“Mom, please! I just wanted to spend my time relaxing before my nineteenth birthday,” Lia begged her mother.

“Alright, but on one condition. I will appoint bodyguards and helpers that will join your vacation. And you also need to meet Farrah, my friend in Barcelona,” Sandra, her mother, said firmly.

“Yes, I will. But Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. I am fine by myself,” she tried to oppose her mother.

“If you don’t want it, then you can’t go,” her mother stated, and you could tell the power she held.

“Fine! But only one lady guard and helper only. I don’t want to get other people’s attention because of that,” Lia said but sounded unwilling.

Lia understood that she would never be allowed to go out without a bodyguard. But she still wanted to try her luck, and she didn’t have any for today.

So technically, she was okay with it because she knew how dangerous it was to be away from her mother.

But still, she was always dreaming of the day when she could be anywhere without a bodyguard on her side, and she wouldn’t be anxious that someone might stab her in the back.

Lia flew to Macotta City, and her mother gave her a twenty-day vacation, so she wouldn’t waste time staying in the hotel.

It was already her third day, and she decided to walk to the nearest park from the hotel where she stayed.

Lia sat down on a bench and started to read her favorite book. She preferred to relax today instead of roaming around because her feet were swollen, and she couldn’t even walk for more than an hour.

When her eyes got tired from reading, she stood up as she, put down the book on the bench, and walked around the park.

Lia spotted the fountain at the center and captured a photo of it. She captured the sky, the kids playing, and the family on a picnic.

But when her phone suddenly stopped at the bench she was sitting on earlier, she immediately marched towards the man.

When Lia got there, she saw the man held her book and planner.

She became furious all of a sudden and nervous at the same time because her guard was not with her at the moment. She asked him what he was doing, and the man explained himself.

‘The man seemed to have a similar accent to hers,’ Lia thought.

She felt more nervous and thought the man was related to the Kennedy clan. It was her relative who wanted to harm her in any way. She had already thought of leaving because she felt uneasy, but she didn’t.

She wanted to confirm first if he was a henchman or not, so she would know who to avoid.

Lia felt more uncomfortable because the man didn’t look away for once. But when she glanced at him, she noticed that his clothes were dirty because of the melted gelato.

“Thank you for this. I am Edward, by the way,” the man introduced himself and extended his hand.

“I’m Lia, nice to meet you,” Lia said as she shook their hand.

“Are you from here? I was wondering where you came from because your accent seems similar to mine,” she added.

She wanted to know if she needed to be cautious of this man or not.

“No, I’m just here for the vacation. My hometown was in New Zealand. How about you?” he answered her.

Her suspicions grew wider, but Lia thought thoroughly.

‘If he were a henchman, he wouldn’t give his information easily, or he might be faking it,’ that was on her mind.

“We are almost the same. I lived in New Zealand and went here for a vacation,” Lia said excitedly to hide what she was aiming for.

“Actually, I was studying here in Barcelona. I should be in New Zealand right now, but I chose to explore the cities because I didn’t have time while I was studying,” Edward started talking.

Lia was surprised that he was this talkative. She didn’t think that Edward would talk about himself without thinking twice. So she realized that the man had no ill intent on her.

A bit by bit, she was getting comfortable talking with him because he would always be the one who initiated their talk.

Little did Lia know, Edward talked about himself because he wanted Lia to know him better, and he wanted to know the woman as well.

He took this opportunity to be close to her. He had already admitted that he had feelings for her.

It was unusual for him to fall in love at first sight because he had met beautiful women before, and he didn’t feel this foreign affection he had.

They talked endlessly as if it couldn’t be done tomorrow.

“I actually have a twin sister, her name is Mila, and she was older than me by thirty minutes,” Lia suddenly blurted out.

“Really? Do you look alike?” he asked.

