The evening arrived rather too early. All I could think about on my way to the Salazar's place was how everything between me and that family would end today. So, as I sat with Cadmus' parents at one table, I tried to hide how much I detested their son.
When I looked at them before I took my seat earlier, they all seemed relaxed yet cautious of me. Because of that, I confirmed that Cadmus had already spoken to them. My eyes glowered at him for not letting me tell my parents first.
I rolled my eyes. Of course, Cadmus wanted to make me miserable as if having an affair behind my back wasn't already enough.
There was a long silence between the four of us. I did not bother opening up any topics before they did. Perhaps by then, they would realize how much this family has disrespected mine. Cadmus did not only hurt me, but he also did not honor the forged bond our families had. My parents respected him and trusted him—what he did was not just
Their family let Minty into their home after their son forced me out. By the time the realization sunk in, I was already too used to the feeling of betrayal. "This place doesn't suit you, Minty." My eyes pierced through her as I sauntered forward. Minty wore an innocent smile that could deceive any fool. She was wearing a white dress that flowed down to her knees. Her brown hair was tucked behind her ears; they were shorter than before. She used to copy me a lot, my hair included--but she seemed to be way past that phase. Her eyebrow slowly rose up, and who she truly is resurfaced. "I'm here to claim my place in this household," she taunted. "It's you who's not supposed to be here." "You've never changed. You're still a thief. You never learned your place, huh?" I retorted. "And you, the mighty Katalina Deveza, haven't changed at all as well. Too overconfident, too full of herself. Look where it got you?" The mockery in her
A sharp pain struck the lower part of my body after it hit a table. The phone fell on the floor and caused a loud thud. I paused for a moment as I realized that someone pushed me. "Katalina..." I heard Cadmus' voice. After I recovered from the shock, I stood up straight and brushed my hair back. I took a deep breath before I faced them, with flames in my eyes. I immediately searched for the one who pushed me, and my glare locked upon Minty's mother. "It was you who brought so much misfortune to my daughter! They bullied her and made her transfer because of you. You stole her boyfriend and got everyone to side with you. I almost lost Minty because of you!" The veins in her neck looked like they were about to pop as she screamed at me. "Hah..." My lips parted in disbelief. I'm not sure what was more shocking to me, the part where she thinks she can push me around and get away with it or the way she blamed me for something I didn't do. "The next
I didn't want to pry, so I chose not to ask Percival even though I was curious. She could be just an employee or someone insignificant.The soothing atmosphere inside his car made my eyelids heavy. I did not have any energy left after everything that happened. So, I had let my eyelids cover my eyes as I rested my cheek on the pillow around my neck.My hand went to my womb. I caressed it while my eyes were still closed."Does it hurt?" I heard Percival ask--worry was evident in his voice.My lazy eyes opened to look at him. I wasn't sure why I was caressing it as if comforting the little human inside me. I might be a bit worried after Minty's mother pushed me--although I'm sure the push wasn't hard enough to affect my pregnancy, I still scolded myself and swore that I would be careful next time.It was time to give myself a break, but my mind wasn't done with me. It reminded me of Cadmus' child with Minty. Will they have the family I've longed for?
"I didn't need you there," I said, a little doubtful of my own words.Percival chuckled—bitterly, as if he expected my response but still hoped to be wrong. He kept quiet for a minute before he heaved a sigh."What are you doing?" I asked when he pulled my hand toward him and began to examine my arm."I can't trust your words about not getting hurt. I heard a crash earlier. Did you drop your phone?" He asked, his eyes still busy with my arm. "They even yelled at you.""Stop that." I tried to pull away, but he was determined to check if I had any scratch on me.I sighed in defeat."They just threw words at me, and that's nothing. The crash you heard was because of Minty's mother. She pushed me once. That was it." I did not have the energy to engage in another argument, so I was willing to give him what he wanted."She pushed you? Was it hard?" His eyes immediately went up to mine."A little." I looked away. "But, I'm fine.
Percival's hand held my chin. Then, he made me face him. In an instance, I felt like I was trapped in a trance, for all I could see was him.I wasn't the sort to be intimidated by anyone, but the way he gazed at me with such intensity made me want to look away—If only I could, but it seemed impossible to do so."If you want to, you can," he huskily said.His voice sent shivers down my spine, but I kept my composure. His eyes kept growing darker every passing second.My eyes busied themselves by memorizing his features. I couldn't help but admire how great they were together.It's been so long since I admitted to myself that I found him attractive. But that was it. I just find him attractive—I wouldn't be married to Cadmus if there's more than that.I did forget all about that for the past four years because my eyes were solely for Cadmus. Now, I'm perfectly reminded of just how good-looking this man is."Okay..." I trailed
"You don't know who I am?" He dramatically held his chest using his free hand as if I had hurt him there. "Wow, I'm really disappointed."He wants to play games huh? I tilted my head then smirked back at him.I gestured for my bodyguard to step in. He immediately stepped forward so, the guy in front of us backed up and raised his hand toward the guard."Whoa! There's no need for that. I'm Percival's brother. I live in this building too, just a couple of floors below this one." His eyes kept switching from my bodyguard to me.My bodyguard looked at me as if waiting for a signal. Using my head, I gestured for him to step back before I spoke to the guy that claimed he's Percival's brother."Percival never told me about you.""But, I know that he's your lover." He moved his eyebrows playfully.I frowned at him. I can see the resemblance, and I know how secure this place is. I'm sure they won't let some kind of lunatic in. Still, he
One of the main reasons why I didn't publicize Cadmus' affair, aside from the possible backlash, was because I'm not proud of what happened. There was still the feeling of shame, and I'm not fond of sharing my private life with strangers—especially the ugly parts.My mom sounded worried when I talked to her earlier. I told her that I'd see her some other time, hopefully, tomorrow. The agency, and possibly even my parents' house, is packed with reporters, and I wasn't prepared to deal with them today.This whole place is also surrounded. Everyone wants to hear from me. Fortunately, Percival was doing an excellent job of keeping them at bay."Tali?"I snapped back to reality when Percival called my name. He entered the room, leaving
"You read the comments, didn't you?" Percival asked, breaking the silence that enveloped us since dinner began.The side of my lips raised as my gaze went up to him. I didn't think it was obvious. Perhaps, I was just not aware."I did," I admitted.I heard him sigh before he spoke, "you seemed to be less curious now. So, I thought you finally had an answer."He was worried, I could see that. But there was no need for him to be. So, I thought I'd let him know that."To be honest, if the situation was a little different or problems weren't coming one after another. Those comments won't affect me at all--they won't make me ponder longer than they have today."Percival continued to eat with a frown. But I knew he was listening."But since that's not the case. It affected more than it should have. I thought about it deeply. But in the end, I still come to realize that they're nothing. Those people don't hold the truth. I do."