Bright Fire
CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE FOOD was great, and they never ran out of something to talk about, but Carlota could not understand why she kept on checking her phone from time to time. Was she really expecting anything from Baron after calling her a selfish bitch back at her office? And did not she hate it when he texted her and called her for the silliest reasons? Why was she still anticipating?

"Is everything all right, Carlota?" Julian asked.

"Hmm? O-of course." Carlota forced a smile. "By the way, great food."

"I'm glad you liked it." He glanced at the dance floor. Other couples were already dancing to the slow music. "Would you like to dance, Carlota?"

"W-what?" Carlota laughed awkwardly as she stared at the pairs on the floor. Didn't she dream of dancing with Julian again? "I guess it's not a bad idea." Julian stood up and offered his hand.

"Then, shall we?"

Carlota giggled nervously as she took his hand.

She wondered if she was dreaming. She was this close to Julian again. Carlota never thought they'd be this close after they separated ways.

But as he held her hand and pulled her close, something was not there anymore.

"Are you nervous?" Julian asked.

"Well, I cannot remember the last time I danced like this," she said and laughed. "Me, too," he said.

Julian gazed at her lips. Carlota did not say a word. She did not even make the slightest movement when he dipped his head and brushed his lips against her.

Carlota closed her eyes as the kiss deepened. But she froze when she saw Baron's face at the back of her head. She pulled away and stared at Julian's confused expression. She had been in love with Julian for the longest time. Why didn't she feel anything when they kissed? Why did she even feel guilty? Why did it take her long to realize? If Clara did not leave and Baron calling her a selfish bitch...

"I-I'm sorry," she said.

"It's okay. I'm the one who should apologize."

"HOW ARE you feeling?" Emerisa asked when Clara finally finished her soup.

"Better," she replied. She was still brokenhearted, but at least she was not dizzy and hungry anymore.

When Clara became conscious, she found herself back in Fuego's room and Emerisa beside her. She patiently fed her until she regained her strength.

"Tell me if there's anything you want to eat."

"Thank you, Emerisa."

Emerisa cupped her cheek.

"You made us all panic," she said with a laugh.

"I-I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"It's all right, dear. But we won't allow you to leave just like this. We miss you."

Clara only nodded.

Emerisa stood up and picked up the tray. Before she could close the door, Fuego came in. Clara looked away at once as she clutched the blanket in her hands.

She did not move when the door closed. Fuego rushed to her side.

"You scared me," he said, his voice breaking. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."

Clara stared at him, surprised by the sudden change in him.

"W-what are you sorry for?"

"I'll never let this happen again."

Fuego claimed her mouth for a kiss.

Clara could not believe what was happening. She wanted to push him away and asked him why, but she found herself kissing him back. For a moment, she convinced herself that nothing was wrong. "When we last saw each other, why didn't you ask me?" he said when he pulled a few inches away from her. "A-ask you what?"

"Venice is not my girlfriend. She's my cousin."

Clara stared in shock.

"That night after the party, I went to her bar and drank with our friends. Before I met you, there were other women who wouldn't stop calling me. Venice was used to pretending to be my girlfriend to drive them away. She thought one of them. She did not tell me because you asked her to." "S-she's not your..."

"Why did you keep it all to yourself, Clara? You should have told me."

were

"I-I thought that was true. We have never reassured our feelings for each other, Fuego. I thought you only pitied me, and I felt guilty because I made you cheat on her. I was so insecure. I did not ask you because you deserved better in the first place. I could not stand up for you."

"But you're here." He planted a kiss on the tip of her nose.

"Because Josef believed you deserved to know about the baby."

Fuego blinked.

"The baby?"

"I'm pregnant."

"Y-you're what..." Fuego stared at her stomach and her face.

"You're going to be a father."

"Clara..."

Clara cupped his face and stared lovingly into his eyes. She could not believe she was hurting for some stupid reason!

"Yes, Fuego?"

"I love you. I'm sorry that I've been holding myself back the whole time. I did not want to scare you. You were young, and I did not want you to think that I was taking advantage of you." "Before I came here, I already thought of ways to raise my baby alone."

"How could you say that?"

"Because I was scared you wouldn't want it."

"You silly girl." He put a hand on her tummy. "I'm going to be a father!" he said, ecstatic and happy.

"Yes," she said between giggling and tears.

They shared another passionate kiss. Fuego moved on top of her, careful not to hurt her, and without breaking the kiss.

"We can still make love even with the baby, right?" he asked.

"Of course."

"I can't wait to tell everyone about the good news."

Clara bit her lip. "Me, too."

"What about your aunt?"

"She hates me now, but I hope she'll understand why I had to do this. I won't make the same mistake anymore. I'll stand up for you and our family from now on. But your mom..." "She doesn't hate you, okay? She was just trying to make you realize your feelings. She had expected we'd reconcile in a matter of time. And she was right."

"She really is a great woman. And your father is very kind. I'm glad I'm not going home alone."

Fuego blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"You're leaving with me. How else could I introduce you to my family? You should formally ask for my hand in marriage. I'm their precious daughter, after all." He grinned.

