“Lily,” I said.
“I know, you’re Arlo Bonde’s girlfriend. I brought you coffee. Arlo is still busy talking to his grandfather,” Paul said, holding out the coffee.
“Thank you,” I replied, noticing the coffee in his hand.
He smiled at me.
“I hope you don’t mind if I sit down. I’d also like to talk to you,” Paul said.
I was about to speak, but my mouth froze when I heard Arlo’s deep, baritone voice. Even Paul seemed startled.
“Babe,” Arlo called out to me.
His eyes glared at Paul like a beast, and his jaw tightened.
“Mr., your Uncle Damian is looking for you. Next time, I don’t want to see you approaching my girlfriend again,” Arlo said firmly.
“Mr. Bonde, who are you to order me around? Besides, your grandfather already arranged your engagement,” Paul shot back.
“Who said I’d just agree to whatever you and my grandfather want? You’d better take your Uncle Damian home and let this be the last time I catch you talking to Lily,” Arlo said as he grabbed the coffee from my hand.
“Arlo,” I murmured his name.
“Lily doesn’t drink coffee at night,” Arlo said coldly to Paul as he handed him back the cup.
Arlo then pulled me by the waist and turned away from Paul.
“Are you afraid of losing Lily? I know who you are, Arlo Bonde!” Paul shouted loudly.
Arlo turned back to him, and I quickly followed, but Arlo’s hand was faster. My eyes widened when I saw him punch Paul in the face.
“Try approaching Lily again, and I’ll make sure my fists won’t be the only thing you’ll feel. Just because your uncle is my grandfather’s friend doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you,” Arlo barked. Paul winced from the punch.
“Arlo, stop it. We’re in front of a hospital,” I said as I grabbed his arm to pull him away from Paul.
It felt like they had known each other for a long time, and their feud ran deep.
Once we were inside Arlo’s car, he apologized to me.
“That bastard. I don’t want you talking to him again, or I might end up killing him the next time I see him hovering around you.”
“He didn’t do anything. Why are you so angry at him?” I asked.
“You don’t know him, babe. It’s better if you never talk to him, please,” Arlo pleaded.
“Do you have a problem with him?” I asked.
Arlo nodded. “Let’s not talk about him anymore. He’ll just ruin my night,” Arlo said.
“How’s your grandfather?” I asked.
“He’s okay now. The doctor said he was just exhausted.”
“Arlo, I don’t want to be the reason…”
“Babe, I know my grandfather. He knows what’s right and wrong.”
Arlo started the car and drove silently, his face serious.
Before long, we arrived at his apartment. Once inside, I immediately went upstairs to my room, with Arlo following behind. I grabbed some clothes from the closet and went to the bathroom to change.
When I came out, I saw Arlo on the veranda, talking on the phone. I lay down on the bed. A few moments later, Arlo came in, grabbed some clothes, and changed.
Afterward, he lay beside me, hugged me, and kissed my forehead.
“Is something wrong, Arlo?” I asked.
He shook his head, then held my face with both hands before kissing me on the lips. I responded to his sweet kiss.
“I don’t want to lose you, Lily. If I could, I’d ask for your hand from your parents right now. I’m going crazy over you.
If I could, I’d tie you to my side so we’d always be together. What if I ask for your hand now?” he said.
My heart pounded loudly at his question.
“Not yet. I haven’t told them about us,” I said.
“Are you scared?” he asked again.
