RANSOM GIFT: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Commanding Proposal, Hidden Proposal, Ransom Proposal) Read online

  His reaction obviously said he didn’t expect it to be that long. Well, I was also wishing it wouldn’t take me that long.

  “Where?” My father asked.

  “I haven’t made up my mind yet, but probably in US, papá.”

  He stared at me as if searching the answers in my eyes. I can’t give him those no matter how hard I reciprocate his stares because I don’t have them either myself.

  “Por favor, papá. I need this.” I begged my father.

  “Bueno, go ahead.” He granted me permission.

  Tears fell from my eyes as I walked towards him to give his forehead a kiss. “Gracias, papá.”

  “Only because you said it will make you feel better. And also, I have one condition.” He said. “Actually, make that two.”

  “Shoot.” I said with a grin.

  He smiled at me, and I knew that smile. He’s going to make me do something I’ve been rejecting to do for so long.

  “First, get as much money as you can from Adolfo, you don’t have to work wherever you’re going. Focus on your soul-searching.” He teased, and I laughed.

  Adolfo was my dad’s secretary.

  “Okay, noted.” I confirmed.

  “After a year, you will come back, and you will give this company a try for un año as well. If you really don’t like it, I’ll grant it to your little cousin Estella someday.” He demanded.

  Whoa! Wait up, papá…

  I took few moments to think about this commanding proposal. I wasn’t really sure that he’s allowing me to go out of pure concern, but what matters most to me at the moment was some time alone, so… “You got yourself un acuerdo, mister.” I said.

  “That’s my baby. Now, can I visit you to wherever you want to mend your broken heart at?” He teased again.

  “Of course, papá.” I laughed.

  “When do you plan to take off?” He asked.

  “Tonight…”

  “Why so soon?” His brows rose.

  I stared at him as if trying to tell him he just asked me the stupidest question ever.

  “Bueno, go ahead. Ask Adolfo for money. Take as much as you need, or do you want me to buy you a house there?” He offered.

  “No, dad. I want an apartment.” I said.

  “Let me get you one, then. Or you don’t want to let your old man to have a good night sleep starting tonight.” He made me feel guilty.

  “Fine. I’ll decide where to while packing up and I’ll let you know quickly.”

  “Good. I’ll make sure your apartment will be ready for your arrival.” He said. “Come here.”

  I walked towards my dad to give him a hug, and to promise him that I’ll be back here after a year.

  “Vuelvo en un año, papá.”

  Chapter 3

  New York was such a crowded and consuming city. Everyone seemed to be very busy doing what they do, while there I was trying to waste time in order to heal.

  I just came out from my luxurious apartment dad managed to prepare for me hours before I my flight even touched down JFK.

  I sat down to one of the park benches, and stared at the young man who’s on his guitar singing this sad soulful song.

  I may not have the softest touch

  I may not say the word as such

  And though I may not look like much

  But I’m yours…

  And suddenly, Clemente filled my mind again. Our memories at the café, every single time we sneaked out of the hotel to those cheap shopping stalls in the street, and we’d buy simple things, and we’d sit down in any corner to check them out.

  And though my edges may be rough

  I never feel I’m quite enough

  It may not seem like very much

  But I’m yours…

  He’s gone.

  I stared down at my mobile phone, and I was fighting the urge to call him. Oh what the hell! I dialed his number hoping I could at least hear his voice.

  “Hello?” A lady with a different accent answered his phone.

  Shit. It’s the Japanese girl! I knew that I should hang up the call, but for some reasons, I wanted to know her voice and how she talks.

  “Hello, uhhh… It’s Kristina. Is Clemente there?” I asked.

  There was a lump forming on my throat as I waited for her to answer my inquiries, praying she has no idea who I was.

  “Hey, Kristina…! I’ve heard so much about you. How are you?” Her voice sounded genuine.

  “I’m—alright, I guess…” I answered her reservedly.

  “Here, let me get Clemente for you...” She said to me.

