Hi guys! I hope you would continue to read this sequel!!

After three days had passed, Salerio arrived in Portia's palace and the surprising visitor was welcomed by the whole household. Lorenzo and Gratiano couldn't help but feel excited for their group of friends was almost complete, If only Antonio was there with them.

Gratiano's POV

Lorenzo did not tell us that he invited Salerio to our company but I was really happy! Salerio looks better than before. I couldn't wait to tell him how happy we are here! Hopefully, this would convince him and make him stay!

Salerio's POV

Good thing Portia's palace was famous around here! I almost got lost!

Wow! Everybody looked happy! Lucky couples… when will I find my one true love? sigh

Bassanio learned how to look better than before! And he grew his hair! He really looks cool! Gratiano in the other hand really is lucky to have Nerissa. And my man, Lorenzo! He looks bothered compared to my other companions. I couldn't help but worry for my dearest friend.

" Ah, Lorenzo!" exclaimed Nerissa. Her voice sounds confident. When will she lose control? Haha! I seem to see her looking very odd…

" Never mind her, my dear friend! Seems that our man Lorenzo misses your company the most!" said Gratiano, following Lorenzo's direction. He knows I feel irritated when I see Nerissa's awful clothes, no offense…

" Ay!" beamed Lorenzo. He shifted emotions! "Not even a single hair fell in anticipation for you! I want to look complete and better than my old self! I hope I had not bothered my beloved…"

He stopped. He reddened and stooped his gaze in the other direction. It was really peculiar for him to call me beloved. He only calls Jessica that. I feel unusual. Oh, well! It doesn't mean anything at all! He's my best friend! And he has Jessica… Jessica! Where could she be?!

"Haha! I am glad you invited me here! I do miss your company too! I asked Antonio to come along but he had unfinished business with a butcher and I think he sealed another bond…"

"Another bond?! Another trouble?!" Bassanio really feels angry. I chuckled!! I was kidding!

" Antonio needs to attend to his ships for they will sail to the west today and he really needs a bit of luck!"

Lorenzo kept silent. He looks really adorable… Weird! I always find him adorable! Haha! I approached him and gave him a tap on the shoulder.

"Lorenzo! Where is…" I was about to ask the where-abouts of Jessica. I saw her standing behind the curtain, staring gravely at me. Then she ruffled her way out of the room. Everyone was looking at her exit. At this time, I did not feel welcomed.

Lorenzo's POV

I called him beloved!! I should be more careful! I feel so ashamed… but I think Salerio did not notice. I really hope he did not! Oh, well! We're just friends! But I want to talk him too badly but I do not know what to say! I couldn't help but stare at the floor.

Salerio cut my fear when he said he was really happy to visit us. And he said that Antonio should accompany him but had to deal with his ships. Salerio was laughing with Bassanio. I looked at Salerio and saw me looking at me. He has pretty eyes. I feel calm when I see these. I don't want to wander away from his stare. I really need to tell him how I feel.

He approached me and tapped my shoulder. He made me smile!! I don't want him to leave. He said, "Where is…" then he turned his perspective on the curtains. I saw Jessica looking vague and wasn't wearing a good stare at Salerio. She looked really pissed. She stormed her way out of the room. We grew silent.

Jessica's POV

Lorenzo, my Lorenzo called Salerio, BELOVED?! He never called me that! What's next? Him getting married to Salerio!! I couldn't control my anger!

But I shouldn't assume… I MAY be wrong… I MAY be right…

I feel really sad!! I am married to a LIE?! I never saw that spark in Lorenzo's eyes… the way he looks at Salerio… those loving stares that should be mine?! I couldn't believe there is more to their intimate friendship! I am so confused! I don't know how I feel!!

" Ay!!" I ferociously moaned. " How cruel is this destiny! Why was I made to fall for this perfect man but then…"

" I am sorry to interrupt, Jessica…" Nerissa entered my room, walking with pace "…but we would like you to come down for dinner."

I looked at her.

" I couldn't help but hear you" Nerissa said. " Why did you walk out? We did not notice you were there until Salerio…"

" Not a word of him!" I exclaimed, trying to hide my tears…

" I don't want to invade your privacy, but your statements seem a little not like you…" she said with a very mellow voice… I want to confide to her my feelings and ask her how she deals with Gratiano, but Gratiano has nothing beyond friendship with Salerio! I feel really jealous! I took my shoe and put it on.

"Let's eat!" I accompanied Jessica out of the room, putting a smile… a very sad smile…

who would you comfort now? Lorenzo? or Jessica? I want to know :)