Chapter 2

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, checking my makeup. Then I glanced at the digital clock on my bedside table. When I saw that I still had enough time, I proceeded to apply my lipstick.

My behavior today was just right. I woke up earlier than my usual two-hour preparation time. I have a feeling that Yakov will be early to pick me up today. He was too excited for this day. He's been talking for a whole week about what will happen on this day so I doubt that he'll be late today.

Today is the day that his half-brother will finally visit them.

"You guys take care of the shop first, Millie, huh?" I said when I finished applying the lipstick. My phone was on a speaker and I had been buying from them with Andrea. "I'll try to get back by Monday but I can't promise. I don't know the whole plan of Yakov's family, eh."

I ordered from them again just last Thursday. I visited the shop to instruct them personally on how to handle the shop. This is not the first time that I leave the shop with them on weekends but I just want to remind them. I don't want to get into trouble while I'm gone.

It's still weekends. Many people. The possibility is higher that we will also have many customers. I just want to make sure that they'll know what to do if ever a problem might arise. I also asked them not to call me for the weekend.

I think it'll be rude because Yakov's family just included me in their reunion, but I'll take care of work.

"Don't worry, Ma'am. Andrea and I can handle it. Just enjoy your vacation," said Millie on the other line.

"It's not a vacation," I protested.

Not even for me. It was the reunion of Yakov's family. I didn't even think I should be with them.

"Just, ma'am, you and Sir Yakov can still enjoy yourself. It's baby time for you two."

I would like to contradict myself again and say that it was not the time for Yakov and me. He is very excited to meet his half brother which I can totally understand if he doesn't have time to spend with me. I am willing to give this time so that he can bond with his brother.

I heard a car honking outside. I'm sure it was Yakov. I looked at the clock and it was still fifteen minutes before the time he said he would fetch me. It's true that I will be early today.

I just shook my head. That's why he will be early in the conversation if he really wants to.

"Alright, Millie. Yakov's already here," I said, indicating that I was about to end the call. "I gotta go. 'When there's a problem, uhm... do what you think is the best.'

"Copy ma'am."

I ended the call and looked at myself in the full-length mirror. I am wearing casual clothes. A white long-sleeved close-neck chiffon blouse with ruffles on the front tucked into gray trousers. It is comfortable for me and yet, still elegant in style.

What I do know is that Yakov's brother will visit his house before we go to the airport to board their private plane to Siargao. His brother wanted to see their house first. I think after Siargao, he will go straight home to Russia.

I came down with the traveling bag. I made sure that I secured everything first in my house before I went out and locked it.

When I left the gate, Yakov's car was parked in front. He's leaning there and looks like he's just waiting for me.

He looked good today. His light blue button-down polo shirt was tucked into his cream-colored trousers. He was wearing brown loafers. I raised an eyebrow at him when he approached me to get my traveling bag.

"Looking good, huh?" I said.

He chuckled. He looked happy as he kissed me on the cheek.

"I can't wait to meet my brother again."

I laughed too.

"It's obvious. It's your morning today, eh."

He let out a soft laugh as he put my bag on the backseat. I didn't wait for him to open the door for me and get into the passenger seat of the car. I was putting my seatbelts on when Yakov got inside the car.

"What time did your brother come?" I asked.

"Nine. Dad is already at the airport to pick her up."

I just nodded and glanced at him as he started to drive. He looks happy. The excitement was obvious on his face even though I couldn't see it completely. I was just looking at his side profile but I could still see his excitement.

I was also infected. I am also excited to meet his brother. I can't count how many years have passed since I last saw him. I was very young when I first met him.

I would have forgotten if it wasn't for Yakov's mention of his brother.

I was just really curious about how he was. What does he look like now? Does he resemble Yakov? Do they look alike?

I am sure of only one thing. Their eyes are different colors. Yakov's brother has blue eyes while he has brown eyes. I still remember being in awe of his brother's blue eyes.

I do not know. I guess my younger self found it fascinating.

Wait... What's his name again? I'm sure Aunt Tessa, Yakov's mother, introduced him to me. He told me his name. But I forgot now.

I tried to remember. I'm not sure but I know it feels foreign and... expensive. I mean his name seems to come from royals.

I frowned.

I'm bored. I don't really remember. Annoying.

Well, maybe it's okay. Even if I didn't ask Yakov now, I was sure that Aunt Tessa would introduce us to each other later.

Finally we arrived at their house. Yakov didn't take out my bag because we were also leaving later for the flight to Siargao. We'll just have breakfast here, I guess, because as soon as we entered, everyone was busy preparing the food on the table. There were so many food that I thought we were at a festival.

Aunt Tessa is busy teaching the maids. Everything is in motion. Some are for home decoration, others are for cleaning. Aunt Tessa's orders were one after the other, obviously confusing the servants.

