CHAPTER 9...
^_________^
THREE YEARS LATER...
~ MABEL'S FAMILY RESIDENT ~
Mabel was getting dolled up in front of the mirror by her makeup artist at home.
Her mum walked into the room with a wide smile on her lips.
"You look stunning dear! I almost mistook you for an angel, which you are" Her mum poured praises on her.
She walked up to Mabel and stared at her in the mirror, placing her hand on Mabel's shoulder.
"You will take his breath away!" Her mum added a wink.
Mabel looked away tiredly.
"I'm no murderer mum, I don't plan on taking anyone's breath away! And it's just a goddamn blind date, why do you make it sound like I'm walking down the aisle in a few minutes. Mum, I really don't like the fact that I'm being forced to do this" Mabel whined and stood up from the chair she was seated in.
Her mum signaled the make-up artist to give them some space.
"Dear put yourself together... Henry is such a good boy you can't mess this up for us. I have no idea where your brother found him but he's just perfect for you" She tried to convince her.
Mabel looked at her mum.
"Mum, you know I don't want this! I don't like him... Henry and I were main leads in a drama and trust me mum, I know what I experienced with him. He's not lovable not one bit. Aside from his good looks, he's got nothing else to offer!" She complained.
Her mum waved her complaints as she ran to Mabel's closet and took out an off shoulder denim gown for her.
"Put this on... Show off those beautiful clavicles" She winked.
"Mum please!!" Mabel groaned frustratedly and sat down on her bed.
Her mum joined her on the bed.
"Who said Henry has nothing to offer? He has so much to offer... He owns buildings and investments of all sorts... Don't turn down a good man for silly reasons" She uttered and left the room.
Mabel looked away from the door angrily.
"This is all Kent's fault... Why's he suddenly so interested in me?" She questioned frustratedly.
Speaking of the devil, Kent showed up at her door. He was putting on a suit. He just got back from the office. He happened to be working at Charlotte's father's law firm.
"Charlotte said she's wishing you the best of luck with your dates..." Kent stated with a silly smile.
Mabel threw her pillow at him angrily.
"You're so annoying... I bet Charlotte didn't say any of that. Why did I even bother coming back home this weekend? I feel like you've all conspired against me"
Kent laughed leaning on the door arrogantly.
"You think too much little sis... We've all got so much to do with our lives... I only suggested you go on a date with Henry in front of our parents. It's not my fault, they're a fan of his! I see no reason why you should be against this, I'm looking out for you here as an big brother should. You're lucky Henry wanted this also" Kent blurted rolling his eyes.
Mabel hissed clenching her fist. She didn't utter a word.
"If you act this way then you'll leave me no choice but to think you've got a man in your life. Who is it? So I would break his legs!!" Kent slapped the door with his palms.
Mabel stood up from her bed and walked up to him.
"You're so annoying... Older brother my ass... If you claim to be so, why bother falling for your little sister's best friend. I can clearly see how shameless you are... And just so you know, I only agreed to this cos mum forced me to, I'm not doing this cos of you!" She hissed and pushed him out of the door, shutting it in his face.
Kent was shocked at Mabel's words. He banged on her door to confirm what he just heard.
"Mabel, what the hell are you talking about? I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't have any feelings for Charlotte. Stop spouting rubbish!!" He screamed in a defensive tone.
Mabel scoffed and walked to her closet.
~ CHARLOTTE'S BEDROOM ~
Charlotte was seated in her massaging chair when she placed a call across to Kent.
"Kent, what's up with Mabel? Is she all set for the date?" She asked over the phone with her eyes closed.
"She's suddenly acting all bratty cos of this... She should be thankful, you're looking out for her. She's been single for like forever. I know my sister is an ugly duckling but it's weird how no one seems to be interested in her" Kent blurted heartlessly.
Charlotte chuckled opening her eyes. "Don't call my best that... She chose to be single cos she hasn't met the guy of her dreams. Don't blame her for looking for the love of her life"
Charlotte could see Kent rolling his eyes at her statement.
"Love of her life my ass.. that's why she's still single. Anyways how did you put up the words to Henry to go on this date with Mabel?"
"I told you before... Henry has always felt a thing for Mabel. He made use of his opportunity when we crossed paths at a restaurant" Charlotte uttered calmly.
FLASHBACK •••
Days ago at a fancy dinner restaurant. Charlotte walked into the restaurant hoping to bump into Henry cos she knows that was his favorite restaurant.
Looking up at the tables then she sighted him at a reserved table.
She smirked and cat walked to the table.
"Wow, who do we have here?" Henry asked with a smile.
Charlotte bowed slightly and sat down facing him.
Seeing how relaxed and unsurprised she looked, Henry sensed something was fishy.
"Why do I have the feeling you came here specifically just to see me?" He asked curiously.
Charlotte smiled with her gaze down.
"I heard you asked Mabel out at the shooting site but she turned you down... Would you be happy if I told you, she's in for a blind date?"
Henry laughed out of the blue looking away.
"You must take me for a fool. What kind of guy do you think will agree to go on a date with the girl who rejected him?" He scoffed.
Charlotte leaned forward.
"I was told Mabel will be starring in a drama ... Overflowing tears! Written by.."
"Writer Kim Hyung Jee!!" Henry cut in sharply in surprise.
Charlotte smiled seeing the curious look in his eyes.
"What do you think will happen if the media finds out you're both in a relationship? I'm pretty sure that will pave a way for you to get into the drama" Charlotte tempted and Henry looked at her seriously.
"If I agree to go out with Mabel, it's not cos of this but because I still like her" He clarified.
Charlotte smirked.
