Bernie felt severe jealousy swell up in his chest when he saw and recognized the man who got out of the car and stopped in front of Mia's house. None other than Erik.
When they were in high school, he didn't like Erik. Because apart from being his rival in the honor roll, he also has an inexplicable feeling of insecurity about him. And now that she has an idea of whom the new man Mia is flirting with. He has also found out what the insecurity he had for the man was for.
"I will not allow you to end up with that man forever, Mia!" that's what he said with a dangerous smile then glanced at the big house in front of him.
The word "long" is not enough to describe how much waiting he did just to get Mia. For a long time that he always hovered next to her, he failed to get her sweet "yes". But he still did not lose hope.
When he got to college, he was able to turn his attention to other women for a while. Many beautiful young women have passed by him since then. He was fed up with all that. And he can say that all his experiences with his girlfriends have taught him how to be good at sex.
As Bernie thought that, a malicious smile appeared on his lips. Even now, he still does not stop his vice.
Why would he stop something he loves so much?
Why would he stop the thing that helps him forge his talent in bed?
Bernie laughed softly at that.
He wants Mia back because he loves her. But he was sure that he wouldn't be able to change the things he was used to. He can't stop his passion for tasting different types of women who are obsessed with him.
That's right.
Apart from Miriam, he has had many other women. So Mia was wrong when she thought that she stayed in just one place. Maybe he just really liked the taste of Miriam's dish. So he got her pregnant. But among all of them, no one can beat Mia. The only woman he loved from then until now.
"You can't be with someone else, Mia. You're mine and I can't even allow you to end up with Erik!" That’s what he whispered even though he was seething with anger.
Right now, he doesn't know how to get Mia back. But he's ready to do anything to own her again.
That's all and then he drove away the car he was driving.
*****
"Wouldn't they be angrier with you if you chose to move here?" Mia asked when she and Erik were resting together in the living room.
They had just finished cleaning then. There were still a few hours before the time she was supposed to prepare lunch.
Her boyfriend shrugged his shoulders before picking up the glass of cold water to drink.
“They will be angry, that's the truth and I'm sure of it. But as I told you earlier. They didn't say it directly, but I knew they were making me choose. In addition to that, they are going to sell that house even though they didn't ask me if it's okay with me. Is it not?" Erik said.
Mia didn't reply to Erik’s question. Even though it's true and Erik has a point in what he's saying, why doesn't he want her to hear his approval from his lips?
"I still hope that everything will be fixed between you and your parents," she answered instead.
When she said that, Erik immediately grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. Then it seems that the young man was not satisfied with that. He raised her hand which he kept holding then kissed it.
"I know that the time will come, and everything will be okay. I love my parents very much. But what I don't understand is why they can't accept that I chose you. While back then, my mother wanted you for me," Erik continued to tell the story, bringing a sweet smile to her lips.
“Really?” Mia asked in disbelief.
Erik's thick eyebrows were raised. At the same time, his eyes sparkled while smiling sweetly.
"Oh, why can't you believe it?" now the smile is wider at his question.
Mia shook her head one after the other. Then he couldn't hide the thrill he felt when he spoke while smiling sweetly.
"I just couldn't believe that Aunt Aurora adored me once," she said, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.
That's when she was amused that Erik lightly pinched her cheek. Then he put his arms around her and pulled her close to him.
“That's the truth. That's why she gave you the prom dress. And she was also very happy when she found out that the two of us were partners in the cotillion," added the young man.
Mia quickly blushed because of that and also the way Erik was staring at her. She felt that everything she heard quickly disappeared and washed away all the resentment she was feeling earlier.
"Your mother and father are naturally kind."
"You're right, Dolores probably just instigated them."
When Erik mentioned the name of the former caretaker, the aura on his face changed quickly. He immediately met the young man's eyes and saw anger.
"I need to talk to her as soon as possible," Erik added to what he said before while his tone remained unchanged.
"I don’t think that’s necessary!" she scolded Erik softly.
That's when her boyfriend turned to her. "Can you blame me? I should be the one who told my parents about us. Not her. And I'm also sure she added a lot of bad and untrue information to everything. That's why my parents decided to come back here so quickly."
"B-But everything she said, I know you know they are all true, don't you?" Mia's tone of speech was still gentle.
At that point, Erik's chest heaved. He didn't take his eyes off her either. He remained staring at her and she did the same. But in the end, as often happens, she was the first to render.
"Leave Dolores, Erik. Because you said it yourself, didn't you? True love is not easy. Also, no matter what she does, she can't change the love and feelings you have for me, right?"
"You're right. But I don't want anyone bad-mouthing you," Erik insisted.
Even to say that Mia expected that from the man she was going to marry. The seemingly warm hand that held and caressed her heart still did not disappear or stop.
"All of those are included in the marriage package and decision of marrying me, Erik," she said with a smile.
"Maybe. But what else am I here for if I can't protect you too?" he asked again.
Mia answered that question with a sigh. Then she glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. Then spoke.
"I need to go to the market to buy something for us to eat from lunch to dinner," she said, distancing herself from the young man.
"No, let's eat outside. And one more thing, we're also going through something important," Erik told her, winking.
“What is that important thing? May I know?" Mia asked unable to stop a sweet smile from appearing on her lips again.
Erik pinched her chin slightly before answering her question.
"It’s a surprise," he answered.
Mia didn't insist anymore after hearing what Erik said. He just told her he will go home to get dressed, which she agreed to.