Chapter 5

"Hey, let's talk." I stopped Karious from climbing up the stairs. We finished eating and I actually waited to talk to him.

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me. "For what?"

"About me? I mean I have some questions for you. I hope you wouldn't mind."

"Fine. Let's go to my room."

“Huh?” I exclaimed, a little offended

“You want to talk about it here?” he asked, his smile hidden behind his lips.

I locked my gaze on him. Although the jerk is wise, I am wiser.

“I mean, we should talk in your office, not in your room,” I said as I led him up the stairwell.

"For what?" he pondered.

"What for? Because you're a flirt!"

He smirked at my remark. "Don't blame me for something I didn't do. It's you who—" Aist! And he has the audacity to bring it up again.

"Shut up!" I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with heat.

He laughed and said, "...push me to the bed..." I lock my gaze on him.

"It doesn't matter whether we converse in my room. You're my pretend wife, remember?" He softly reminded me.

“I don’t remember agreeing with you and that’s what we’ll talk about.”

"Based on the way you kissed me, I assumed you'd already agreed—"

"I don't!" I exclaimed, "which is why we need to talk in your office!"

When I looked at him, he looked very cozy based on the gentle expression on his face. It was as if someone was tickling me inside whenever he teased me or when he grinned or smiled.

When he turned to face me and our eyes connected, I averted my gaze. I’m very sure he’s already aware that I’m not his wife.

I sat in front of him while he was behind the table. I can't start with what I was going to say because he was looking for a folder in the drawer.

“You can talk now,” he commanded as he opened a folder.

I pursed my lips and became serious. If someone would see us, they will think that we are talking about business. There was no problem there but why do I feel like there was a wall blocking us again?

When his child was around, he was a completely different person. When the two of us were together, though, it was as if we had never met before.

Before speaking, I took a deep breath.

"Ahm, do you now believe that I’m not your wife Veronica?” I asked carefully.

He looked up at me before dropping the folder he was reading in front of me.

“Yes. But after I pay for a thorough investigation about you.”

The first thing I saw in the folder he presented was my half-body picture. What’s written on the paper is all information about my personality from the name, family background, and accomplishments.

“I apologize for my nasty behavior toward you the first day you were here; I mistook you for Veronica since you look exactly identical.” He appears honest. “Manang told me about your strange actions and things you do that I know Veronica wouldn’t do, and I noticed that too, so I called my agent to investigate about you. I just can’t understand why your father denied you, but I’m not going to look into it any further because I’m guessing it’s a family affair,” he said, smiling. He smiled and held my hand that was lying on the table.

“I’ve told you countless times that I’m not your wife, yet you still don’t believe me,” I whispered softly, staring at his hand that was clutching mine.

Why the hell are you thumping so quickly, heart? Stop now because you’re about to leave.

He laughed dryly before looking me in the eyes. “My wife… she does so many horrible things that the only thing I want for her is to rot in hell,” he said, shaking his head, “that’s why I’m looking for her so she can pay for it. It was unfortunate for your side because we mistook you for her. That night, my agent told me that Veronica was in that club and partying. We made a mistake, and I apologize for the trouble."

His reasoning made sense to me. It helps me feel better to know that he didn’t do it on purpose.

“Except for cheating, what else did Veronica do to you?” I inquired cautiously.

I nearly expected him to ignore my query because his forehead was crossed. “She physically harmed my son while I was away on business. She took my son somewhere and physically harmed him when he didn’t behave. The next call from her was that they were in the hospital. Rious was rushed because he collapsed with a high fever, she said, but when I spoke with the doctor, he said he collapsed due to physical trauma. There were many bruises and fractures on his body. Before I could take Veronica to the police, she already escaped with millions that she stole from my company. That was why I’m so angry and I want to catch her.”

That astounded me because I assumed Veronica had simply committed a simple cheating case and had no idea she could be so cruel to her son.

“He’s obviously traumatized. If that’s the case, seeing me will bring up negative memories. I can’t believe Rious still approaches me despite the fact that I’m not his biological mother. When he was with me, he was nice and innocent. It never occurred to me that he went through something like that, and I can’t fathom the terror he feels every time he sees me,” I worriedly stated, and despite the fact that I wasn’t Veronica, I felt terrible for making things difficult for Rious.

But, come to think of it, he hugged me when he first saw me, which he wouldn’t do if he was terrified, right?

Karious took my hand in his and comforted me by holding it.

“Don’t worry. My son loves you as you. He must really like you that seeing you makes him happy.” I shook my head. I disagree with that. While here I am, the one who's grown up and yet, can't ever forget the hardships I've experienced. How about Rious who had an even more difficult experience at the hands of his own mother? I will never forgive Veronica.

As a result, I’ve chosen to depart. I couldn’t face the thought of Rious remembering what his mother had done to him whenever he saw me. I’m not so callous as to constantly bring up painful memories. I adore Rious as if he were my son. Not as a younger brother, but as a son. My heart bleeds knowing what he has gone through.

“Can I come home now? Although I want to stay here to be with your kid because he has been close to me in such a short time, as you can see, I also have a life outside of this house, and I need to get back to work as soon as possible because I might have lost my job for real,” I said.

I was speechless because of what he did, as he nodded and then withdrew his hand from me.

“I see. So you wouldn’t accept my proposition to be my pretend wife?” he asked, returning the conversation to the topic I didn’t want.

I grinned shyly as I stroked my nape. “For what else?” I exclaimed, “just find a lady you can marry, not someone who can pretend to be the mother of your child.”

I’m not yet convinced of what I said but hey, this is the only way to put distance between us. As I said, he has a wife even though the wife doesn’t act like one, it was still not right to agree to his proposition. I haven’t lost my mind yet to become a mistress.

