Billionaire's Hidden Princess by Alegna Ciee (most popular novels txt) 📖

Leticia is standing frozen still on her spot at the moment.

"O-On second thought, m-maybe we should've just settled with eating ice cream at the park," she thought silently, eyes bulging in nonplus as she continues beholding this luxurious, five-star restaurant in front of them.

She completely forgot that there's a sumptuous establishment like this near her school. It's literally just a few blocks away. But then again, no matter how far or near it was, she would never imagine herself coming to this place.

For reasons that remain a mystery to her, Livius led her all the way here after a brief while of strolling at the park. It appears like he's planning to spend lunch together with her at this restaurant.

"Uhhh... Livi, I saw a small restaurant on our way here. Maybe we can eat there? I'm fine with just eating ice cream too," Leticia voiced out a bit hesitantly, earning a pat on her head.

"Don't worry, Eya. I won't let you pay, of course. It's on me," Livius assured her with a smile.

"H-Huh...?! B-But I couldn't possibly-"

"I thought you said you're going to let me pay for you next time? Did you forget?"

"Oh, right, I did... T-Then, just this once, okay? I'll help pay next time."

"As if I'll let you," is what Livius thought to himself, spreading a meaningful simper before putting his arm on her back and escorting her all the way inside the restaurant. As soon as the receptionist saw his face, the couple were immediately greeted and given assistance. 

Without even needing to utter a word, the staffs proceeded to lead them to a reserved table of two at the upper floor - just beside the huge glass windows. Their spot gives them a clear view of the city, which greatly pleases Leticia.

"Woahhh... Look at this, Livi! I can even see our school all the way from here," she enthused in evident delight.

"Do you like the view?" he asked, regarding her with a smile.

"Yeah... This place itself is so posh too. It's my first time entering a five-star restaurant."

As much as Livius wants to say that she should get used to this from now on, he still can't find it in himself to reveal everything to her. He was initially planning to confess his true identity later, but after seeing how Leticia is still trying to get used to the fact that they're dating, he no longer finds it in himself to do so -

At least, not today.

Perhaps, his confession is enough for now. He can't afford throwing her to sixes and sevens again. He shouldn't rush too much either.

After all, Leticia is already this overwhelmed by the idea of dating the person he is now - this ordinary side of him, to be exact. He isn't sure what to expect when she finally learns who he truly is all this time.

"E-Ermmm... Livi, are you really, really sure about this? We can still move to another restaurant, you know. These prices are just so... mind-bogglingly expensive," she chimed in once more, peering intently at the menu as if poring holes on it. 

"Not to mention, she really is clueless about who I am. She keeps worrying about me spending this much..." he quietly pondered with a sigh, uncertain of how he's going to break down the news to her.

"Well, I think things would be fine as long as she won't suddenly tell me that she's only in love with this side of me... For now, though, let's take our time."

Livius is somewhat concerned if Leticia would get too overwhelmed by the idea of dating the real him. He doesn't want her to change the way she sees and treats him after he reveals everything to her.

"Livi? You're drinking wine?" she asked out of nowhere, taken aback after the waiter placed a glass of wine on his table.

"Yes, I do. What about you? Do you want one too?"

"O-Oh, no, I'm fine. I don't drink alcohol."

"Hmm... As in you never drink one before?"

"Yeah... Never."

"How old are you, Eya?"

"I'll be turning 22 this year."

"You can try doing it now. Even just a sip. Know what it tastes like."

Leticia slightly perks up at this, her interest and curiosity somewhat piqued. She never drank wine before because first of all, she can't afford it. Secondly, she hasn't really been in any social gatherings where drinking is a thing.

"T-Then, may I just have a little from your glass? I-I don't really want to have you buy another-"

"Waiter, give us a bottle of wine, please," Livius suddenly cut her off and went ahead to call the staff, much to her surprise.

"L-Livi...! I said just a sip."

"We have to commemorate this, you know. It's your first time drinking wine, after all."

Leticia blushes at how Livius is making a big deal out of something that trivial. He really seems like he's taking everything about her seriously - even her first time drinking.

In the end, though, she really can't find it in herself to complain. If anything, her heart keeps fluttering every time he makes this kind of gestures. 

"Hey, Livi..." she called gently.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

With two mere words and a soft smile from her alone, Livius feels all warm and fuzzy. It makes him feel like giving everything to her at that very moment.

"You're welcome, Eya."