Chapter 49

Freshia Ava's POV

Eros, who realized my presence, immediately got up from his seat and walked towards me, who was still standing quietly not far from the dining table. “Let's eat together. Simon and Evelyn are waiting.” Said Eros who then grabbed one of my hands to put it in his hand. After that, he immediately took me to the side of the dining table opposite Simon and Evelyn.

I, who still couldn't believe what I saw, just remained silent, following all of Eros' actions towards me. I looked at Simon who looked surprised. It seems he also didn't expect that he would meet and eat with me tonight at Eros' house. Likewise, Evelyn, the woman looked at me disapprovingly, but I also saw that she was surprised when she realized my presence.

I've been wondering to myself since I first arrived in this dining room. Why is Simon here? What's the deal with Eros? Then why is he with Evelyn now? How far have I missed everything? Most important of all, why was Simon silent when he saw me? Not like the usual Simon who would immediately walk up to me and ask lots of questions about me. Does that mean he doesn't care about me now?

The atmosphere became even more awkward when Eros and I sat together at the dining table. I don't know, but I feel so unfamiliar with the figure of Simon who is across from me now. However, a split second later Eros spoke, breaking the silence between us. He invited us to enjoy the dishes that had been provided on the table. The dinner took place in silence. The only sound was the clink of spoons and forks clashing with the ceramic plates in front of each of us.

While we were eating, I could catch out of the corner of my eye that Simon occasionally stole glances at me. However, I, who didn't want a fuss, considering my relationship with Evelyn was not good, chose not to return Simon's gaze and focused my gaze on the steak on my plate. To be honest, it was very difficult for me to swallow my food. Maybe it's caused by a situation that is currently very uncomfortable for me. Apart from that, my previously hungry stomach suddenly felt full. I lost my appetite. However, in order to honor this dinner event, I was forced to continue eating the food that was already available on my plate.

A few minutes later, we finished eating dinner. The waiters appeared to immediately clean up our used plates and pour wine into glasses that had been provided near us.

“I've heard a little from my men about your purpose in coming here.” Said Eros who started the conversation again. "But, I want to hear everything from your own mouths." he continued.

Evelyn turned to Simon who was still looking down silently. He seemed to take a deep breath before finally deciding to speak because Simon still seemed reluctant to open his mouth. "Let me speak on behalf of the two of us, seeing as it seems like some people are still surprised by this meeting," Evelyn said sarcastically while glancing at Simon who seemed to ignore her. Then she looked straight at Eros and gave him an invitation. "Please allow Simon and I to invite you to our wedding which will be held next month, Mr. Robinson," Evelyn said as she bent her body slightly in front of Eros.

“Okay, thank you for your invitation. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly until then." Eros said briefly. "Then I want to know the progress of the company you lead, Simon." Eros continued, now showing his words directly to Simon.

Simon finally opened his mouth to answer Eros' words. I don't really understand what Simon said, but I can conclude that there was cooperation between them there. Throughout the conversation, I was just a listener, because none of it was related to me.

In my heart, I was confused about how to act. I want to ask Simon for help to get me out of this place. But I'm afraid that will only inflame Evelyn's emotions. Besides, Simon didn't look like he wanted to talk to me either. Suddenly my heart felt uncomfortable. Simon has really changed, he is really out of my reach.

Not long after that, Evelyn excused herself briefly to go to the bathroom, and as if by coincidence, at the same time Eros also excused himself briefly to pick up a call which he said came from an important person. Just me and Simon at the dinner table. The atmosphere is really awkward and I really hate this. However, I mustered up the courage to look him in the eye. I'm still trying to find a chance to get out of this place. And unexpectedly, Simon was also looking at me. Your eyes meet at one point.

“How are you, Simon?” I asked finally, breaking the long silence between the two of us. I saw Simon's gaze turn sad. That's a look I know, the look he always gives me.

"Good. And I hope you're fine too, Freshia.” The reply was short.

I swallowed my saliva, trying to neutralize the feeling of discomfort that suddenly appeared again when I heard Simon's answer which seemed to kill the conversation. But on the other hand, I thought, what if this was my chance to get out of this house with Simon's help? Finally, who knows where the courage came from? “Simon, please help me get out of here,” I said suddenly, making Simon who heard it stunned for a moment.

“I'm forced to stay here, Simon.” I continued my words again. "I want to go home. Please help me."

I'm sure that the Simon I know will immediately help me without thinking twice. The Simon I know will definitely immediately grab my hand and take me out of there. The Simon I know, I'm sure will not remain silent when he hears that I need his help.

However, I have to accept the bitter reality that the Simon in front of me now chose to break our eye contact and he said sorry. “Sorry, I can't help you, Freshia. I don't have enough strength to do that.” It didn't stop there, Simon again said words that were so painful that they pierced my heart. “Try to accept your fate. Maybe it's best for you if you stay here with him."

I was stunned and couldn't believe what I had just heard. My heart just feels like it's sinking. And in that second I had to accept the fact that I had lost one of my friends. Simon betrayed me.

I don't want to look at him anymore. I don't want to see him in my sight anymore. I really want to leave this place as soon as possible. But I know enough about etiquette and etiquette. So I just tried to divert my gaze elsewhere to neutralize my raging feelings. And that's where I found the figure of Eros standing not far from us, looking at me with a grin. I knew that the look on his face was mocking me.

A split second later I realized that once again Eros had planned everything. I just understood that he wanted me to realize that Simon, who is my friend, didn't come to help me, but came because of his plan. Eros just wanted to show that he succeeded in subduing the person who had the possibility of helping me. He wants to make me helpless.