Beautiful Escape

EINILLE concealed the amazement in her eyes while gently staring at her boyfriend—Hero. She thought how lucky she was for having him in her life. Hero was the type of man she prayed and dreamed of, a total package of his kind. He was articulate, funny, and a natural charmer, plus his lean muscular body that can protect her anytime. He appeared like an angel sweetly talking with her.

Hero discussed his newly built business in line with gold mining in the province, and he looked so proud of his milestone. They were currently eating their lunch together in their favorite restaurant in Sorsogon.

“Babe, you are extra pretty today,” his eyes dreamy while observing her face.

Einille grinned and playfully rolled her eyes, “I know.”

They .were dating for almost one year. She loved him so much even though there were times that he couldn’t give her time. But she didn’t mind, because she knew that Hero was a very busy person. He always made sure that she would feel his love for her in many different ways. Although sometimes Einille would complain about his hectic schedule. But she always tried her best to be more understanding. She didn’t want to look pathetic, begging for his time and attention. She was a busy person, too.

“I missed you. I’m sorry if I can’t give you so much time. You know how busy I am, right?” he muttered thoughtfully and held her hand softly. They had just finished their meal.

She softly curved her lips, “I know, and it’s all right. I understand.”

“Thank you for being so understanding. I really can’t fathom how lucky I am for being your boyfriend.” Hero slowly brought her hands to his lips and kissed it.

Her smile widened to his gesture. Hero was sweet and caring, though he was not perfect. But she looked more at his good qualities. Negativity would ruin their relationship.

Einille met him at a birthday party of her close friend. Hero was very vocal about his attractions towards her. That was why he pursued her. She didn’t hesitate to date him because he was kindhearted and funny. She even witnessed his good moral values, especially his humility, even though he came from a well-known family and he was a self-made millionaire.

She hoped to meet his family anytime soon, but Einille was shy to tell Hero about it. Because if he wanted him to introduce her, he would.

There were times Einille thought that her boyfriend was cheating. But her heart said otherwise. He wouldn’t dare to cheat on her because she was capable of doing some things beyond he could imagine. She had connections with the Philippine National Police. She was a chemist by profession, but she applied via lateral entry, and now she got the position of Police Inspector after her training.

“I’ll make it up to you when I’m not busy, okay?” Hero said with assurance.

“Of course, I know you would,” her lips curved and formed a light smile.

However, deep inside, she didn’t want to expect. She had a hectic schedule, too. But she always made time for him. Anyway, she was aware that Hero’s top priority was his business, and she settled with that.

She chose him, and she could not complain since he had been consistent from the start. Maybe he would change once they got married.

Einille didn’t let herself be distracted. She was thankful that despite his frantic timetable. He found a time for her.

They planned to stroll around after their meal. Just in time, because she had to go back to her duty in the Crime Laboratory later in the afternoon.

Hero’s phone suddenly rang. Based on his expression, he hesitated at first. He looked at her as if asking permission, and she nodded to give him privacy.

“Excuse for a while. I’ll take this call,” he scurried, going out of the restaurant.

Einille hardly shook her head. She was not dense to feel something was not right. Hero was acting strangely for these past few days. They couldn’t spend time together that much because he would suddenly run an errand for work, which she found a bit shady but shrugged it off. She didn’t want to appear an overly suspicious girlfriend. She trusted him.

What else new. She silently sighed and waited for her boyfriend to get back.

“Babe, I’m sorry. There’s an emergency. I couldn’t come with you after this. Will it be okay if you return alone to the Crime Lab? I need to go back in Albay.” Hero said with an urgency in his voice.

“What happened?” her forehead creased.

“Business as usual. I’ll tell you some other time. Let’s meet each other tomorrow, ‘Kay?”

Einille tilted her head up, “All right. We can go out anytime. I’ll go back to the camp.” She stood up, grabbed her sling bag, and put it on her shoulder.

“Babe, I’m really sorry. I’m feeling guilty.” Hero kissed her cheek.

Einille smiled with unconcealed disappointment. However, she didn’t want to look immature. If this went on like this, probably their relationship would not last.