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43| Rafe
Last Updated:
2023-04-19 19:00:38Related chapters
That Problematic Ring 44| Freya
"What will you do afterwards if our marriage ends?" Rafe questions.It gives me shivers. I stiffen, close the file in my hand and look at him. It reminds me of our divorce papers which are soon going to be issued."Like, will you marry someone else...or date?""I don't know." My voice comes out weak. When my perturbation begins overflowing, I decide to escape before he will figure it out. I assemble the files and papers scattered on the table. Maybe I should tell Rafe about it beforehand. Mom and Dad are coming too. I'm scared how I will handle everyone's reaction altogether. "Do you like someone currently?"My face contorts in confusion as I hear his weird question. I stop my work midway and give him a glance. He's sitting there with a solemn expression. "No." I say truthfully. I can't contemplate why he's asking this question all of sudden. It is out of context."I'll just stay free and away from men for some time and might be for years." I answer him anyway. I continue gathering
Last Updated : 2023-04-24That Problematic Ring 45| Rafe
I knock on the door twice. Mona pulls open the door after a minute and appears before me. She looks at me with a straight face, doesn't get surprised or angry at my arrival. Which is according to my expectation. I knew she would not close the door on my face.She's wearing an old printed off-shoulder dress. Her hairs are loosely rolled up on the top of her head. After a few seconds, She fully opens her door, clears the passage for me to enter her room. She goes inside and I silently follow her. There is a heavy burden on my chest, akin to some massive stone, pressing down my chest-wall. I decided to go to the hotel where Mona is staying after the office and talk to her. I knew she was not going to contact me on her own after the last fight we had so I had to take the first move. Besides, I've came here with a firm goal in my mind. She sits down on the edge of her bed, now forms an scowl on her face. She plays with her long nails, "I'm going back to New York. You're not interested in
Last Updated : 2023-04-28That Problematic Ring 46| Freya
As the days are passing, my heart is weakening. Because it reminds me that I'm approaching the day when my marriage will end. Rafe and I will be free from the knot that is tying us together. I've contacted the lawyer and she said our divorce application is in process. It will be issued in few days. It's hard to imagine how my life would be after Rafe. I'm used to this lifestyle, seeing Rafe around me always. And now we've even settled our differences. So I don't have any grudge against him in fact I like his presence around me. I'm habitual of hearing his voice daily. I'm habitual of having him on my side. I come back home after a tiring day. I toss my purse and phone on the bed and go straight towards the closet to find my night outfits. While going through my clothes, my eyes fall on the lingeries Mom sent. They are stuffed in one corner. I stand still and stare at them. I haven't thrown them out of the closet yet. I couldn't because of their expensive costs. Pulling them out, I
Last Updated : 2023-05-04That Problematic Ring 47| Freya
"Say something, Fay." He grabs my shoulders and makes me look at him, "Your silence is making me anxious. Please do not think that I married you for my business gains. Don't think of me as some mean jerk who was lured by your established business, just how Father was. I'm not like him, I swear. I didn't participate in Father's plan or lead him on. Father was asking me to ask you to merge our companies and all, but I never encouraged him on anything."I smile at his explanations. His eyes are reflecting his sincerity, "Relax, Rafe. I know you and I believe you. I know you are not like your Father so you don't have to explain anything to me. And besides, I'm happy to hear that you gained something from this marriage. It is lessening my remorse. I'm actually glad that my lie worked for you in some way. I acted selfish too back then so I've no right to blame you for anything if you used our marriage excuse for your own benefit."I take a brief pause, and become serious, "Our marriage was n
Last Updated : 2023-05-06That Problematic Ring 48| Freya
Utterly dumbfounded, my body freezes as if my soul has been pulled out. Rafe's touch becomes more intense. He presses his lips further to mine and begins moving them in a slow pace. My mind doesn't immediately register what's happening to me. It takes its time to give me an alert that Rafe is for real KISSING ME. I literally lose my vision for some seconds as I comprehend the situation. A black blanket appears before my eyes, making it difficult to see anything around me. I only feel his mouth on mine and his hands on the curves of my neck. My hands involuntarily move up to his chest. I never even imagined this moment not in my unconscious mind that Rafe could kiss me. I thought Rafe had friend-zoned me. I thought I was not a woman for him. But now what is this happening to me.I close my eyes and embrace the sensations his lips are giving me. I scatter in his arms. My legs stumble out of weakness. I give him the hint that I can't stand. His warm touch and kiss make me put down my f
Last Updated : 2023-05-16That Problematic Ring 49| Freya
All my presumptions proved to be correct about why Rafe disappeared in an instant after kissing me. I comprehended it through his behavior. He is regretting it. He didn't like kissing me. He's probably ashamed of cheating on his girlfriend with me. He plainly ignored me the entire next week. He barely came home at nights. He didn't talk to me in the office. He treated me like I don't exist as if he couldn't hear me or see me, as if I had become invisible. I tried a few times to talk to him, to find out what's wrong with him, but he made excuses, showed reluctance, and pretended that he's too busy to talk about anything, but work. It made me angry. It made me hurt. His cold attitude and the way he has been avoiding me. It made me think that he's giving me hints that he doesn't want himself around me, that he suddenly became allergic to me. I'm surprised by his sudden change of behavior with me. He was being so friendly, so understanding before the kiss and now this. . . He's making
