“INTENTION is the underlying plan or purpose that guides our actions. It can be either benevolent or harmful. Yet, there are moments when, despite our good intentions, we inadvertently cause pain to those we care about, often realizing our impact only when it’s too late, leaving us with a sense of profound regret.”

 
***

As the guests settled into their seats, a lively melody filled the venue, setting the rhythm for their heartbeats. The fashion show had commenced, captivating every attendee’s attention as models gracefully paraded the exquisite designs of a renowned fashion brand.

However, Jimhuesh, who despised waiting, yearned for the fashion show to conclude. His date with Senthie in Paris, originally planned for a week, now seemed uncertain as he contemplated an early return to the Philippines tomorrow morning. Ever since his encounter with Jackson, the man’s words had haunted him relentlessly.

Jimhuesh found himself stealing glances at Senthie, wondering if there was any truth to his warnings. Gradually, he began to entertain the notion that Jackson might be right.

Since their meeting, he had been acting strangely, creating an invisible barrier between them. He had hoped for a perfect final date but Jackson’s warning had made him cautious and suspicious, despite being the one who initiated their connection. He feared becoming another victim if Jackson was right. He was determined not to be deceived again. His parents would be the first and the last.

He sighed and refocused on the fashion show, where the final model in an exquisite dress left a strong impression.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Kas on a catwalk! She’s freaking gorgeous and obviously meant to be a runway model!” Senthie suddenly exclaimed with an infectious smile that radiated genuine enthusiasm.

Although her words weren’t directly for him, Jimhuesh silently concurred. He had always believed that Kassandra was at her most stunning when she was doing what she loved most. From day one, he had been unwavering in his support for her, and that commitment remained steadfast.

The fashion show commenced at 5 PM and concluded at 8 PM. Throughout the entire event, he refrained from starting a conversation with Senthie. They returned to the hotel near the Eiffel Tower, a reservation he had diligently made, sharing the same accommodations as Kassandra. Jimhuesh led the way to their respective rooms, conveniently located across from one another.

Just as he was on the verge of stepping into his room, Senthie called out to him. “Mr. . . . I mean, Jim . . . can we talk?”

He turned to her, his response a simple sure. However, as he was about to engage in conversation, his phone unexpectedly vibrated. Retrieving it from his pants pocket, he glanced at the screen and then silently mouthed wait to her, who nodded understandingly.

“Yes, Sandy?” he uttered upon answering his phone.

“Are you and Rychie in the hotel already? I’ll be there in twenty, let’s have dinner together, then!” Kassandra’s voice was filled with enthusiasm.

He stole a glance at Senthie, then replied, “He’s not with me.”

He turned away from her, facing the door, and discreetly covered his mouth as he whispered into his phone, “He didn’t come. I’m with you know who.”

Kassandra’s voice held a mixture of surprise and exasperation on the other line. “What? I didn’t invite you so that you could have your date!” She groaned. “I didn’t even invite my Kenny!” She huffed. “I’m not third-wheeling!”

He chuckled and decided to put some distance between himself and Senthie to ensure his conversation with Kassandra remained private. “Stop acting like a brat, Sands. Senthie and I are not a thing. Rychie is just busy, and Senthie happens to be in the same line of career. She has the potential to be a well-known fashion designer someday. I’m just doing a good thing.”

“Ha! Right! As if I’m buying that. You like her, you can’t deny that. You don’t usually care about other people. I know that because I’m like that, too.”

Jimhuesh scoffed. “I always care about others. I’m not like you.”

She laughed. “Oh, really? Then how about when two girls fought over you? You didn’t care even if they were in front of you, pulling each other’s hair. That was hilarious! You just left and went straight to the teacher’s office to tell on them!”

He snorted. “And what did you want me to do? Be the referee?”

“Okay, I think you did the right thing there. But . . . what about when you--”

“Stop right there. Can you just think of what I did for you to reach your dream? I always care for you.”

She burst into laughter. “That’s even more funny, Jim! If I remember it clearly . . . you just did that in return for a favor.”

Jimhuesh smiled and shook his head in disbelief. “I truly care for you, Sands. Believe it or not.”

“Whatever. Anyway, see you later, but I won’t let myself be the third wheel! Bye!” She ended the call with a chuckle.

 He turned and made his way back toward Senthie. “I’m sorry, the call took longer than I expected.”

She shook her head and offered a warm smile. “It’s okay. So . . . can we talk now?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You mean here? In the corridor?” He pointed down at the floor.

Senthie tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. “Hmm, which do you prefer? My room or yours?”

Is she for real? Jimhuesh was momentarily surprised by her question. He considered how this might be misinterpreted if she were to ask that to other men. He cleared his throat and replied, “Let’s head back to the ground floor and find a restaurant. Kassandra wants to meet later; I was just on the phone with her. Besides, we haven’t had dinner yet. We can talk there while we wait for her.”

