When I arrived outside, Alex was waiting for me. He must have positioned Shena inside the car quite well. He stood by the bar's exit, his phone pressed to his left ear.

He sensed my presence, so he turned to me and greeted me. He also put down his phone and pocketed it.

"Silver took Shena," I stopped and faced him.

"I thought she was going to dance earlier?"

"Their parents called, so Silver had no choice. He didn't mention anything else. Maybe there's an emergency at home. I'll call and ask tomorrow."

"Aren't you hungry?" He suddenly asked, not waiting for my response. He began walking toward a car parked at the side of the road. It stood out prominently from the others.

"A little. Wait, Aventador?" I exclaimed as the design of his car suddenly became familiar.

After my comment, he turned his gaze towards me. "Yes," he replied, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "It's a limited edition, you're right. Do you know a lot about cars?"

I shrugged. "Not much, really. I saw that design in Oliver's advertisement on television, and he was using a car just like this one."

His eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, that's because it's Oliver's car. He's got one, and so does Dachiel."

I couldn't hide my astonishment. "Both of them have one? I thought it was a limited edition, how come?"

He casually leaned against the gleaming car, his arms crossed, a knowing smile playing on his lips. It was clear he found my reaction amusing.

"We had planned to get this model before Christmas, and we did. It's all thanks to a special deal. But, to be honest, having connections like Dachiel, who is the CEO of MajVeloci Exotica, certainly helped. It seems he made it easier for them to secure these limited-edition cars."

Exotica? Did he mean...

My eyes widened as I looked at him. I couldn't believe that Dachiel was the CEO of one of the world's most famous car brands! Exotica was one of the most prestigious brands globally and was initially established in Europe ten years ago.

"He's the CEO of that brand? But isn't he young? How did that happen?"

He chuckled at my question, while I was still struggling to grasp the idea.

"I just realized that it was passed on to him by one of his late grand uncles."

I had read in an article that the two brands merged into one company two years ago. So, this must be it. I wondered what the other brand Dachiel currently held.

"Maybe we can talk about it while we eat? How about at my house? I'll cook."

I raised both eyebrows. "You can cook?"

"Well," he scratched his nape, "I just learned it recently, and I want you to taste it." He seemed a bit shy, as if he was hesitant.

I smiled at him. "Sure, I'll be the judge then." A smile lit up his face, and he opened the car door for me.

"I'm afraid I might get a zero from you," he said. I got into the car, and he followed, taking the driver's seat. I watched him as he settled into the driver's seat, still smiling.

"I doubt I'd give you a zero. I'm not that strict a judge. As long as it's not poisonous and edible, it's fine."

He hadn't started the engine yet and turned to look at me. "If I were the cook, no poison from me. I'd whip up a potion instead—something to sprinkle a dash of magic into the mix. After all, a little enchantment makes every dish more interesting, don't you think?"

My forehead creased, wondering why a potion was brought into the conversation. "What kind of potion?"

"Love potion. Well, when someone's desperate, anything goes, right?"

"W-why is that?" I tried not to sound startled, but my mouth betrayed me.

"It's clear, Isabella. I want you all to myself."

I swallowed and avoided eye contact. "But isn't love meant to be genuine and not influenced by a potion?"

"Hmm, you're right..." He mused, his tone turning more reflective. "I hope we will get there."

Even if he doesn't use something like that, I'd fall for him eventually. I just caught the thought and brought it back because I had too many what-ifs.

I leaned back, gazing at Alex's broad back as he wore a dark apron and cooked. I could smell the garlic he had put in the medium-sized pan.

When we arrived at his penthouse, he headed straight to the kitchen, mentioning that I might be hungry. I blushed even though it was just a simple comment.

I could see the small beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and I imagined approaching him, wrapping my arm around his waist, and wiping away the sweat. I quickly realized how distracted I had become. Maybe I was going crazy. Even though Alex had confessed his feelings for me, he hadn't said he wanted to pursue a relationship.

Perhaps he only liked me because I was here. Maybe all those things he said to his matches were just assumptions.

A familiar aroma wafted through the air, and I quickly redirected my attention to the table. Alex had finished cooking, and he was now setting the table with plates and glasses on his elegant table.

"Wow.. Is it kaldereta?" I replied, unable to contain my smile, as Filipino dishes were among my favorites.

Alex took off his apron and sat in the dining chair. I couldn't help but gaze at him as he served the food, and the perspiration on his forehead was still visible. I couldn't resist and stood up. He furrowed his brows when I turned away and walked to the living room.

"You didn't like it?" He asked with a soft voice as I returned to the kitchen, carrying a small towel I found on his small table.

I didn't answer and approached his seat. The furrow on his forehead persisted, and he seemed disappointed by what I did.

As I got closer, I gently lifted his chin, causing him to raise his gaze to me. "W-why?" He stammered in response.

I raised my hand and started wiping away his sweat. "Your sweat... It's normal for someone who's cooking," I said with a smile.

"Isabella, do you know how close you are?" My smile faded, and I looked at his face. We were just inches away, and I wasn't sure what would happen if I got any closer.

I quickly moved away because it felt suffocating. "I-I'm sorry..." I scratched my neck, returned to my seat, and placed the towel on another chair. There were four chairs in the room, so two were left unused.

I heard him cough, so I looked at him again, and he had lowered his gaze, his neck blushing even more. I felt worried. Was he okay?