“No, we’re not identical, but people mistake us as if we are one, and I don’t have a problem with that. She was bright as the sun and brave as a man. She was my protector because I was a fragile child back then and was really weak. She was the best sister I could wish for,” she said, who was being sentimental.

“I could tell that you really love your sister because the eyes always speak the truth,” Edward said because he saw that Lia was happy while saying it, and he noticed her sadness too.

Edward was worried about her, but he didn’t ask further questions. He thought that they would always have time for that. He would definitely make time for that to happen if there wasn’t.

The sunset had already come to view, so they decided to leave and return to their respective places.

“Thanks for today, I had fun talking to you,” she said as she smiled genuinely.

“No worries, I also enjoyed my time with you. What way will you go?” he asked and pointed to the two sides of the road.

“My hotel is this way, I will just walk because it is near, and I don’t need to take a cab,” Lia answered as she pointed the way where she was going ahead.

“Oh, that’s nice, I’m going the same way. So, let’s go?” Edward said, and she only nodded.

The two of them were strangely quiet as they walked. No one wanted to break the silence, and both of them felt that it was comfortable and there was nothing to be awkward about.

After ten minutes of walking, they were both surprised that they had stayed in the same hotel.

“Are you staying here as well?” Edward asked unbelievably.

“Yes, and you mean that you are staying here too?” she asked with astonishment.

By that incident, Edward thought that they were fated to meet each other. So he didn’t want to lose this chance to get to know Lia better.

“Alright, I’ll head on to my room now,” Lia bid her goodbye, but Edward grabbed her arms.

“Lia, wait a minute. I didn’t know when we would be able to meet again or if we would have a chance to meet again, so I wanted you to know what I was feeling. Would you like to go out with me tomorrow and visit the cities together?”

Edward thought that there was no room for hesitation. If he wanted her for himself, he should really make a move.

Lia was stunned by what she heard, but it also made her heart flutter, so all she could do was nod her head as she agreed with him.

As soon as Edward loosened his grip on her, she quickly went to her room and screamed on her pillows.

On the other hand, Edward entered his room and felt lost. He couldn’t believe he had asked a girl to go out with him.

He couldn’t move an inch from the shock, and when he recovered, he clutched his chest when he felt his heart beating so fast.

‘I thought she wouldn’t accept my invitation.’ He thought.

When his phone rang, he answered immediately, and it was his Aunt Perla.

“What happened? You looked happy. Did you enjoy your tour there,” his aunt said when Edward was grinning on the phone.

“Is it too obvious?” he chuckled.

“I’m doing well here, and I’m having a pleasant time roaming around. And guess what, Auntie?” he said in a boastful tone.

“What is it?” his aunt asked.

“I just asked the girl I like on a date,” he said, feeling proud.

“Oh, I thought you were too focused on your studies that you didn’t have an interest in finding a girlfriend,” she commented.

“Well, because I also thought the same, but the first time I stared at her eyes. I didn’t know that I was captivated by her,” Edward said as he remembered their encounter earlier.

“I’m glad that you feel that way towards her. I won’t forbid you not to date her because you’re old enough to make your own decision. I just hope for your happiness,” she said.

“Thanks for your concern, Auntie. Don’t tell anybody about this, especially my brother. I wanted to be the one who will break the news when she is officially mine,” Edward replied.

“Alright, I’ll be going now. Take care of yourself,” his aunt bid goodbye and hung up the phone.

‘I really like her. I just hope that she feels the same way?’ he thought.

Edward laid on his bed, and his mind started to wonder about her. He wanted to know what was running to Lia’s head.

He was thinking of what she was feeling towards him, even if she didn’t feel the same way. He was determined to do everything so Lia would learn to like him.

'Maybe what I feel right now was what they call, 'love at first sight?’

Lia couldn’t contain her excitement when Edward invited her to the point that she couldn’t even blink an eye. She fell asleep late at night and woke up before sunrise.

Usually, she didn’t like waking up early, and she wanted to stay the most. But today was different. She really looked forward to the tour she would have with Edward.

