The Playboy’s Downfall novel Chapter 34

IT was one fine morning, the sun rises beautifully, and the air was amazing and cool as winter is approaching. The birds in the trees chirp a perfect harmony. Dried leaves swayed to the ground.

Isla takes her time to jog around the park near their place, wearing her black leggings, and sports bra paired with her sports jacket and sneakers. When she felt tired, she sat on the wooden bench near the angel statue. She drank from her water bottle and decided to watch those people who were walking down the street. Observing people is also one of her hobbies. Aside from reading books, doing archery, and firing guns… she’s having a good time watching people and observing their behaviors.

She’s getting to know how life works about other people’s gestures and actions. However, she can’t judge anyone by just watching them. Well, it’s not bad to know people by watching.

After a couple of minutes, she stood up and walked her way home. She doesn’t want to jog anymore. She wants to savor the moment—to feel the fresh air coming from the green trees.

She was about to cross the street when someone grabbed her by the arm which totally surprised her. When she turned to that someone, her eyes widened, and her lips parted as she gasped.

“Hi.”

“Z-Zero,” she muttered. “Where are you going?”

Zero let go of her and put his hands inside the pocket of his leather jacket. “Just passing by,” he replied. “How about you?” he asked as he met her eyes.

She gulped, diverting her gaze away from him. She can’t stand Zero’s look. Maybe he’s too handsome that she can’t stare at him that long.

“Doing some exercise,” she replied and looked at him again, meeting his eyes.

“Let’s grab some coffee,” Zero uttered.

She bit her lower lip and nodded. She tucked some of her loose hair at the back of her ear.

Zero started to walk and crossed the street, she then followed. They both turned left and entered the coffee shop. Since it was still early, there were only a few customers inside. The cashier greeted them as they stand in front of the counter and looked at the menu above.

“What will I get for you?” he asked.

She squinted her eyes and read the menu above. “Hot caramel and a piece of vanilla cake,” she replied.

Zero nodded and ordered her to find a seat as he waits for their orders.

She then chooses to sit at the edge, near the glass windows. At that moment, Isla wanted to scream out loud because of the romantic excitement that she was feeling. Damn, what did she do to get lucky with her long-time crush?

She knew Zero is a womanizer, but having this treatment from him, it feels different for her. She heaved a deep sigh and looked at Zero. She can’t help to grimace when she saw two women talking to Zero.

Guess, she’s not that lucky because Zero is not still committed, not to someone else or her. Maybe she will just be grateful and appreciate what they have for now.

When Zero gazed in her direction, she flashed a smile. After that, she broke their stares and looked outside the glass door.

She heaved a sigh again. She touched her chest as the familiar feeling started to knock into it. She’s hoping that her brother won’t see them or know about it.

After a few moments, Zero caught her attention as he put down the tray. He sat across from her and put her orders in front of her then he put away the tray on the other table.

“How are you?” Zero asked out of the moment.

“I’m doing good. You? How’s your company?”

Zero sipped into his cup before answering. “Doing good. It’s growing as time passed by. Hmm… So, how’s school?”

“Great. The university is perfect. I guess I will have a great college journey,” she replied as she sliced a piece of her vanilla-flavored cake.

“Any suitors?”

Her eyes widened; a fork stuck in her mouth as she gazed at him. “Huh?”

“How about suitors or men who get interested—”

“No one,” she interrupted and sipped on her glass.

“Isla…”