Chapter 5: Non-rendezvous

Eleanor’s POV

“So, tell me more about him! Where did your dad find him? Is he a wonderful and fine person? Would you let your dad interfere with your life again like he always does? Don’t tell me he consented to it.” Mia threw me a bunch of questions and unlikely opinions. She doesn't want me to give my full permission to what my father says about my life from then on.

“Mia, it’s my choice to agree with the said arranged marriage, so don’t particularly blame him. He said it would be for my betterment. Mia, I want my situation to be entirely hidden from my dad and from my fiancé. I will resolve this on my own.”

“I seriously like Uncle William since he is very approachable and welcome to me, but Eleanor you spurn to love that person you are going to marry. Marriage is for someone you sincerely love.” She expressed her concern.

“Really? Take a look at what happened between me and Zayn. We barely even know each other.” I rolled my eyes.

“That’s a distinct case! By the way, is he handsome?” She's talking about Dylan.

“Above average.” We giggled together.

“Wait, why are we talking about this again? We should be talking about the separation of our unfortunate marriage!” I realized. We are at a fancy restaurant that Zayn suggested.

“Right! My sister is going to be late for a while, she requires to discuss something with their council, but I’m pretty sure she will make it. Although, she gave me lists of possible plans so we’re just waiting for…”

“Present.” I could smell his well-known, wonderful, fragrant scent all over again.

“Mr. Blaine, you are once late again for the period your own self suggested. Are you constantly like this?”

“Like my reason before, it’s just purely business. Just clearly concede that you miss me. Drop it, I am already here, present in your two eyes.”

“Can you please stop imagining that I have an interest in you?”

“Oops, looks who’s guilty here, Mia. It’s your friend. I didn’t even say such a thing.”

“Before you even start fighting, can we start immediately if you really want to end this all fast? A long discussion is coming our way.”

“Where is your sister? She is the most substantial person here, and you promised us that she'd come and help out. How can we begin?” Zayn inquired sternly.

“She will come, but later than this time. She had an emergency at the council. Before throwing trash talks at me, she gave me lists that could be a guide for us, so chill. The whole shebang is under control.”

“Let’s then get underway with it.”

Mia pulled out a long, lengthwise sheet of paper from her bag. I know in my mind that our disastrous journey will be long, but with the size of the paper that Mia is holding, I am terribly disappointed and astonished t the same time.

“Is that all?! That’s a lot to quantify!” Even Zayn was shocked.

“I warned you, didn’t I? So, are you going to stick with it or—"

“Yes.” Both of us responded in chorus.

“Okay, I heard you loud and clear. Let’s begin organizing the divorce with—”

“Eleanor!” Oh no! That voice is familiar, and it came behind me. I hear blaring and rushing footsteps coming near us.

I turned my back and saw him. Of all the people that would see me here, why him? I stood up and approached him.

“Dylan, it’s wonderful to see you. What are you doing here?” I asked him.

“I wanted to try this extravagant restaurant that serves bright liquors. I'm just going to slightly assess them. By the way, who is getting divorced? I inadvertently heard it, sorry.” I looked at Mia with wide eyes to signal her. We have a steadfast connection, I am sure she got it.

“Yeah! You probably heard that from me. We were just talking about our mutual friend, who is actually experiencing an awful divorce at this moment. She’s so pitiful.”

“Oh, poor thing. Speaking of, Eleanor aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” Isn’t he leaving yet? We have not started yet, but we're almost caught.

“This is Mia, my best friend. This is Zayn, my…”

“His husband.” WHAT?! Is he out of his mind?! Ugh! I did not also have the opportunity to speak to him about the fact that our state should be confidential, but he knows about it!

“W-What is he talking about, Eleanor? I suppose you are just pranking me. I am her fiancé.” He pulled my waist closer to him. Mia coughed on the side and looked away. I glanced badly at Zayn, hoping that he would dispose of what he had said. He stared at Dylan’s hand on my waist, and I saw him clench his hand on the table.

“How did you know it was a prank? He is Zayn, Eleanor’s friend also.” Mia took the opportunity to speak again.

“Don’t you mind if I join your table? I came by all myself and fortuitously, I found you guys.”

“Sure.” Zayn was the only person who responded. This is not a good idea at all.

“Great!” He sat on the chair beside me. Now, I am positioned in the middle of Zayn and Dylan.

Mia smiles at me with a tease. I can picture her imagination playing in her mind.

“Wait, you look obviously familiar to me, Zayn. Do you have a liquor business?” Dylan started a discussion. What am I supposed to feel right now? On my right side, my husband is settled. On my left side, my fiancé is seated. Am I an adulterous person now? I feel like I am the most traitorous individual.

“Yes, I am the CEO of the Black Sinister Liquors.”

"Is your company solely concerned with liquor?" I did not refrain from asking. 

“Why didn’t you know that, Eleanor? He is your friend, right?” Oh, what a wrong move. 

“Of course. We just don’t talk about it too much.”

“Okay, but I knew it!” Dylan exclaimed.

“Dylan, do you know him?” Oh no, I hope not. Please, no. Our lives would be connected in various ways. I never expected our businesses to have one subject, which is alcohol.

“We have crossed paths before. By the way, Zayn, I am Dylan Jackson. The CEO of Jackson’s Pour.”

"I recall you as well. We became massive business rivals during an event months ago.” Zayn acknowledged Dylan's words.

“He is right. No wonder he chose this restaurant. This restaurant is currently choosing and dealing with various liquor companies.”

Oh, crap.