She decided to spend her time preparing for their trip later. She laid out the dresses on her bed.

This was the first time she had a hard time choosing her clothes, so she thought that she would take a bath first while thinking about what dress she would wear.

After a while, Auntie Naneth, their helper since she was a kid, entered her room. She was surprised when she noticed Lia was already awake and had finished her bath.

“You’re early today, what’s the occasion?” Auntie Naneth muttered.

“Auntie, I have a trip later, and I have a companion, so you don’t need to worry about me,” Lia giggled from the thought of it.

“Alright, that’s why you are here, so enjoy yourself. I’ll check the room of your bodyguard if she's already awake so she could prepare herself to escort you,” Naneth said.

“No, Auntie! There’s no need for that. I have someone with me, and I won’t be alone just like yesterday,” Lia spoke as she frowned a little.

“Then, tell me who it is?” Naneth said as she crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow.

Auntie Naneth was protective of Lia because she watched how the little Lia grew up into a fine lady. She had seen everything, her daily experiences, and encounters until her worst nightmares. She knew it all.

“It is a friend I met yesterday. His name was Edward, I met him at the park, and he stays next door,” Lia explained.

“So it was a man? Still, your bodyguard need to come with you because for me, I couldn’t afford to get in this weather,” Naneth said, being cautious.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. Edward is harmless, I got to know him yesterday, and he is not someone who would harm me.....hmmm?” Lia said.

But the helper did not give her an answer and was just looking at her.

“But okay, for you not to be worried too much, I’ll let the bodyguard come but with one meter distance from us. Please? So I could really enjoy this day,” she added and held her Aunt’s hand, pleading.

“Alright, but don’t let your bodyguard lose sight of you on purpose,” Auntie Naneth reminded her.

“Yes! Thank you so much, I love you,” Lia said with delightfulness.

After they talked, Auntie Naneth helped Lia to prepare, from the dress she would wear to her hairstyle and make-up.

Lia wanted to look beautiful in front of Edward, so she took her time until she was satisfied.

When Lia went down to the lobby, she already saw Edward waiting for her. He looked gorgeous in his outfit, and he looked really cool that she couldn’t help but stare intently.

“Hello ma’am, I’m Edward. I will be the one who will be with Lia today,” Edward introduced himself.

“Just call me Auntie Naneth, and make sure that you won’t let her be in danger,” Auntie almost commanded him.

“You can count on me. We’ll take our leave now, Auntie,” Lia bid goodbye.

“Edward, my bodyguard will be tailing us wherever we go. But don’t worry, she'd be one meter away from us,” Lia uttered shyly.

“It’s fine with me, as long as your safety is assured,” Edward said as he smiled at her.

‘Does Lia came from a prestigious family? Was there a threat to her life?' Edward thought as he took a glimpse at the lady guard.

They went to different places, such as famous museums and amusement parks, and took a picture together in each area.

They decided to commute rather than use Edward's car so that they could enjoy the travels as well.

They tried different shops every now and then, which satisfied their cravings.

Their smiles reach their ears, and sometimes they would hold hands without them knowing as if it was only natural for them.

When they stopped at the food stalls, Lia saw her reflection at the glass door behind. She saw her old self, who was full of happiness.

Then she remembered that it had been a while since she smiled like that. 'Mila, I hope you're happy to see me smile again.'

She never thought that she would still be happy after the tragedy that happened in her life.

For once, she didn’t mind if she was in danger or if someone wanted to harm her. And that was because she felt safe in the arms of Edward.

Lia could feel Edward’s gaze at her. The way he stared at her was different, and it was hard to define, but she was feeling it as well.

“You’re really a beauty, someone might mistake you for a goddess,” Edward complimented her out of nowhere.

“You are kidding me,” Lia laughed at Edward’s remarks to hide her blush.

