The Billionaire's Daughter
Chapter 16: Acceptance

Franco

Sharing the pain of my past with Saphira was enlightening. She made me realize that her presence alone was like a balm to my wounds. Her words, her hug, just merely being with her makes me feel at peace and carefree.

As she read the letter, I saw how her face registered hurt and hate. Hurt for me and hate for the one who inflicted my pain. I wanted to hug her and tell her that I am alright. That I was no longer affected by Madeleine's insensitive and hurtful words. It may be because of Saphira why I now felt free. Hearing the last part of her letter, I knew that finally I can say that I have moved on.

Take care and I hope if ever we crossed paths, you have already moved on so I won't have any more problems.

"Seriously?! She has some nerve!"

I saw the rage in her eyes. She was all red and fuming with anger. If there was one thing I would want to avoid in the future was this side of Saphira. She was so mad.

"Calm down. Hearing the letter again this time made me realize one thing."

"What?!"

I wanted to say that I am scared from her anger but I guess now is not the time. So I answered with the other truth I was feeling that moment.

"That I have finally moved on. The letter does not hurt my anymore."

"How can you not be hurt when everything in that god damn letter was a lie?!"

"Saphira, calm down. For you it may be a lie but for her, that was her letter. I guess that was how she felt."

"Franco, stop defending her!"

I was so touched that she was upset about the letter even if it was not even related to her, so I hugged her. I can't help it, I loved hugging her. Her scent calms my nerves. I kissed the top of her head and that may have helped calm her down. For a second, she was silent and I knew I had to tell her something.

"I'm not defending her. I am just explaining to you that it is not important anymore. Her perception about me is no longer important. I am not affected anymore."

She pushed me away and searched my face for any sign that I was lying. Well, I was telling the truth and she understood.

"You are very special to me you know that, and reading this letter really makes me feel so violent. It was crushing my heart how she perceived you and how she fooled you into thinking she loved you."

I know I was special to her but hearing it from her made my heart skip a beat.

"I can see that you know."

"What?"

"I can see that I am special to you and that you are very very furious."

I can't help it, I want to keep her close to me and never let her go.

"Will you stop hugging me. I can't concentrate!"

I feel the same way Saphira. I can't concentrate. You seem to stir these weird feelings in me that I never thought I would be feeling.

"That's good so you'll stop being angry. You can tear up that letter if you want. If you want we can even burn everything on this box."

I could have offered her the world just to calm her and make her happy once more.

"Really?"

"Aawww. why did you push me? Hey, where are you going?"

"Looking for a match and somewhere to burn those awful stuff.

As I looked at her searching the room, I knew that I am finally free. I guess I was still healing when I met her, but after spending time with her, I knew I was ready to give love another chance. I was just afraid that the same thing will happen with us like what happened with Madeleine.

With Saphira, I knew I have to do things differently to keep her forever. I will take my time and just be there for her until such time I will be able to make a name for myself and no one could ever keep us apart.

At that moment, I was sure, I am in love with my best friend.

We found a griller used for barbecue and use that to burn the pictures and letters inside. The letters I wrote for Madeleine, which I remember that I didn't receive any letters from her. I was grateful for Saphira that she did not ask to read the letters.

Even the pictures, she burned them without even looking. I found her expression amusing. It was like she was allergic to the contents of the box. If she can use forceps to touch the letters and pictures, I figure she would.

As we burned everything, I felt lighter. Seeing Saphira's satisfied smile made everything better.

I was glad she followed me home. I was glad that she was with me today. I just hope that in the coming days, when she found out that Madeleine was back, she will still stay with me.

I just don't want to ruin the moment we were having. Just silently staring at the flames, I pulled her towards me and she leaned her head on my shoulders. I will do everything just to keep her with me.0000000