"Mom, Natalia's here," Yakov announced our arrival. We also approached his mommy who looked surprised when she looked at us.

"Natalia, hija.." He kissed me on the cheek. "I apologize for this unsightly scene before you. I just want everything to be perfect for the arrival of my son. Maybe I won't visit again if someone doesn't like it, oh, my God."

I smiled. She looked so nervous but the excitement was there too. I know he is even more excited than Yakov. He will finally meet his son after being away from him.

"It's okay, Tita... Yakov is worse than you," I joked and noticed that Yakov immediately looked at me but I didn't look back at him. "Because he's so excited, I sometimes envy his brother. I don't think he ever shows such enthusiasm when it comes to me."

Yakov's mom gasped. He looked at his son with wide eyes.

"Is it true, son?"

"No!" Yakov answered in a panic that almost made me laugh. The look he gave me was scandalous. "Nat, that's not true! I am even excited for you to meet my brother!"

I scowled at him.

"That's why we met before."

"We're still kids!"

My eyes widened when Aunt Tessa hit Yakov on the arm. Yakov looked surprised too when he looked at his mom.

"You! I told you to take care of Nat!" Aunt Tessa hit Yakov on the arm again.

"Ouch, mom!" Yakov complained trying to avoid his mother's blows.

I kept laughing. He could easily block her hands but he's not doing it. He just avoids it.

Yakov glared at me when he heard me laughing but I just gave him a smug look.

Aunt Tessa always favors me over her son. Maybe he knows how mischievous his son is. So sometimes when we argue, Tita Tessa takes my side even though she hasn't heard the whole story of what we were fighting about. She always assumes that it was Yakov's fault. He said I wouldn't get angry for no reason.

Even when Yakov does something I don't like and I tell him but he doesn't stop, I tell Aunt Tessa.

One thing I like about Yakov is that he respects his mother highly. That's why I know that he won't do anything that will hurt me 'cause he knows that his mother favors me. He's just afraid of his mother.

Well... Aunt Tessa was like the boss in their house. Because even Yakov's father, the PNP Chief, could not leave Aunt Tessa.

"What's happening?"

We all looked at the door when Yakov's father entered and that's what he immediately opened. I don't know why I suddenly feel nervous.

I could hear the panic in Aunt Tessa's voice as she dismissed the maids who had finished cleaning. She was thinking that her eldest son was here now because Tito Charles was also here.

I approached Yakov. I'm really nervous and I don't know why. I needed some comfort for this unknown source of my feelings. I calmed down a bit when I felt one of his arms wrap around my waist.

"Charles, is he here?" the anticipation in Tita Tessa's voice was so obvious.

"Tito Charles frowned.

"Won't you greet me first?"

"Charles!" scolded Aunt Tessa. It was obvious that her husband was just teasing her because her excitement was really obvious.

Uncle Charles laughed.

"Yes, he's here," he said before he looked at someone outside. "Son, come

I grabbed the fabric of Yakov's clothes behind him because I was so nervous while we waited for his brother to enter. We were all looking at the doorway and we all saw a man as he stepped inside the house.

A tall man entered. I'm sure he's taller than Yakov. Even Tito Charles is taller than him by a few inches. He was wearing a wayfarer so I couldn't see his eyes. But heck... his ex was too strong. He caught all our attention just with his presence.

I don't think it was only because we were waiting for him. Even if he just walks outside, he will get everyone's attention. I don't know but damn... There was something in him that anyone couldn't just ignore. He was someone who's oozing with sex appeal and confidence with a hint of danger.

He was wearing a black button-down polo shirt tucked into his black pants. His clothes were all black, even his shoes. I think it's kinda too much for someone who would celebrate a reunion with his mother and half-brother. It was a reunion, not a funeral.

But then, there was something in me that thought he looked best in black. I don't know...Maybe because of that mysterious vibe I could feel from him.

I noticed the silver watch on his left wrist. The only thing he's wearing is lion, not black.

From there, I looked up at his arm. He has muscular arms. The sleeves of his shirt were like hugging his biceps for dear life.

I also noticed that the first two buttons of his shirt were undone. I had a glimpse of his chiseled chest and also noticed his silver bar necklace.

He removed his wayfarer and our eyes immediately met.

I was surprised by that. My breathing hitched. My heart rate also suddenly increased and I don't know why. No... My heart might've even skipped a beat. I'm not sure.

I don't know what's happening to me. I couldn't even breathe properly as I stared at his eyes. I seem to have forgotten how to breathe. I just knew that it started as soon as our eyes met.

I remember those blue eyes. Those blue eyes that I once admired the first time I saw you. And even then, I felt like a strong force pulling me towards the man. I don't want to loose that force.

I just wanted to stare at the man.

The question I just had in my mind was also answered. He looked nothing like Yakov. He looked so mature. His eyebrows were thick, matching his eyes, which were heavy to look at. It seems like it takes a lot of energy. It was like he was sucking all my energy just by staring at me and I couldn't resist that force.

