Capítulo 9: Family Dinner
Noah finished dropping off Belen at her house. Though he wishes he can be with her through thick and thin, he knows Belen's mood swings, facial expressions, and body language.
Belen enters her huge lonely mansion, not a soul inside but her own. Silence but only the crickets outside uninterested. She throws her body on the bed as a corpse lays for a minute in silence, taking in everything that is her bed. "I miss you… bed, goodness me, I guess I really am tired today, well I might as well. Huh? a message?"
She curiously checks one of the phones, after reading the message she slams it to the ground in frustration while getting up from her bed looking down at the phone with fear in her eyes, "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!"
She turns on the water to take a shower, as she begins undressing her beautiful figure revealed under her many layers of clothes. Her upright shoulders are slumping. Sharp eyes turn weak, lifeless.
She cautiously enters the bathtub feeling the warmth of the water running through every corner of her body, sighing, "why can't I keep this feeling to myself?"
The soft water running through her hair, "why am I suddenly enjoying this shower more than my past ones? Strange. I wonder what Noah, what say if I told him, no. He'll probably think I'm weird. I can already imagine his expression," she chuckles.
But her relaxing smile soon turns sour, "he wants me to make a reservation for Sunday, to celebrate his friend's birthday? Ha, and he wants me to attend too. Why can't he leave me alone…no matter what, he says it's as if my body reacts like a robot receiving his orders. I don't want to be controlled by him…" closing her eyes, feeling the rush of water hit her face like mini strikes of needles.
"He likes to throw parties for other people, but when it'd be my birthday, he was always busy, tch!" she sighs at the thought of having to see her father, sister, and, worse of all, the woman who married into the family. "…Sunday, fortunately, I will leave early, but…" an idea pops into her head, widening her eyes with shine.
She steps out of her shower to grab her phone, dripping wet, "Noah! I need you to do something for me immediately! Get me all of the information you can about Fox Cinematic Theater and their Chairman, Reuben Fox" she hangs up, gripping her phone with malice.
***
Sunday morning, at A Star Mall.
Knock! Knock! Knock!!
"Enter," she says casually, busy comparing files in her computer to the ones she has at hand.
"Madam President, I'm afraid it's that time of the month again…"
Hearing this makes her freeze in place, knowing what he's referring to. Her eyes widened, "you don't mean…!"
"Ahem, yes, Madam President, they called me this morning to schedule, though I told them I'd have to check with you first after I return their call."
"Damn! Again!? But the month hasn't even come to an end!"
"It will soon."
She stays frozen, unable to think, "it's about to be April."
Belen usually has a photoshoot at the beginning of every month to promote A Star. Sometimes this gives magazine photographers a chance to book her for their covers. The only time she usually accepts photoshoots are at the beginning of the months. However, after the first three days of the month, she does not accept any kind whatsoever. It's just her preference. Since keeping up with her schedules at the beginning of the months is when new products arrive and are set up at A Star. Photoshoots are essential to promote A Star Mall all around the world. Though to Belen's misfortune, the beginning of the months is her least favorite, despising photoshoot sessions.
She groans, rubbing her head, "how many?"
"ten…"
"OH! That's not so bad!"
"I didn't finish, Madam. You have five scheduled here and five overseas."
"Where?"
"In South Korea."
"When?!"
"April first, that's the last day of our trip, we'll be leaving at midnight."
"ugh, Noah, why are you just giving me this information now?!"
"I'm sorry, but I thought it would be great to have an outdoor photoshoot in Seoul since it can be used to promote A Star Mall. Should I call and cancel?"
"Stop! It's fine, I never cancel, so just let it be for now."
"Yes, I apologize for making these plans without your knowledge."
"Whatever what's done is done, are you sure about attending dinner tonight?"
"Yes, I do."
"Well, I don't like the fact that you'll be serving."
"Oh…but I thought since I know what you like to eat, maybe I'd be helpful being there, am I wrong?"
"No, I just don't want you to serve anyone else but me," she says in the sweetest pure tone making Noah's heart flutter.
"Then I shall only serve you then if that's what makes you happy, Madam!"
She grins, humoring him, "no, it's okay, do you have the information ready?"
He nods, making her feel confident yet excited for tonight.
***
"Come on! Iris! Azaan! We have to leave now if we want to make it on time!" Edilberto shouts up the stairs.
"I'm ready! Abuelo!"
He smiles, "great! Now, wait in the car with Leah. I'm waiting for your mom."
"Okay," he skips down the steps.
