Chapter 110 The love of my life

Chapter 110 The love of my life

\[Matty's POV\]

I'm thinking of an apology to tell Adira. I almost pulled out my hair just crafting it in my head. What do I say? Will she even forgive me for what I did? I struggle within myself, tossing and turning in my seat, uncomfortable with the sleeping position I took. To make matters worse, my woman seated next to me was chewing loudly. I put my headphones to drown out the noise and ended up forgetting the apology I made. Goddamit. I glared at the woman who ignored me, still munching on her boritos. I heaved a sigh, giving up on myself. I'm screwed. Hopefully, when I see Adira, I'd know what to say and maybe, she would forgive me.

\[Adira's POV\]

I sit in the lobby, watching parents with their kids stroll with their luggages, men and women dressed in suits, obviously going on a business travel.

I counted them all till my eyes blurred and I plopped back lazily in the chair, throwing my head back. I'd probably die of boredom in here.

Masha had left with her parents and there was no one to keep me company. Lin had fallen asleep and it was just me. People stared at us, probably wondering what we were doing without luggages or anything. Apparently, the airport had let us lounge around but only for a few hours. When one of the staff asked to call home (America), I refused. First of all, my parents have no clue about where I am and would freak if they did. How could I explain I was drugged by my ex-best friend and had my ass hurled all the way to Zurich on a freaking train? You're probably thinking right now and you're right. They have no clue about Hide and Seek. They wouldn't understand even if I spoke both English and Japanese.

My stomach grumbled and I winced in pain. I’d gone an hour without food or water and am starving. My nose caught the scent of chocolate and I sat up. Sitting opposite us was a dark haired man dressed in a black business suit.

His hair greyed at his temples and there was this look in his hazel eyes. He looked like he was from Mediterranean descent with his rich brown skin. Round spectacles covered his eyes and he smiled as he ate his chocolate. From the way he ate, I know he just needed the sugar. He ate like he didn't like the food given to him on his flight and munched, no, scoffed the sweet chocolate bricks.

My mouth literally watered and my eyes lingered on the sweet chocolate. When our eyes met, I looked away, embarrassed. I buried my face in my hand and turned away. When I heard his approaching footsteps, I almost died.

He took a seat next to me and offered me a chocolate bar.

‘Here.’ He said in an Arabic accent voice that reminded me of my Yasmin, my mom's Muslim best friend.

I accepted. Nah, I kinda snatched it from him, ripping the wrapper apart. Suddenly, I realized what I did and grew embarrassed again.

Hanging my head in shame, I muttered my apology. ‘Sorry. Thanks for this.’

'It's alright.’ Gramps said with a smile. He reached his and to pat my hair. It felt nice.

I heard a loud thud and was startled. Lin had fallen off her seat.

‘Crap.’ I went to help her up. I forgot she sleeps terribly. Keep her on the couch and the next second, you'll find her on the floor with a smile on her face. And yeah, she'd be asleep. It was kinda cute but creepy.

With gramps help, I managed to help her up on her seat.

‘She has a unique way of sleeping.’ Gramps said with a boxy smile.

‘Yeah.’ I smiled back and looked down at the Choco bar.

‘'I believe we haven't been introduced. My name is Ahmed.’ He said, extending his hand and I took it.

'I'm Adira,’ I say, then pointed at Lin, 'She's Linda. Lin for short.’

‘'So are you both going on a trip?’ he asked, looking on the floor for our luggages. When he found none, a frown riddled his forehead.

‘'It’s a long story. We're stranded.’ I say matter-of-factly.

‘'Oh. I'm so sorry. What happened?’ he asked, worried.

I glared at Lin and he got my message.

'Oh, sorry. That sucks.’ he said with a small smile.

'It sure does.’ I run my hand through my hair. My curls are thicker than before. I guess it's the weather.

‘You must be so mad at her.’ Ahmed uncapped a bottle of water and takes a sip.

'I'm furious.’ I clench my fist and felt a squelch. The chocolate was still in my hand. My frown fell and I become sad. The bar was so small and wouldn't be enough to share.

Regardless, I broke the bar into halves and threw one in my mouth.

'You saving that for later?’ Ahmed takes out the coat hanging on his box and gives it to me.

‘Thanks.' I mutter my apology as I put it on my lap.

Answering his question, I shook my head. ‘I’m not saving it for later.’ I suck my tongue between my teeth.

'Then if you're not saving it for later, why'd you break it?’ he asked and it almost infuriated me. Why was he pushing me to say something I didn't want to say?

