Chapter 40

Ryo was feeling agitated since he could not reach Ellie. He’s not sure what’s running through her mind. Although he has nothing to hide. He did nothing to betray her trust. They both have been in relationships where they got cheated on, and so they both put a premium on honesty. Ryo knew he was honest. He told Ellie about his past relationship. If there’s anything he’s guilty of, it’s failing to give her a heads up that he and his ex were on the same project. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, he’s not sure how Ellie would take it. “Why was she there in the first place? Isn’t she supposed to be shopping?”

He’s supposed to drive to the TV station for the talk show. By habit, he likes to be on location at least an hour before the time in case there are last-minute changes that need to happen. The talk show could wait. He needed to make sure he and Ellie are alright first.

Miyagi was already waiting in the parking area. He got in on the front passenger seat without uttering a word and dialed Ellie’s number again. Still no response.

“Sir, I have called Sam. He and Ms. Ellie were at the penthouse. I’ve also reserved a flower bouquet for her. We could pick it up on the way to your penthouse,” Miyagi reported in a single breath as soon as he sat.

Ryo nodded at Miyagi. At least he’s done something. Instead of dialing Ellie, he called Sam.

“Why did you bring her there?” he spat as soon as the line connected.

“S-sir, she insisted. She said she’s never been to one.” Sam explained in a trembling voice. Ryo pinched the point where his brows met after hearing Sam’s answer.

“Where is she? Why isn’t she answering?”

“She went inside the room sir and has not come out since we arrived.” Ryo took a deep breath and ended the call.

Ryo hurriedly got out of the car as soon as Miyagi parked it. He punched his code into his private elevator. The trip from the parking to his unit felt like forever. He felt his lungs constrict for each second it took to bring him up to his floor. As soon as it opened to his floor, he rushed out to go to his unit.

Sam opened the door for him. Ryo only gave him a sharp look before going to the master’s bedroom. He made a mental note to deal with Sam later. He prepared himself for the worst. A flying shoe may be or a slap for a welcome. His hand shook as he turned the knob and opened the door. His heart pounded in his chest. It pounded so hard he could hear it.

He took the first step with caution. There was no flying shoe or a slap for a welcome, which was a relief. But the eerily quiet room is not what he expected either. The only sound that filled the room was the quiet hum of the air conditioner.

His eyes landed on his bed. Ellie slept in the middle of his bed. He walked closer to it and put the bouquet of roses on the bedside table. Only then did he notice the bags that were on the floor. His brows furrow because he did not recognize the store’s name. Out of curiosity, he checked one bag and his confusion deepened when he saw pens and other stationery items in it. When he said she’d go shopping, he expected her to shop for bags, shoes, clothes, or jewelry. Pens would be the least item he’d thought she’ll use his card for. He shook his head. Whatever floats her boat.

Ellie stirred in her sleep, which made Ryo turn his attention back to the bed. He caressed her face. She furrowed her brows when she saw the bouquet on the bedside table. She’s sure it wasn’t there before. Her eyes searched the room and saw Ryo sitting on the side of the bed, looking at her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, as she pulled herself to a sitting position and leaned her head against the headboard. “You have a talk show after the fans’ day, right?” Her voice was still raspy from her sleep, which to Ryo’s ears sounded sexy.

“Uhm… I wanted to make sure you’re OK,” he stated. His heart pounded in his chest.

“Why should I not be?” Ellie stared at him with a creased forehead. She cocked her head to the side to look at him better. She just woke up, and she knew that her mind processes information slower than normal.

Ryo did not know how to answer her question. His mouth opened and closed twice but no words came out of it. He swallowed hard to clear the lump in his throat and tried again but failed.

“Did you think I’d get angry because you’re working with your ex?” Ellie said. She stretched her words as she tried to make sense of his behavior. Ryo nodded. Her eyes searched his face and her eyebrow arched. “Is there a reason I should be angry, Ryo? Is something other than work going on between you two?” She looked at him straight in the eyes. Her lips pursed as she continued to examine his expression.

Ryo felt like he’s under a microscope. Suddenly he wished for a screaming Ellie. He thought it was easier to handle than the quiet, calculating Ellie he faced now. “Of course not! It’s just work,” he answered with conviction. His voice even went higher to stress his point.

“So what’s the fuss?”

“I just thought you’d be angry because I forgot to tell you about it.”

“Oh. You don’t need to worry about it, Ryo. I know what your work entailed.” She smiled at him, then became serious again. “But since we’re already on the subject, I know you know how betrayal feels. So I trust you wouldn’t inflict that kind of pain on me. I put my complete trust in you, Ryo. And I hope you value it.” Her solemn voice bore into his heart.

“Of course, Ellie. It scared me you’d misunderstand.” He heaved a sigh of relief and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “By the way, what’s with the pens?”

“Oh, I collect pens,” she said, smiling at him. Ryo nodded at her answer.

He left after giving her a peck on the lips. He left his place feeling like a totally different person from when he came in. There’s a spring in his steps as he walked out of his unit and headed to the parking area. His heart was also at ease. The rest of his day flowed without a hitch. All the worries he felt during the fans’ day became a thing of the past.

It was close to midnight when he got home. He expected Ellie to be asleep already, but the smell of freshly baked cookies told him she’s still awake. He went to the kitchen and true enough, he found Ellie there. She’s bending forward in front of the oven as she removes a batch of freshly baked cookies. She almost dropped the cookie sheet she held when she saw him standing by the kitchen’s entrance.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” she said, clutching her chest with her hands after she put the tray on the counter. Ryo closed the gap between them and gave her mouth a peck.

“Why are you still up?”

“I slept almost the whole afternoon, and now I cannot go back to sleep.” The glow on her skin proved she slept well. “Are you hungry? I can fix you a quick sandwich.”

“Nah. I’m fine. How many batches more are you baking?” he asked as he sniffed the cookies cooling on the rack.

“I’m done. I’ll just wait for these to cool and put them in a jar.”

The two entered the master’s bedroom together after she put the last piece of cooking in the cooling rack. After Ryo’s quick shower, he joined her on the bed to cuddle.

“So, what do you want to do tomorrow?” asked Ryo as he stroked her hair.

“Up to you, we’ll do whatever you want to do.”