Chapter 2

Eliana’s POV

“How’s Dubai?” I asked Wendel. I excitedly answered his call in just two rings.

“Great. I am very happy I am with Lana now,” he said smiling as Callie looked at the video to wave her hands at me.

“You’re lucky with Callie, you know,” I said.

I couldn’t help but envy my good friend. He had someone who fully supported him in every aspect of his life. I hope someday I’ll find my own love of my life, but deep inside, there’s someone who I want to be my own love of my life. I chuckled at that thought.

“You’ll find someone too, Eli. I know that you’re a great person, and I’m pretty sure when you find the one, he’s lucky to have you, too,” I blushed at what he had said.

“Eli, do you want me to find someone here for you?” Callie laughed as she asked me. I quickly shook my head to say no. “Why not?” she asked me.

“It’s fine, Callie,” I chuckled. “I don’t mind being single anyway.” I quickly grabbed Wendel’s attention with what I said.

“I don’t think so, Elliana. We’re 25! I doubt that you don’t like anyone,” he said.

“I swear!” I said.

A lie.

I just lied to my best friend, I don’t even know why I couldn’t tell him I like Oliver.

“Liar. I know you too well. I might not know who, but I’m sure you like someone,” he smirked.

I sighed as a sign that I lost to him, “Fine. I like someone; it’s just that I don’t know if I can tell you who it is.”

“I’m far away from you. You can make your move now,” he smirked.

I couldn’t answer him quickly. I just smiled at him on the screen.

“You don’t have to tell me, Elliana. I know who it is, the way you look at him. It was obvious you have feelings for him, but take your time. I’ll just be here supporting you two,” he said, which made me teary-eyed. I truly have a friend in him.

“Are you crying?” He laughed at me.

“Shut up!” I said, laughing while wiping the tears in my eyes.

“So tell me, Eli. When did this happen? Since when did you like Oliver?” he asked, smirking, and I laughed more.

“Oh gosh! I didn’t know how it happened. I really like him. I really do, but I can’t confess. I know I shouldn’t,” I said.

“Why not?” he said, his brows furrowed.

“Is it worth risking? The friendship we have had for so long? And what if he didn’t feel the same way? I’ll look like an idiot in front of him.”

“Well, it’s up to you…” he said, “Anyways, Eli, I have to go. I have work in an hour. I’ll call you again, okay?”

I nodded and waved at him and Callie goodbye for a while.

Callie and I had gotten closer as well ever since they started dating, she became a part of the group easily. She’s kind and fun to be with. I couldn’t wish for any other girl for Wendel. They’re perfect. Wendel has been in a lot of rejection from previous girls that he likes and I am so happy when Callie happily accepted his confession. They’ve been together for almost four years now.

I went to my studio to pack some orders. My art business was going well; it was really nice to earn money from things you were passionate about. Plus, my cafe business, together with my sister, was doing really great on social media. She loved to bake, while I loved coffee, so we were a perfect match for the business. Later, after packing some orders, I’d go to the cafe to help my sister.

It took me 30 minutes to print some waybill, and then I prepared my products. I also took 2 hours to design new items for my shop. After the tiring afternoon, I quickly grabbed my keys and headed to our cafe.

“Good morning, ma’am,” an employee greeted me. I smiled at her and went to the kitchen to find my sister baking cookies.

“Oh! My favorite!” I said as I grabbed the red velvet cream cheese cookies.

“Hey! You’re doing it again,” my sister scolded me. She’s older than me, by the way.

“Aly, you’re going to grow old quicker with that attitude,” I said and continued eating the cookies.

“It’s for the shop, Eli,” she reminded me.

“Okay, fine. I’m sorry,” I said, laughing at her, and she just glared at me.

I helped her bake throughout the afternoon till the evening. We were still baking even after the cafe closed. We had a lot of orders and we also needed to take videos from time to time for our social media presence so a lot of people would be able to know our business.

“Let’s go home,” Aly said.

“I can’t,” I said, smiling. “I’m going somewhere,” I added.

“Then I’ll come with you,” she said.

“No!” I protested.

“Are you going out with your boyfriend? Wait, do you even have a boyfriend?” she asked curiously.

“No! Of course, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m going out with Oliver. We’re having dinner,” I said, blushing, and Aly noticed those red cheeks.

“Don’t tell me you’re together now? Cos I’m pretty sure I saw him holding hands with another girl the other day at a park. But mind you, the girl was pretty,” she said.

My world seemed to stop. No, Oliver would tell me if he was dating already. I’m his best friend, so I should know about it.

“I’ll go now,” I left my sister standing in the parking lot. I drove to where we were going to eat out for dinner. I was not in a good mood, and I hoped Oliver would notice it and ask me why.

I was the first one to arrive at the restaurant, but Oliver didn’t take long enough to arrive as well. I was astounded to see him with another girl in his arms. Who is she?