 ~

“What do you wanna talk about?” Jimhuesh asked, the two of them now seated at a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower visible through the glass walls. The atmosphere was undeniably romantic, accentuated not only by the iconic landmark but also by the soft, candle-like lighting.

Senthie hesitated for a moment, then said, “About the man earlier . . . Jackson.”

He crossed his arms. “What about him?”

“Did he . . . say something to you while I was in the restroom?” She sighed. “You . . . you just seem different. I mean, I, too, was acting out of character, but you were, too. Did he tell you something that put you in a bad mood?”

Jimhuesh gazed at her for a moment, deciding that honesty was the best course of action. “He did, actually. He said you are a player and that I should stay away from you. Your ex, I guess?”

Senthie sighed heavily and nodded. “Yes, he’s my ex. He was my boyfriend before Kenzo,” she revealed with a melancholic smile. “And I hurt them so badly.”

He was taken aback by the mention of Kenzo’s name. He hadn’t expected to hear it, assuming Kenzo was merely a friend with unrequited feelings for her.

“They loved me more than I deserved, but I hurt them in return. I’m not capable of loving someone romantically. Maybe, I was, indeed, a player. Maybe, Jackson is right. You should stay away from me if you think you are falling for me. But if not, you have nothing to worry about; I’m not seducing you or trying to make you fall for me. I’m just being me.”

He chuckled, causing her to look a bit puzzled. She asked, “Did you just . . . laugh at me?”

He laughed once more. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to offend you, but I think we’re somewhat alike.”

She narrowed her eyes, seemingly confused and curious at the same time. He continued, “You’re incapable of being in love, right? Well . . . I don’t believe in love. Isn’t that funny?”

Senthie’s eyes widened, clearly not expecting that. She giggled, the tension from earlier finally dissipating. “Yeah. I think we’re a match made in heaven.” She gasped, then pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I wasn’t trying to flirt with you, just so you know.”

“Yeah, I know. Perhaps, you’re just a natural flirt,” he teased.

She shot him a playful glare before bursting into laughter.

A few minutes later, Jimhuesh noticed Kassandra entering the restaurant, initially surprised by the man accompanying her. Senthie, facing away from them, remained unaware of their arrival. Even though Jimhuesh knew Kassandra was coming with a friend, he hadn’t expected it to be someone that Senthie also knew.

“Why? Has Kas already arrived?” she asked. She turned to glance behind her, but in a matter of seconds, her attention returned to him. “Don’t tell me he’s her friend she was talking about?”

“Perhaps.”

Kassandra and Jackson approached their table.

“They’re your friends?” Jackson inquired.

Kassandra affirmed with a nod. “Uh-huh. Why? Do you know each other?”

Jackson chuckled, leaning closer to Senthie with his palm resting on the table. Senthie, however, avoided his gaze, clearly uneasy.

Rising from his seat, Jimhuesh firmly grasped Jackson’s arm and shot a glare at him. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”

He pulled away, raising his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “Sorry, I’m just so happy to see the woman who I once loved.”

Kassandra’s eyes widened in disbelief as she took her seat across from Senthie. “Are you serious? She’s the girl you were talking about? I don’t believe you. Sen isn’t like you’ve told me stories about.”

Jackson smirked and settled onto the chair next Kassandra. “Why don’t you ask her?”

She turned her attention to Senthie, waiting for her to say something.

“I don’t know what he told you about me, but it wasn’t my intention to hurt him,” she said.

“See? I told you, Kassy. She would never admit that she did it with intentions.”

Senthie turned to Jackson with a plea in her eyes. “Are you going to hate me for the rest of your life? Can’t we just pretend that this is the first time we meet so that we can end this evening without any hard feelings? If it’s difficult for you, then, I suppose I should leave.”

She stood up, ready to make her exit, but was stopped when Jimhuesh, who was now seated beside her, said, “Don’t go.”

She glanced at him and shook her head. “I should.”

“Yeah, she must. Don’t force her to stay, man,” Jackson interjected.

Jimhuesh repeated firmly, “Don’t go, Sensen.” His jaw clenched, and then he turned his gaze to Jackson. “You . . . you should leave. You wouldn’t mind it, Sands. Would you?” He glanced at Kassandra.

“Oh, sorry, Jack.” She pouted playfully. “I think Jim is right. You should leave.”

Reluctantly, Jackson left, but not without intentionally bumping into Senthie’s shoulder. Jimhuesh was about to lunge toward him, but Kassandra’s hand firmly held his arm. “Do not make a scene, Jim. He’s leaving, anyway. Keep your cool.”

He took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm the heavy surge of emotions. It was an unusual experience for him to lose his composure like this; he typically remained calm even in the face of corporate challenges.

As Senthie returned to her seat, he followed suit and asked if she was okay. She responded with a gentle smile and offered her apologies for everything that had transpired.

They all both made an effort to act as if nothing had happened, yet an air of awkwardness and discomfort still lingered over the remainder of their dinner.