Last Updated : 2023-05-25That Problematic Ring 50| Freya
I paint my lips with cherry red lips. The color is contrasting with my shimmery, sleeveless red dress. "Woah, you're looking fab, Freya."I see through my dresser's mirror that Mia enters my room then stares at me from head to toe with an opened mouth. I move to my eye-make. Mom and Dad have already left for their designated hotel leaving Mia behind. "But isn't this too sparkly for family dinner?" "This is not for dinner." I move a mascara brush on my lashes, "I'm going out. The food is in the fridge. If you feel hungry, just microwave it. Stay comfortably at home, watch a movie on TV or do a live streaming. And do not stay awake till late. It's not healthy.""But what about dinner? Mom and Dad invited you and Rafe."I turn to her, "It is cancelled. I just talked to Mom and cancelled it." I've changed my plan.I decide to skip the family dinner and go somewhere else. I knew if I would not do something to distract myself, my stress would kill me. "Did they agree?" She asks."Yes."
Last Updated : 2023-05-30That Problematic Ring 51| Rafe
Around ten o'clock in the evening, I hesitantly enter the villa with my coat hanging on my arm. I intend not to come face to face with Freya. It will be difficult again to avoid her and her eyes filled with questions.Locking the main door, I walk inside and notice empty cups and plates scattered on the dinner table. I feel strange. Someone was here at the villa?I walk further and then I hear the faint sound of music coming from the room which usually remains vacant.After a few seconds, I see a familiar woman step out of that room. She stops midway when she catches me. A young girl with short hair and a petite figure. I instantly recognize her."Mia." A smile plays on my lips, "What a pleasant surprise!"She darts to me, "Rafe, you're finally here. We all were waiting for you."She hugs me and I hug her back, "Yes, I now remember you were going to come today." I groan at my lost memory. I forgot that Freya's parents were going to land here today. I also remember that I got to know f
Last Updated : 2023-05-31
Latest chapter
That Problematic Ring Epilogue (Continue...)
"It's confirmed now." I hear him sigh on the phone, "that you'll work there and I'll work here. We have to work now at separate places.""Hmm. Indeed." I enter my room and look around, remembering how my office here looked like. It's weird, indeed. To be back at my old workplace. So much has changed within me and in my life.I visited Howard's main building a few times in past weeks, but didn't get a chance to see my office. "But I was used to seeing you around me, Fay. It was good working with you and getting to see you whenever I wanted. It will be difficult to be habitual with this new setting." He becomes downhearted. I smile as I understand what he meant."Yes. It was a good time. But that's how our situation is now." Rafe and I have different responsibilities. He's the CEO of his own company and I'm the CFO here at my family business. Life is going to be very busy from now."I'm not liking the situation." Me too.I say in my head. But I don't tell him that, thinking, he would
That Problematic Ring Epilogue (Freya)
Few weeks later*Coming out of my car, I slip up my sunglasses at the top of my head and look up at the Howard's Constructions' main building. I close the door and lock my car.Walking through the main doors, I make my way to the elevators. The employees who know me greet me. I respond to them with a wave and smile. Then I reach the designated floor and go to Dad's office room. I've decided to see them after rejecting their umpteen number of calls. I knock once and enter in it. Mom is there too as per my expectations. "What now? Why have you been pestering me with continuous phone calls?" I remove the glasses from the top of my head and hold them in my hand, "And why did you call me here?"Dad comes to me, "How have you been? I've heard you've cancelled your divorce with Rafael. That's a relief."I roll my eyes, clenching my jaws. "Answer your Dad, Freya. That's not how I taught you." Mom interferes, "We've been worried for you since you've broken your contact with us. I understand
That Problematic Ring 64| Freya
Rafe strolls out of the bathroom after a few minutes and begins making up the bed. I stand still on my spot, nervous. I look through the large window of the room and see the downpour of the rain. If it has stopped raining, I could've escaped this awkward moment. I can't tell if Rafe is feeling the same discomfort or not. It would be surprising if he's not because it is literally the first time we'll sleep together. I again bring my eyes on him and observe that he smoothens the bed covers of both the sides. He sets the pillows and then the single comforter. I become more uneasy. He is making it certain that I'm spending a night in this hotel room with him. Once he's done, he sits on the bed and looks at me, "Aren't you in mood to sleep? Why are you standing?""Umm." I move my gaze around, "I should first freshen up myself." "Okay." He unfolds the comforter.I stride to the bathroom and lock the door. Sighing aloud, I see myself in the mirror in front. I'm blushing. The pink tint is
That Problematic Ring 63| Freya
With a smile on my face, I bend and pick up the ring box from the floor and turn to Rafe again. He looks at me confusingly. My smile turns coy. His love confession to me before our kiss is still ringing in my ears. I can't believe he actually said that to me. I go to him."Here. Give this to me." I move the ring box in front of him. I raise my head high, faking arrogance, "Do it as you planned on my birthday."He arches his brows while giving me a playful smile, "Are you sure?""Yes." I nod firmly."Okay." He takes the box from me and inspects it, "I was not going to offer it right away. I was going to see your reaction first after telling you how I feel about you. If you would've said that you like me back then I showed you this. So I should skip that part now."I press my lips together to stop my smile."I was going to do it like this." He moves the box behind his back, "Fay, I've brought something for you. I don't know how you would react to it, but I just wanted to do this." He bri
That Problematic Ring Rafe's Spin-off (Cont...)