  “Ai, it’s your shimai…” She called for Clemente.

  I don’t know so much about Japanese language because I’ve never really paid so much attention to my Japanese language subject back in my special “nurturing and molding” trainings. But I knew that Ai means love, and that shimai (姉妹) refers to a sister.

  So he told her that I was his sister? Or maybe he told her that I meant like a sister to him. Okay, but do siblings kiss?

  Finally, after few more seconds, I heard Clemente’s voice, and it was my cue to just hang up. I hung up the call. I got what I wanted, and it was more than enough for me. It was definitely more than enough.

  Wow. Just wow.

  It was so painful for me. I felt like all those three hours of numbness were in vain after I heard his voice, and after I’ve learned that he only treated me as a sister. OMG, it’s so painful.

  “Hi…” A male voice interrupted my melancholy, and I glanced up to look at who it was.

  OMG! This man looked so similar to Sean O’Pry, but why was he talking to me? Well, it was because he needed something from me, something so important that it couldn’t wait. “Can you move your foot a little? You’re stepping on my brochure.” He requested.

  Oh! I looked at my feet, and there’s this one pamphlet. I picked it up, and gave it a look. It’s a free session of learning how to paint… OMG! That right there was my momentum.

  “You’re teaching how to paint?” I asked him.

  He was surprised by my sudden interest of talking to him. “Uhhh, yes…”

  “Can I join?” I asked. I was never planning on letting that moment go.

  He seemed struggling for words to answer me, and I felt rejected already.

  “Oh… I can’t?” I asked again. I was starting to felt the need to bombard him with questions so he’d finally answer me. “I don’t look artistic?”

  “No, no, no… you see the sessions—they were—uhhh—” “They were actually for—for children.” He corrected me, and he seemed resenting the idea of embarrassing me to myself.

  I glanced back at the pamphlet, and it did say for juniors. “Right…” I was fighting hard not to laugh, but I wasn’t successful at it. I laughed so hard, and I didn’t care if he’d think that I was crazy.

  But to my surprise, he laughed along. I was mesmerized by the idea of sharing a laugh with such a pretty face. OMG! He’s so hot!

  “I’m Gary, by the way.” He said, reaching out his hand for me to shake.

  OMG! What’s up with this guy? I don’t really get this captivated by just a pretty face. Well, maybe added the fact that he paints.

  I reached out for his hand. “I’m Kristina.” I answered.

  “You’re not from around here, are you?” He asked.

  How can he tell? “I’m Spanish. How’d you know?”

  “A Spanish woman has raised me, so I can recognize your accent anywhere.” He informed me.

  Oh. Hot… “Oh okay…” I said.

  He stared at me for quite some time, and I’ve noticed that he’s struggling for words to say to me. “But if you like, I can teach you a technique or two.” He offered. He’d do that??? But why would he do that? “How much for it…?” I asked. He looked a bit insulted. “Maybe just a favor back will do.” He said. “What favor?”

  “I need a plus-size model.” He said. I was insulted. “Pardon me, I’m a what?” I asked him wi
th obvious tone of irritation in my voice. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. But what’s it worth, you’re the most plus-size woman that I’ve ever seen, which is why I want you to be my model.” He explained. I didn’t know how to answer him. “Please think about it. Here…” He said, handing over his mobile phone to me. “Please give me your number so we can talk about it once you’re decided.” He confidently said. Wait, what? He’s that desperate?

  “What made you think I’ll give you my number?” I asked. He let go of a soft laugh. “Well, I can tell by the way you look around, you haven’t made friends with just a single American yet.” He said. “Only because I was being careful I really don’t want to make friends with psycho, you know.” I teased him. “Fine, I’ll text you my social security number after you give me your number, then maybe you can make some research about me.” He teased me back. “I’ve got to warn you though, what you see is what you get.” It made me smile. “Fine, give me that damn thing.” I teased him again, and this made him laugh aloud. “I’ll call you after three days?” He joked, and it gave me a sting of sadness. “I’m just kidding. I’ll give you some time to think.” He said, and then he gestured to leave. Wow. What just happened? I don’t want any rebound, no. But I needed someone to occupy some of my free time, and Gary seemed to be a good candidate because he’ll teach me how to improve myself on my passion for painting.