Hell, I said it anyways. 'I'm saving it for Lin. She - she - she'll be hungry when she wakes up.’

Ahmed's eyes go round and then he composed himself, settling for a smile. 'You're kind, miss Adira.'

I shook my head. 'No. I've done some unkind things.’

'Everyone has done these “unkind” things,” he said with emphasis on unkind, “but it's rare seeing someone help someone else who is at fault. To be honest, I wouldn't do what you did.’

‘'Everyone’s got their own philosophy, gramps.’ I stifle a yawn and he noticed.

Tapping his shoulder, he said. 'You can go ahead and fall asleep.’

I narrowed my eyes at him. I said nothing but my eyes said it all.

Ahmed chuckled. 'I'm not a human trafficker.’

My eyes are still pinched. 'That's what they all say. Besides, the truth isn't written on your forehead.’

He pulled out a brochure from the pocket of his box and gave it to me. ‘'There. I hope it suffices.’

I stared at the brochure. This was from a business summit to be held in Baur au Lac happening today and he was the host.

'I'd basically be committing social suicide on my career if I try anything.’ Ahmed chuckled and I apologized again.

'It's okay.’ he patted his shoulder again and without hesitation, I lean my head there.

‘Won't you miss your flight? You're hosting the summit.’ I say with a yawn.

'Nope.’ he took out his phone. The wallpaper was a picture of him and two identical women. They inherited his good looks and I could tell they were his daughters.

'Your kids?’ I asked, pointing at the screen.

'Yeah. Amara and Ada. They can be quite a handle.’ He laughed and his shoulders shook, the sound vibrated against my cheek.

‘'All kids are, aren't they?’ I smile and my eyes were failing me.

'How will you both get home?’ he went to his LinkedIn account, not bothered that I was watching.

‘Someone is coming to get us.’ I yawn again and close my eyes.

‘'And how will I know when he or she arrives?’ He asked.

'You will.’ I fell asleep.

\[Matty’s POV\]

As the plane touched down at Zurich Airport, my heart raced. I was already mentally prepared for eternity on the other side if Adira screams at me. But I wouldn't care, would I? I was going to see her again - the love of my life. There, I said it.

As I made my way through customs and immigration, my thoughts were flooded with memories of their time together in America especially on the last day of our exams. I remember the way my heart skipped a beat when her eyes sparkled and when we kissed, I nearly died.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally emerged into the arrivals hall. My eyes scanned the crowd in search of Adira's face. And then, suddenly, there she was. Sitting on one of the chairs with her head slumped against an older man who was focused on his phone. Lin had her head slumped on Adira’s shoulders, sleeping. I can feel radiant smile spreading across my face knowing she's okay. That they were both okay but who the hell was the old guy?

I quickened my pace. My feet carried me towards her as if by instinct.

It was then the man's eyes met mine and he poked Adira's cheek. She startled awake and stretched her arm. Lin awoke too and they both looked ahead.

Adira rose to her feet slowly, her eyes locked on mine. Her eyes shone with tears as she stretched out her arms, and I swept her into my warm embrace.

"I've missed you so much," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I've missed you too, my love," I replied, my voice choking with tears. "I've missed you so much it's hurt."

As we held each other tight, I felt the world around us melt away — The noise of the airport, the bustling crowds, everything, faded into the background.

Adira pulled back, her eyes searching at my face as if to reassure herself that I was really there.

I cup her cheek and smile. 'This moment is real. I'm real.'

The old man cleared his throat and we both looked at him. 'I'll be on my way.’

Lin took to her feet and smiled. 'Thanks for the help. Waiting for 7 hours with us was crazy but I deeply appreciate it.’

The man chuckled and patted her shoulder. 'It's okay. I have all the time in the world.’

Adira turned to me. 'Matty, that's Ahmed. He helped us.’

I extended my hand and took his open palm in a firm shake. 'Thank you for your help. I'll never forgets l your kindness.’

'It's no biggie.’ He smiled at me.

I felt a tug in my heart. This man seemed familiar to me. But where had I seen him?

‘Well,’’ he takes back his hand, ‘I’ll be on my way.’

Adira smiled at him. 'Bye, Ahmed.'

'Bye, girls.’ He waved at us, taking his luggage with him.

Lin heaved an exhale, looking at me. 'You really came for us, Matty.'

‘Yeah.’ I looked at Adira who had buried her face in my chest.

‘Don't ever go away.’ she whispered, her voice barely audible.

‘I won't,’’ I whispered back.

She lifted her face to mine and with that, we sealed our reunion with a kiss, the world around us fading into nothingness again.