Chapter 10

"How true was that?

It’s been weeks, and I don’t know what to think or do. I tried to let it pass, but I can't seem to get over it. It was a bit shocking for me, even though I already had an idea about it.

It’s been days since Alexander took over the company. He’s loaded with work and seems to like the idea of working almost all day long at the company.

I rarely see him. When he comes home late at night, I am already asleep, and when I wake up in the morning, he's already left.

That was routine for days.

It was kind of weird that I liked it. Maybe because I don’t know how to face him. I’m never that type of woman who likes confrontation. I am the type of woman who likes to behave and never talk about it anymore.

But I think that kind of changed right now.

I have been reading articles about them and also hearing news about Tamara, which tails up his name.

She always loved to talk about him.

She never did confess about their relationship, but people were suspecting that they are together because of the happenings in their lives. They were always seen to be together almost every day.

News about my marriage with Alexander never blew up because of their closeness.

Some were saying they looked so good together. Some would even say my relationship with Alexander was all about business.

I mean, that was true. Never did I try to speak about it, and also, Alexander didn’t clear that part of our relationship. His ears were closed, and his eyes were blind about that matter.

“Shouldn’t you take up some baking classes first?” Missy asked.

I have requested Alexander to let Missy still work under me. Same salary but different job. Alexander agreed, thinking I would be bored all by myself.

“Trust me, I have backgrounds about it,” I confidently told her.

Cookies are easy to make. I am sure I don’t need to take classes for it. And also, I took classes before when my parents were still with me.

“The construction is ongoing. I don’t have any background on how business works like this, but I will try to help and guide you. Pastry shops are best when they’re made from pure from the heart.”

I laughed when I saw her reaction after saying those words. “Where did you get those cheesy words? I have never heard you speak like that before.”

“Don’t ask me about it.”

We are at the house. Missy and I are planning to window shop at any pastry shops nearby. I already told Alexander about it, and he didn’t say any words to object. He just nodded at me last night, then left.

“These are good.”

“I told you. I know something about pastries and baking.”

After tasting the cookies I made, I went upstairs to prepare myself. I messaged Alexander to remind him that I will be going home late if ever he will wonder where I was.

It’s already three in the afternoon. I haven’t eaten my breakfast and lunch yet. It’s ironic that I don’t feel hungry at all because I was so busy minding my own business.

After putting some makeup on, I went to Alexander’s room to put the cookies I made earlier. I put it in a small container and placed it on his table to make sure he will easily spot it.

“The interior designer contacted me while you were in your room. He said he wanted to meet right now to discuss something.”

“I thought you already discussed it with him?”

“I already did, but he wants to know about your opinion. You know, you’re the owner. He just wanted to make sure that he will get everything right. And also, he’s a fan of your parents, that’s why he wanted to avoid committing mistakes.”

Oh…

“I didn’t know you were that friendly that you already know that part of him,” I said, slightly teasing her.

Missy shook her head at me and closed her eyes. I am driving because I feel like driving today. Missy insisted, but she doesn’t have a say on me.

I am the boss.

The place that Alexander bought was a bit far from his house. It would take a half-hour drive for me to get there.

“I have heard Tamara has always been seen with Alexander these past few days—-“

“I know…” I said, cutting her off.

Missy looked at me while my eyes were still on the road. “I wonder, why did they stop their wedding if they’re in love with each other.”

I slowed down then met her gaze. “Maybe… you should investigate about their reason if you are that curious. I don’t care about them.”

“I don’t care about them,” she said, mimicking me. “You really don’t care that’s why you couldn’t let an article about them pass by without you reading each word.”

The way I put my gaze back on the road tells me that I am guilty about it.

“Message the interior designer that we are almost there,” I told her, changing the topic.

“I told him to meet us at the café nearby the place. He must be there any minute now.”

“Got it.”

I know that café she was talking about. I have been there a few times already.

When we parked at the parking area, I slowed down when I saw a familiar car in the parking area. It was really familiar in my eyes because that’s Alexander’s car.

Maybe he’s here for a business meeting?

