Windows of The Heart

Chapter Forty FATE EITHER MAKES US OR BREAKS US

"I'm surprised to see you here, Rielle. What an opportunity!" Hyun-Ki was smiling like a sudden beam of sunlight. On the other hand, Rielle had a furrowed brow, and her upper lip curled into a scowl.

"I'm so happy to see you, and I'm wondering what brought you here?" Hyun-Ki can't keep his gladness within.

"And why also of a sudden you were here? Are you stalking me, Hyun-Ki?" asked Rielle pretentiously, having discovered by herself that they were unbeknownst to their unexpected presence in one place.

"Stalking you? Seriously Rielle? Why should I do that? I don't even know why you were here; I should—" Rielle interrupted Hyun-Ki.

"You're lying! Of course, you had all the means to stalk me; your private detective could have known my plans for a vacation, so he pried on where I am going, so here you are, Mr. Han, to follow me and ruin my vacation, huh!" Hyun-Ki was so amused, and he yelled out a burst of loud laughter.

"Oh, Rielle, my Rielle! Don't you think this is what we call fate? Or Destiny? You told me firmly that you never want us to cross paths again. But look at us, here we are, in one place, and imagine, of all places you chose to go for a vacation, you were sent here, in my resort? Could you believe that, Rielle?

And what is more incredible was that we found each other in a ridiculous situation. Isn't that funny? I think fate is playing us, Rielle; what do you think?" Hyun-Ki was mesmerized by her out-of-the-blue look that stared intently into his own.

Rielle was suddenly uneased with everything Hyun-Ki said. All she wanted now was to get away from him. She stepped farther and turned her back from Hyun-Ki, wishing to escape from his sight. Hyun-Ki once again got hold of her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Please stay, Rielle. Please don't run away from me again. I love you; I need you." Hyun-Ki implored and embraced her tighter.

"Stop it, Hyun. Keep your arms away from me." And having herself cut loose from his embrace, Rielle said coldly, "There's nothing else for us, Hyun. You consumed me with your pride and anger, and what is left in me but nothingness. This is the last time that we see each other."

Hyun-Ki cannot fathom how deeply he had hurt Rielle that she had to say those things. But if he had to feel her more profound, he did not believe her because the way her heartbeat that time he embraced her tight, he could feel her heartfelt emotions, and he could feel she still loved him even if she continued to deny that feeling, he knew, Rielle still loved him. He would do everything he could to get her back, which he promised.

Hyun-Ki also came in and searched for Rielle. He saw her picking her food on a plate at the buffet and Benny standing at a corner watching the guests. Hyun-ki came and joined him where Benny stood so he could see Rielle from a distance.

"Are you just going to watch her, Hyun?" asked Benny.

"Na-a-a, I can't ruin her lunch. She liked the buffet's food, so why spoil it?" Hyun replied with an amused look. He called the waiter and told him to bring ice-cold drinks to Rielle's table.

When Rielle was beginning to eat, the waiter offered the drink to her and said, "I was asked to bring this to you, ma'am, so you don't have to stand and get one." Explained the waiter pointing to the man far from the glass wall. When Rielle looked through, Benny waved at her to let her know the drink came from him though it came from Hyun-Ki.

After her lunch, Rielle went to the lounge and got a magazine to read to while away the time before she thought of taking a nap in her room. As she was about to open the room's door, Hyun-Ki was getting out of his room. Both were again startled to find each other's space a few steps close to each other's door. Rielle's face showed a strange confused look while Hyun-Ki looked at her, puzzled but at the same time amused.

"Now look here, Rielle, before you become suspicious, this room was given to me as soon as I arrived unexpectedly here, and I have nothing to do with the room given to you." Hyun-Ki was already smiling, considering it a funny, strange incident. "I was amazed as much as you are." He continued. Rielle kept quiet and started to walk away, gathering her thoughts about these strange outcomes happening to both of them since last night.

