The Penthouse

Cole situated outside Noelle's filming site. He waited for her for half an hour already.

Everyone is greeting the Chief Executive Officer, but Cole's attention was not to be authoritative. He put in his hands inside his pockets and admired the growing plants by the garden. It's good they have chosen this setting for the site.

It was unusual for directors to choose a sunny day as the setting.

Noelle, who just came out from the site, approached him very cautiously.

Cole was unaware of what would Noelle do. Noelle put her arms around his waist, leaning her cheek by his back, and couldn't help but to melt. This must be love, a caring, genuine love that Blake doesn't have, and the one that makes her feel alive every single step of the day.

Cole closed his eyes for a second before touching her wrists. It was a nice feeling.

He turned around, tucked in the loose strands of her hair, and her face was already glowing. Noelle asked, "Have you waited for me so long?"

"No matter how long, I'll wait for you. It doesn't matter to me if it's hours."

Noelle blushed, her cheeks becoming hot. Cole offered his hand, and she held it. Both of them walked out of the site with huge smiles. Noelle was sure that nothing can tear them apart, even if her heart was still shattered.

…

"I'm bring you up at the penthouse I bought."

Noelle doesn't have any idea he bought one. She slowly removed her seatbelt.

"A penthouse?"

Cole smirked and didn't answer her immediately. She climbed down. Cole left her clueless as they walked hand in hand towards the hotel. Inside, Noelle was fascinated with the interior design. In awe, she couldn't help but to think that Cole has this place listed as his own.

It isn't impossible. Cole has a lot of money in his pockets. No wonder he imbursed a grand amount to buy her a Mercedes-Benz, offer her a million of salary for a month, and bought a penthouse… for whom?

Cole whispered close to her ear, "You are going to like the view from it."

Noelle had been in a ton of sex to another men, but in one hush of Cole, it feels different.

They rode the elevator silently. Her heart was beating louder than usual. Will it be his gift? Will it be her reward for giving him the best sex at the CEO's table? For giving him the yes, even though it isn't in the form of a word, but to a form of penetration?

Waiting for the car to stop at the last floor of the condominium, Noelle was entranced.

A voice erupted, saying, "You have arrived Cole Rodriguez's penthouse."

Noelle's jaw immediately dropped. Cole snickered, hitching her hand so that she would start walking. When the doors opened, a cold breeze enveloped Noelle's tiny body. Cole went towards the windows, and opened the blinds. The rays of the sunlight fell on the floorboards, and even though Noelle can see the whole surroundings being lit, it was still awesome.

Every wall has its window. And every time Cole opened it, she can see the farthest skyscrapers. The city below was kilometers away from where she stood, and she can't barely imagine how marvelous it could be if it were nighttime.

Cole headed to open the last blinders. Noelle just stood there, amazed.

"This is so gorgeous and admirable, Cole. How can you…"

"I bought it for you. I think you should live in here."

Noelle's heart dropped. Her body must have weakened like a jelly.

"Me? Live in here?" She approached him with probing eyes. He had given her a lot already. Like Noelle doesn't want to appreciate those bigger things, but this is too much. It's like building a pillar in a museum for public viewing, and that history would never be erased unless someone burned off the ties.

Noelle felt like an investment, a trophy that he should win, or was it because he's too grand on giving gifts that she feels like she couldn't buy something on her own, that she can called her own, without even…

"Cole, this is… I haven't even paid you back on that Mercedes-Benz. This is too much. I can't take it. Unless you'll have to deal something to me. Something grand that is of the same value as this penthouse. Cole, this isn't the way of…"

Cole headed towards Noelle and held both side of her cheeks. Noelle shook her head.

"This isn't…"

"I just need your love, Noelle. That's all. I can earn money every minute. But your love… I can't get it all the day even if I wanted."

Struck, Noelle's eyes blinked too fast. He just needed her love? Her heart? Her crappy attitude towards a relationship? Her childish behavior towards little things? What did Cole saw on her that he wanted her whole heart and soul and mind and body?

"My love… is crap, Cole. I can't repay you with just that. You know what I can, right?"

"I don't care about your body, Noelle. I wanted your heart. I had been waiting for this moment to come. I held it in for a long time, Noelle! I had been trying to forget you, but I can't. You had this influence in me, an impact that leaves a crater on me, and didn't even heal."

This is how he can declare his love to every girl he loves, right? Lucky women. Noelle was outright sure that she'd be the one to break it off from him. It might not be the same way as Blake, but for sure, Noelle would get tired.

"So, please… I love you, Noelle. I can't help it. So, compensate it by lying or making up my feelings or anything that can make me happy. Anything, Noelle. I can hear anything from you and it will still be a good remark even if it's bad."

This is not a declaration of a man who likes Noelle's body, but because of her open heart.

He opened his arms in a grand gesture, and looked around.

"This is for you. This is how I give my heart, Noelle. So please, if you still can't love me after breaking up with Blake, accept this. And even though you don't say it now, I'll make sure to pursue you every day. I'd show you how much I like and love you. I'd do anything just to hear that word."

Noelle was pulled to a hug. Cole held her waist tight. He kissed the side of her head.

"Let's have a good time together, alright?"