The Third Wheel - Part 29 (SPA)

Isabel went out of the air plane, along with her siblings. Hugh was already in front of her, talking to the air plane crew. When she reached him, he was already bidding farewell to the person. "Shall we go?" he asked, slipping her hand into his. They were only a few steps forward when Alexander Parker, Hugh's close friend, appeared in front of them. He was holding a bouquet of red roses, a sweet smile plastered on his face. "Welcome home, Hugh" he said, smiling at Isabel. "Thank you. Are the flowers for me?" Hugh teased, causing Alex to blush. Reina was already by Isabel's side when Hugh said this. Maximiano noticed the flowers and let out a whistle. "Red roses for Reina the Loveless? My, what a great improvement there!" Maximiano teased, making Reina kick him in the shins, though that was when Isabel distracted Alex, just to give Reina a chance to 'hurt' Maximiano.

Maximiano was rubbing his shins when all of them walked over to a chauffeur driven car. Antonello was pulling Maximian's collar in order for him to 'hurry up' while Reina and Alex were already in their own world. It was the month of July, thus the country of England was facing the hot season of summer. Which was why Hugh was wearing a pale grey shirt that fits his well-built body. It wasn't the first time she had seen Hugh wearing an outfit that accentuates his body line, she was just not used to it. It seems that he knew about it, too, since he was looking at her a mischievous smirk on his face. They sat in the car, Alex being their tour guide, while Reina was looking at him with dreamily. Antonello was engrossed with Alex's explanation, while Maximiano piped up; "Are there women that would like to have fun with me?". He was then rewarded with a slap from Isabel. 

They reached their destination, and it made the siblings gape in awe. The Bradford's mansion was a sprawling estate, and it was newly built too. It may be due to the fact that they were newly rich, but Isabel never thought that they would be that rich. Especially when they were new money. Isabel stepped out of the car, and noticed that there was a butler waiting at the doorsteps, as if awaiting for their arrival. The butler bowed to them as they approached him. "Master Hugh, welcome home" he said politely while bowing. Hugh let out a bright smile. "Alfred! It's been such a long time" he said. "Too long" Alfred admitted. He then looked at Isabel. "And I presume this were the guests that you brought...? If I'm not mistaken, you must be Lady Isabel?" he said to Isabel. Isabel gave him a friendly smile and nodded. "Nice to meet you" she said politely. After Alfred finished greeting her siblings and Alex, they were brought to their respectable rooms. Even the rooms were huge. Isabel wanted to survey the house, but she was tired after the journey, and the party will be held the day after, so she decided to take an early night. She was informed that Hugh's parents were unavailable at the moment, but she will meet them the next day during breakfast. 

The next day, Isabel woke up early. She could see the early sunrise through her window. After taking a shower and dressed herself up, she went out of the room. She noticed Alfred walking down the hallway. She greeted him, making the man shocked. It seems that he was worried by the fact that she slept before having dinner in her stomach. She brushed it off with a sweet smile and asked him where the garden was. He showed her the direction of the garden, and apologised to her that he won't be able to escort her, since he was busy with the party's preparations. She assured him that she was all right with it. She walked to the garden, and noticed a figure at a bench. When she walked nearer to the figure, she found out that it was Hugh. 

He was reading a book, his face screwed up in a serious expression. She giggled at this; she never saw him having a serious expression before. She noticed that she never asked him about his work and his family. She knew his hobbies and everything, but not his work and his family. She wondered if it never crossed her mind, or was it due to the fact that Hugh intercepted the conversation before it reached to the subject. She was so engrossed with her thoughts, she didn't notice Hugh standing in front of her, waving his hand in front of her face. "Earth to Isabel! What's wrong?" he asked, making Isabel snapped out of her thoughts. "Nothing, I was just thinking the garden looks stunning!" she said, looking away from him. When she took a glance at him, she could see from his expression that he knew she was lying. Before she could explain herself, they heard Alfred calling out to them for breakfast. Isabel sighed in relief at this, and walked with Hugh to the dining room. Usually, Hugh would slip his fingers through her hand, but she could see that he was keeping a safe distance from her. She didn't say anything, instead she just thought of it as her thinking into the subject too much. 

When they reached the dining room, she could see the addition of people at the table. It was the first time she met them, and she admitted that she was quite nervous. It was Hugh's parents, both of them dressed fancily, even for a breakfast. Melissa Bradford, Hugh's mother, stood up first. She was beautiful; she had dark brown wavy hair that was tied up elegantly and doe eyed grey eyes. She was slender and fashionable, and each of her hand was decorated with jewellery. Melissa held her hand in front of Isabel, and Isabel took it, to shake hands with the woman. "My, what a beautiful lady we have here" she said with a sweet voice, giving Isabel a warm smile. She noticed Maximiano giving a face at Reina, as if saying "She didn't compliment you". "In fact, both ladies in the room are so beautiful I seem to be fading into the background!" she joked, looking at Reina. Reina gave Maximiano a triumphant smile at this. Isabel then clasped Melissa's delicate hand. "Oh, no, that is such an exaggeration, Madam Melissa. You're very beautiful in your own way; you have more experience in the beauty department than us. We are just mere young girls" Isabel assured her. Melissa let out a soft chuckle. "My, such sweet words! Well, don't regret feeding me with it!" she said, amused. 

They heard a coughing behind them. They turned to see the source of the sudden sound, and Isabel saw Hugh's father. He was the mirror image of Hugh, or Hugh was the mirror image of the man. Charles Bradford was a tall man, with a wide frame. He had sandy blonde hair like Hugh, though his was cut short, like a typical businessman. He looked tan, as if he has been standing under the sun all the time. He also had sharp blue green eyes like Hugh's though while the latter's eyes looked warm, Charles' eyes looked cold. When Charles smiled, Isabel could feel that it was insincere; as if he smiled out of force. Even when she shook hands with him, where his hands were rough, she could feel the coldness of the air. She couldn't help but shiver, though nobody noticed this. But there was one thing that she noticed; Melissa looked down at the floor, as if scared to make eye contact with anybody, while Hugh's face was tight. What was up with this family? she thought. Even so, the breakfast passed with polite conversations and a few friendly exchange of jokes, lead by Maximiano, who seemed to sense the cold atmosphere between the Bradfords. 

