Windows of the Heart

Chapter Fourteen Worlds Apart

"I think I am falling for you, Rielle. If at this moment you do not feel the same way as I do, I won't rush you; I am willing to wait; just let me love you, but I won't leave even if you ask me to." Rielle looked through his eyes, wanting to see his sincerity, but fear overcame her. She felt the same way for him, too, but she's so afraid of getting hurt knowing that they are worlds apart.

After their lunch, Hyun-Ki, in a concerting mood, invited her to dinner in a restaurant where they serve the best Korean food. The Receptionist led them to a table with candle lights, lavender air spreading all over them, and a bouquet waiting for Rielle.

During their dinner, while eating Red wine is served; Hyun-ki began to reminisce his growing up years with his siblings here in Cebu and was so happy and nostalgic at looking back on his life then. Rielle was harmoniously absorbed in listening to his story. He abruptly suggested that they would not spend a day in a resort to see the beach that Cebu is proud of in the morning before returning to the main office in Manila. She fondly accepted the idea.

After their dinner, he led Rielle around the restaurant garden to take a stroll with him before coming home. He just wanted to be alone with her, engage in some conversations together, getting to know more about each other. As they were having a good discussion while walking, he slowly treads the pavement and stops, facing Rielle with a severe but tender gaze.

He held her hands; both eyes met silently; Hyun-ki spoke in all tenderness.

"Rielle, since I laid my eyes on you, I was initially attracted to you, which was confusing to me. Every time I look at you, it gives me a strange feeling that I have never felt this with anyone. I realized that this feeling is deep and serious, and that's why you seem so special to me."

Rielle was speechless, confused about Hyun-Ki's revelation. She can't look at his gaze in fear that he might see in her eyes that same feeling he had for her; and that her hidden and controlled feeling for him may give her away.

"I think I am falling for you, Rielle. If at this moment you do not feel the same way as I do, I won't rush you; I am willing to wait; just let me love you, but I won't leave even if you ask me to."

Rielle looked through his eyes, wanting to see his sincerity.

"I have this anticipation but also fear because I'm afraid of getting hurt. We are worlds apart, Hyun-Ki. If I accept your love, it may only leave us heartbroken in the end, and I sincerely believe deep in me I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Hyun-Ki felt joy and then took her hands, squeezing tightly with assurance.

"I love you, Rielle. I promise I'll protect you, stand by you, and never leave you."

"I want to be honest with you; I have these misgivings about loving you. You are too much involved with women who are always around you. And it would not be easy to say we both love each other; it is also because of our situation in life. It may only destroy us, and I can't help seeing both ruined and broken.