Chapter 108

SARAYA'S POV.

"Thanks for the meal, ma'am." I turned to Dominic's mom. "I really enjoyed myself, such a shame, I have to leave now."

"Come soon again, child." His mother said. "Then I will prepare different delicacies for you to enjoy."

"I can't wait."

"Why do I feel like my mom is going to forget all about me soon because of you?" Dominic asked.

I stuck my tongue out. "Deal with it." I cupped my face. "It's not my fault, I'm so loveable."

Dominic nodded. "You're right about that."

I chuckled at Dominic's response before leaning down to peck his mother on the cheek, then turned to his father to do the same. "Thank you for having me, sir. I truly appreciate it," I said with a genuine smile.

"You're always welcome, Saraya. Don't let this guy give you a hard time," his father replied with a wink, glancing at Dominic.

"Trust me, he wouldn't dare," I teased.

Dominic shook his head with a smirk. "Alright, enough chit-chat. We need to head out if we're going to make it to the airport on time."

"Right," I agreed, grabbing my bag. We said our final goodbyes and headed out to the car.

The drive to the airport was smooth at first. The cool breeze of the evening filtered through the open window, and I found myself relaxed as Dominic hummed along to the soft music playing on the radio.

Then my phone started buzzing.

I glanced at the screen, seeing Arlan's name flash across it. My heart raced and I hated how much my heart was reacting to a mere call and quickly pressed the side button to silence it.

Dominic noticed. "You're not going to pick up?"

"No," I replied, putting my phone in my bag.

He raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

A minute later, it buzzed again and again. "Why won't he stop calling?" I asked in barely a whisper.

"That's the third time he's called," Dominic pointed out, his voice laced with curiosity and a bit of concern.

"I know," I muttered, staring out the window.

"Are you sure you don't want to see what he wants?"

"I'm sure," I replied firmly, gripping my phone tightly as I declined another call.

There was a moment of silence in the car before Dominic spoke again. "You know you can tell me if something's going on, right?"

I sighed, leaning my head back against the seat. "I know. Thanks."

"To be honest, your sudden trip to Colorado makes me unsettle." He admitted. "But since I can't change your mind, call me anytime you need a friend."

His words eased some of the tension in my chest. I glanced over at him and smiled at him. "Thanks, Dominic."

The rest of the drive was quieter, with my thoughts wandering here and there.

When we pulled into the airport parking lot, Dominic cut the engine and turned to me, grabbing my hand and making me flinch in the process. "I will miss you, Saraya."

I chuckled. "You just made me nervous for nothing, I will miss you too."

As I stepped out of the car, my phone buzzed again. I didn't need to check to know who it was. But this time, my whole thought were already filled with Arlan.

**

ARLAN'S POV.

I became restless as I continued alternating between calling Saraya whose line was no longer available and Mary who continued ignoring my calls.

I wouldn't blame her for shuting me out like that but I just wanted to know if Saraya is safe.

Beads of sweats formed on my forehead. "Saraya, please pick up." I prayed silently but unfortunately my prayers were not answered as I was being directed to a voicemail.

My phone beeped and it was a message from Mary. My heart raced as I read Mary's message.

Mary: Saraya is on her way to the airport. The only reason I'm telling you this is because I'm hoping you can talk some sense into her and stop her from leaving.

I stared at the screen, my mouth suddenly went dry.

I called Mary immediately. To my surprise, she picked up on the second ring.

"Mary," I said quickly, "what do you mean Saraya's leaving? Where is she flying to?"

"All I know is she's headed to Colorado."

I exhaled sharply, pacing the room. "Why didn't you stop her?"

"Because she's an adult, Arlan," Mary snapped. "And if you hadn't screwed things up, maybe she wouldn't feel the need to run away!"

"I've been trying to fix things, but she won't even talk to me!"

"Maybe you should think about why that is," she said coldly.

I clenched my jaw, swallowing the emotions bubbling up within me. "Which airport, Mary?"

She sighed heavily. "You're not going to give up, are you?"

"Not a chance."

"Fine. She's heading to Kingsford Smith Airport," Mary admitted. "But you'd better hurry if you want to catch her. I'm only telling you because I don't want her running off without thinking this through."

"Thank you," I said quickly, already grabbing my keys.

"Don't thank me, Arlan," she said sharply. "Just do better this time."

I ended the call and bolted out the door, my heart pounding. There was no way I was letting Saraya leave.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as I sped through the streets.

"Why is she leaving?" I muttered under my breath, glancing at the clock on the dashboard. "Why now? Why Colorado?"

The thought of Saraya leaving-leaving me-was unbearable. I had messed things up, sure. But running away? That wasn't her. Or at least, I thought it wasn't.

"You should've seen this coming," I scolded myself. "You pushed her to the edge, didn't you? With your indecision. Your carelessness. Your-"

I slammed my foot on the brakes as the traffic light in front of me turned red. My head hit the headrest, and I exhaled sharply, trying to calm the whirlwind of guilt and panic swirling inside me.

"She's leaving because she's done. She's done with you," a bitter voice in my head whispered. "There is no point chasing after her."

"No," I said out loud, shaking my head. "She can't be. I just... I need to talk to her. To explain."

The light turned green, and I floored it, ignoring the honks of angry drivers as I swerved into the airport entrance. I parked haphazardly, not caring about the crooked angle, and dashed toward the terminal.

My fingers fumbled as I dialed her number again. My heart sank as I watched the call connect, only for her to end it immediately.

"She's ignoring me." The words tasted bitter.

And then I saw her.

Saraya stood a few feet away, her back to me. Her small suitcase was parked by her side, and she was talking to someone. My steps faltered as I recognized the figure next to her.

Dominic.

I froze.

Dominic leaned in, saying something I couldn't hear. She laughed-a soft, genuine laugh and my chest tightened. My feet were rooted to the spot as I watched him wrap her in a hug.

Something inside me shattered.

For a second, I felt nothing but rage. My fists clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms. How dare he? How dare he wrap his filthy hands round my woman?

But just as quickly, the anger fizzled out, replaced by something heavier.

"I told you It's over," the voice in my head came again. "You've lost her."

I turned away, my vision blurring. I couldn't stand there any longer, watching her slip further away. But as I walked toward the exit, another nagging voice in my head screamed.

"Don't let her go. Fight for her. Tell her how you feel."

I stopped, my chest heaving. My mind and heart were at war. I decided to listen to the former. "Seems like I have to give up now."