Rielle went outside the hotel to breathe air and look back on the incidents that were happening since having discovered Hyun-Ki's presence and ownership of the resort; she found them strange but funny. She thought and came to a suspicious conclusion that maybe fate was playing on them both. Was chance listening when she firmly told him she didn't want to cross paths with him? Does fate refuse her decision? She started to wonder and took these thoughts seriously.

At that very same time, when Rielle went outside the hotel to breathe, Hyun-Ki came to the Hotel & Resort Manager, Sophia, Benny's wife, and asked about the guests' listings.

"This resort had a guest in the name of Gabriel Mari Calma. I want to know how long she was staying here. Will you look at it now, please, because I want to know soonest." Hyun-Ki asked. Sophia asked for the listings from her secretary and found that she was booked for three days and two nights, and tomorrow was her last day.

"I want you to give her another three days and two nights as a courtesy of this hotel, Sophia." Hyun-Ki requested. Sophia gave a questionable gaze at Hyun-Ki, seeming to ask why.

"Rielle was very special to me, so I want you to treat her as my exceptional guest. Is that something to be questioned about, Sophia?" Hyun-Ki stood in front of her with his hands on her table as if challenging her if she would oppose.

"I want you to give her another three days and two nights as a courtesy of this hotel, Sophia." Hyun-Ki requested. Sophia gave a questionable gaze at Hyun-Ki, seeming to ask why.

"Rielle was very special to me, so I want you to treat her as my exceptional guest. Is that something to be questioned about, Sophia?" Hyun-Ki stood in front of her with his hands on her table as if challenging her if she would oppose.

"No, Hyun, of course not; you own this resort, so I don't have the right to disagree. So will I make the courtesy invitation now?" asked Sophia. Hyun-Ki nodded as he sat on an armchair with a pen and paper, writing something. When done, he asked for an envelope, sealed it, and told Sophia to attach his letter with the courtesy invitation.

When Rielle was walking toward her door, she found a chambermaid knocking, and when she identified herself, the chambermaid gave her the invitation with the letter. As soon as she came inside her room, she opened and read the courtesy invitation. She was surprised and glad, and when she read the other sealed letter, she became quiet for a longer time, weighing her decision about the courtesy and Hyun-Ki's note. The courtesy letter said:

"Dear Miss Gabrielle Calma, we wish to address the incident that happened a day ago from one of our gentleman guests who made an inappropriate behavior towards your person that somehow ruined your interest in having a relaxed and fun-filled vacation. Therefore, with our sincere apology, this hotel would like to extend your vacation for another three days and two nights in our resort, free of charge. Please feel free to see me in my Office at your most convenient time. Respectfully, Mrs. Sophia Kan." Then Hyun-Ki's letter gave weight to Rielle's reasoning. The letter was read as follows:

"My dear Rielle, I have no intention to ruin your much-awaited vacation. It so happened that you came here the same day I arrived to spend some time thinking and rest my mind from all the unfortunate things. Please don't think that this was intentional to run after you or bother you because I never knew that you were also here. I don't want to ruin your vacation, so I'm giving you a courtesy invitation as a giveaway gift to have you spend more time with yourself in this resort. I promise not to stand your way. Make your stay here as pleasing and relaxing as you find fit to make a fresh start when you return home. Hyun-Ki."

Rielle was bothered and disoriented about what decision she had to make. She thought of a bit of help from a friend, so she called Nancy.

"Hello, Rielle! It was about time you called. I've been wondering about the turn-out of your life after Hyun-Ki. So, what's up, friend?"

"How did you find out about my break-up with Hyun?" Rielle was anxious.

"Hwan Chul was depressed that he came to see us. Wilson and I felt so bad about the news. What now, Rielle?" So, Rielle told her about her vacation, the courtesy letter, and Hyun's note. Nancy felt excited hearing that news, and it helped her decide.

