. He was so furious, beyond my imagination. "Always helps everyone. Forgiving. Generous. Charitable. Cute." She seems weirded out by this side of me. I don't blame her though. Who would have thought that the 'Ice Cube CEO' would be so hell-bent on someone he loves.

I continued, "He's special. I can't tell you how, but he is like... like the most perfect human I have ever seen" She paused me, "Do you like that person for being perfect? Of course, you're rejected. If you don't like a person for all their sides, it's not love. You are only concerned about the good things. What about the darker side. Can you accept them even if they are in their worst situation? What about the problems he has? Can you love his whole being or do you just want the good parts?" Though she's talking sense but she didn't let me complete my words. I huffed.

"Can you listen first, then judge me all you want," I suggested and she nodded. "He has problems of his own. I want to help him deal with those. I know some of his scars and I want to find out the rest. All I want is for him to feel good. The answer to your question is, I will love the same person without ignoring their negative side. I want to support him even when the world has turned its back to him," I concluded. Puifai was dumbfounded. "Wow" that is the only thing she said.

"Sorry I interrupted you earlier. That person should feel lucky to have such a dedicated lover, but why did you get rejected then?" Puifai said. I looked at the setting sun. The reflection on the waters is stunning. Only if the situation was better... maybe I could have brought Mew here with me and we could enjoy it together. But he's not with me, he does not even want to be with me. "He told me to stop loving him. I wish I could do that. But I... I just can't," I just let my tears flow. Not like she hasn't seen me crying already. She again started caressing my back. "He must have a reason," she said softly. "He said he has someone he loves. But that person doesn't know of his feelings. He must hate me so much," I stated gloomily.

"You can't be sure. Maybe you should lessen your efforts and try giving him time. If you are around all the time, he must not be getting time to think. Maybe he wants to drive you away to sort his own thoughts," where does she get such words. I just smiled at her, getting up from my spot. "I think I'll go back to my place now. Good night," I said.

"Wanna go to the full moon party tomorrow?" She asked. I agreed. I need some time to settle my own thoughts about Mew too. I really can't say if it is still the love I have had for him. Or am I now only courting him because no one else dares reject me and I took it as a competition unknowingly. He's not going to be my trophy. He has to be my lovely husband. If I don't really love him anymore, I think I'll try to stop my feelings for him.

*2 WEEKS LATER*

AUTHOR'S POV...

The two young CEOs had become quick friends. They roamed around together for two whole weeks, laughing and giggling like mad people. Some locals mistook them for a couple but Puifai would cut them off, calling Gulf her brother. Gulf just complied with the post Puifai gave him. Of her brother. They were both the only children of their families. They both loved the idea of having a sworn sibling.

Gulf found Puifai fun. She was bubbly. She was friendly. Didn't seem opportunistic. She was easy to talk to. She gave wise advice. She was really like the sister Gulf had imagined he could have. At a time like this, Gulf needed a friend other than Yibo. Yibo was running out of advice and too stupid to suggest something helpful.

Puifai had always wanted an older brother. Or something like that. She was happy that she found that keychain for Gulf. She wanted to escape from her busy life. And for that, she had run away in the dark of the night. Though her secretary was her partner in crime. She wondered how mad her father would be when she goes back. So she wanted to stay as long as she could. But she had to go back someday.

Therefore, after two weeks of fun, the two CEOs decided to part ways.

"See you soon my brother!"

"You too little sis!"

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Next chapter, I will focus on Mew's situation while Gulf was having fun at the beach.

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- Wan <3