  I stared down at my phone. Look at that, Clemente’s contact number will no longer be the only thing on my call logs. I stood up at my feet, and I started walking around. I planned to go home, and maybe stare at myself in front of the mirror. I knew that I wasn’t skinny, I knew that, but am I really a plus-size? Well, I don’t mind, anyway, as long as I know that I’m pretty.

  Chapter 4

  I was on my way to the grocery store few block away from my apartment when my phone rang. I don’t know who it was, but I chose to answer it anyway. It might be papá. “Hello?”

  “Kristina, this is Gary…” The familiar voice said.

  “Gary?” I asked pretending I didn’t know who he was.

  Of course, I knew who he was. How can I forget that Sean-O’Pry stare?

  “Central Park, remember?” He asked.

  “Right, no, I remember!” I exclaimed.

  I heard a sigh from the other line. “How are you? Have you made up your mind?” He asked again.

  “I’m alright, I guess… Yeah, I’m okay with it.” I answered very timidly.

  “That’s good to hear…” He exclaimed. “Can I see you?” He asked.

  It took me few seconds to learn how to speak again. OMG! It’s meant to be a challenge for me after all. “I’m about to grab some grocery items, we can meet up at the café near the store. I’ll text you where…” I suggested.

  “Great! I’ll see you then.” He said, and then I hung up the call.

  What was that all about? Why did I suddenly feel so nervous talking to him? Relax, Kristina. Right… It was purely about his desperation to find a plus-size woman who’s willing to admit to herself that she was in fact not thin.

  Few minutes later, I was already standing in front of the bread section. I wanted to pick up that Black Forest flavored cake, and maybe take as many as I can, but then I remembered being a plus-size. So I took three loaves of whole grain bread instead. Ugh!

  I picked up few many grocery items, and then I headed out of the door to go to that café nearby. I reached for my phone, and I texted him where the café was.

  So safe to say, I expected to be there earlier. However, to my surprise, he’s already there. What the fuck? That was too creepy for me.

  I walked towards him as he waved his hands to me. “How did you get here so fast?” I asked.

  “I was here ten minutes ago.”

  WHAT??? “How did you know this is the café I was talking about?” I asked, feeling so crept out.

  “I took a wild guess that you might be living in the best apartment in all of New York.” He teased. “Or maybe I just saw you came out of that apartment this morning while I was vising my brother across the street.” He said.

  Oh, of course! Oh, thank you Heavens! That would have been so creepy.

  “Oh, okay… I thought maybe you’re just that desperate to stalk me everywhere.” I teased him back.

  “Not today.” He answered with a smile.

  He led the way inside the café, and I couldn’t help but remember Clemente. It’s still so surreal how he can just leave me behind like that. We searched for the best spot to sit on, and we were lucky enough to see one behind the windows. We walked to that direction, and he pulled my chair for me. I smiled at him as I took a seat.

  I was fighting the urge to cry…

  A waitress came our way, and she politely asked us what we’d like to have. I ordered a regular coffee since I don’t know the place yet, and he also asked for the same thing.

  “So, have you decided on anything yet?” He asked.

  Oh, what the hell? I’m only going to be here for a single year, I might as well just enjoy everything, plus I’m not going to work. I’ll die with either boredom or heartache. What’s the point of leaving Spain?

  “Yeah, let’s do it.” I answered him.

  His eyes lighten with so much gladness. “That’s really amazing!” He said. “By the way, do I need to pay you? He asked. “You know, for your rent?”

  I laughed at him. “That’s so nice of you, but I can manage.” I said.

  “Oh, so you’re working here?” He asked.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “What do you do?” He asked, looking so curious of my life purpose.