"It's a done deal then!" She stated and picked up her purse.
She leaned towards him and whispered to him.
"You have to make sure she says yes to you! Don't be a fool twice!" Charlotte stated coldly then walked away.
FLASHBACK ENDS•••
"I saw on the internet today that Raphael Kris will be in town for the opening of his art gallery! Mabel will lose her mind when she hears this. She hated him for years!" Kent smirked.
Charlotte swiftly switched off the massage chair.
"Don't ruin Mabel's date by saying any of that. She has to be in her best mood to meet with Henry cos he's a sensitive guy" she cut in sharply.
"Sure thing! What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Kent asked.
Charlotte cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Kent, thanks a lot but I have to go now" She hung up the call.
She got out of the massage chair.
Mabel can't meet with Raphael before I do... If that happens all of my plans will be in vain. She said in her head angrily.
She looked out through the window as she recalled seeing a clear view of Mabel's face on the leaked photos of Raphael at the hotel three years back.
"I would say that was a mistake... It shouldn't repeat itself again!!" Charlotte stated in a cold voice.
Charlotte placed a call across to the reporter, she told to keep watch of Raphael at the airport.
"How come you haven't called... I was told, Raphael will be flying in today. No sight of him at the airport?" She asked impatiently over the phone.
"No sight of Raphael... I'll keep looking and call you when I do" He uttered and Charlotte ended the call.
~ DINE IN RESTAURANT ~
Henry reserved a table for himself and Mabel.
Mabel took her time before coming just so he doesn't wait up for her or he finds her irresponsible but Henry is way too determined to leave just like that.
Mabel showed up at the restaurant, thirty minutes late. Henry waved at her from his table.
She wore an innocent smile and walked to him.
"Hello!" She uttered cheerfully.
Henry stood up to take out her chair like a gentleman would but Mabel stopped him.
"It's fine... Thank you!" She rejected with a smile as she took out the chair herself.
"I'm sorry I'm late. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long..." She apologized straight up after sitting down.
Henry was a bit taken back. It's been a while he saw Mabel but all of a sudden he seemed to grow more interest in her. She got even more prettier than the last time he saw her.
"You look beautiful as always!" Henry complimented adjusting the napkins on his thighs.
"Thank you and I would say the same about you!" She responded politely.
Mabel stretched out her hand to take out the menu but Henry stopped her.
"I did some research on you before coming so I placed an order already. I'm hoping you like it!" Henry said with a smile signalling the waitress to get them his order.
Mabel smiled and placed her hands on the table as she felt impressed by his efforts.
"Did my brother force you into this?" She asked out of the blue and Henry chuckled nodding negatively.
"I'm a man of principles. I don't go by people's words, I go by my own desires. I brought it up with him since he's been my lawyer for almost five years now. I thought about sharing my thoughts with him regarding you, is the only respectful way to get to you. I know I didn't really put myself out like a sincere person when I asked you out years ago but my feelings still haven't changed!" Henry confessed.
His straight up confession made it a bit uncomfortable for Mabel so she nervously grabbed a glass of water and took a sip.
The waiter served them their order.
"Thank you!" Mabel appreciated after he was done.
Mabel stared at the dishes and smiled.
"You did a deep research on me for sure...." She chuckled picking up her spoon to dip inside the beef soup.
Henry smiled feeling proud of himself.
"I'm glad you like it! Let's eat!"
Mabel had a sip of the beef soup and she stomped her feet excitedly on the floor.
"This is so delicious! How come I never knew they make delicious food here?" She asked looking around the cozy restaurant.
Few tables were reserved and the rest had celebrities just like them dining so there was no sight of reporters or even secret photo taking. Mabel was marveled noticing all of that.
She leaned towards Henry.
"How did you find this place? Everyone's minding their business!" She whispered cheerfully and Henry laughed.
Going on this date with Mabel changed his perspective of her completely.
Has she always been this cute? He questioned in his head staring at her with love eyes.
"I love my privacy and this restaurant protects it for me!" He answered.
Mabel nodded as she continued eating. "I'll dine here from now on. They just got themselves a customer!"
Mabel's gaze was on food but suddenly a familiar cologne flew past her nose.
She looked up, behold.... It was Raphael and Josh. They were both having a serious conversation that they didn't notice anyone around them.
Raphael was looking completely different, way more handsome, taller, clear skinned, confident shoulders, his eyes so filled with determination, he dyed his hair white which made him super hot.
Mabel dropped her spoon in shock, the tendons in her hands suddenly felt weak.
"Henry..." Mabel called out only to find Henry admiring Raphael too.
"Raphael is finally back...I should go say hello! Come with me" Henry uttered excitedly getting out of his chair.
"Can we not go... We're still eating!" Mabel responded reluctantly.
Henry was about convincing her to come with him when Raphael walked back to their table with a smile on.
"Miss Mabel, nice running into you here! Henry you're here also!" Raphael said in his husky voice.
Henry almost melted hearing Raphael call his name out.
Mabel looked at him with a cold eyes.
"Same! Henry can we go ahead with our date?" She asked turning to Henry.
She has changed but I can still see them. Raphael said in his head referring to her future.
"I'll go ahead now... Catch up with you some other time!" Raphael uttered politely.
"Sure, pleasure meeting you here, Mr Raphael!" Henry said shaking hands with Raphael.
"Yeah. Excuse me!" He stated and left for his table.
Watching Raphael walk away without even trying to speak with Mabel hurt her feelings a lot.
She turned around and stole glances of him. Raphael looked so unbothered by her. He wasn't even looking in her direction.
Charlotte was at the entrance door watching everything.
She clenched her fist angrily, wearing a smile.