The Billionaire's Daughter

I hurried back to where I left my best friend waiting and nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.

He was hugging someone.

I felt tears start to linger in my eyes. I don't know why but I felt like my heart was being torn into pieces when I saw him hugging and whispering to that girl's ears.

He suddenly pushed her away and I saw the girl was Francine.

I thought about everything that she said about me and I realized that Franco knew what I endured under her spiteful mouth. I started to banish the jealousy I was feeling. When he turned around, I saw his expression and I understood. He was furious at her. "Saphira." His voice sounded worried and his face morphed from anger to utmost concern.

"Come on. Let's leave this place. We're taking the Limo."

I walked ahead of him and he followed in a safe distance. I knew he doesn't want any attention and being with me at my party sure as hell will be a cause of a stir.

I got in the waiting sleek black limo and he hesitated.

"Come on in. I have something to show you and we can't walk to go there, especially not with these killer heels."

"Fine." He huffed before getting in.

I showed the address to the driver and then we went on our way.

"Do you want something to drink? Chocolates? You didn't even eat anything at the party."

"Nah. I'm all good."

I noticed that he wasn't comfortable so I scooted near him and took his hand then leaned on his shoulder.

"Please relax. You're with me and it's my birthday."

"I just am not used to riding a limo. And technically your birthday was last week."

I just sighed and closed my eyes. The whiff of his scent gently calmed my senses and I didn't realize I was slowly drifting to dreamland.

Franco

I felt jittery riding a limo with her, but I know I can't disappoint her. Adding salt to injury, she took my hand and leaned into me.

God, her scent was overwhelmingly stimulating. It was like my whole body went on overdrive. But this is my best friend and I need to keep reminding myself that. Franco, she's Saphira. Your bestfriend.

I was still contemplating with myself when I noticed her hand's grip started to loosen.

She must have been so tired. I adjusted my position, removed my hand from her grasp and draped my left arm on her shoulder so her head rests more comfortably in my chest. Resting my chin on top of her head, I punished myself by inhaling her vanilla scent. Right then, I realized I was in too deep. I knew she's special to me when I first saw her, but now, I am sure I am starting to love her. But I have my priorities and I vowed to myself not to get distracted. I will persevere and wait for the right time when I am already worthy to be with her.

Earlier, when she saw me with Francine, I thought I saw tears and jealousy in her eyes. But I am glad that she still trusted me.

The car stopped in a restaurant that was already completed but not yet opened.

"Ms. Saphira, we're here."

She stirred in my arms and I had to let her go. When she left my hold, I felt lost momentarily. It was like my body was craving the closeness that we once had.

"Franco. Come on. I have something to show you."

I noticed the sign of the restaurant and got curious.

We went inside the restaurant, she turned on the lights and she led me inside to a beautiful garden gazebo.

Since she was wearing heels, she was having a hard time walking in the soft grass. So I did what I thought was simpler, I carried her towards the gazebo where a table and chair was waiting.

"Thank you. Please sit down beside me. I have something to share with you." Her smile is as sweet as honey.

Did she plan to take me here? At that thought, my heart skipped a beat. Get a grip Franco. She's your best friend.

"Last year my grandfather died and he left me this piece of property along with a letter. He told me to start making my dreams come true. He was very close to me since I am his only grandchild. When I was younger, I used to tell him I want to build my own business empire like my father. I want to be independent and build a name for myself."

I saw her eyes brimmed with tears and so I took her hand to give her comfort.

"I also have a secret passion for cooking and actually went to cooking school for children when I was 8. Though now I only cook when I have spare time since I am busy with my studies."

"Can you cook for me sometime?"

"I already did you just didn't know it was me. Remember when I gave you cupcakes and roast beef sandwich after my birthday? I told you it was a thank you gift. I made that."

"Really? Wow. That was the best cupcake and sandwich I have ever tasted."

"I know. You kept on telling me it was good remember."

"Was that why you were laughing at me?"

"Yes silly! Because I was really happy you loved the food I made for you."

"Why didn't you tell me you made them?"

"I want to know how it really tasted. If I told you. You may pretend to like it even if it was awful. Don't deny it."

"You got that right. Of course, I don't like to see you frown. You look ugly when you frown. Awww! So violent for a gorgeous girl in a gown!"

"Shut up! Hahahaha."

"So continue with your story."

"So when I received my inheritance from my grandfather, I thought of realizing one of my dreams. And so I planned about this restaurant. Everything about this was my idea. I conceptualized everything even the food that we will serve had my seal of approval." "How will you manage this while you're still in school?"

"I won't. My father let me have one of his trusted assistant to take over the restaurant while I focus on my studies. That is their condition for allowing me to build and open this now. I want to make my grandfather proud. And besides, starting this early means I will learn a lot of things in the process. And I did. I have been busy with this since last year."

"Wow. Are you really human? You seem like superwoman to me."

"Hahaha. I just have a lot of spare time since I don't really socialize remember."

"What about me? You spend time with me."

"Yes I do, but since you have work I have time to do my stuff too. And besides, the restaurant is almost finished. We are just waiting for the polishing and furnishing to be completed."

"Why are you sharing this to me now?"

"I don't know. I guess I am starting to accept the fact that I now have someone permanent in my life. Before, at the back of my mind, I thought you were just here to help me and that you will soon get tired of me. I have a lot of hang ups and issues in life. Being with me is like a burden and I was scared that if I let myself get used to us being together, I will just hurt myself in the future."

I looked at her and her face said it all. She was afraid to lose me.

"I am sincere in wanting to be with you Saphira. I want to protect you and help you in any way that I can. I believe I told you that already."

"I know. And I feel your genuineness in your every action. Like tonight, I know it was against your better judgment but you still came to my party because I asked you. On my birthday, you gave me the greatest gift, time. I will always appreciate every gesture you do for me. And so this for me is my biggest gesture. To share a piece of myself to you."

"Saphira..." I could have kissed her then with the intensity of her gaze and the emotions I saw within.

"Franco, thank you for being my friend. I know we still have a long way to go. But as long as I know that you are with me on my journey, I know I can conquer any hurdles that may be thrown in my path."

"You just don't know how much you make me happy Saphira. I promise that I will never leave you. You're stuck with me. Now, can I have this dance?"

"Why not? We are dressed for a dance anyways."

"Right."

She took my hand then remembered something.

"Wait, we need music."

She was about to get her phone when I stopped her.

"No we don't."

And so, we danced, silently and peacefully we savor our closeness. Sealing our friendship with renewed trust and unspoken devotion to each other.00000000