Burning Passion

CHAPTER 326: HEART TO HEART TALK

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Nina was caught red-handed by her mother, who was beaming at her now. She gazed at her mother, apologetically for not being honest. 

"Mama, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I could tell…" Dona reached for her daughter's back, patted as she went on. "Besides, you were never this happy when you and Steven were in a relationship. But, honey... Harry is still in a relationship with his girlfriend, right?" 

Concerns exhibit in her mother's eyes; Nina understood. She explained to her mother as she nodded. 

"Harry already plans to break up with her, Mama. However, many things had happened before he could talk to Kristina. First, Mama Mely was in the hospital, and then Kristina had to go home to Switzerland after her father was in an accident. But Mama... Harry and I have loved each other ever since before..." 

"I know, honey. It was Harry you would always love to hang out with when you are a kid. Don't worry, I understand. But it's unfair to Kristina for not having a proper closure. I could see that she is a wonderful girl." 

"I think so too, Ma... That is why I feel guilt. Harry and I cheated on her... But I love Harry, Mama." The tears she tried hard to hold now freely flowed down from her eyes.

Dona pulled her daughter to cry on her shoulder. She knew guilt struck on Nina. It is wrong, but her poor daughter is only madly in love with her childhood friend.

She pitied Nina. Her daughter is supposed to be happy. But why does her daughter still have to go through all of this? 

Nina is a very wonderful kid. She is an obedient daughter and kind to others. But why is her daughter still suffering? 

"Now cheer up! Let's enjoy the day, okay?" Dona tried her best to comfort her daughter. "Let's relax and only think of happiness at this moment." 

"Yes, Mama. Thank you." Nina wipes the tears on her cheeks. She should not waste these moments that she is with her mother. They are supposed to be creating wonderful memories not only with Harry but, most of all, with the company of her precious mother. "I love you, Mama."

"I love you too, honey."

After Nina settled down, they headed to the pool area and ordered something to drink while relaxing near the pool, while facing the ocean. 

Dona asked her daughter about many things that happen these passing days. Nina was very careful not to be caught again. 

"Mama… How if Papa would know about us? Is he going to prohibit Harry from seeing me?" Concerned exhibits in her eyes, her mother smiled at her with assurance.

"Don't worry. I will coax your father to understand your feelings. But make sure that Harry ends his relationship with his girlfriend so that your father would not get angry that you cannot reason with him to break up with Kristina." 

"Mama…" She rendered speechlessly. She was guilty, most especially to her parents. 

"Your father is just afraid and worried about you. What happened in your relationship with Steven is enough for him to keep his cool." 

"But Harry is gentle to me, Mama..." Nina paused. She weighed her words as if what she said wasn't suspicious enough. "Mama, Harry doesn't make me feel uncomfortable like Steven does. Also, Steven scared the hell out of me. That is why I don't want to see him again, Mama." 

Dona stared at her daughter with wonder. Until now, it is strange to her how Nina could differ her feelings between Steven and Harry. 

She, as an adult, cannot even tell the difference between the twins. The only thing she could notice right away is that Harry was polite and calm the entire time while Steven was chattering, comical, but short-tempered. 

If the twin acted the same, no one could determine who Harry and Steven were. 

But Nina has no difficulties knowing who Harry and Steven are. Probably because Nina and Harry immediately build a bond in their first meeting. 

Harry's kindness left a good impression on her, while Steven often did naughty acts to her every time they met, especially in their first meeting. 

The person who occupies a big place in her heart is Harry ever since the very beginning. And that didn't change even though they are now young adults.

"Don't worry, honey. Your Papa will do everything to protect you from Steven. Jerome also promised to watch Steven closely." Dona heaves a long sigh before she continues. 

"Sister Mely told me... Steven insisted on getting off the plane after he noticed that they were in Hawaii instead of Las Vegas or San Francisco. He wanted to fly back to New Jersey. He argued with everyone, even Elder Shang. The old man did everything to stop him, and sister Mely is begging Steven to stop pursuing you as nothing is waiting for him. But he must accept that you are breaking up with him. However, he got angry and punched the window. It was why sister Mely had her breakdown." 

"Steven is scary, Mama... I begged him many times, but he doesn't want to listen to me." 

"He's obsessed with you. And because he has this behavior, your Papa and I are afraid for you." 

Sadness flashed in her eyes. Nina sighs with relief afterward. "I'm glad Steven wasn't here anymore, Mama. He lied to me. He said Harry had a girlfriend, but it's not true. And then, he makes up a story for Harry to believe that we have a relationship. Harry thought he had no chance in me, and I thought Harry didn't love me. We are both played by Steven, Mama." 

"But his lies come to an end. Now, you and Harry can love each other without worrying about anything." 

"Yes, Mama! And this one-week vacation. I will enjoy it as much as the last!" 

Delight touches her heart, seeing the light in her daughter's eyes. "You and Harry will enjoy each other's company once you get married. But as your Papa requests, finish your college first, okay?" 

Nina nodded to her mother. Guilt crept toward her chest as she could not tell the truth that she was breaking her promise soon.

She bit her lower lip. She wanted to share it with her mother, but not yet at the right time. Nina hugged her mother, muttering inwardly.

'I'm so sorry, Mama! Please understand that Harry and I want to spend our days together so soon!'

She knows her mother would understand. She also knew it would take some time before her father would accept her decision of going against him. But she could not wait to be with Harry.

'I'm sorry, Papa!'