The day seemed to pass by quickly, and before Isabel realised it, the party was about to start. She wore the wine red dressing gown that she brought from Spain for the party. She came out of her room, expecting Hugh to wait for her. Instead, it was Antonello who stood in front of her door. Confused, she asked her brother about this. He told her that Hugh had to do a few preparations and he was unable to escort her. Reina was being escorted by Alex, while Maximiano said that he would 'escort' a few girls during the party, making Isabel roll her eyes. Even so, she was bothered by the fact that Hugh didn't inform her about this himself. 

They walked towards the ballroom, Alex and Reina in front of Isabel and Antonello, while Maximiano walked behind them, already geared up to pick up a few ladies. When they entered the ballroom, they could see many important people. There were even her father's colleagues gathering at the table, deep in their conversation. When Antonello walked towards the colleagues to greet them, of course the siblings had to follow suit. Even so, she was too focused in searching Hugh's figure. After searching him with her eyes, she saw him being gathered by a few young women. One of them even grabbed Hugh's arm casually, as if they were lovers. It may be immature of her, but she felt a slight jealousy in her heart. She heard the people at the table nearby theirs: "Look at that! It seems that Hugh Bradford, the heir of the Bradford, is chummy with the Duke of Leightond, Rebecca Winters". Isabel stabbed the steak in front of her, making Antonello take her hands in his, before she stab the person that said the statement earlier. 

"How is the party tonight, everyone?" said a deep voice that she recognised so well. Hugh gave all of them a smile, and Isabel could hear the young ladies at other tables sigh dreamily. He was handsome, but that didn't mean that he was allowed to be 'chummy' with other women. Hugh seemed to notice her tight face, since he asked her with a worried tone, "Is everything all right, Lady Isabel?". She noticed the young ladies giving her death glares, but she ignored it. "I seem to have a headache. Can you show me where the balcony is? Maybe the fresh air would lighten up this headache of mine" she said sweetly, looking at him with an innocent expression. He nodded at this, and helped her stand up. "Let me escort you. It's not proper to leave a woman alone, especially in such a party" he said politely. Once they excused themselves, they walked towards the balcony. Isabel rudely shook off Hugh's hand from her, and walked ahead of him, angry. 

Once they were outside at the balcony, Hugh grabbed her arm. "What is the matter?" he asked, oblivious to her anger. "What do you mean 'what is the matter?"?! You didn't tell me that you weren't going to escort me and you were being all chummy with that Rebecca girl!" she burst out, controlling her voice, worried that the other guests would hear her. "Isabel" he said with a gentle voice. "I came here to see your parents and celebrate your father's birthday, but all you did was ignore me and avoided me all day! You even let a total stranger grab your arm!" she continued on, her face red with anger. "I was busy with the preparations, and Becca's my childhood friend!" he replied, now losing patience. "Childhood friend? Childhood friend?! For your information, even if I have a male childhood friend, I wouldn't cling to him as if we were loves, especially when I have you!" she said, now losing her temper even more. Hugh then pulled her into a hug, making her now angry at herself. Whenever he did this, her temper would melt away, as if his hug could take away her worries and anger right away. Hugh was about to kiss her when they heard the ballroom became quiet. 

They peered into the ballroom and they knew why: Charles and Melissa Bradford were already in the ballroom, dressed up formally. Charles was wearing a dark blue suit, while Melissa was wearing a blue silk gown, her hair coiffed up in a bun. All the guests gathered to the couple, no doubt wishing Charles a happy birthday. Hugh brought Isabel with him, his hand in hers. Isabel noticed everyone had their eyes on them, and she could feel the death glares from the young ladies. Once they reached the couple, they noticed that Rebecca Winters was by Melissa's side, joking with each other. Melissa noticed them, and her face lit up. "Ah, Hugh, Isabel! Rebecca, meet Isabel Manuel, Isabel, meet Rebecca Winters" she introduced the both of them. Rebecca Winters was like a winter fairy in the picture books that Maria always read to her when she was a child: fluffy blonde hair that looked like cotton candy, pale skin and lips as red as rose. She was almost as tall as Hugh, and this reminded of Isabel's petite stature. She didn't mind it; her grandmother hated tall women, stating that they were giants and women were supposed to be short and adorable for their tall husbands. 

"Nice to meet you, Isabel. I heard that you were the youngest daughter of the Manuel family? Is it all right for you to be here without an escort?" she said, and even though her tone was friendly, Isabel could feel the sarcasm in her inner voice and expression. So she thinks I'm her rival. Hmph, I will show her! Isabel thought. "Oh, Hugh is my escort" she said, glancing at their intertwined fingers. "How about you, Lady Rebecca? You seem to not have an escort of yourself. Or is he busy eating at the dinner table?" Isabel added sweetly, pretending to look at the tables. She noticed Rebecca's face reddening in embarrassment. "Hugh, when are you going to tell 'that' to your parents?" Rebecca said coyly. "Oh, you mean the fact that I will be helping you in your studies? Yes, I've told them about that" he said, oblivious to the hidden meaning behind her sentence. "No! I mean marriage!" she whispered frantically. Somehow, Melissa picked it up. "Marriage? What do you mean marriage? Wait, Hugh, you have someone special in your life?" Melissa asked, innocent. Isabel sensed that Melissa knew about her relationship with Hugh, but she pretended to not notice it. "Mother. Forgive me, I didn't inform you of it before. I'm currently in a relationship with Isabel Manuel, and it's been six months" he said, looking at Isabel's eyes. She blushed at this, and noticed that Rebecca, along with the young ladies who heard his declaration, all looked shocked. Rebecca, whose face has become as red as the lobster that was being served, walked away from them. Melissa, confused, called out to her, but Rebecca ignored her. Isabel looked up at Hugh in surprise, and was rewarded with Hugh's bright smile. Isabel noticed that Melissa was hiding a secret smile behind her hand, but Charles expression was so cold, she thought that the room would freeze due to his expression. Why was it that? 

