Chapter 8 The Confession (1/2)

Miguel was full of hesitation but after a little while, he said, ”How about me?”

Upon hearing his words, Leena was stunned for a little while. She did not expect that he would say such a thing. She gazed upon him to examine the expression on his face. She wanted to know if he was really serious and he really seemed like it. There was, after all, a warm glow in his eyes. She thought about how he had acted ridiculously. Did he really mean what he just said?

”Miguel, you only said that to make me happy, didn't you?” she asked while she slightly furrowed her eyebrows. ”If so, I'll have you know I didn't find that funny, at all!” she continued.

”Don't you believe me, Leena?” he asked as he held onto her hand tightly.

Leena lowered her head and stared at her hand inside his. He held her hand so tightly that she couldn't say anything to refute him.

With a serious look on his face, Miguel continued, ”We grew up together and we know each other like the back of our own hands. You have seen the man today. Men like him must have a lot of problems. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone on those blind dates, considering their respective family backgrounds.”

”I, myself, am facing a lot of problems. Alas, I have no choice but to go on these stupid blind dates,” Leena answered.

”Have you really just been worrying about not having anyone wanting to marry you? You don't have to put too much pressure on yourself nor doubt your worth. You are a wonderful person and one would be crazy not to want you for a wife.”

She looked up at him intently and responded, saying, ”I am not doubting my worth. I'm just being realistic. Considering my poor family background and my current job at the hotel, I'm pretty sure no man in his right mind would like me!”

”Oh, well. Just so you know, I am available and I am perfectly fine with the fact that you aren't from a rich family!” Miguel said while smiling foolishly as he pointed at himself.

She gazed at his countenance and noticed how he looked really calm and gentle. He seemed neither frigid nor emotional. As she continued to stare him in the eye, Miguel gave her a sincere smile. She couldn't help but wonder, though. Why did he suddenly become so keen on letting her know how he felt? What could be the reason that made him that way, after all these years?

Although he seemed really sincere, Leena couldn't help but feel like something was amiss. It was probably because she had seen many two-faced men after staying in the hotel for a long time, making her pretty skeptical about men when they confessed their feelings.

”If I'm being honest, Miguel, I really don't understand why you like me. Do you really like me? What made you think that you want to date me?”

”Wasn't the kiss that we shared that day enough to express how I feel for you, Leena?” Miguel asked as he looked at her with a distressed look on his face.

Leena tried to look into his eyes again. She was so curious to find out what was going on inside his mind and if he was really serious about his feelings for her. She then asked, ”But please tell me, when exactly did you realize that you were already in love with me? Well, that is if you really are.” She didn't feel very secure about the idea that he really loved her, after knowing each other for a long time. Why had he been so silent about it if he really felt something special for her and just decided one day, after nine long years, to candidly confess his love for her? Besides, if he really liked her that much, why did he suddenly disappear for a few days after kissing her, making her feel so uneasy?

Miguel loosened his grip on her arm and gently held her hands. ”Leena, it was not until you left that I started to understand my own feelings,” he said in a soft, endearing tone as he looked her in the eyes. I have been so used to being around you, I didn't realize how much I really cared about you. When you left that day, I started feeling so scared that I wouldn't be able to see you anymore that I had to come look for you.”

Her mind was filled with questions. They lived in the same city at the time. She just moved into a small alley. Was it really that hard to find her?

”Do you still doubt me, Leena?” Miguel asked.

She refused to answer him, so he started to feel frustrated. ”Why

do you find it so hard to trust people? I'm being serious and you won't even believe me. I would lie to everyone else but I would never lie to you! Tell me, when did I ever lie to you?”

Leena looked down and shook her head slowly saying, ”Miguel, you don't understand. You confessed so suddenly after all these years which makes it hard for me to take in right now. Did you know that I have liked you for many years?” Leena stuttered as she uttered those words. She felt so nervous and at a loss for words.

”Why don't we try it out then? Let's try dating,” Miguel said as he held her shoulder.