Chapter 3 A Stranger's Kiss

People have been praising my twin and me for being both beautiful. We are identical twins but have a lot of differences from each other when it comes to our behavior. I believe that simplicity is beauty. I chose a vintage tee matched with high-wasted jeans and heels.

I am; we are endowed with effortless grooming since our magnificence comes naturally. Ava and I were blessed with pleasing physique shapes, a full-figured waist, and plump hips. Tonight is my date with Ian. I am feeling a little uneasy.

"Ada, perhaps it has been a long time since I have attempted proving myself to you; I hope you can answer my question to you now," said Ian.

"What is your question?" I said, smiling.

"Would you be my girl, Ada?" Ian held my hand.

"You have been courting me for decades. You gave me what I wanted, to finish my studies. Until I became Mom's partner in her life. You still waited. So, Ian, there is no reason now for me to restrain myself. Yes, I will be your girl from this moment on." I replied to Ian.

"Really?" Ian stood up and embraced me.

Ian is my first boyfriend, many tried to woo me, but I preferred not to risk commitments. Mom is my priority, so I forgot about myself. Ian waited patiently for me. And one more thing, Ava is already married, so there is no reason for me not to give Ian an answer.

"I promise to be the best boyfriend for you, Ada!" Ian uttered.

"Do not promise anything, Ian; just do it," I told him.

"The amount I dreamed of doing with you, Ada. And now that you are my girlfriend, I wish to fulfill that one by one. First, let me call you Sweetie, for you are the sweetest woman I have ever known.

Secondly, I prefer you to take a vacation because since Uncle Josh died, you have been so busy in the boutique, and you forgot to give yourself time.

Third, I want the day to come when you are the woman I will present at the altar and marry. I have loved you so much since we were kids, and that has not changed over time. I love you, Sweetie." While Ian clenched my hand.

"Let us accomplish those things one by one. I love you too, Ian!" I confided him.

I guess this is love. I am comfortable in Ian's presence. Also, he is my first boyfriend, so I should tell him I love him. The time will likewise come when I will feel incredible when I am with Ian. So far, I am delighted with my decision, and I think I am with the right person.

One night, Ian passed by the boutique again before going home.

"I will take you to Manila this weekend. I have to attend a seminar there for the company. So that you can unwind away from our province, I can have someone with me on my long drive." Ian's invitation.

"Oh sure, I will come with you! I plan to close on Saturday so Mom can rest as well." I concurred with what he said.

I want to go to Manila, and I might have the chance to see Ava there. I know Mom is still disturbed by the thought of Ava and her condition.

Saturday came...

"Aunt Alice, we will be back within this day. Perhaps Ada and I would come home a little late." when Ian begged Mom for permission.

"You are both at the right age, and even if you come home here already married, I will be glad of that!" smiling Mom mumbled.

"Mom, get married right away? Ian and I just entered into a relationship, and we are not in a hurry. Take good care. Take a break while the boutique is closed." I reminded my mother.

We headed to Manila using Ian's car. We are from Iba, Zambales, a second-class municipality and capital of the province Zambales. It would take approximately three hours to go to Manila.

"Are you okay? You can take a nap, Sweetie!" Ian's indication.

"No, I am not going to Manila for the first time, but I still want to see the way we are going through," I told him with a smile.

I did not sleep, and my eyes relished the spectacular places we saw along the way. Nine in the morning, we arrived in Manila. We reached our destination well and safely.

"Sweetie, would you be fine if I left you here in the hotel lobby for a while? I will attend my seminar and be with you during lunchtime." when Ian and I entered a hotel.

"Oh, sure! I will be fine, Sweetie. Go ahead; you might get late for your seminar. I can manage." I squeezed his hand.

Eventually, Ian left me deserted in the hotel lobby. There are also some people waiting here with me. I picked up my cellphone to listen to music while waiting. Now I feel drowsy. Ian and I had a long trip. We left Iba too early.

I tilted my head on the soft couch of the lobby. I should not sleep. While I wait for Ian, I can go for a saunter and take the chance to see Ava. A very handsome man captured my sight. Why did I unexpectedly say he is handsome?

I am with my boyfriend Ian, but I am, admiring a man who looks like a leading man in movies. I was even more shocked when he smiled, and his smile infected me. I smiled at him too! And why does he seem to be smiling at me? I looked to my left and right, but I had no one else next to me.

"Hon!" and I was even more astonished when he moved toward me.

He stroked my face, and abruptly, he kissed my lips. I closed my eyes. My world ceased spinning as he did the kissing. My heart is thumping extremely hastily. It seemed to explode with the sensation caused by this man's kiss.

"I am glad to see you here. Let us have lunch together. I need to get back to the conference room. See you later!" and he even slightly squeezed my chin.

I could no longer speak, and I saw that he had climbed the stairs again, moving away from me. I touched my lip. Why did he kiss me? Why did he call me ‘hon’?

My first kiss ever came from a stranger! So perhaps my heart is whipping too fast until these times, and it appears like it wishes to lunge for pleasure. His breath smelled so aromatic. His lips are so soft and kissable. I smirked even though my supposed reaction was outrage. Why would a stranger decide to kiss me?