TO BE CONTINUED

The Third Wheel - Part 28 (SPA)

"Can you pass me the salt?" Hugh said, looking at Maximiano. "Here". "Thanks" Hugh smiled at Maximiano, making the grown man shiver. "Hugh, reserve that smile for Bella, or I will get goosebumps all over my body" Maximiano said, his face screwing up in disgust. Isabel slapped him at the arm, making him yelp in pain. She was, of course, embarrassed by the statement made by her brother, and to add more of her embarrassment, Hugh was now looking at her, his lips splayed into a smile. She noticed that Hugh's eyes was shining with happiness. After being in a relationship with him for six months, Hugh's lonely and sad eyes have turned cheerful and bright. Even so, Isabel never asked about the source of her companion's sadness. She never thought of it before, too.

By this time, Maximiano was already leaning on Hugh's shoulder, his face droopy. "Look at her, Hugh, your darling over there just hit me. Shall I call her a barbarian?" he teased. Due to that statement, Maximiano was rewarded an arm shoving from Hugh and a pinching at the side from Isabel. "Ouch! Double hit!" he yelled out, making Reina giggle while drinking. "M-Max...you're being pathetic right now" she said between her giggling fit. Antonello, who was sitting between Hugh and Reina, gave a tissue for her to wipe her mouth. He then frowned at Maximiano. "Mind your manners" Antonello snapped. "Uh-oh, the old one has spoken" Maximiano said, his tone sarcastic. "Both of you, stop it. We're having a dinner" Hugh said seriously. Due to that, Antonello, who was already geared up to argue with his brother, continued on eating, Maximiano doing the same. This was also a change of pace ever since Hugh became part of the family.

Ever since he became close with the family (much to her father's joy), her two brothers less argued with each other. In fact, Hugh and her brothers became close friends, not caring of their difference in age. Even her sister, Reina, who was the reserved one in the family, had finally opened up a little to strangers. They could even joke with each other, like a brother and sister. "By the way, how's it going with Alex?" Hugh suddenly asked, making Reina cough out of surprise. He was talking about his close friend, Alexander Parker, who he introduced to Reina. Alex and Reina fell in love at first sight, and was in a solid relationship ever since. "H-he's fine! Totally fine!" Reina replied, blushing furiously. Maximiano laughed at this. "To see the day Reina the Loveless would ever have a man in her life" Maximiano teased, causing him to be kicked by Reina under the table. Isabel's mother, Lucia, calmed her two children, while the others peacefully ate. Antonello even asked Hugh about his family. Maybe it was because of Isabel's sudden realisation of Hugh's private personality, but she couldn't help but notice Hugh's eyes widening in surprise. "They are all right, thank you" he said stiffly. Vincent then spoke up, being as dense as ever. "I heard it will be your father's birthday in a four days! I got the invitation just a week ago!" he boomed cheerfully. Isabel noticed Hugh's expression was uncomfortable when her father said this. They remained silent throughout the dinner, though there were a few 'arguments' between Maximiano and Antonello. Hugh's presence also was a good chance for them to improve their English, though it was never a problem for them, since her father had forced the siblings to learn the language since they were babies, after 'falling in love' with Lucia's English, whose father was an Englishman himself. 

After the dinner, Vincent and Lucia will spend time at the living room, the balcony door opened, to let the breeze enter. Antonello will be playing chess with Reina in the same room, while Maximiano will be taking a nap near the fire place. Isabel and Hugh would be outside at the balcony, sitting on the white swinging bench while enjoying the scenery. Isabel leaned on Hugh's shoulder, and in return, he kissed her forehead. Before they could become cosy, however, Vincent suddenly burst into the balcony, breaking the atmosphere. "Hugh! About the invitation, it seems that I can't go after all. I've promised to go north with Lucia" he said sadly. Isabel noticed that Hugh sighed in relief, though it was somehow unnoticeable. "But the children agreed to go with Isabel and you for your father's birthday!" he added cheerfully. Isabel, who only heard of this during the dinner stood up, surprised. 

Maximiano walked over to the balcony, standing behind his large father. "It's about time you show yourself in front of your future parents-in-law, right?" he teased, making Isabel blush. Hugh stood up, nearing Vincent. "That's not necessary, Father. I think my father won't mind your absence" he said, panicking. Vincent let out a loud laugh, then pulled Hugh into a father-son hug. "Nonsense! You are considered my son now! Isn't it natural to let my daughter meet with your parents, now? It seems unfair for me to keep your company without my daughter showing her face" he said, patting Hugh's back. Antonello was already at the balcony by this time, too. "Yes, that's the proper thing to do. You've been calling our Papa 'Father', already. It's time for Isabel to call someone else 'Papa' now" Antonello said, high-fiving Maximiano. "What?! I just realised that! Isabela! You better not remember this Papa of yours when you meet the other one!" Vincent yelled out, letting go of Hugh to hug his youngest daughter. 

"I-I won't Papa, I promise" she said, while being crushed in her father's arms. "I also forgot about Reina. Seems that she wants to get chummy with the Parker family, too" Maximiano teased, getting a pinch at the side by Reina. "Ouch! What's with the women of this family? Pinching an innocent person!" Maximiano yelped. Reina started attacking Maximiano with her pinches when he said that, earning a laugh from Antonello. Vincent was now distracted by his children's antics, exclaiming; "I have such energetic children!". Isabel giggled at this scene, looking at Hugh. She jolted in shock. There it was again. Hugh's eyes was full of sadness. She gently grabbed Hugh's arm sleeve. "Hugh...?" she asked softly.

