8

Laarni took a bite of the lobster thermidore.

“Is it good?” Adrian asked. Laarni smiled and nodded. The dish actually tasted bland but she decided not to say it anyway. This was after all, Rodolfo’s, the parent restaurant of the Tolosa food empire. Adrian was the president of the empire, and surely she did not want anyone losing their job because of her.

“Laarni.” Adrian said as he put down his goblet of wine. Laarni looked up. Adrian took a deep breath, a tension mounting inside him. “I am a man who does not believe in long courtships. After all, if this is it, then this is it.”

It was now Laarni’s turn to take a deep breath. Her stomach was starting to do summersaults. She knew what was coming next.

“Laarni, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?” Adrian asked as he brought out a purple velvet box.

Laarni felt time stood still. She remained glued to her seat the shock evident in her eyes. She reached for her wine goblet at gulped the entire glass. Slowly, Adrian unlatched the velvet box and opened it to reveal the contents. Laarni gasped. Inside was a sapphire necklace, the pendant encrusted with small diamonds.

“Ang ganda!” Laarni exclaimed. She touched the necklace and looked at Adrian. She took her hand away from the box. Adrian got the necklace and stood up.

“Adrian wait.” Laarni said. “Masyadong mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Give me time to think.”

“How long?”

“I just need time to think it over.”