“There’s more, actually. They congratulated us for being together. They told me that your foundation was the one that supported and sponsored their college tuition that’s why they feel so indebted to you. They said they are who they are now because of you. They consider you as their superman. They said that without you, they wouldn’t have made it this far. ‘See how much they love you? They all spent their rest day here without question, complaints, or regrets. And they look really pleased that they are here with you.” I beamed with so much pride for my man. “They said that today was your first time bringing a woman here that’s why they know that I’m important to you. And they are happy for you… for us.”
He nodded. “Hmm… So, they are aware that you are my girlfriend. I’m glad. But contrary to what they’re thinking, those doctors don’t owe me anything. That’s a lie. I only gave them a chance to become somebody that they have always wanted to be. I just know how it felt to be deprived that’s why I didn’t want others to experience it. And I’m happy that they did not waste the chance I gave them. If not for their hard work and dedication, they wouldn’t have been where they are now. I only gave them my support, but they were the ones who did all the work.” Alexandros shook his head as he lifted my chin. “But you really have no idea how they looked at you earlier, have you? You always have no idea how others look at you. And again, I’m glad.”
My forehead wrinkled. But I didn’t try telling him that everybody could easily guess my relationship with Alexandros. When we arrived at the ancestral house, the doctors were already there. And he had been putting his arm on my waist possessively the whole time except for the moments that he’d need to leave for a while to talk to someone else. But I liked it. I’ve always liked his warm arms around me. It makes me feel safe.
“Why? Do you mind telling how they look at me?”
“The way I look at you, but half the intensity, and minus the love, I guess.” He winked at me playfully.
I held my breath. Alexandros looked so endearing. He had been smiling and laughing often these past few days. And now, he was learning how to joke around. Everything was still mind-boggling for me. But Alexandros’ smiles always distracted me from thinking too much. He looks at me and the elderly with so much warmth. He had this soft side in him that I was thankful I could see. If my dream job came true and I became a romance novelist, there was no doubt he was the one I would describe as the hero. I would have loved to write about him.
But even if I’m on vacation right now, I still could not find enough time to write. Because I wanted to make my free time worth it. I would work right away after coming to Japan. Every night after Alexandros sends me home, even if I’m tired, I’d still review the documents about the hotel in Japan. I’m also studying the book that my stepdad published. It was about hotel management. Fortunately, Alexandros had the gift to understand any language that he wanted to. He became my tutor in Japanese.
He promised to constantly visit me in Japan, one thing that I never doubted, all thanks to his ability to teleport. Because of him, I’ve been to Japan a few times without having to use my passport. He even brought me there in the middle of the snowfall which I really loved.
I’ve stopped reminiscing when I heard Alexandros cleared his throat.
“Next time, I will remind myself never to say cheesy things again. You were suddenly quiet. Was it really that bad?”
I stared at him. Every time I was with him, I still find it hard to believe that this was the same man who tried to shut me away. Every single day for the past weeks, I still pinch my arm because even I can’t believe that I’m this happy every day. Not that I’m complaining, though. I’ve always lead a happy life but I’m happier now.
“Your eyes… they are shining,” I said instead out of amazement. Alexandros had always looked at me like a man who had been searching for something his whole life and then finally found it in me. And it fascinates and overwhelms my heart all the time. Because I’m sure that Alexandros had been to countless places and had met countless women who were taller, fairer, smarter, more capable, more talented, and more beautiful than me. But it’s like I’m different in his eyes.
I’ve learned how to appreciate myself more because of him… because of his love for me. And those eyes of his were the mirror of that love.
Alexandros just shrugged. “Didn’t you know? My eyes are like this every single time that I’m with you. That’s why if a day comes that I wouldn’t be able to say I love you like I used to and your heart starts to doubt, please remember the moments that I spent with you and how these eyes shine for you. Because my eyes will only shine this way for you.”
I don’t know why but I suddenly felt nervous. “You make it sound like there will really be a time that you will leave my side.”
“If it was only up to me, I would never leave your side. Being without you meant being without hope, happiness, warmth, and all the beautiful things you’ve introduced to me. But I’m just a wizard, Alison. I can only control a few things but not everything.” Before I could even talk, Alexandros took my hand and brought it to his lips. “I know that it’s Violet’s birthday today, but I want to make a wish, too.”