Hugh, snapped out of his trance, then he looked at her, as if he just noticed her presence. "Yes?" he asked her. "It's not 'yes'! I only called your name. Is there something wrong..?" she asked, worried. He shook his head, then stroked her hair. "There's nothing" he said, though his voice was tight. Noticing that her family's attention was already drove towards another topic, Isabel brought him to the swinging bench again. "Are you sure? You look awfully pale" she said, putting her hand on his forehead, checking his body temperature. Hugh took hold of Isabel's hand, and kissed the back of it. "No. There's nothing. Really" he said, giving her a smile. He gently grabbed her chin and pulled her into a kiss. Isabel pulled herself away from him, displeased. 

"Hugh. We've been in a relationship for six months, can't you give me some credit?" she said, her tone half-angry. "Credit for what, actually?" he asked her, stroking her hair. "Hugh! I can tell that you're uncomfortable. It may be late to ask this of you; but you seem to be not open of your family. Even when I do ask, you will always brush it off with a laugh or just find something to preoccupy me" she said, her tone getting higher as she spoke. "Isabel" he said tiredly. "Don't 'Isabel' me like that! I have the right to know everything about the one I love! Isn't that natural?" she said, now close to tears. "Oh, Isabel" Hugh said, pulling her into a hug. This time, Isabel didn't try to push him away. He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. "It's not that I didn't want to talk about it. I'm just unsure if you would accept me after knowing my true background" he said, his tone gentle. "Well, it's too late for you to have that type of assumption. Of course I would still love you! I'm going to hold you responsible for making me into a lovestruck maiden!" she said, now hitting his chest with her fist. Hugh grabbed her fist and kissed it. "I will tell you everything, but on one condition; when we are in England, be by my side always. Don't ever trust anybody else, just stick close to me" he said, looking into her eyes. 

Isabel wiped her tears, and looked into Hugh's eyes. He could see the fire in her eyes. "I'm not going to let you regret it" she said. Hugh was so touched by this, he couldn't help but pull her into a kiss. The moment was then broken when they heard a yelp. Hugh and Isabel looked at the direction of the moment breaker, and they saw Antonello on the ground, crouching as if he was looking for something. "What are you doing?" Isabel asked, frowning in confusion. "What? Oh, I was just searching for  a missing chess piece. Reina got mad and threw it here, so here I am, searching for it! Don't mind me!" Antonello assured them, frantically searching for the chess piece. "That's such a blatant lie! I don't have that type of temper until I could throw a chess piece!" Reina suddenly burst in, and was then followed by Maximiano and their parents. They all fell to the floor, Reina covering her mouth out of shock. Maximiano joined Antonello in searching the missing chess piece. "I wonder where did it go...? Chess piece, where are you?!" Maximiano yelled out, frantic. 

"You heard everything" Isabel said, Hugh stifling his laugh behind her. "No we weren't! We were finding the missing chess piece!" Antonello said furiously. 

"With five people?" she countered.

"The more the merrier" Maximiano yelled out during his so-called search.

"It's small too" Vincent added.

"It was the black chess piece, Bella. Since it's dark, it's hard to search a tiny and dark object" Lucia said.

"You should just take the candle" Isabel said, still sticking to her assumption that they were eavesdropping.

"Like I said, we were finding the missing chess piece" Antonello said, not losing to Isabel.

"I admit it! We were all worried when we heard you yell outside, so all of us just had to go and listen to what you've been talking about! We were worried, honest!" Reina blurted, obviously uncomfortable in lying to Isabel.

"Reina!" everyone said, except for Isabel and Hugh. Isabel was looking at them furiously, while Hugh was already laughing out loud, unable to contain himself.

Everyone was now arguing among each other, Maximiano messing with Reina's hair, Reina pulling Antonello's shirt, Vincent and Lucia calming the kids down. Among the chaos, stood Hugh and Isabel. Isabel was too furious to join in the chaos, while Hugh was still laughing, now clutching his sides. Isabel forgot about her anger for a while, when she saw Hugh calming down, though he was still shaking with laughter. She was surprised by Hugh's tug at her shirt and pulled her into a kiss. He cuddled her, breathing into her hair. "I love you" he whispered into her ear, and all the anger melted away, along with her heart and soul. Even so, she was still curious...Why was Hugh being so secretive of his family backgrounds until now?

TO BE CONTINUED

The Third Wheel - Part 27(SPA part 2)

Isabel was standing at the edge of the pier, staring at her reflection in the water. She was wearing a large orange hat on her head and a soft orange sundress. She didn't need to disguise herself; the people in Spain have seen enough of her and the members of the Manuel family, they are considered normal people. Even when one of them was with someone unfamiliar, nobody would talk, since everyone in Spain hold them in respect, and will keep the secrets that they coincidently heard. That was why she could walk freely all by herself. She then remembered what her father had told her to do before she left the mansion. "Make sure you make Hugh at home!" he said cheerfully. How did he knew about her meeting with Hugh was a mystery to her. 

She then heard footsteps behind her. She didn't budge nor was she worried. She could guess that the person who asked to meet up with her has arrived. When she turned around, she was shocked. Big time. Hugh's hair was a bit messy and candid, that it made him look boyishly cute, especially when the wind blow his hair, making it even messy. Hugh was wearing a white cotton button-down shirt, the three buttons at the top was unbuttoned, Isabel could see his tanned strong chest, making her blush. She tried to shake off her attraction for him, but failed to do so. What's up with you? You've seen John half-naked before, and you didn't blush like a maiden before! she thought furiously to herself. 

"Sorry, it seems that you waited long. I was being held by a phone call" he apologised of his late arrival. She shook her head, smiling up at him, indicating that she didn't mind. "Even so, you sure dolled up. My outfit doesn't seem to suit your pretty appearance" he said, looking down at his outfit. Isabel giggled at this. "It's all right. Even when I do look 'dolled up', this outfit is pretty much comfortable to move in, and it suits the warm weather" she assured him. She then looked up at him. "Though, I was quite surprised by your casual wear. I thought that considering you are big shot businessman, you would always be wearing fancy outfits or something" she retorted, starting to walk. 

