She's pouting.

And downright ignoring me.

I don't deserve that.

Fine.

Maybe just a little bit.

We've been miles away from the ground for 8 hours and she didn't even ask where we're going or how long will it take to reach our destination. In fact, she never even said a word.

When we arrived at the runway, she just sighed, rolling her eyes when I told her that we'll be taking off from there. Carter let herself out and went straight to the plane without even bothering to look at me.

I got on the plane, greeted the pilot, and found Carter looking out the window. Her position and the way she was seated tells me that she's not interested, nor does she wanted to talk.

The plane took off and we have been flying for a few hours when I started feeling irritated. All the while she's just looking out the window or going to the cabin to try and get some sleep, and then back again.

Sure, I don't really have anything to say, but that's the whole purpose of this surprise. I didn't mean to tell them at the last minute but what choice to I have?

I already received a phone call telling me that she's already losing her time. That her freedom will be snatched away soon. That she would be facing reality once we head back or once they caught up on us.

I already risked my name and my company by ignoring the messages of her father and extending our days in this fantasy I brought to ourselves.

Considering that I'm still confused on why I just can't hand her over to her parents and be spared from being involved in a royal scandal is just too damn stupid.

I mean, who, in their right mind, would even ignore a king's warning. Who would even deliberately disregard or defy a king's order to hand over his daughter?

People always do crazy things when they're in love

What the fuck?

Where the fuck did that come from?

The call I received in the early morn was already a sign that I need to stop whatever it is that I'm doing, or planning. Because if I continue with this little adventure, I will be in serious trouble. A big royal trouble.

But of course, here we are. Defying the king's order. Ignoring each other as we travel to the place where she had never been but always dreamed of visiting. To a place where not many would recognize or even know her.

And yet, she seems uninterested.

Fuck me dead!

This is not what I expected when I planned this.

She should be restless and bouncing off her feet with joy, eager to land, and pestering me on how long until we arrive.

Maybe because she has no idea where you're taking her.

But of course, that would no longer be a surprise if I told her.

Or the fact that she is really enjoying herself in the company of your grandparents.

It can't be helped. After the call, I have no choice but to speed up this little adventure. And my grandparents are aware of her situation.

I looked at my watch. Well, at least now, it won't be long until she finds out where we will be for the next few days.

"So, aren't you going to ask where we're going?" This is my first attempt in striking up a conversation with her.

What did I get?

Nothing.

Nada

Not a single response.

Not a single word.

Not even sparing me glance.

She just blatantly ignored me and continued looking out the window as if the clouds are the most interesting thing in this world.

I let out a deep breath, trying to ease my nerves. This is going to be difficult.

She's being difficult.

"Look. I know how in a short period of time; you and my grandparents have gotten really close―" I heard her sigh at that "―and I'm sorry for being an ass―"

"Wow! I can't believe that I would be hearing Nathaniel Westwood apologize for being an asshat!" she stated bluntly before giving me a hard stare, ending the conversation.

I probably deserve that.

"I just want us to continue with this little adventure and bring you to places you always dreamed of going."

"Gee. I didn't realize that this is for me," she said sarcastically. "Should I thank you? Should I apologize for the way I have been acting for the past hours?"

The last comment made me bite my tongue and grit my teeth in anger. She's starting to piss me off. Now, I feel like I would prefer her silence over her snide comments.

Control your temper

Deep breaths

You know you don't want to ruin your adventure with her.

When I look at her, she was already back to the position she was seated in earlier. Her eyes looking out the window, her back facing me again, making it clear that she no longer wants to continue with this conversation.

Another minute passed before an idea suddenly popped in my head.

If she doesn't want to talk, I'll just let her hear something.

I pulled out my phone as I walk towards one of the stewards and instructed them to play one of the songs on my phone.

When I went back to my seat, the music started in the speakers. I saw how her rigid body seemed to come alive as she probably recognized the tune from somewhere. A festive introduction before the singer started.

Minsa'y natuwa ang may Likha,

Pitong-libong pulo and ginawa,

Mga hiyas na inilatag sa malasutlang dagat,

At ang bayan niyang pinili,

Nasa dulo ng bahag-hari.

Kaya't isang libong kulay,

Nang-aakit, kumakaway!

That caught her attention as if trying to decipher the language. She slightly turned her body, making me see her face as well as her expressions. Her eyebrows started to scrunch up, and she cocked her head to the side, waiting for more.

Piliin mo rin ang Pilipinas

That line alone made her snap her head towards my direction, eyes wide, mouth agape. And I know she already figured it out.

Finally, a positive reaction from her.

Kapuluang kwintas ng perlas

Piliin mo, yakapin mo

Kayamanan niyang likas,

Piliin mo ang Pilipinas

With our eyes locked, she finally started to smile. A smile that reached from ear to ear. A smile that made this whole trip worth it.

She leaned her head back and closed her eyes with her smile still on her lips. And I did the same until the song ended.

*****

I still think that we had a pleasant flight despite us both being miserable for more than eight hours.

She started firing questions the moment the song ended. And I answered those questions as honestly as possible. And with a straight face so she'll believe every word I say.

"Are you really trying to fulfill the dreams I have told you about?"

"Yes."

That's an easy one.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Quite the opposite, actually. I'm trying to keep you."

That response made her blush which brought a smile to my face.

"After this trip to the Philippines, we'll we go to any other countries?"

"We'll just have to wait and see."

Answering that question was quite difficult because all I could think of is that, it might be over for her. But nevertheless, I answered using the same tone I have been using since she fired her first question.

"I was really enjoying your grandparents company, so did we have to go immediately?"

"I have my reasons and let's just live it at that."

I earned a suspicious look after that but thankfully she didn't push any further. And finally, she asked

And the, she finally asked the question that I have been asking myself.

"Why are you doing this?"

Caught off guard, I was not able to make an immediate response other than an unholy squeal that sounded like "what?" to me.

I cleared my throat, finding my composure. "What do you mean by that?"

She rolled her eyes for probably the nth time. "I mean, why are you trying to help me fulfill my dreams? Why are you trying to help me go to the places I have always dreamed of visiting?"

"Honestly," I began, trying to look for the perfect words to express myself. "I have been asking myself that question as of lately. Why is it that of all the women in the world, I chose you? But now that I fully think about it, I guess it's because of the way you smile." I said, looking at her straight in the face. Her eyes widened at the confession as her cheeks turned crimson.

"There is this certain spark in your eyes that seemed to light up the world around you. You are a ball of sunshine to the people around you especially when you enjoy the things you're doing or simply when you're immersed at your own little world. You can call me selfish for doing this just so I could see you smile like that and knowing that I was the cause of that beautiful smile."