“That your husband’s car, right?” Missy butted in when she saw me staring at that specific car.

“Maybe he’s here for a business meeting—-“

“Are you sure? I think the car next to his car was Tamara’s. Is she also here for a business meeting? I doubt it.”

I stared at the red sports car next to Alexander’s car. I don’t know if that’s Tamara’s car. Tamara would always change cars from time to time.

“Let’s go inside.”

While sitting in the chair, I tried so hard to put my eyes only on the papers and the designer’s laptop to avoid seeing unnecessary things. I was so busy clarifying the things I wanted for my store.

Missy excused herself, leaving me and Mr. Daniel behind. I liked the designs he was showing me. Also, he has a lot of drafts. It wasn’t really necessary. I just asked about some of his works, but he showed me the drafts he made for my store.

I was in awe to see different vibes of the store each time he changes the design in his drafts. In my awe, I didn’t notice a frame of a man standing in front of us.

“Hey… what are you doing here?” I asked Alexander.

He’s staring at the man beside me. Mr. Daniel, on the other hand, was smiling while looking at Alexander.

“This is Mr. Daniel. We were just discussing the interior design of the store.”

I don’t know why I am explaining myself to him. I was the one who asked him what he’s doing here, but unconsciously, I was explaining the scenario he saw.

It’s not like he cares about it. Clearly, he doesn’t care about me.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Alexander.”

Mr. Daniel extended his hand to show gratitude, but Alexander ignored it and then shifted his gaze to me. “What time are you going home?”

I pointed at myself. “Me?” I double-checked if he was really asking me. “Missy and I have important things to do. I will be going home late.”

I don’t have an idea where we will be going, so I think it would take time.

“Don’t go home too late,” he said.

Why? I mean, does he think I will put myself in danger? Is he worried about me? Or am I just overreacting?

I was about to nod at him when suddenly a familiar build of a woman came into the picture. Tamara put her hands around Alexander’s arms. She smiled at us when she saw us.

“What a surprise to see you here. Your date?” she asked, referring to Mr. Daniel.

My mouth was ready to say something, but it was rudely interrupted by Missy. “Thanks for offering a ride, Mr. Daniel. We badly need it.”

I looked at Missy with so many questions in my head. What is she talking about? Mr. Daniel wasn’t even talking about offering a ride for us.

“What a nice man you have, Maya. I am sure you two will make a great couple.”

What? Is she serious?

I looked at Alexander, who was still looking at Mr. Daniel. He wasn’t saying anything. He was just looking at him. I can’t read his face. He doesn’t have any emotion at all.

He’s so hard to read. I want to know what’s going on inside his head while looking at Mr. Daniel, hearing words that I know won’t even affect him.

“Hey, let’s go? Mom and Dad are waiting for us,” Tamara softly said to Alexander.

When they left, I feel like a thorn has been ejected inside me. I didn’t notice I was holding my breath while talking with them.

“What show was that?” Mr. Daniel asked. He was so confused while looking at Missy and me. He stares at me; there were questions, but he was afraid to ask.

I gave him a go-on sign to shoot his shot.

“I thought he was your husband? Why is he with someone?”

I thought so too.

I smiled genuinely even with the slight pain I felt. I don’t know what that pain was for. I am not jealous. Why would I be jealous?

“Let's go? Are you coming with us?” I asked him.

I’ll just let him tag along with us. If he has time for an adventure because I know it would take us a few hours to roam around the place.

“I think what happened earlier gave me reasons to believe that love is really confusing. I’ll go with you two.”

What’s with the frown after saying those words?

"I heard you're single," Missy said.

My forehead creased while looking at them. It's like they are having a conversation that only both of them can understand. I am with them, yet I think I am lost with these two people.

Mr. Daniel laughed at Missy's question. We are in his car. He suggested that we only use his car for convenience. Missy agreed, and I couldn't agree more. It's like they have known each other for a long time, judging from their closeness and how they strike conversations.

He glanced at me before answering Missy's question.

"Yeah... by choice but... I think I won't be single anytime soon if someone will dump that asshole and be with me instead."