Hugh followed her, chuckling. "Even when I really am a big shot businessman, there are times when I do wear casual outfits like this. Anyway, I wasn't originally a rich guy in the first place" he said. Isabel nodded at this. Everyone in the business world knew about the Bradfords; Hugh's father, Charles Bradford, was just a normal merchant, and after dabbing into the business world, his mere knowledge and determination made the Bradfords well-known. It wasn't until his son, Hugh Bradford helped his father to spread the Bradford's wings, making them more well-known and rich. Before, many people said Hugh was just a child who is riding his father's coattails, but due to his success, that made them shut up. But there were still a few who complained of the same thing, though they were just being jealous over the Bradford's sudden success. 

Isabel shook the thought in her head. "Well, where shall we go?" she asked him. Hugh took her hand in his, and smiled at her. "Why not we eat at a normal restaurant? Show me where is the one that has the most delicious food. I'm ravenous, if I could say so myself" he said. Isabel was glad that it was not too bright for Hugh to notice her blushing face. Everything about Hugh just made her off guard. She just don't know what was the reason. She brought him to a restaurant where they served the famous dishes of Spain, no matter what region it came from. They talked about the smallest thing in their conversation; the people of Spain, the weather and most of all, their family. Isabel entertained Hugh about the excerpts of her life with her family.

She had two older brothers, Antonello and Maximiano, who were two years apart of age, Antonello being only a year Hugh's junior. Antonello, as the eldest, was always trying to 'keep the family together' with his antics, arranging for the family to eat together every night, spending Sundays together and such. Maximiano, being the second child and the rebellious one, will try to 'defy' his brother's efforts by going out with women, hanging out with his friends and ignoring his brother's desire for a frequent 'brotherly hug'. Isabel told Hugh that Maximiano was just being not upfront of his true feelings; he was in fact happy that his brother was trying to be all 'brotherly' with him. Isabel then mentioned about her older sister, Reina, who was two years older than Isabel. Reina, being the third child, was the peacemaker between her two brothers, and was always spoiling Isabel, much to the anger of Maria, Isabel's maid who has been under her care to instill responsibility and good manners in Isabel. 

Hugh was only an only child, so he had less to talk about with Isabel. In fact, he enjoyed listening to Isabel's complains about how soft her mother, Lucia, were towards her sons, and her father, Vincent, who actually enjoyed how 'energetic' his children were. "Then again, if your family weren't that 'energetic', you wouldn't be that cheerful" Hugh quipped during her rants. Isabel only pouted at this, and continued eating. When they finished eating, it means that her 'rants' were already over. When Hugh was settling the bill, he was gazing deeply at Isabel. "You know, when I get married, I would like to have more than two children, then the house would be lively" he said, waiting for her reaction. Isabel almost spurt out the tea she was sipping, and looked at him with pure bewilderment. Hugh was smiling sweetly at her, as if saying; 'I'm serious, you know?' to her. 

She quickly left the restaurant, embarrassed by his confession earlier. He caught up to her without any effort at all; he had long legs to prove it. He chuckled at this. "Hey, I was just joking" he said, trying to reassure her. He gently grabbed her arm, but Isabel shook it off. She stopped walking, looking ahead of her. "I know I'm not as experienced as you in relationships, but please refrain from those type of remarks. I don't know how to react towards them" she said, her tone lowering as she continued. She felt her arm being pulled, and before she realised it, she was already in Hugh's arms. "I was serious, though" he said into her ear, making Isabel push him away again, like the time in the ball. 

"But we just met" she said, trying to not have eye contact with Hugh. He then took her hand, and kissed her fingers, starting from her index finger to the pinky finger. "Then, why not we know each other before we consider that dream of mine? I know it may seem impossible to ask from you, but I really want you in my life. May I ask that selfish desire of mine to you?" he begged, hugging her tighter. Isabel should be angry at this, but she wasn't, in fact, she felt warm and fuzzy. Why was it like this? Was it because he doesn't seem to be like her brother, Maximiano, who only used women as tools of entertainment, or like John, who she consider as a brother? Even so, she hugged him back, and she could feel Hugh sighing in relief. 

He looked at her, and pulled her into a kiss. A gentle and long kiss. A kiss that made her knees unbuckle, and want to fall on the ground just like that. But he hold onto her tightly, and all Isabel remembered was his warm lips and the sound of the wind blowing around them. She knew, that she won't be making a mistake in being with him, no matter what happens. 

TO BE CONTINUED

Notice about Part 26 and so on~

The Sophie's Past Arc will begin in the next chapter. Look forward for the long story of each part! To not make you guys confused, I will be writing it in story mode, where I will write it like how I've always write in; third person's view, though it is more to Isabela's side story. I will be putting it as The Sophie's Past Arc Page to avoid confusion, though it's for the first part of Sophie's Past Arc(SPA) as in Part 26. Enjoy reading~

The Third Wheel - Part 25

Sophie stepped out of the car that she and Matthew rode on. She heard Jordan, Robert and Samantha closing each of their car doors. Sophie refused to make eye contact with Jordan, though she took a glance at Robert. His expression was unreadable. After two hours drive, they have reached their destination. Sophie then followed Matthew who was already walking towards a normal sized cozy house. She could hear the three footsteps behind her, following suit.

When Matthew knocked on the door, Sophie took a look around. Just outside of the house, there was a garden with a bird fountain. She noticed that the hedges and flowerbeds were well tended to. She smiled to herself at this. He sure doesn’t change, does he? she thought to herself. She saw Jordan staring at her, making her blush and look away quickly. Even when she was ready to accept her feelings for Jordan head on, it was still quite embarrassing. Especially when Matthew suggested involving him, too. But then, Jordan would have to meet him sooner or later, if his feelings were real.

Sophie realised that the door to the house was opened. There, standing at the doorway, was a friendly looking man in his mid 50s. He was wearing a light brown jumper over dark green pants worn to velvety softness. His warm smile as he saw their sudden appearance was so warm, Sophie could feel it from just smiling back at him. His eyes were crinkled up when he smiled, making his dark brown eyes brighten up more than usual. His somehow graying hair was combed neatly, though Sophie noticed that it was getting thinner than the last time she saw him. With his appearance, he looked like the typical country grandpa who was just enjoying his afternoon tea. This was what he is.