As she remains quiet, I remain confused about whether I should say something or not and if so, what should I say to her. "There is something you should know." She begins speaking again. I hear her sniffle. That gives me a hunch that she's still in tears. "I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." This causes my mind to be boggled. My body freezes. "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you." She says it again, "Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I can't believe my ears. So it means she applied for the divorce because she was thinking I wanted to be with Mona and not her? She was actually ready to sacrifice her love? Seriously, Fay. She again becomes quiet and cries. I start getting restless. It's not making sense
That Problematic Ring Rafe's Spin-off (of chap 61-62)
*I've written this Rafe's POV because I felt like it won't be fair to the character if I do not show how he felt when he listened to Freya's reasons and her confession and why he agreed to give her a chance. You can skip it if you want, but I advise you not to do that ;)*-------++++++--------"Excuse me, Mr. Eastmond." As I walk through the reception of the hotel, one of the hotel's clerks calls my name. I stop and turn around."There is a message for our guests that it is raining outside and the forecast's predictions say that it can turn into a bad thunderstorm so guests are advised to stay cautious for tonight. Please do not go anywhere far or call someone here that lives far from the hotel. We just want to protect you from any incident." "Alright. Thanks for the information." I nod slowly, "But don't worry I'm not expecting a visitor nor I'm leaving anywhere." Who can come here... No one knows where I am. "Thank you, sir. Have a nice evening." He smiles then turns to his way.I
That Problematic Ring 62| Freya
After some seconds, I move my hand down from my mouth and say the words that ached my heart everyday, "There is something you should know....I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you. Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I whimper, losing control on my tears. The pain that I was hiding inside me is coming on the surface and making me vulnerable. Rafe stands in the same position. I'm unable to know if my words are affecting him or not. Maybe I should really accept that I've lost him. It is not going to work. He's too angry to forgive me."And you said that I should have talked with you before applying. I did talk about ending our marriage once or twice. It was not a direct conve
That Problematic Ring 61| Freya
By the time I reach the hotel, raining starts all of a sudden. It took me around an hour and half to reach the hotel where Rafe is probably staying. And in the midway, the rain started. I didn't check today's weather forecast, but I knew that it is not the time of monsoon season in New York. This rain is unexpected. I stay inside the car, hesitant to come out because I've not brought the umbrella with me. The rain will drench my clothes. I stay inside for some minutes. Rain seems like a good excuse to delay facing Rafe. My mind is turning blank. Now I'm here and near him, I'm losing my confidence. My body has turned quite heavy for some reason although I haven't eaten anything since morning. I know it is happening because of the strong emotions that are stirring inside my stomach. I'm scared to face him. I'm scared of his reaction and his rejection. I won't be able to handle it without dissolving into tears in front of him. After almost sitting in the car for twenty minutes, I step
That Problematic Ring 60| Freya
As I landed to New York, I decided to go straight to the Eastmond Enterprise to meet Rafe's father. He's a resourceful man. He certainly must have done something to find his son. If not, then I can even rely on his instincts. He's someone who can help me to start my search in this city. I winded up my work at Seattle once I made sure that Rafe is not in Seattle. I took the earliest flight to New York. I waited for a whole day and did everything in my power to search for him, but when I became hopeless, I decided to follow Mia's suggestion. There is a chance that he went back to New York.I sent my luggage to my New York's apartment with the help of my driver. He took my car too. So I took a taxi and headed to the Eastmond building with a hope that I get to see Rafe's father. He has to see me too and do not deny my arrival. I wish I had some supernatural power that would help me find Rafe. That could help me tell him this very moment that I like him too, that I like him more than him,