“It’s true. You’re so pretty, especially when you are smiling,” Edward said, which made Lia’s heart skip a beat.

From time to time, Edward would complement her, and every time he would see her smile. He was totally mesmerized by her beauty.

They had just met, and it hadn’t been a day since they had known each other, but Lia already felt the butterflies in her stomach because of Edward’s small gestures.

Lia remembered their first interaction, and before it ended, she was dumbfounded when Edward suddenly confessed to her that he liked her.

She was dazed and confused, but now that she had spent time with him, it was clear as water that she felt the same way.

But still, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down and be cautious with her feelings now. It should be mind over heart, she thought that was what matters.

After the day ended, they ate dinner together and decided what to do for another day.

“What do you want to do for tomorrow?” Edward asked.

“I’m tired today, so I don’t want to walk continuously. I want to relax in a place where it is somewhat refreshing,” Lia answered him.

“All right, I think I know a place we can go to. It is included in my bucket list,” Edward suggested.

“Okay, it’s up to you as long as it’s not dangerous,” Lia replied.

They rested for a moment and went back to the hotel. When Lia entered her room, she was smiling widely, and Naneth noticed it.

“Did you enjoy today, sweetie?” Naneth welcomed her.

“Yes, I did,” Lia said, still on cloud nine.

“You know what, Auntie. I never thought that the day would come when I would be able to smile again. I thought when my sister died, I would never be happy again. But now...” Lia shared her sentiment and happiness was evident in her eyes.

“And I’m glad that you’re happy because everyone deserves it. All I wanted was to see you smile again just like you did today. Your Mommy would be so happy to see you this way,” Naneth stated.

“Yeah, and I’m really glad that I was here today,” she replied.

“Maybe, I should send my regards to that man because he made you smile and say those kinds of words. Your eyes were also sparkling,” Naneth teased her.

‘My auntie was right. I felt the freedom and happiness I had never felt for almost five years, thanks to Edward,' Lia thought.

Lia washed herself and changed her clothes to sleep, but after doing that, she couldn’t fall asleep. Whenever she closed her eyes, she always remembered the day she had earlier.

The happiness she felt, the admiration that Edward gave her, and the words Edward said made her day wonderful.

Edward must be her saviour in disguise. Someone that would save her from her miseries.

“Where are we going?” Lia asked with curiosity.

“You will see when we get there,” Edward said and grinned at her.

Edward was driving his car. It was not that far from the hotel and was not outside the city. He prepared food for them and brought some books and board games for that day.

“So, we will go hiking? That’s why you said I should wear this type of clothes. I should be able to guess it.”

Lia frowned that she didn’t realize what her attire was for. Both of them were wearing shirts, long pants, and sneakers.

“And you didn’t have a clue, it works in my favor. I wanted to surprise you,” Edward chuckled.

“We could get to the peak after thirty minutes, and the view from there was spectacular,” Edward informed her.

“Hmmm… sounds interesting. Have you been in that place?” Lia said.

“Nope, this is my first time as well,” Edward said as he extended his hand to help Lia to get up.

“Then, how do you say so? That the view was spectacular?” Lia intrigued him.

“Says on the reviews I saw on the internet,” Edward chuckled, and Lia couldn’t help but laugh as well.

When they got there, Lia was totally in awe, and Edward was glad that she liked it.

Edward said that it was better when the night came because the city lights of Macotta City would light up the darkest night.

“You’re right. It’s beautiful here and so refreshing,” Lia thanked him as she stared at him.

Lia couldn’t help but look away when she felt Edward’s fierce gaze towards her. Her cheeks flushed when he was staring at her.

They ate first, he only brought sandwiches, bread, and fruits, but it was okay for Lia. They spent their time knowing each other, reading the books he brought, and playing board games together.

When they got tired of it, they satisfied themselves by staring at the view in front of them. Then, suddenly Edward uttered a word that caused Lia to be stunned in her place.