"Iris! Hurry up!!" he shouts again louder than before.
"Okay! Okay! I'm here!" she comes down the stairs dressed in a spring dress with sunflower patters and light make-up.
Edilberto's dressed in an old navy blue suit, "hurry! Get in the car before it's late!"
***
The Fox siblings are getting ready as well. Leena's nervous than usual coming back and forth to Everest's room, asking for his advice on what to wear.
"Well? What do you think? This is the latest trend! …huh, what do you think?" she flaunts her short spring dress like a princess in his room.
But Everest is busy getting ready deciding whether to wear a suit or casual.
"Everest, you aren't even paying attention to me! I'm talking to you!" Leena whines.
"Damn it! Leena! Hold up, don't you see I'm also having trouble deciding what to wear?!"
She laughs, "What?! All you men have to worry about is wearing the right suit, and that's it! It takes us, woman, longer to dress! We have to pick the right dress, shoes, and make-up!"
"that it! Get out! I have to get ready too!" he kicks her out of his room, locking the door.
***
After a two and a half-hour ride, Edilberto and his family arrive at the restaurant Belen made a reservation. There they stand awestruck, glancing at the beautiful sparkles outside the restaurant when a young man comes out to welcome them.
"Good evening! Welcome to Magi Kemo! We just opened our restaurant this week. My name is Philip Dante. I'll be your waiter, along with five others who are currently in the kitchen. Please follow me, as I'll lead you to your table."
They follow Philip through the side of the restaurant where there are outdoor tables, a magnificent water fountain glistening under the many lit stars. A pond outside filled with unique Japanese fishes. Astonished by the view and setting of the restaurant, everyone gasping in surprise as if it's their first time attending such a magnificent place.
Edilberto is proud of Belen for reserving such a grand scale restaurant. They enter through sliding glass doors, though, because this is a private dinner they've covered the doors so no one can see from outside.
Theirs shocked to see a large chandelier, expensive-looking silver wear, and a glass ceiling allowing them to view the starry night sky.
"Excuse me, Philip?"
"Yes, sir, how may I help you?"
"I couldn't help but notice, do you not get customers at this hour?"
"Oh no, sir, we do! Miss Belen Astares reserved the whole restaurant, so only customers are your party."
"I see, thank you."
The waiter excuses himself. As he did Edilberto stares at the chair in the center of the table, his wife asks, "will you be sitting there, honey?"
He declines, "no, I think it'd only right for Belen to sit there; she did manage to reserve this nice restaurant for us."
Iris rolls her eyes with envy, "then where can I sit?"
"I'll sit next to Belen, Leah why don't you sit next to me and Iris you sit next to her and Azaan you sit next to Iris."
They sit in their assigned seats, waiting in silence though Azaan can't hide his excitement at the fact that he'll be seeing his aunt for the first time.
Iris is bored looking at the table setting.
Leah is nervously gripping onto her purse as if her life depends on it, sweating because she'll be dining with Belen as part of the family.
Iris breaks the silence, "so does this mean we can order anything we want, and Belen will pay for it?"
Azaan excitedly yells, "Oh! Aunt will be paying!"
Iris nudges his shoulder, "shh! You can't call her that! You must call her sister!"
Edilberto nods, "that's right Azaan, Belen is your sister, and to answer your question no! I will be paying so only order what you'll be eating."
The sliding door opens as they all turn to see who it is when Reuben enters, striking a bright smile, along with his gorgeous wife.
"Hey! Buddy!" he walks to hug Edilberto. The rest get up from their seats, ready to introduce themselves.
Though it becomes crowded as Leena and Everest enter surprising everyone, especially Edilberto, since Everest is in a velvet black tuxedo suit with his hair swiped to the left, showing his sharp facial features. And he is impressed by Leena, the eldest daughter, her thin, slender body and smile similar to her fathers.
"Oh my! Why don't we sit first and then do our introductions!" Edilberto suggests happily wearing a smile on his face.
Reuben pushes Everest near the chair so he can win over her father. Next to him is Leena because she can control him if he decides to act out, and next is her father and mother.
Edilberto stands upright, clearing his throat, "well, since we arrived first, allow me to introduce to you, my wife, Leah."
She timidly stands up to shake their hands.
"This is my second oldest daughter, Iris."
She repeats the same gesture as Leah.
"And this is my youngest and only son Azaan."
He shyly shakes their hand, though the Foxes find him cute.
"ah, buddy, since our children know who we are, there is no need to introduce myself, hahaha! This is my wife, Stella Fox."