"You know what, Rielle? I am sure what happened to you, and Hyun-Ki was meant to be. It was fate that made you meet again in an extraordinary situation. Take that courtesy as an opportunity for you to assess your feelings toward Hyun, Rielle. And what Hyun-Ki said was somehow true and intriguing, however. Maybe Fate wanted you to meet and settle your issues, to be together again. Misunderstanding and pride, Rielle, caused your separation. If I were you, I'd give a second chance to both yourself and Hyun-Ki. He loved you so much; I believe you feel that way too. Think about it well and consider it. That's all I can give you as a piece of advice. And don't worry, no one will know about this conversation and where you are now. Give it a try, Rielle, for your good and Hyun-Ki's." After weighing her feeling and Nancy's advice, she took the courtesy letter with her and headed to Mrs. Sophia Kan's Office. At that moment, Hyun-Ki was chatting with Benny and Sophia when Sophia's secretary knocked and informed her that Miss Gabrielle Calma was here to see her. Hyun-Ki immediately moved away and hid in the Office's Restroom. Benny was happy to see her and introduced his wife, Sophia, to Rielle.

"I thank you for this courtesy letter you sent, and I decided to accept it. You indicated that there are no extra charges. But I am worried about my plane ticket ---" Sophia quickly responded to her worry. "My Office already fixed that, Miss Calma, and your ticket will follow as early tomorrow because I await your decision. Since you accepted our courtesy, your plane ticket shall be resolved, and we'll send it to your room tomorrow. Please feel free to use all our amenities available and enjoy your vacation, Miss Gabrielle." Explained Sophia.

As soon as Rielle left Sophia's Office, Benny and Hyun-Ki rejoiced to give a high-five. At last, Rielle willed to stay on. "So, what's on your mind, Hyun? What's the plan that maybe I can be of help?" suggested Benny with a teasing tone.

"Nothing at the moment. I promised not to stand her way. I'd be there watching her at a distance." Making firm his decision.

That night at the restaurant, Rielle showed up dressed in a casual printed backless dress and wearing open-heeled sandals. Every man in that restaurant turned their head as she walked in, admiring her beauty and sexiness. Hyun-Ki was already there, sitting at a table distant from her sight, watching her graceful movements as she looked for a table. Two men hurriedly offered her a seat, and Hyun-Ki was watching, amused as ever, but she refused to be seated and chose a single table where she wanted to sit alone. Rielle was listening to the singer, accompanied by her band, when a waiter came to her table and offered her food.

"This is on-the-house ma'am and your red wine. These came from the gentleman over there," pointing at Hyun-Ki. Hyun-Ki raised his wine glass at Rielle, and she did the same. Then the singer announced the song "I Will Be Here" to the lady in a floral dress over the microphone.

"This song is lovingly dedicated to my one and only Rielle," the singer added, "this dedication came from Mr. Han Hyun-Ki. Miss Rielle, please let us see you if you are here." Requested the singer. Rielle timidly raised her hand, and everyone was applauding.

After a few sips of the red wine, while listening to the songs rendered by the singer with her band, she stood up and walked towards the garden. Hyun-Ki followed her, wandering far from her, careful not to distract her aloneness. When Rielle appeared to be chilling from the cold breeze, Hyun-Ki put his sweater on Rielle, which made her flinch, and after seeing Hyun-Ki behind her, she glanced at him with a timid smile to thank him. Hyun-ki looked at her gently and smiled. Rielle walked a little further from Hyun-Ki, and he followed behind, trying to be careful not to annoy her. Hyun-Ki and Rielle were making a hint of conveying indirectly how they felt at that moment and when they faced each other, Rielle sweetly smiled at Hyun-Ki as she was returning his sweater to him and said goodnight. Hyun-Ki returned a gentle stare at her with a sweet smile and said goodnight.

Rielle and Hyun-Ki were both sleepless, tossing and turning, imagining that moment of quiet aloneness making them both restless.