“Pappy” Matthew said, pulling the old man into a hug. “Ah, Nicolas. You’ve grown so much! Have you gotten taller? Or is this old man already shrinking due to old age?” the old man teased, calling Matthew ‘Nicolas’, his accent having a slight Spanish tinge to it. “Seems that Sophie and Roberto is here, too! Oh, and I see visitors!” he added cheerfully. Sophie heard Jordan and Samantha saying “Roberto?” in unison, making her giggle by herself. “Now, come in, come in! It’s not proper to have guests waiting on my doorstep!” he invited them in.

Sophie and the other stepped into the house, and caught a whiff of jam, honey and…scones? Pappy sure loves baking, she thought to herself fondly. The house was warm, just like the resident himself. He ordered them to sit on the sofa, while he complained of the fact that they should have hinted their visit, or he would have “whip up a killer tea snack!”. As he fussed over things in the kitchen, Sophie and Samantha helped him, while the boys sat on the sofa, unsure of what to do. When the tea was served, Samantha positioned herself beside Robert, who was sitting in the middle with Jordan on his left side. Matthew sat on a single sofa seat by himself, leaving Sophie to take a seat with the old man.

“My, we should introduce ourselves, shall we?” he asked Samantha and Jordan, who smiled awkwardly at the friendly old man. “My name is Carlos Manuel, grandfather of Sophie, Nicolas, Roberto and Antonio. By the way, where is Tony?” Carlos or Pappy asked Sophie and Matthew or ‘Nicolas’. “He’s busy with work” Matthew said quickly. As if sensing Matthew and Sophie’s discomfort, Jordan spoke up. “My name is Jordan Watson. Excuse me, but, if you are their grandfather, meaning, grandfather of the mothers’ side?” Jordan asked, thinking of Charles Bradford. “Oh, a sharp one has appeared! And a handsome one, too!” Carlos cheerfully said. After Samantha introduced herself, Robert spoke up. “Pappy, my name’s Robert, not Roberto. My friends will be confused” he said shyly. “As long as this old man is alive, I will be calling you my Roberto till my last breath!” he said stubbornly. Sophie unconsciously whimpered. “Pappy, don’t say that, you’re a strong man, you will live long. And who was the one who said that he was going to live long to see me get married?” she said. Her last words made Matthew and Jordan choke into their tea.

“That’s quite right. No worries, Sophie. Pappy here will live to see you marry. Hopefully long enough to see my great-grandchildren!” Carlos teased, this time making everybody except Sophie spit out their tea. “Well, it seems to be soon, right, Nico?” Carlos asked Matthew. Matthew smiled, glancing at Sophie, then at Jordan. This exact action made Sophie, and Jordan, who noticed this too, blushed together with her. “I hope you understand. I made an agreement with Tony, Nico and Sophie, once they approve of a future partner for one of them, they will bring that person to me” he said, smiling at Jordan.

“How did you know?” Jordan asked shyly. Carlos laughed at this. “Surely Roberto won’t be Sophie’s life partner! He has this pretty and spunky young lady here!” Carlos replied, indicating the ‘young lady’ at Samantha. This made her blush, making Robert blush even harder when he saw her blushing face. “I know this may be rude, but I’m very confused. You call Sophie by the name we know her as. But when it comes to” he hesitated, “Matthew, you call him Nicolas, like Robert who you call as Roberto. I know another brother of Sophie to be Phillip, so who is Antonio?” Jordan asked.

“This is the reason why we made the agreement. Our family history is very complicated. So, let me give you a warm up” Carlos answered wryly. “As I said, I am Carlos Manuel, but ‘Carlos’ is an alias. My birth name is Vincent Manuel” he began. Jordan and Samantha gasped. “Yes, I am, no, was the head of the famous Manuel, a Spanish family with a bloodline that lasts for centuries” he said. “Which makes Robert, Matthew and Sophie to have Spanish blood” Samantha said, in awe.

It was Sophie’s turn to nod. “I haven’t told you guys about this, since I wasn’t sure it was the right time. My full name is Sophie Agyness Manuel. Matthew’s full name is Matthew Nicolas Manuel. As for Tony, he is actually Phillip Antonio Manuel” she explained. Samantha didn’t look quite surprised, since she knew about this, though, Jordan was so shocked, his jaw dropped. “I am officially confused” he said. Robert patted him in the back. “This has just begun” Robert said wisely. Matthew and Vincent nodded in unison.

“You are here, to hear the story of how my daughter, Isabel Seraphina Manuel, and Hugh Christopher Bradford fell in love” Vincent said. “It’s going to be a long story filled with romance, turmoil and sadness. Are you ready?” he warned. Everyone kept quiet. “Go on, err” Jordan hesitated. “Just call me, Pappy, Jordan son” Vincent said warmly. “All right, go on, Pappy” Jordan said, struggling on the word ‘Pappy’, unsure if it was all right for him to call the old man so. “It all started 26 years ago…”

TO BE CONTINUED 

The Third Wheel - Part 24

Jordan stepped out of his grey Peugeot 408. Today, as the owner of the car, he drove to the Mayura Hotel. He was alone, and was wearing a fancy suit for the occasion. As he stepped into the fancy elevator with the big mirrors, expensive carpet and lobby music, he pressed the button for the lobby floor. When he reached the lobby, he stepped out of the elevator and was greeted with the smell of fresh flowers, presumably lilies, and the cool air due to the strong wind from the air-conditioner. He glanced at his watch. It was only 10 a.m. He was two hours early. He didn't mind, it gave him the advantage to study his surroundings. As he sat on the comfy sofa at the resting lounge, he took out his Blackberry. He read the message that he just received when he was driving before. It was from Robert and Samantha. The message told him that they would be arriving in an hour. He placed his Blackberry in front of him, on the coffee table. So he had an hour of his alone time before meeting up with Robert and Samantha. He leaned back in his chair, remembering what he just witnessed the day before, way before he met up with Sophie.

