CHAPTER 26 (BOOK 2)

Kate spotted Jeremy just before she parked the car, outside the coffee shop, where they once sat before Jeremy flew back to Monaco. He was sitting on a corner, one that overlooked the starry night sky touching the vast calm bay. Even before she stepped out the car, Jeremy could see her plainly. He looked forlorn, truly lost in a way that she'd not seen before.

Jeremy heard her pull up and turned, though he did not wave. A moment later, Kate sat next to her.

As she sat there, she couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if they stayed together.

"I didn't expect that you'd come." Jeremy whispered as he glanced briefly at her and then away.

"Neither did I." She forced a smile. "The moment I saw Tobby step inside the restaurant, I knew you would be here. I know you'd still fulfill the promise we made before." She took a deep breath, feeling her emotions roil to the surface again.

Three years ago, on the very same spot that they were sitting, Kate and Jeremy promised that they'll be back on the same coffee shop and enjoy the view of the ocean. The promise was created due to the fact that on the very same night, Jeremy had to fly back to Monaco and had only a couple of hours to enjoy the fireworks lighting the sky and sea.

"I bought you a café American with two shots of espresso, the way you like it before." He pointed at the cup next to her. "Also a blueberry cheesecake."

"You didn't forget." Kate smiled as she took a bite of the blueberry cheesecake.

Silence engulf them as both are simply enjoying the company of the other and their cake and coffee for some minutes.

"By the way, thank you for agreeing on my request on a short notice." Kate expressed.

Kate has asked Jeremy to be one of the guest speakers of the forum hosted by the hotel. It was the desire of the shareholders to uplift the name and stock of the hotel upon knowing that Kate was somewhat connected to Jeremy.

Jeremy simply smiled. "You're be there right?" He asked.

Kate nodded, "Yeah."

"Then there nothing I should be worrying then."

"That's pressuring."

Jeremy burst in laughter. "That's a first! I never thought I would be able to put pressure you."

"Stop laughing. You always do." Kate recalled some moments she felt that Jeremy had put her in a tight spot like their entrance to the university ball or giving gifts to her parents and sister for Christmas.

He began to clear to throat. "Do you still remember what we talk about that day?" He was referring to the moment they were sitting on the same spot.

Kate nodded and then took a sip of her coffee. Her eyes leapt to his, and under his gaze she felt something stir inside, something sudden and familiar.

Jeremy took a deep breath. God, she was still pretty. Before he could stop the words, they were already out."I still feel the same." Jeremy was talking about the proposal he made to her on the date. On bended knee with the flash of colorful lights from the fireworks with a ring on his hand, he uttered the words, "I never want you to look at this as me making an assurance since I know that I am the only one in your heart. I am doing this because my heart tells me so. I'm not asking for a quick response right now since I know you still have many plans but I just want you to hold on to it and if you are ready, on this very same spot, wear the ring." Kate accepted the ring and kissed him.

The ring actually is a replica of the engagement ring Jeremy's father gave her mother.  Victorian five-stone ring radiates with three gorgeous, intense-red, Burmese rubies separated by a pair of glistening, old mine-cut diamonds. And, if look closely, ten teeny-tiny, rose-cut diamonds are set at the corners of each gemstone. Jeremy wanted it to be the same ring as what his parents, which he admires so much.

Jeremy glanced at the hand of Kate, noticing that she wasn't wearing the ring that he gave her.

When Kate saw that Jeremy took a glance at her hand, "Not yet," she said a little breathlessly.

Jeremy seemed to study her in silence, considering what she said, as an embarrassed blush began to surge through her checks and neck. He replied, "I see. I understand."

"I heard, Tobby and Abby are mutually attached." Jeremy diverted the topic.

"Yeah... Wait up! Is that the reason why you left him at the restaurant?" Despite the fact that she'd suspected he would ask about it, she still felt a rush of relief when she heard him divert the topic.

Jeremy giggled. "Tobby is a nice guy. Sometimes too dedicated and selfless that one has to push him grab what he wants."

Kate nodded. "I know. but Abby is the opposite." She smiled.

"Well.. they say opposite attracts."

Both laughed at the thought.

After a moment of silence that followed, Kate remembered. "I didn't think you would continue to purchase the unit beside ours."

"So Tobby showed it to you?"

Kate nodded.

"Well, it was our plan from the start."

"It was but I didn't expect that you would..."

"It doesn't matter what happened. I still hold dear what our future holds." Jeremy interrupted.

Upon hearing those words, Kate remained silent. It's not that she didn't want to respond but the truth is she didn't know what to say.

Since they transferred to their new unit, she would instinctly glanced at the door of the unit next to them, wishing that he would suddenly come out. It was a far from reality yet it didn't matter. All the more after they broke up. There was even some moments, she would approached the door and touch it and though of what could have been if they stayed together.

When Jeremy felt that Kate was uneasy, he stood up and excused himself, "Let me get some water."

As Jeremy entered the shop, Kate placed her right hand on the pocket of her coat and started to caress the ring he had given him.

Since the day, he gave her the ring, she had always bring it with her wherever she goes though she hasn't wear it. Not even once.

A few minutes later, "Here have some water." Jeremy offered.

"Thanks!" She accepted it.