He has a sharp nose with a high bridge and reddish lips. I don't even know why but his bow-shaped lips looked seductive to me. His black hair was brushed upwards. He's also a bit tan in color while Yakov has a fair complexion.

I have never seen anyone who looked so manly in my entire life. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I couldn't understand what I was feeling as I stared at him. The air even seemed like it had gotten warm. Or is it my body?

Why does my body feel warm now that I'm just staring at him? I

even wanted to get near him. And I couldn't resist that force.

"Brother!"

I was still shocked when I heard Yakov's voice. I looked at my boyfriend who was right next to me.

What the hell? My boyfriend was next to me but what was I thinking while staring at another man!

Yakov was looking at his brother with a wide smile on his face. His eyes were even twinkling. He even resigned from me to approach his brother. He hugged him and his brother looked surprised at what he did. For a few moments, it was as if his brother was just a statue, he didn't seem to know what to do either.

Our eyes met again and I caught my breath again. I just stared at him as I had no idea what to do. He stared back at me for a few seconds before he finally acknowledged Yakov. He tapped him twice on the back before Yakov finally released him with a chuckle.

"You've grown, Yakov," he said and I noticed his accent.

Russian accent and fuck... Why does it sound so sexy?

"You too!" Yakov exclaimed. "Get even taller!"

It's true. His brother was really tall. Yakov was just under his chin considering that he's already tall so maybe I'm only up to his brother's shoulders.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I mean-" Yakov started to apologize but his brother cut him off.

"I can understand... Although I'm still learning the language."

"That's cool!" Yakov happily said that his admiration for his brother only increased.

"Serj, hijo..." Aunt Tessa walked towards him and hugged him. "My son..."

At first, his face was void of any emotion. He was just standing still, not returning his mother's hug.

Then his hand lightly held his mother's back. It was just a moment as if his hand hadn't even touched Aunt Tessa's back. But he immediately broke away from the hug.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to eat first? Are you tired from the flight?" Aunt Tessa asked one after another.

I was expecting him to answer his mom's questions that's why I was surprised when he turned to me. I even squeaked a little out of shock. I was also slightly shocked when our eyes met again.

Shit... What the hell is happening to me?

"Won't you introduce the girl first?" he asked.

Everyone kept looking at me. It seems that Yakov remembered that I was still there.

"Oh, right!"

Yakov came to me and grabbed me by the waist. He urged me to walk near his brother with him. I was about to protest. I can't calm down because I don't know what I'm feeling. But Yakov's holding my waist so I couldn't do anything but come closer when he walked closer to his brother.

We stopped in front of his brother. Now, I even forgot how to breathe. Being near him was nerve-wracking. We're not even touching but... my body began to tremble.

I caught his scent. The scent of sandalwood that just added to his... sex appeal.

"Brother, I want you to meet Natalia Nicole Gonzales. My girlfriend."

I noticed his left eyebrow raised but quickly lowered it. He looked at me from head-to-toe and I almost squirmed in my place. I can really feel his gaze stroking my entire body as if he was caressing every part of my body that his eyes pass through.

What the hell?

"Sergei Alexandrovich Romanov." He offered his hand for a handshake. "Just call me

Serge."

I just stared at the hand that was extended to me. I wanted to accept it, to touch it. But someone also tells me that the moment our skins touch, a lot will change. Like I'll never be the same again.

But... everyone's waiting. It'll be weird if I don't accept his handshake.

So, despite all the warnings in my mind, slowly, I reached for his hand and accepted his handshake.

I gasped when our palms touched. It was like I was suddenly electrified. I was even sure that I felt a spark that traveled to my entire body. I don't know if Serj felt that.

I looked at him to check and immediately regretted it. The look in his eyes was of a predator looking at his prey. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. My heart beats faster as my whole body heats up.

His hold was firm and his hand enveloped my hand. The warmth of his hand was so comfortable. It was too comforting for me that I didn't want to let go of his hand and just wanted to feel his warmth.

No... I wanted more...

My lips parted. I started breathing heavily. My whole body heats up even more. The look in his eyes, the warmth of his hand was so dangerous it made my whole body tremble.

Before anyone could realize what was happening to me, I let go of his hand. Serj's hand was in the air for a few moments so I looked at him. I was so sure I saw that little smirk on his lips before he put his hands inside the pocket of his pants.

"Serj, hijo... Should we eat or do you wanna take a look around the house first?" Aunt Tessa asked

Serj turned to Aunt Tessa. He glanced at me before he looked at his mother again.

"I want to eat first," he said.

I don't know but I can feel my blush from what he said. He didn't even say something wrong

I sighed.

Two days.

Whatever I'm feeling, I have to endure it for two ….

\~𝘼𝙎𝙃\~

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