CHAPTER 6

I looked into his eyes again to see if there was some sign that he remembered me, but unfortunately, there wasn't! I groaned in frustration that all those months that I have wasted to daydream about Logan was useless. Since that night, I couldn't forget his face. His lustful eyes haunted me in my dreams, and his tantalizing voice kept bothering me in my sleep. Earlier, when Alice told me that half of Clayland was owned by Logan's family, I didn't think I would meet the Logan I slept with in a hotel. When I heard his name, from his mouth again, cold shivers ran down my spine, but of course, I couldn't let that jerk see my weakness. For the record, even though I was in his territory, he had no right to invade my privacy. Right? Oh well, I don't know anymore. If he didn't remember me, then fine! I could just act like a complete stranger to him! "And so?" I retorted sharply. He stood there, so arrogant and proud. He looked at me as if I had committed the worst crime in the world. How selfish! I was simply taking a bath. "You are trespassing, do you know what will happen next?" he said with authority. I swallowed hard, desperately wishing that Alice would return soon. She's the one who got me into this situation. That woman is so irritating, always causing problems for me. "And? Does that mean you can peep at me? Are you a pervert? You're older than me, right?" He looked mature, like those ramp models I know. His appearance was the epitome of charm, he seemed wealthy. I know I must have sounded like a fool and an idiot in front of him. But I had no choice. I had to play the victim now. What a shame! "Miss, you are trespassing, and I can have you thrown in jail for it," he said sternly. This man was intimidating, no doubt. He started approaching me. I could sense danger, my mind went blank. I had to do something. Instinctively, I swiftly kicked him into his private area. "Fuck!" he shouted in pain. That was my cue to run for my life. I ran as fast as I could, not letting him catch up. Never! Luckily, I managed to grab my belongings. I had taken a refreshing dip in that beautiful waterfall, but it only added to my problems! This place was really stressing me out. While I was running, I ran into Alice. I pulled her along, but she resisted. "Why are you running, Krystal? Did you see a snake?" she asked. I remembered the bulge in Logan's body. Yes, maybe I did see a trace of a snake. "We don't have time to chat, I'm being chased by the owner of this place. Run!" When she heard me, she herself pulled me out of the forest. It wasn't until we passed through a hole in the wall that I finally caught my breath. "Are you trying to get me into trouble? I was almost caught by that geezer," I complained, gasping for breath. She scratched her head and laughed at her own foolishness. "Believe it or not, I know Master Logan's schedule. I know he doesn't come here at this time of day. Just our luck." So now I'm the unlucky one? Oh God, Alice was really unbelievable! "Let's go home, luckily I escaped him. Yes, I trespassed, but he doesn't have the right to sexually harass me," I said angrily. "What? Sexual harassment?" My companion couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Yeah, he peeped at me. He was about to come closer when I kicked him in the groin. Serves him right," I proudly declared. "Don't you like him? He is handsome!" "No, he is not my type and he's way too old for me," I replied but suddenly Alice's face turned pale. "You kicked a Lopez in the groin?" she shouted in disbelief. What's gotten into her? "Yeah, why? If I didn't do that, I wouldn't have been able to escape." She sat down on the ground. Was she really that scared of that Logan guy? I know he's a rich ass motherf*cker, but was he that scary? "We're doomed. We might end up in a swamp tomorrow," Alice mumbled in a sad voice. She must be kidding me! Swamp? No way! "Let's go home, Alice! We might get caught here. If that happens, we're as good as dead." She quickly fixed her bicycle and pedaled home as fast as she could. When we arrived, that's when the anxiety in my chest started to subside. I hoped we never cross paths with that man again. I didn't want to see him again. It's not the first time I've encountered such a jerk, but he's the worst! How could he not remember me when we spent an entire night together? I was so tired of thinking that I fell asleep. It's a good thing I already had lunch, so I could sleep undisturbed. I woke up around four in the afternoon. It was so hot, so I went downstairs and saw Alice waiting for me. "Krystal! Let's go to the back of your house. There's a mango grove there. Perfect timing, I brought some shrimp paste." Suddenly, I had a craving. Of course, I love mangoes. Whether they're sour or sweet, green or yellow. Mangoes were all divine. "You said something that intrigued me," I told her but Alice seemed to be not listening at all. When she kept on walking, I had no choice