THE TOUR TO BOMBOLULU

He must be dealing with the weirdest creature he has ever come across in his life. He looks shocked and worried, but I can't reveal all my secrets and fears to him. "Yes. Sorry for embarrassing you out there," I say.


"I wasn't embarrassed. Was that why you ran off?" He insists. He might be beginning to suspect me, but until he can find out for sure, I am keeping this from him.

"You didn't seem..."

I shove a spoonful of pilau in his mouth, shutting him up and also shocking the hell out of him. That is the only crazy thing I could think of to stop him from talking. I didn't seem shocked or embarrassed at first? I damn well know that, and since I am not an expert in lies, it's best if we stop talking about it.


"Food is always delicious when it's hot," I pull the spoon slowly from his mouth, giving him a mischievous grin. He smirks but chews the food anyway.

We eat the rest of the food in silence. I know he is perplexed by my behavior earlier, even though he is not saying it. He is far from being an idiot. In fact, he is a smartass. Sooner or later, he will connect the dots and figure out that I am lying. But before that happens, I should get out of his house. It is either that or I tell him the truth, which I can't risk for anything at the moment.


"On our way back, can you take me around the residential areas? I should start looking for the house in advance," I ask politely.

He looks at me, and this time there is nothing like, ‘I am not chasing you out'. He simply just nods his head in agreement. He is losing his cool, I know, but he will have to forgive me.

"So, do you still want to go in?" He asks, so flatly.

How would I not? "Of course. Shall we?"

He nods his head again, and we get out. I walk up to him and tuck my arm around his, and since he doesn't object, I relax.

We step into the magnificent hall, the epicenter of all the country's finest ornaments. The sight is breathtaking, with jewels adorning every corner, casting a mesmerizing glow over the surroundings. Normally, I don't wear necklaces or bracelets, but as I gaze upon these exquisite treasures, I find myself tempted to make my very first jewelry purchase today.

There is one in particular that catches my eye—a necklace shimmering with diamonds. It's almost too dazzling for my taste, but undeniably beautiful nonetheless. Unfortunately, I realize with a sinking feeling that I've left my cards at home, along with any cash I might have had. What a rookie mistake! Who goes out without their wallet? Only a scatterbrain like me, I suppose.

"You want something?" The Greek god speaks for the first time. I have used too much from his wallet already so, naah. I won't bother him anymore.

I shake my head slightly. "No, just admiring. They are beautiful," I fib, trying to conceal my true feelings.

"Women love jewels. You are different," Damian observes as we continue our tour through the dazzling display.

"How am I different?" I inquire, relieved that the tension between us seems to be dissipating, at least for now.

"I have not seen any ornaments on you. Not even an earring," he remarks, surprising me with his keen observation.

I hadn't realized he had been studying me so closely. "I have just never been interested in them. But that doesn't mean I dislike them," I explain.

"See? You are different. Most women would have bought a hundred pairs by now. Look around you. It is just you, enjoying with your eyes without buying," he points out, and I can't help but acknowledge the truth in his words. But I don't mind being unique; it's who I am. And I certainly don't appreciate his insinuation that I am abnormal.

"What about you? Don't you wear chains? Watches?" I ask, although I secretly dislike men who adorn themselves with chains. To me, they give off the vibe of either being a bad boy or immature. But that's just my personal opinion.

He shakes his head. "Nah, I don't like chains dangling on my neck. That is for women. I am fine with just a watch," he replies, and I can't help but feel a sense of relief at his answer, even though I don't know why.

We continue our tour until we reach the exit. I could easily spend more time exploring the vast hall, but I suppose that will have to wait for another day.

"Are you sure you don't need anything?" Damian asks, and I shake my head.

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Okay. Why don't you head to the car? I will just be with you in a minute," he suggests, handing me the car key, which I reluctantly accept. What could he possibly need to buy without me? Maybe a ring for his girlfriend? He should have asked me to help him make a choice.

Bitter sigh!

"Okay," I mutter, turning on my heel without looking back.

He can buy whatever he wants for whoever he wants. As long as he doesn't leave me stranded here. I don't even know the name of the street where his residence is, and I don't have a phone to call him with. He better come back soon.