The Runaway Lover by Kyzyl Mhy (beach read book .TXT) 📕

Chapter Twenty-One 

-Tina- 

I have just finished my rounds and checking on my patients when I received a text from Kassie saying that she needed my help with something – she feels sick, but she did not want to go to the hospital because she did not want to make her husband worried, so she asked me to go to her instead. 

To: Kassie 

Sure. I’m on my way. 

After hitting the send button, I placed my phone down on the table to take my doctor’s gown off and hang it on the rack. Then I took my brown blazer and wore it over the black long-sleeved turtleneck dress that I was wearing. I would usually go to work wearing a pair of trousers and a stylish top, but I realized that all my pants were still in the laundry, so I ended up wearing this dress.  

I then ran my fingers through my hair to gather it all and style it in a low bun, before I went to pick my phone up and read Kassie’s reply. 

From: Kassie 

No need to bring your car. My driver is already waiting for you at the parking lot.  

My brows furrowed. Why did she bother sending someone to pick me up, when I could just drive? I then shrugged and sighed. Kassie can be a little random at times, so the best thing to do is just go with the flow. 

Before heading out, I made sure to inform the nurses that I will be taking the afternoon off, and that they could always call if I’m needed. 

As I walked my way out of the hospital, I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that it was 30 minutes past lunch. No wonder why I felt a little hungry. I mentally chuckled. I’ll just have my lunch at Kassie’s place. I’m pretty sure she prepared something. 

When I arrived at the foot of the building, I was immediately greeted by Mang Ruben, Kassie’s driver. I am quite familiar with him since he has been working with Kassie for a long time. Mang Ruben opened the back door for me, and I politely thanked him before I got in.  

“Long time no see, manong,” I spoke to start a conversation. “How’s life?” I asked. 

“Good, ma’am.” He replied as he glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Still fighting and breathing.” He chuckled. 

“How old were you again already, manong?” I asked. 

As I mentioned earlier, Mang Ruben has been working for Kassie’s family for a long time so he isn’t that young anymore. I think he’s almost in his late 50’s. He and I conversed during the whole ride so I did not feel bored.  

Little by little, we slowly ran out of things to talk about so I ended up dozing off to sleep. Then Mang Ruben, woke me up when we finally arrived at our destination. I was surprised because the first thing that I saw when I got out of the car was the beautiful seaside view. This made me realize that we were clearly miles away from the city. 

The cool summer seaside breeze was blowing, so some strands of my hair flew and covered my face. I then held them back by tucking them behind my ear. Then my attention was diverted to the beautiful three-story classic Mediterranean-themed beach house that was in front of me.  

“Why are we here, Manong?” I asked. 

“Ma’am Kassie will be the one to answer your questions, ma’am.” Mang Ruben nodded. “She’s waiting for you inside.” He added as he opened the gates and signaled me to go in. 

“Are you not coming in, Manong?” I asked when I noticed that he just remained standing beside the car, watching me while I walked inside of the property. 

“You go first, ma’am.” He smiled. “I’ll just park the car first.” He added, then I gave him a nod before I shifted my attention back to the mansion and walked towards the arched full glass double doors.  

I then twisted the knob to open the door so I could enter. I was immediately greeted by the smell of freshly cooked seafood. I almost drooled over the delicious scent. I was definitely right when I said that Kassie prepared food! 

I followed the scent and it let me to the kitchen. I thought I’d see Kassie there, but only the food and the beautifully set table were there. 

- 

Three days ago... 

“I came here to make a proposal.”  

“I’m already married to the best man in the world, so I’ll say no.” Kassie bubbly replied. 

Felix looked at her with disbelief and sighed. “Why on Earth did I go to this woman? I should just probably leave and look for another person to talk to.” He said to himself.  

“There is no person, other than her that can help you solve your dilemma.” His inner self argued. 

“I was just kidding, Mr. Romanov.” Kassie chuckled. “You were so serious, so I wanted to lighten up the mood.” 

“Anyways, what is this ‘proposal’ of yours about?” She asked. 

Felix once again straightened his posture and looked at her. “I need... help.” He said, almost whispering the last word. 

“What?” Kassie asked. “I did not hear it well.” 

“Help. I need help.” Felix sighed. 

Then a teasing smile made its way to Kassie’s lips. “Hmm... let’s see. Is this perhaps about a friend of mine named ‘Cristina Martinez’?” She asked.  

“Yes,” Felix replied.  

Kassie nodded. 

- 

"Go to this address, and she’ll be there.” Kassie said as she handed Felix a small card that contained a written address.  

Felix reached for the card and read the address that was written. “It’s a beach house that bought about a year ago, but I have not yet visited,” Kassie spoke. “... but it’s well maintained.” She smiled. 

“What do you want in exchange?” Felix asked as he looked at Kassie who was taking a sip from her tea. 

“Nothing...” Kassie replied as he placed her cup down on the table before she turned to look at him in the eye.  

“I will not ask for anything in exchange, except that you have to promise me that you won’t mess up this opportunity.”