“I know, everything is so fast. We just met the other day, and I already said these words to you,” Edward spoke.

“I like you, Lia. Please, don’t question my adoration for you. There was no extent to how long I would love you, but I promised that my love would last. I have never felt this feeling before, this is my first time, but I assure you that I knew it is love which is not comparable to anything,” Edward confessed, and Lia couldn’t look into his eyes anymore.

Lia grew up believing in love, but being in love for just a couple of days was impossible.

Lia wanted to take it slow, while Edward didn’t want to waste time. Lia knew that Edward was being honest with his feelings and to her. But for her, she still couldn’t take the risk.

She wanted to feel of being admired, loved, and she also wanted to reciprocate that feeling. The happiness she’d felt with Edward was hard to believe she could have now.

For her, it was really unbelievable that it was easy to find someone who would love her wholeheartedly.

“When I first saw you, I thought of you as an angel lost on earth. The first time our eyes met, there was a strange feeling that I couldn’t define. But now, I know what I felt, I like you. I adored you. I longed for your presence. I wanted to show my love for you, so please let me.”

Edward stepped forward and was about to kiss Lia, but she stepped back.

“I’m sorry, Edward, but not now,” Lia said bravely.

Lia knew that she was not ready for this. This was not planned, and this was not supposed to happen.

Edward wasn’t aware of what kind of life she had, and what secret lies with her life in New Zealand.

The Lia that she knew was far from the Lia back there. She was afraid he might regret what he felt for her once he found out about the truth.

“Let’s go back. I’m tired,” Lia said without looking at him.

When they got in the car, silence enveloped them. When Edward heard Lia’s apology, he thought that they weren’t on the same page, so he understood.

Edward didn’t want to push through what he wanted, at least for now. He respected her decision, but he knew he wouldn’t give up easily. Not when he already fell hard.

He wouldn’t let go just because the woman she loved didn’t love her back, that was what he thought.

As long as Lia didn’t have a man in her life, he still had a chance. He would show her his love, he would persuade her, and serenade her, or whatever it takes.

When they returned to the hotel, Lia immediately got out of his car without saying anything.

Edward sighed in dismay, he had hoped that he shouldn’t say his confession. He wished that Lia would still talk to him. He wondered if he would still have a chance.

“Oh dear, what happened to you?” Aunt Naneth was shocked when she saw Lia brimming with tears.

“A-Auntie…” Lia muttered while crying. She didn’t know why but her heart felt heavy.

She kept calling her Aunt Naneth, but she couldn’t say what was wrong with her. While her aunt could only hug her when she was in this state.

She didn’t know why she was crying. Did she regret turning Edward down or did she feel overwhelmed with these new things that she couldn’t help but cry.

All she knew was that she was scared, but she couldn’t determine what she feared the most.

Or maybe she knew but she didn’t want to acknowledge it, because if she did, her life would be a mess again.

There was a threat to her life. She was scared that if she loved that man to the fullest, she would endanger him as well.

She couldn’t afford to lose someone again who she would cherish the most.

“Have you finally calmed down, dear?” Her Aunt Naneth asked her when Lia stopped crying.

Lia just nodded, she felt weak after what she did.

“Remember the reason that made your Mom agree for you to have a vacation here, hmm? We can meet her tomorrow. Your Mom said that her friend was already waiting for us. We can stay there for a few days?” Aunt Naneth suggested as she stroked her hair.

“I don’t know what happened between that man and you. When you are crying like that, something bothers you. Maybe staying with your Mom's friend could help you to feel better again,” Aunt Naneth added as Lia silently nodded.

She wanted to say everything to her nanny, but she couldn’t open her mouth.

'I hope I can reciprocate his feelings without worrying about other things.'

They just waited for thirty minutes, and Lia finally drifted to sleep. As soon as she woke up, they would leave immediately and Lia wasn't sure if she'll meet Edward ever again.