She waves at them softly, whispering,
"Pleasure to meet you all."
"My eldest daughter Leena Fox, and my son, Everest Fox."
They both get up exchanging handshakes with the Astares.
They're awkwardly sitting staring at each other except Reuben and Edilberto.
Iris sneaks a few peeks at Everest, "mhm, tall and good looking."
Azaan hears footsteps as he turns around at the sliding door open. Belen enters through the sliding door like a crow, unable to hide her presence wearing a beige knee length formal dress hugging her curves, wearing a high ponytail, glowing diamond crescent moon earrings, and a white diamond necklace.
She walks to the empty seat assuming its where she'll be sitting and mentally sighs, ignoring their quiet gaze upon her presence.
She realizes Everest right next to her as well as her father.
"as you all may know by now, this is my daughter! Belen Astares!" Edilberto excitedly welcomes her by making everyone clap, but she stops them.
"Theirs no need to go that far, please enjoy your meal, I have a business trip overseas and will be leaving in a bit, so go ahead and order."
As she said that the waiters come out of the kitchen, which so happens to be close by their table, allowing them to smell the great delicacies of the head chef.
Belen immediately hands her menu to a waiter. Everest looks up he gets suspicious to see her secretary dressed in a waiters outfit heading into the kitchen.
He glances at her only to be ignored, after a few minutes they've finished ordering. At the same time, Belen feels someone staring at her. She curiously furrows her eyebrows, thinking, "he must be Iris's son, it's my first time seeing him ever since the first day of his birth, why is he staring at me? Does he want something?"
Reuben tries to break the Icey tension in the air, "ah Belen!"
"Astares" she corrects him.
"Yes, Belen Astares, I was"
She interrupts him with a cold glare, "No, you may call me Miss Astares."
Edilberto's bothered by her attitude, "tch! Belen!"
"as you can tell, I only allow those I'm familiar with to call me by my first name, though this is the first time I'm meeting you, Mr. Fox."
"Oh, I see, excuse my rudeness."
"Yes, I see rudeness runs in your family."
Edilberto turns angrily at Belen along with Everest.
But she merely smirks paying no mind to their oppression.
On the other hand, Iris is enjoying the show, "I knew she'd bring out her sharp tongue."
Leena, unmoved by her comment, maintains her calm composure.
Right then, the foods served by the waiters, when Noah especially brings Belen's carefully minding the placement. Though Everest notices and can't help but ask, "excuse me, waiter!"
A waiter turns around, but Everest shouts, "no, not you! The waiter who was just here attending to Miss Astares."
Noah makes a U-turn back to him, but as Belen was about to bit into her food, her eyes freeze, turning into a pit at the sound of Noah returning.
"do you serve coffee?"
"Yes, sir."
"I'd like ice coffee."
"right away, sir."
Belen loses her appetite, putting away her fork, realizing what he's trying to pull. Annoyed by the smug expression, he calls again, "wait, can you come back, I forgot something else!"
"yes, sir?"
"Mr. Astares, would you like anything? Maybe hot tea?"
Edilberto surprisingly takes a liking to him, "why yes! How did you know I love tea?"
Everest laughs, trying to impress his fancy, "like father like daughter, I figured since Belen happens to love tea so much!"
"Very observant! I like that! Then what kind of tea would you recommend I have?"
Everest panics, having not thought this through, "ah, hmm, let me ask the waiter, I don't want to ask for a tea that they don't have."
Noah offers the type of teas they have.
While this is going on, Belen is losing her patience, gripping onto her fork.
"I know! Can you bring him a cinnamon tea?"
Edilberto laughs gallantly, "Reuben, your son reminds me of your younger self! He's very charming! To think he'd know my favorite tea!"
Reuben can't help but laugh along, smiling from ear to ear, "that's my son! What I say! He's something! Hahaha!"
Edilberto glances at Belen, not eating, "why aren't you eating?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to leave in a few minutes."
"nonsense! Eat! What's so important that you can't eat!?"
"Dad, as you may not know, I'm a very busy person, I don't have time to play house."
Noah returns, carrying a silver tray with the tea and ice coffee.
Carefully placing the iced coffee down, he turns going around Belen's seat. Everest abruptly stands up, bumping into Noah carrying the tea by the handle, making him spill a bit of the tea on the ground, but most of it on his hand.
Everyone stares at Noah, but all they ask is, "Are you alright, Everest?"
Edilberto angrily shouts, "What the hell do you think you're doing?! Did they not train you on how to wait on people?! Would you take responsibility if Everest were to have gotten hurt?!"