"Okay. I want that. But only if you have completely recovered."

"Fuego... tell me I'm not dreaming."

"You're not. We're here in each other's arms where we truly belong."

Clara stared into his eyes once again and saw his love for her and their baby like a bright fire blazing eternally.

"What is this?" she asked as she caressed the corner of his mouth. She only noticed just now that it was red and bruised.

"Josef punched me before I came here, and I guess I deserved it."

"Oh, no."

"Nothing to worry about. He just made me realize how scared I was to lose you. Should we get back to kissing?"

Clara giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Yes, please."

BARON'S gate was not locked, and Carlota went inside right away. He should be here. His car was here.

She felt like she was a different person at the moment. She never once held back, but now, she was even scared to knock on the door.

Carlota took a deep breath as she knocked. She was not sure if it was loud enough for Baron to hear. But the door opened at once, and he was there standing with only his boxers on and cold eyes. Carlota sucked her breath.

She stepped inside without an invitation. Baron closed the door and walked past her, but Carlota grabbed him from the back and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Y-you were right. I am a selfish bitch. I should not blame Clara for leaving me. I deserved it. But I'm scared to be alone. D-don't leave me, Baron."

Baron pulled away and turned to face her.

"Am I hearing this right?"

"I thought I was still in love with Julian. I worked hard for the past years so that we could be in the same circle. I thought when that finally happened, we could still have a chance to be together. He was mine before Seferina came. But when he kissed me, I only felt guilt and shame. I was not happy. I was looking for something else. I was looking for you."

Baron stared.

"I know it's crazy. This thing of ours, I thought this was purely sexual. It's all right. Yell at me. Tell me to leave. I'd gladly disappear from your life. Oh, goodness, what am I talking about? I'm sorry, Baron." Carlota turned to leave, but Baron grabbed her hand and cornered her on the wall.

The next thing she knew, they were kissing hard and deep. Carlota fisted his hair and moaned. The kiss felt right. That was the kiss she had always wanted. She only realized that after the kiss with Julian. The one she needed was right in front of her all along.

"Is this what you're talking about, Carlota?" Baron whispered huskily.

"Yes, yes," she said as tears filled her eyes. "This is what I need."

CARLOTA rolled to her side and wrapped her arms around Baron's waist as she lay on his chest in contentment. The night was not yet over, and Carlota did not want to end it either.

"Do you want to go on a trip with me?" she asked.

"A business trip? No, thanks."

She glanced up at him with a frown. "It's for vacation. I need a break, too, you know."

"You want to take me with you? Really?"

"Should I ask Julian, instead?" Carlota screamed as Baron suddenly pinned her down on the bed. "I'm just teasing you!"

"Not funny at all." He kissed her mouth and neck before pulling the drawer and retrieved something effortlessly.

Carlota was too busy whimpering and arching her back beneath him. She stopped when she felt Baron slip something on her finger.

She stared. It was a ring with her birthstone on it.

"It was all that I could afford. I know it's nothing compared to what you deserve."

Carlota smiled and giggled. She cupped Baron's face and said, "I love it! Thank you."

"You do?"

"Uh-huh," she said and kissed his mouth. "It's a perfect fit."

"Do you know what else is a perfect fit?"

"What?"

Baron parted her legs and pushed his length inside her. Carlota moaned.

"Well, you're big."

"And you're tight."

Carlota giggled as Baron buried his face on her neck and rocked his hips.

CLARA could not get enough of staring at the huge photo hanged just above their bed. It's been two months since she and Fuego got married at a garden-themed wedding. The ceremony was held under the treehouse that Fuego built for her. They were all surrounded by their loved ones.

Clara chose to hang their family photo instead of just Fuego and her. Josef and Jeremy sat on the grass. On Clara's right were her parents, Aunt Carlota and her now fiancé, Baron. On Fuego's left were Felicia, Jose, Emerisa, and Julian.

She could not believe how her life had turned around. She never thought it was even possible. The past months had been about forgiveness and reconciliation. And now, she was ready for what life had to offer. She had Fuego and their family. Clara found her purpose in being a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman. Thanks to Fuego's love. It was also because of her faith. Though she made a lot of mistakes in the past, she was able to rise up and become a better person. "Breakfast is ready."

She turned toward the door and found Fuego standing there. She said she wanted to eat breakfast at the treehouse, and he made it happen.

"I'm still in my nightgown," she said like a child.

"It doesn't matter. You look gorgeous," Fuego said lovingly and took her by the hand. He led her down the stairs and outside the house.

"What if our baby's a boy? Should we name him 'Fuegolito?"" Clara asked.

Fuego's eyes widened.

"No, please. Any other name but that," he said with horror.

Clara threw her head back, laughing.

"Clara, I'm serious."

"Did you see your face?"

"Come on."

"Fuegolito is not bad."

Fuego groaned.

"No."

"And if it's a girl, I'll name her Fuegolita."

"Stop."

Clara's laughter filled the surroundings as Fuego pulled her into a hug.

END.