but to walk behind her. I followed her, and we ended up in a mango grove at the back of the house. There were around 20 different mango trees, and most of them had fruits on them. There were also hammocks set up, and when I sat down, I could see a wide expanse of rice fields. I missed the city, but I would be lying if I said this place was purely horrible. The golden grains of swaying rice fields, the blue and cloudy sky. The city looked exciting and dangerous, for those who want to explore and do more. On the other hand, living in the countryside was quite the opposite. This place was for people who were contented, where we could find peace and serenity not often found in the city. When I lay down on the hammock, Alice placed the mangoes she brought on the ground. She also had a basin filled with water, a knife, and a jar of shrimp paste. "Let me peel the mangoes for you, Krystal," she said. While she was peeling the mangoes, I asked her about Logan Lopez because I wanted to know more about him. Aside from his name, and the size of his package down there, I didn't know anything about him. "You don't know them?" she asked in disbelief. I answered with my eyes closed and asked Alice, "Do you think I'd ask if I knew them?" "Well, his family is the most influential people here. They have power and influence in politics, the military, and business. Here in this area, their control and authority are extensive. They are the law here." I suddenly remembered how I kicked that man in the groin. I had a flashback. Was my kick really painful? What if he hunts us down? If my mom finds out, it'll be another problem. If only I had known this would happen, I would have just stayed at home. "So, this Logan Lopez is a very important person here?" I tried to wake her up to answer, but she nodded slowly. "Extremely important. He's the heir to their vast estate and everyone here knows what will happen if anyone crosses their family," Alice continued. I just closed my eyes in despair! "Have some mango, don't think about it for now. Let's just endure the heat and take a dip in the well," she said. "Or we can use the irrigation! There's running water here. But once the harvest is done, the water pumps in the rice fields will be turned on." "No thanks," I refused because I didn't want to get in trouble again. I took a slice of mango from the plate, put a bit of shrimp paste on it, and took a bite. It was delicious! The mango was so fresh. It was tangy yet salty with the shrimp paste. "Your mom mentioned you will proceed with your study here," Alice said. "Yes, that's true, but I am not so sure about it," I told her as I couldn't imagine myself graduating in the countryside. "Are we in the same year?? She nodded. "Yup, but in fairness, you're so tall! I'm sure you'll be the center of attention in this whole place. You might even have suitors lining up." I gave her a disgusted look. "Like I wish that day would come. I don't want to be courted because they won't gain anything from me. I have high standards, and I'm not easy to get along with." Real talk, right? I know my worth based on my level. "You're absolutely right. But don't underestimate it, there are also wealthy people living in our area. Even though it may seem like this, it's a peaceful place." "When is enrollment?" I asked her. "It's next Sunday." I need to prepare my documents then. In truth, I might find it difficult. For all these years, I've been used to studying in prestigious schools. I'm used to private places. I felt so golden during those times, I didn't know this would happen. Then, the evening came. Another boring day has passed. For a moment, I was thinking about what I'd be doing if I was in Claybourne. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but I just couldn't. I had already slept for a long time in the afternoon, so now I'm wide awake. I decided to go out. I quietly went outside tonight with a lamp. I was wearing a white dress. It shouldn't be dangerous to hang out near the mango trees, right? I felt so satisfied when I saw fireflies floating around the trees. The sky was beautiful, filled with stars. The mango grove felt like a complete paradise. It would be nice to admire it while sipping a chocolate frappe. As I looked up, I heard a voice coming from one of the hammocks. Is there a ghost here? "Who are you?" I asked while shining the light on his face. I was surprised to see that the man I was hiding from was there. I tried to run away, but my feet became so heavy. He approached me and held my hand. His hands felt firm and strong. I could feel his arm wrap around my waist. His hot breath grazed my neck. I could smell his intoxicating masculine scent, I could feel his touch, it made me shiver even now. "Stop thinking of running away because you can't do that. I will never let you do that. Mark my words." He tilted my head and our lips met. It was such a strange, addictive sensation. Sweet, addictive. "Who are you?"