-Logan's POV-
I know it might sound strange, but I'm starting to develop intimate feelings for her. Despite the age difference, I don't believe it should be a hindrance. She mentioned that she likes mature guys, and I'm confident that I fit into that category perfectly.
I taught her how to ride a bike, and she has grown more confident and brave since then. She told me that she has learned a lot from me, and it's been incredible to witness the positive changes in her life. Today, I want to surprise her with flowers to lift her spirits. I plan to visit her and discuss my intentions with her mother.
I recall the importance of winning over her family when it comes to winning someone's heart, not literally, but their affection. Gaining their approval would give me a significant advantage over other suitors who are vying for her attention.
I'm not naive to the fact that there are many guys pursuing her. She has plenty of suitors. I want to have a competitive advantage over them.
"Good day," I greeted Krystal's mother with a polite smile.
Her mother, just as beautiful as Krystal, possesses the same mesmerizing eyes and features. It's evident that she carries both Spanish and Korean influences, resulting in a stunning combination. She is of mixed blood, and it suits her perfectly.
"Good day to you too, young man. Are you here for my daughter? She seems tired from last night's conversation with Alice. I'll wake her up later. But for now, I'd like to have a private chat with you," she said, making me a bit nervous.
"What would you like to discuss?" I asked directly, avoiding any beating around the bush.
"I know you're a Lopez, someone with deep connections, and I'm sure you're not the type to easily trust others. Did you investigate our lives?" she inquired, leaving no room for denial. At this point, lying would only worsen the situation.
"Yes, I did a background check on your daughter's life as well as your family's," I admitted, not wanting to deceive her.
She nodded in understanding. "You probably already know about the complications in my family, especially concerning my husband. My daughter knows nothing about it. We've shielded her from the truth, blocking all the news on her phone and doing everything we can to keep it hidden from her. That's why we're here, hiding. The bankruptcy rumors don't apply to my company in Azura."
Now it all makes sense. While I've heard whispers about Mr. Miranda, hearing it directly from his wife gives a different perspective.
"I'd like to ask for a favor. If possible, I don't want my daughter to learn about this. I want you to keep it a secret for me. As a token of my trust, I'll allow you to court my daughter because I believe she'll be in good hands with you. Someone who can protect her. I know how you saved her from those rapists. I haven't discussed it with my daughter because I believe she has suffered enough trauma, and I don't want to add to her burdens."
I nodded, a genuine smile forming on my face. "You can trust that your daughter will be safe and happy with me."
Her face brightened with a smile. "Just promise me that you won't hurt her. Make her happy and give her the love she deserves."
Krystal is worth cherishing, and I intend to handle her with the utmost care. She is a treasure to me.
At this point, I haven't fully confessed my feelings to Krystal yet, but I can't deny that she holds a special place in my heart. She has reignited a spark within me that I thought was lost since my previous relationship ended.
I know that my heart has come alive with her presence. She has taught me how to experience the exhilarating feeling of kilig and those heart-skipping moments once again.
But I haven't reached a point of certainty about everything just yet. We have all the time in the world to explore and discover what the true nature of our relationship may be.
However, things have become complicated with the emergence of issues. I'm aware that my family can handle the media, but the rumors of me dating a younger woman have spread like wildfire, causing a frenzy within the town. I had no choice but to address the situation.
I need to show that Krystal means nothing to me. I immediately called her after her school hours and instructed her to dress as if she were my maid.
Little did I know that jealousy would consume me that night. The sight of her surrounded by a group of guys stirred an anger within me that I had never experienced before. It made me want to hurt those perverted individuals.
I was filled with intense anger that day. I understand that it was my grandmother's plan. She despises the idea that I had to resort to such measures to protect Krystal.
But being surrounded by influential business owners and prominent figures, I couldn't risk causing a disturbance that would tarnish my reputation. Such controversy could haunt me for the rest of my life.
What intensified my anger even further was seeing my brother, David, engaging in conversation with Krystal, seemingly flirting with her. I've never felt this level of anger before, as if I wanted to unleash it and throw punches.
And now, facing the consequences of our argument, I hate how everything has unfolded. Krystal's outburst was warranted, and I deserved every word she shouted at me. I failed to inform her, and now I must bear the consequences.
Her statement that she didn't want to see me anymore struck me with a fear that I'd never felt before. It was an overwhelming sense of terror that still lingers.
My plan now is to calm her anger. Approaching her while she's still furious would only exacerbate the situation.
"Sorry, Logan, if I hadn't done it, Grandmother would have scolded me," David said to me, concern etched on his face. When he saw the glass of alcohol in my hand, fear flashed in his eyes, and he hastily backed away.
I let out a sigh. "I also don't know what grandmother's plan is," I admitted, handing him the glass of alcohol.
"You know grandmother wants Krystal for you. She is a great fan of both of you. But you're still afraid. Your wounds have been there for so long, and I'm certain that Krystal will be the one to heal them," he reassured me. His words held truth, and Krystal had become my one and only light. I don't expect anything more from her than the healing energy she brings to my heart.
"Yes, but my problem now is how. How can I fix this now that she's so angry with me? I disappointed her, and I don't know how to face her anymore," I confided to him, feeling a mixture of desperation and frustration.
David patted me on the shoulder, offering support. "Remember, Logan, no man is an island. You can't handle everything on your own. Perhaps Krystal has friends who can help you. Sometimes, a little assistance can make all the difference. Don't be afraid to ask for help."
His words resonated with me, and I decided to reach out to Alice, Krystal's friend. After obtaining her phone number, I called her immediately.
"Oh, Sir Logan, it's you," she answered with a hint of disdain. I expected this reaction, considering Alice's allegiance to her friend.
"Alice, is Krystal with you right now?" I inquired, hoping for a positive response.
She pretended to cough on the other end of the line. "How could she be with me? She doesn't even leave her room because of what you did to my friend, SIR!"
I closed my eyes, slightly overwhelmed by her tone.
"Alice, please listen. I haven't spoken to your friend because I, too, am ashamed of my actions. I have no face to show her. This is just who I am."
A tinge of sadness filled my voice. I didn't want to entertain negative thoughts, but the fear of Krystal distancing herself from me weighed heavily on my mind. I couldn't bear the thought of her being with someone else.
"I understand, Sir. My friend feels guilty too because she knows the reason behind your actions. I just hope that you make yourself known to her."
I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Help me, Alice, please."
"At your service."