*flashback*

"Are you sure about this?" Jordan asked Robert, who was having a worried look on his face. "I'm pretty sure. Sophie told me that she lives here" Robert replied as he stared at the door in front of them. They were at the highest floor of Westmoreland Condo. It was said that it was a fancy condo, but the higher it gets, the fancier and expensive it is. In other words, the person they were going to meet was a very rich person. "Well, we did ask the lobby dude her name, right?" Robert assured Jordan. Jordan, though hesitant at first, rang the doorbell. At first, there was no reply. So he pressed it again, longer this time. They heard the alarm door clicking, then the door opened. To his and Robert's surprise, they were greeted by a handsome man with a towel on his head. "Come in" he said. Jordan couldn't help but notice the man had a rich voice. If he was a girl, he would be in love with the man's voice. He shook his head. This is not the time to admire a man's voice! Jordan scolded himself. The person he was expecting was a woman, yet a man answered the door. 

As they entered the condo, Jordan couldn't help but notice how spacious it was. The condo's view overlooked the beautiful town, and you could see the blue colour of the sea. Jordan also noticed that the man who just greeted them was wearing nothing but only a wet towel which was covering his lower part of the body. He was tanned, and there was a faint scar at his back. Must be an old wound, Jordan thought to himself. The man gestured at them to sit on the sofa while he excused himself. Jordan sat beside Robert, who was having a calm expression. "Who was that? He looked quite familiar" Jordan couldn't help but ask at Robert. "I'm not quite sure. I think that was Eric Lebeau, the eldest son of the Lebeau family" Robert said seriously. 

Jordan almost gasp out loud when Robert said this, but he refrained from doing so. "The Lebeau family?! You mean the famous family that was as famous as the Mayuras? I heard rumours that the Lebeaus and the Mayuras were family friends, but seriously?!" Jordan whispered to Robert in pure awe. Robert nodded at this. "Yeah. They were close. I heard that Lynn and Eric were promised to be married since young, but don't tell anyone that" Robert warned Jordan. Jordan nodded at this. He leaned back in the sofa, too shocked to say anything. Knowing Lynn so far, he never thought that the mischievous girl that he just met was capable of knowing such a powerful person. And to be in one roof with him. Wait, one roof...? 

Before Jordan could piece the puzzles in place, he heard a door clicking open. Eric Lebeau walked out of the room he just resided in, now fully dressed. It was casual, but Jordan could see that Eric's fashion sense wasn't a joke. He wore a dark vest over over a shirt with a shade brighter of the vest's colour. He was wearing dark brown chinos. But what Jordan noticed was his face. He knew that Eric was handsome, but now that he was perfectly-groomed, he could see that Eric's face perfectly for the first time. He had reddish brown hair which was slicked back, he had semi-dark brown eyes and a strong jaw. As Jordan saw earlier, he was tanned, and had a strong frame. He was tall, too. Jordan guessed he might be 186 centimetres. Eric gave them a polite smile as he sat on the sofa in front of Jordan and Robert.

"Sorry for the late introduction. I am Eric Lebeau" he hesitated, "childhood friend of the owner of this condo. Forgive me, she seems to be sleeping at this hour, I hope you understand. If I'm not mistaken, you are Robert Parker, yes?" Robert nodded at this, "and you are Jordan Watson. I could recognise you just from hearing Lynn's stories" he said.Lynn talks about me? Jordan thought to himself. "Lynn said you were such a gentleman to get her Sophie's heart" he said, amused. Jordan blushed at this, though he controlled himself. "So I guess you know why we are here" Jordan said. Before Eric could answer, they heard a door clicking open. 

"Eric...what's with the noise?" said a female voice, which Jordan recognised as Lynn's. He was right; the person who was walking towards the living room, where they were, was Lynn, the person they intended to meet. She was wearing a dark blue kimono-style bathrobe, loosely worn, obvious that Lynn just woke up from her slumber. "Lynn" Eric said, which Jordan noticed, in a soft tone. Lynn looked half-asleep at first, but when Eric called her name, she already took in the situation. "Robert, Jordan. You guys are here. What time is it?" she asked them, sitting beside Eric, Jordan noticed, very close. "8.10 a.m." Robert answered obediently. Lynn yawned at this. "I guess the night caught up to me. I shouldn't sleep late next time" she said, now leaning on Eric.

"I'm surprised that you didn't have any fit when you woke up" Eric said, now stroking Lynn's hair. Jordan noticed that Lynn's hair wasn't in a pixie cut, it was actually longer than it looked. She must have styled it in a way to make it look like a pixie cut. Seems that I've been noticing too much things today, Jordan thought to himself. "I guess we should begin?" Jordan asked Lynn.  "Wait, you didn't serve them anything?" Lynn said indignantly at Eric, who was now looking guilty. Lynn stood up, then went to the kitchen without answering Jordan. Three minutes later, she came back with a tray of coffee. She poured for, Jordan noticed, the three of them. She didn't drink anything, making Eric stand up in return. He went back to the kitchen, then brought a mug. Judging from the colour of the drink, it was hot chocolate. "Sorry, I didn't serve the drink for you guys. Now we can begin" she said, scowling at Eric while sipping her hot chocolate.

They discussed about the message, which Lynn obediently wrote for them. She only hear their plan, then gave her views on how to strategise their moves. She didn't quite like the Robert and Peter being 'interrogators' but she said that if she gave them an idea, Phillip would notice that it was planned by her. "Such a fearful man, Phillip" she said. During their discussion, Jordan couldn't help but noticed that they kept holding hands. In the end, they reached an agreement where Lynn wouldn't be involved except for her writing. They got ready to leave, with Eric and Lynn seeing them to the door. After bidding farewell, Robert and Jordan got out of the condo. When Jordan came out after Robert, he closed the door, only to glance at Eric pulling Lynn closer to him to kiss her. By the time Jordan reached the elevator where Robert was waiting for him, his cheeks were so warm that Robert asked whether he had a fever.