The following morning came, and Rielle prepared to go for breakfast. She wore ripped jeans and rolled sleeves light blue blouse where the front of her blouse was tucked in. She sat by the glass wall and read the menu when the waiter offered her a plate of green salad (her favorite dish) and a plate of frittata, roasted sweet potatoes, and chorizo hash, accompanied with yogurt. Rielle was surprised by the breakfast she served, and the waiter again said, "On the house, ma'am." Then Hyun-Ki walked across a table not too far from her, holding his cup of coffee and a newspaper. He sat facing Rielle but at a distance and nodded to her raising his cup. He was pretending to read the newspaper but looking at Rielle, hiding his face behind the newspaper. Rielle finished her meal a bit longer and walked straight to the path near the waterfalls. A man wearing a security uniform was somehow tracing her path inconspicuously so as not to threaten her presence. When she turned to another area, another uniformed man was again around the vicinity. From the looks of it, she thought that she was like a celebrity surrounded by bodyguards ready to protect her when in a threat. Hiding her smile with a hint of humor, she walked past them as if ignorant of what these men were doing. She thought Hyun-Ki must have instructed them to watch her so no man would come near her, just like the incident two days ago. And she was happily grateful for what Hyun-Ki was doing.

She was walking along the poolside, and only a few people were around, either swimming or lying on the pool couches. She thought the pool was inviting, so she returned to her room and changed into a swimsuit. She had the swimsuit Hyun-Ki bought for her in Cebu, so she decided to wear it again; then wrapped her body with the sarong and put on her sunglasses. She sat on the pool couch, rubbed herself with the sunscreen lotion, and then lay there to bask under the sun's morning rays. After an hour, she decided to sit by the pool and dipped her feet in the water. While doing this, she saw Hyun-ki in a swimming trunk, standing by the pool and looking at the water, then dived in.

Rielle looked at Hyun-Ki and could not avoid admiring his lean sexy body. She was thinking how he missed him, his gentleness and warmth as he held her close to him, and while at a loss in her imagination, she was pushed accidentally by a toddler who was playfully running around, and Rielle panicked. She was flailing her arms above the water when Hyun-Ki saw her helplessly panicking. A lifeguard was about to run to her and dive when Hyun-Ki got hold of her and brought her up to the poolside. Hyun-Ki held her close and was about to renew her when she suddenly coughed out some water that entered her lungs during her panic.

Rielle was in tears because of her fear in the water, drowning and panicking trying to save herself, and the shame she felt because of her situation in the water. Hyun-Ki kept her in his arms and raised her to bring her away from the pool. He led her to the pool couch when the toddler with his mom came near Rielle, apologizing to her. Rielle smiled sweetly at the boy and brushed his hair, assuring him she was all right.

"Look at me. I'm okay now, so no worries, okay? If not for this handsome man, I could have drowned!" Rielle held Hyun-Ki's hand as he pointed him to the toddler.

"She's all right now. Next time don't be so close to the pool because you might also fall in there, okay?" Hyun-Ki held the toddler on his lap to assure him, then let him go. He gazed back at Rielle with a concerned but loving look.

"Bring me back to my room, Hyun," Rielle requested to Hyun-Ki. He gladly and gently held her around in his arms as he assisted her in ascending the stairs. Hyun-Ki unlocked her door, stood there, and watched while Rielle got inside her room.

"Are you all right, now, Rielle? I mean, I won't leave if you still need me." Hyun-Ki said while feeling concerned about Rielle's condition. Rielle held his hands, walked back, closed the door, pulled him to get inside the room, and stared closely at each other; Rielle spoke meekly, "Would you like to leave now, Hyun?" Hyun-Ki felt a flutter inside him; his heart was like a drum beating a thousand beats. He brushed Rielle's hair with his fingers, then touched Rielle's face, and lifting her chin, he slowly moved his lips to hers, and once their lips touched, he opened his mouth a little to Rielle's mouth, gently and slowly, as if it was their first time to kiss. Hyun-Ki pulled Rielle close to him, and Rielle submissively entangled her arms around him.

They kissed longer as if caught with the lost time, then Hyun-Ki whispered, "Don't leave me, Rielle; I am still so much in love with you. We're back together, right, Rielle?"

Rielle replied, "Even when I deny how I feel for you, Hyun, I can never escape from the truth that yes, I am still in love with you. I love you, too, Hyun." Hyun-Ki's feeling was so high he could never imagine; it was like he was on top of the world.

They embraced tighter, not wanting to let go; both felt so emotional they couldn't keep their tears from falling, consumed by their intense love for one another.