Everest pretends to cover Noah's mistake, "Oh, don't be so harsh, Mr. Astares! He's probably still in training! You can't blame him. After all, oh wait, I recognize you! I believe you're Belen's secretary, are you not?"
Belen can't take it anymore and separates the two, signaling Noah to walk away. But as he does, her dad confusedly asks, "that man is your secretary?! You need to fire him immediately! Such an incompetent man!"
But before she can say anything, Everest interrupts, "It's all my fault, Mr. Astares! Please don't blame your daughter! She hired him out of pity!"
"What?! Pity?!"
"Yes! You see, he's an orphan! It's embarrassing, but your daughter is only helping him," he grins sneakily.
Belen has no choice but to use force, pulling Everest away, making him slip and fall by the tea spill when she slams a file onto the center of the table.
"Belen, what is this?"
"Shut up!!! I can't take it anymore! Dad, whether you believe me or not! I'll give you facts as reasons why I will not marry this crude man!"
All eyes are on her, "When I first met Mr. Fox, he made it clear to me that he does not wish to marry me. I found it odd to think Mr. Reuben Fox would want me to marry his son all of a sudden. So I decided to look into his Theater and found that he's currently in debt. And in urgent need of money, if my marriage with his son went as planned, then, of course, they'd get half of the ownership of A Star. Though I ask you, dad, if he's the best friend you claim him to have, then his son marry Iris. After all, the promise you two made was not in spite of money, but of friendship! Correct? Then if you were to offer Iris and he'd decline, what would that make him? Don't think he came back to catch up with you, think about his motives now that he needs something pulling stunts like this!"
She makes a haughty expression feeling relieved, making one last claim, "The decision is yours to make, well then I believe I must get going," she marches out confidently.
Everyone's left shocked, but most of all, Edilberto dejected. Leena can't hide the fact that what she revealed is the truth, and tries to look out for her father.
But Reuben can't hide his embarrassment unable to look at anywhere but down, while at the same time his surging anger clouding his mind.
Just as she walked out the door, Everest rushes after her outside, grabbing her wrist. Though as if knowing who it is, she snaps it away, turning to face him. "Why! Why! Did you have to say that?! Don't you know how hurt your father is!? Why is it so damn hard to just play along?! Why did you have to dig up my dad's past!? Huh!!"
She sneers at his remark, "You're the one who first brought up the past."
"What?!"
"Mr. Fox, I only give back what I receive, don't you remember? You can say anything about me, but when it comes to my employee's I suggest you shut your fucken mouth up!!"
He's taken aback by her dark menacing eyes, seeming as if devouring his soul.
A black limo pulls up with Noah opening the door. She turns away, entering the limo with Noah.
Everest is left alone outside, feeling defeated, unable to lift his head out of shame.
***
As soon as the limo drove away from the restaurant, Belen relaxes her posture, worried after Noah.
"I bet it hurts…" she stares at his hand, blaming herself for having him act as a waiter. She looks away in guilt, "I'm sorry, I didn't think something like this would happen."
"don't worry, see," he faintly smiles, showing his hand in all angles.
Belen presses on it, making him shriek, "see it hurts…you don't have to lie" she pouts. "Here put some ice on it, and when we get to the house, I'll bandage it."
She carefully places a cup filled with ice, grazing it onto his hand. Noah's blushed expression suddenly makes his face feel hot, but it does not seem to bother him. His sincere smile appears melting his cold facial expression having her close enough to smell her fragrance, body heat, wishing he can embrace her whole being. But calms his imagination, and decides to take advantage of her attention secretly admiring her kindness.
***
"What's up, Everest! Strange of you to call me!"
"Jared, I need you to find information about someone…"
"Oh sure, tell me their names! You called the right guy!"
"his name is…Noah, Alvares."
"right-o got it! What'll you do once I have the information?"
"I'll pay you a visit."
"W-What?!! To Korea?! Hello?...Hello?!"
***
Midnight at LAX Airport.
Noah and Belen are in a plane sitting in the first-class heading to South Korea. Knowing that this will be a thirteen-hour nonstop flight, Belen takes advantage of the time to sleep as her head gently falls to Noah's shoulder, suddenly gripping onto his arm tightly as if he were a teddy bear nuzzling her head into his neck. Noah gently caresses her hair away from her face and covering her with a blanket.
Though from afar, Everest is secretly watching them in disguise from the cornerback wearing dark shades, "did he just kiss her? Could they be dating? Secretly? No, that can't be."
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