The Billionaire's Daughter novel Chapter 12

Franco

When I got home, I found an invitation and a package at home. Sensing that it might be from Saphira, I hesitated.

She invited me to her party. I know she wanted me to be there with her that’s why I asked a favor from Bill to take over the rest of my shift for tonight at the café. I was just supposed to go near the hotel and text her since I do not have anything to wear and I wouldn’t want to embarrass her, but now that I am holding the classic black suit and light blue dress shirt, I debated whether I can do it.

I have never done this before. But I want to make her smile. Just knowing that my presence means a lot to her makes me feel funny. I’m starting to act like an infatuated guy, which shouldn’t be. Not yet at least.

I got dressed seeing that I was already late, I took a cab and went to the La Verne Hotel where Saphira’s party was in full swing.

When I arrived, I showed my invitation to the concierge and an usher led me to the ballroom. The entrance was elevated and it was strange that as I entered, all nervousness faded away and was replaced by confidence and anticipation because of her. I can’t help but smile that she looks so innocent in a corner of the room somewhat hidden from the view, but from where I was, I saw her right away.

My breath almost caught up in my throat when I saw her radiating beauty and elegance. She is different from the shy and simple Saphira I know. She looks so pretty in her midnight blue gown, which accentuated her features, she tilted her head and I know she saw me. I pretended to not notice her but I confidently, well I pretended to confidently stride towards her.

I was nervous as hell and I don’t even know why. When I reached her, I sat down on a seat beside her and that was when I had to do a difficult thing. To act like I was not affected by her alluring beauty.

“Saphira. Happy Birthday.” I smiled at her hoping that she will not notice how much I was appreciating her body in a dress.

“Franco.”

She sounded breathless. I wonder if she is also affected like me. Trying to act so cool so she wouldn’t notice how my hand trembles as I fight myself from touching her or hugging her.

“Well bestie, I am here now and wearing your impossibly expensive gift that I will be returning tomorrow. Shall I say the magic words now?”

“Huh?” I guess she’s shocked. But I can’t be fazed.

“Surprise!!!” Foolish me. I don’t even know what to say.

“Oh that. Yeah. Thanks for coming.”

Now I know she’s nervous and I have to break the ice, for both our sakes.

“What?! No gushing over me? You won’t even jump into my arms and hug me tight to acknowledge my very commanding presence?”

I tried to act my normal self and boom! Of course she will also be on her normal self. It was like her second nature. Hitting me. Which I kind of enjoyed since I know she is very comfortable with me that way. Stupid as it may sound but sometimes I provoke her just to see her feisty reaction.

“Awww!”

“Shhhh. Not too loud.”

I didn’t want any attention.

“Why flick my nose?!”

“Because you’re being too cocky.”