*now*

When he thought of Eric and Lynn's relationship, he wondered what would have happened if he still wants to pursue Kimberley. Like him and Kimberley, Eric and Lynn were childhood friends. Seeing Eric taking the hot chocolate for her, seeing her leaning casually on Eric. It was a small gesture, but he could see the warmth in their relationship. The way they held hands like it was the most natural thing in the world. He strayed his mind to him and Sophie. He asked Robert if that kind of thing would happen to him and Sophie, but Robert just shrugged in reply. "It's all up to you" was what he said. He tried to imagine him and Sophie like that. He actually blushed when he imagine kissing her. He also realised that they were close to kissing the day earlier. What should I do? How should I face her? he frantically thought to himself while touching his now warm cheeks. He found out about the marriage meeting from Samuel, who confessed that he saw his father's file that contained Sophie's picture and profile. Samuel told him to do the same, and he found the exact same thing in his father's file. 

"What are you doing?". Jordan looked towards the direction of the voice, only to see Samantha looking at him weirdly. Robert was catching up to her while talking on the phone. "Peter's not going to make it, so we have to make do with our troop for now" Robert said seriously. Samantha gestured at the three of them. "Troop, meaning, us three, right?" she said, amused. "Well, even if you guys are here, you're just going to watch what will transpire, right? Seriously, the plan was only for yesterday" Jordan said, annoyed by this. "Well, we have an hour to kill time, so what should we do? Oh yeah, you haven't asked my question yet, Jo" Samantha said, her tone dark. Robert, confused, looked at Jordan and Samantha. "What?" Jordan said, panicking. "What were you doing before we arrived?" she asked, her face evil. "I didn't do anything. I was just sitting on this comfy sofa while enjoying the cool air from the air-conditioner" Jordan answered, his face pale.

"Oooooh, really? You were red as a maiden in love before I interrupted your maidenly fantasies" Samantha pushed on.

"Was not!"

"You were. Robert, help me out"

"Did he looked like he was having a fever?" Robert asked blankly.

"He sure did" Samantha replied.

"Then he was thinking of his future prospects with Sophie" 

"Robert" Jordan said darkly.

"Future prospects? Like them being a couple and end up getting married?" Samantha teased, making Jordan blush. Robert took a glance at Jordan, then looked at Samantha. "My answer is yes" Robert answered to the now fully amused Samantha. Jordan by now was blushing furiously, making Robert and Samantha pat his head. "Aww, don't worry, we will leave you alone with her later, just let me tease you for trying to take her away from me, all right?" Samantha teased. Jordan fidgeted in his seat as Robert and Samantha took their seats in front of him. "I never knew you were such a sadist, Sammy" he told Samantha, making her shrug. "I've always been that way. It's just that Lynn's overpowering aura and more sadistic ways just didn't show much. I mean, we both clicked, right?" she said. They killed their time with small talk until it was already 12 in the afternoon; the time where everything begins.

Jordan bid his farewell to Samantha and Robert, and left to walked towards the hotel restaurant. He could see two people approaching, too. At first, he was vague in guessing who it was. But as they walked nearer, he could tell who they were. Sophie and Matthew walked alongside each other as they walked towards the restaurant. Sophie was wearing a dark red dress that complements her pure white skin and her hair was let loose, held by a diamond-studded scarf. Matthew was wearing a formal suit, which fills him perfectly. He could see a few glances from females around them, admiring Matthew. Jordan bowed slightly at them as they approached him, and he shook hands with Matthew. 

They enjoyed their lunch at the restaurant, and Jordan couldn't help but feel calm. Even though Matthew was known as the goofy Mathematics teacher, he was very mature and gentle when having conversation. Sophie smiled and talked to him politely. After finishing their main course and was waiting for their desserts to arrive, Matthew spoke up. "It must be weird, to see your Mathematics teacher in front of you" Matthew said, his expression uncomfortable. Jordan shook his head at this. 

"No, not at all" he replied.
"You don't feel awkward?"
"I would be lying if I said no"

"You're not curious about why I have two names? And the fact that Sophie is actually my baby sister?" Matthew countered. This made Jordan stop for a second to collect his thoughts. "I want to know. I want to be the one for her" he said, though he kicked himself mentally. Why are you confessing your love to her brother? he thought. Matthew let out a smile. "I was quite unsure about letting Sophie to mix herself with you. But I know you. You're my student and also Robert's close friend. I could trust you. In fact, you're quite lucky that the chaperone for today is me. If it were anybody else, they would have cut off ties with you" Matthew said. "But I must warn you. Loving her is like choosing to love a rose with thorns. Sophie may be beautiful, but her, no, our complicated past will make your journey treacherous" Matthew continued on, sounding wiser as he went on. "If I weren't prepared for that, why would I be here? I would have chosen another way; taking her away from you. But that's not the proper way. That's as if I want to run away from the real problem, isn't that right?" Jordan countered. 

Matthew chuckled at this. "Seems that you've found a person worthy to treasure, Sophie" he said to Sophie, who was now staring at the both of them coldly. Jordan presumed that she was angry by the fact that she seemed to be invisible in their conversation. "I guess we should go somewhere cozy?" Matthew asked Sophie. "You think it's the right time to do so?" she asked Matthew. "Well, since your feelings go both ways, I think the time has come" Matthew replied. Jordan, puzzled, just looked at them back and forth. "Jordan, come, follow us. And you can invite Samantha and Robert too" he said as he stood up. "Just follow our car" Sophie said, giving him a gentle smile. 

When Jordan, Samantha and Robert entered Jordan's car, they followed Matthew's car, which was a black BMW 5 Series, from behind. "Where do you think he's taking us?" Samantha asked from the back seat. "No idea" Jordan replied. Robert remained silent along the way. After an hour passed, Jordan heard Robert gasp. "What's wrong?" Jordan asked him, worried. "I think I know where we're going. No, I'm sure" he said softly, as if talking to himself. Jordan, puzzled, just drove on. Where are they going exactly?

TO BE CONTINUED