“Do you want to marry me then?” Being shocked was an understatement. This was not the type of proposal I had anticipated. And I was not expecting that to come from him! I shift my weight.

I was ready to respond when he stopped me off, “Would you accept my proposal to marry me for at least a year?”

My mouth drew apart. And here I was thinking he was proposing marriage to me because he likes me! He was simply willing to marry me for the sake of convenience. My throat felt as if a giant boulder had become lodged in it.

“To tell you the truth, I left my father because he wanted to marry me off to his business partner,” I added solemnly, expecting him to understand immediately. Of course, I left because I didn’t want to get married, and then suddenly, he will propose marriage to me?

He won’t expect me to accept it immediately right?

I sense how my words suck in him. And then he apologizes again!

“All right, when do you want to come back?” he inquired, his voice hushed. He also has a cold, dismissive tone on him.

I was dissatisfied with the outcome. I didn’t expect it to end like this. I assumed we’d become friends, and he’ll let me visit his son again.

He assumed that right away because I couldn’t respond in time.

“I will escort you back tomorrow. Don’t worry about my son. I will explain to him the situation.” And that’s very soon! “Go back to your room and sleep.” He dismissed me.

I don’t have a choice but to follow. I feel like there was a rock at my feet that wanted to keep me stay in that position. I don’t feel well. My chest tightens.

Is it okay for me to accept his offer? It isn’t right, though, because he still has a wife.

‘If he’s still married, he won’t propose to you,’ I thought to myself.

But this was not my intention in my life. They aren’t a part of the new life I’m supposed to be living.

‘Or maybe you’re just afraid of being hurt so you refused.’

That stops me. Why would I be hurt? I don’t like Karious that much. I was attracted to him, but not to the point of straying. I won’t be burned by the fire I’ll start since I’m not going to spark it.

And I’m not sure if he really was interested in me or if his proposal was solely business-related.

‘You’re overthinking everything. Why not seize the moment and take the risk?’

Why would I take chances in a circumstance where I’m sure I’ll get lost? I wasn’t gullible. I could see where this was going. I wasn’t foolish enough to make a hasty decision.

I won’t.

But the fact that I don’t hurts.

I was completely insane for talking to myself and arguing these strange feelings.

What am I doing this?

I expected to leave early the next day because Karious seemed rushed. However, when I awoke and went to the dining room, I saw that Karious had left early that morning. Manang Tess stated that he must attend to essential matters.

“Karious said he’ll deliver you tomorrow; if you like, you can go outside; don’t worry, you’ll be escorted by a bodyguard and driver.”

“Really?” I said with delight. I was more relieved to learn that he would not send me to my house just yet than to learn that I could leave.

I’m no longer Kassandra. I’m a completely different person.

“I’ll tell Kanor that you’re leaving.”

I immediately stopped her from walking away. “Don’t bother. I have no intention to go out.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll just help you here.”

Manang Tess did not agree with me, but she had no choice because I am a stubborn creature.

“I’m going to miss you, Manang Tess. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Even if we didn’t get along at first due to a misunderstanding, I’m delighted that we got close.”

I assist Manang with preparing lunch. Rious is on his way home right now. Except for Rious, I was able to say my goodbyes to everyone. I have no intention of saying anything, but since I’ve been given the chance, why not take advantage of it and say goodbye properly?

“I admit that I was wrong. I just didn’t really like what Veronica did to this family. I really didn’t like that woman from the beginning. I don’t understand what Karious see on her that he chose to replace Yasmin with that her,” Manang Tess said disapprovingly which make me raise an eyebrow.

“Who is Yasmin Manang? Karious’ ex-girlfriend?” My guess. It was obvious and it looks like I don’t need confirmation anymore.

“She was the only woman Karious had ever loved; they split up because Yasmin went missing eight years ago; he tried to find her, but we discovered she had married someone else, which was also done by her parents,” Manang explained.

I can’t help but feel envious. The only woman Karious loved. That means he doesn’t love Veronica.

“I’m sure Karious wouldn’t have married Veronica if he didn’t love her,” I commented. I’m not sure, but I’d prefer to believe that Karious liked and loved Veronica as much as Yasmin.

“Perhaps, but I doubt it. I’m not meddling in those two’s lives, but I’m glad Rious came into ours. He was the angel in this house and the rain of heaven. Perhaps his father will be lost forever without him.”

That made me smile. Rious is an angel, indeed.

Yasmin never left my mind. I also learned from Manang that Yasmin was Karious’ childhood sweetheart. First, they love each other. Second, they were close to the family on both sides. What do I have against that?

You are in the present. She was married to another man.’ My subconscious answered.

“Meanwhile, the man I like was already married to another woman.” I shook my head at that statement.

When night came, I planned to wait for Karious. I want to talk to him about tomorrow. I intend to offer my friendship. Even if it was the only friendship that he can offer. And hopefully, he will allow me to visit here again to see Rious.

I couldn’t say goodbye to Rious either, especially after seeing him so pleased when he returned home earlier. On the task he worked on with me, he received a perfect score. I couldn’t bring myself to ruin his joy. Maybe I’ll go see him sooner so he doesn’t forget about me.

I also believe that Karious will explain to his son about my parting. I want to stay but I can’t. I can’t leave the life I lived.

I decided to talk to my dad about the situation. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to get to the point where I’m leaving my father. Maybe I can persuade him about my independence. Maybe I can say no about his proposed marriage. Maybe he would understand if I told him my reasons.

I know that even though dad was strict, he also has a good heart. Even though he locked me in the life I should have enjoyed, I know he didn’t mean it because that was just his way of showing love. I just need to make it clear that that’s not the kind of love that I need.

What I needed was a love that was freeing. The one that will accept and can be able to understand the situation. I know and I still believe that dad had it in him.