"Why are you blushing there? Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He avoided my gaze, and I didn't know what reaction he was displaying.

"I-just eat," he stammered. I bit my lower lip and focused on my food.

I scooped some rice and kaldereta. I noticed Alex's gaze in my peripheral vision, and it made me anxious. Was he waiting for my reaction to his cooking?

As a spoonful of rice and viand reached my mouth, the flavors of the food danced on my taste buds as I relished each bite. I couldn't help but express my enjoyment by raising my eyebrows in delight and nodding in approval. As I looked at Alex, his eyes met mine briefly before he averted his gaze, choosing to focus on his own plate. A subtle grin played on my lips

"Uhm," I said, pausing in the middle of scooping rice and glancing in my direction.

"It's delicious," I said with a bright, relieved expression as he gazed at me. I burst into laughter, but I quickly stopped and returned to my food, unable to keep a straight face.

"Sorry, I got carried away with your reaction. You just looked so young," I remembered his reaction from earlier, so I averted my gaze to prevent myself from laughing again.

"Are you sure it's good? Why are you laughing?" He furrowed his brow, so I became serious and took another bite.

"Hmm, it really is delicious... I promise," I assured him. It genuinely was tasty, and he was better at cooking than I was.

He didn't respond but continued eating. "It's not perfect yet," he suddenly remarked, causing me to pause mid-bite and look at him.

"Huh? Not perfect yet? It's so good... You cook better than I do," I replied.

"Are you sure? You're not kidding?" He still appeared somewhat unsure.

"Yes, really, it's 100 over 10!" I grinned at him and took another bite. He just smiled at my reaction and continued eating.

After we finished the meal, I volunteered to wash the dishes. He also asked if he could take a shower, so I was left alone in the kitchen.

Once I finished washing the dishes, I wiped my hands and checked my watch, which I hadn't taken off. It was already 11:00 PM, and I realized it was getting too late to go home now. I felt a bit embarrassed about asking Alex for a ride. I wondered if it would be okay to spend the night here.

I went to the couch and took my school bag. I still had my uniform with me since my classes were in the afternoon tomorrow. I decided to send a text to my Lola Nelya to let her know that I might not be coming home tonight. I always informed her when I couldn't make it home so she'd know where I was. She was like a second mother to me, and we were quite close.

I noticed Alex approaching while he was drying his hair. He was also in a fitted white shirt and shorts.

"Alex, is it okay if I stay here for the night? It's getting late," I hesitantly asked. I didn't want him to think I was imposing, so I asked for his permission.

"That's fine. I just noticed the time too. I'll drive you back to your apartment tomorrow. Do you have classes?" he asked.

"Yes, but in the afternoon," I nodded. I also excused myself to take a shower because I couldn't stand the stickiness on my body. I felt like I wouldn't survive without taking two or three showers a day; it had become a habit.

He pointed to a room, mentioning that the shower was there. There were clothes on the bed. I wanted to ask where they came from, but I decided to keep quiet.

After I finished my shower, I went to the room he mentioned and checked the clothes. I blushed in embarrassment because they were not women's clothes. I didn't complain and just put on the oversized tee shirt and boxer shorts. There was still a tag on the boxer shorts, so it might have been an extra one. I thought there might be clothes from his ex-wife in there, but it seemed like there weren't any. I blushed with embarrassment when I found a small piece of fabric. I wondered where he got it. Did he buy it, or was it from his ex-wife? My question was answered when I saw a tag on the back. I decided not to wear the underwear if it belonged to his ex-wife.

After I changed, I was on my way out of the room when I encountered Alex. I paused and smiled at him.

He glanced at my appearance and then looked away. I wondered why he did that. My clothes were okay, right?

I cautiously inquired, my curiosity piqued. "Whose room is this?" I tried to initiate a conversation, hoping to break the silence. His gaze shifted towards me, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he responded.

"Why? Do you want to sleep here?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating my response.

"Hm, I'm fine anywhere, really. Are you going to bed now?" I continued, attempting to keep the conversation flowing. I noticed a subtle change in his expression, a flicker of surprise perhaps, but he quickly composed himself before replying.

"Well... Not yet," he admitted, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. I couldn't help but wonder why he wasn't heading to bed, especially considering the late hour.

"Don't you have work tomorrow?" I probed further, my curiosity getting the best of me. I wanted to understand his reasons for staying up.

"I do, but I decided to have a drink before going to bed," he confessed, revealing his intention. I couldn't help but ponder his choice – was he a regular drinker? Did he indulge in this nightly ritual?

"Ummm. Can I drink with you?" I asked tentatively, hoping he wouldn't mind my company. The prospect of having a drink was enticing, especially after missing the opportunity earlier.

"Okay," he agreed, and I couldn't hide my excitement. I approached him, my grin widening as the idea settled in.

"Really? Is it okay?" I questioned, a slight apprehension in my voice. I didn't want to overstep any boundaries, but the prospect of sharing a drink with him was too tempting to resist.

"Yeah. But not too much," he cautioned, his words laced with a hint of concern. Despite his warning, my excitement grew.

"I think you're too concerned about me. I might really fall for you." I teased.

He paused but quickly regained composure, giving me a stern look. "Don't joke at me, Isabella. I'm serious. You might not be able to escape from me."

I was taken aback again and looked away because he was staring at me intensely. Damn, maybe he really won't let me go.