  I wish I knew what to answer to you…

  “I… am doing nothing…” I said.

  His brows rose. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he was totally shocked.

  “How can you afford the—” He attempted to ask, but then it seemed he figured out the answer all by himself. “You’re parents are rich, of course.” He said.

  “Mm-hmm…”

  “It must be really easy for you… you know, to get everything you want.”

  You have no idea how hard everything is for me. You don’t know me.

  “No, it’s not like that.” I wasn’t in the mood to share more info.

  “So what brings you here?”

  I wanted to lie. I wanted to tell a lie so much because I never intended to talk about Clemente here. However, I figured it’ll be so wrong.

  “I got dumped, and so I’m here to look for something I want to do with my life. You’ll never understand. You probably think I’m wasting everything because I’m a brat.” I said.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry…” He apologized. “And you wanted to try painting?”

  “No, I’ve always loved to paint. I wanted to be an artist someday.”

  He nodded with a smile. I think he got it. “Well then, let’s make your dreams come true.” He said.

  I smiled at him. I couldn’t help but do so. “There’s one thing, though.” I said.

  “Sure.”

  “I’m kind of easy to fall in love with so hold your guards up high.” I teased him.

  He blurted out in laughter, and for some reason, I felt equal parts insulted and happy.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.” He said. “By the way, where will you be comfortable doing the session?”

  “My apartment will do.” I said.

  He nodded. “We cans tart this afternoon.”

  “Okay! Afternoon it is.”

  We talked for an hour before he walked me home. He’s actually very gentleman, and he knew how to listen. He was overall amazing. However, he somewhat always sounded so sad and very insecure. Oh, well… Everybody has their own story.

  As we’ve reached the front door of my apartment, I invited him inside so he can have a seat while I prepare myself for our session.

  “By the way, do you want to grab lunch first?” I asked him.

  “Okay.” He answered with a smile.

  Yeah, we b
oth felt as if we’ve known each other for quite so long now. It was relaxing for a change.

  I can tell by the way he looked around my apartment that he was quite overwhelmed by how extravagant it was. I, however, was used to stuff like this. I even find this one a bit tamed compared to my father’s preferences. Poor Gary…

  I felt the need to comfort him. I can only imagine how tough his life could’ve been growing as an orphan like what he has told me. It wasn’t new to me that some people weren’t as lucky growing up with a rich dad like I did. But things were double hard for him since he didn’t have parents either. I wanted to change that for him.

  Maybe it was just a simple sympathy, like, a simple pity for instance.

  After a few minutes, I was set to leave, so the both of us went out of my apartment. “Can I treat you for lunch?” I asked him.

  He looked perplexed. “Why? No, I can treat you for lunch.” He said.

  And I felt this sting of pain in my heart. I can’t bear to waste his money, no. “I know you can, but since you’re officially my teacher, I should treat you. It’s a tradition.” I lied.

  His brows rose. “What tradition?”

  “Well, it’s a tradition in our family. At least, to give us good luck in learning. It’s a way of giving back. Like one time, my father gifted my English teacher a car for doing a good job.” I lied again. Piles after piles of lies

  “Oh.” He looked really shocked. “Well, as long as it’s not a car.” He joked.

  Alright!!! I planned on treating him in a special restaurant that my father has recommended that I should try after he has checked on me this morning.

  “I have a car.” I said, when he walked away thinking we’d walk.

  “Oh.” He said while walking back at me. “Okay.”

  I gave a valet parking service my tab, and he gave me my car. It has shocked the shit out of him, I could tell. It’s a hot pink Rolls-Royce Ghost, and it looked so chic.

  I know. It also shocked the shit out of me this morning when it came.

  “This is my car.” I said, resenting the fact that it might scare him away. I didn’t know why, but I just had this feeling that I wanted him around. So weird, I know.

  “Wow! Oh, okay. Well, maybe I should just meet you there.” He said.