Chapter 111 Chapter 37.3

Chapter 111 Chapter 37.3
I was already focused on my work when I returned to my office. There was no longer any fear or anxiety weighing on me. Desmond and I had finally fixed our relationship. I never imagined that this was how things between us would turn out.
This Saturday, I would finally introduce our son to him. I knew he would be shocked because he had no idea, but I hoped he would accept everything. I was sure he would be happy once he found out that Daryl had survived.
“Come in,” I said when someone knocked on my door. I didn't look up because I was focused on my laptop.
I saw from the corner of my eye as the person walked in. He sat on the sofa while my attention remained fixed on my laptop.
“Are you still busy?” I looked up because I recognized Erick's voice.
“Erick,” I said in surprise when I saw him. I immediately stopped what I was doing. I suddenly felt embarrassed because we hadn't seen each other again after what happened at the bar. I set my work aside and walked over to him. I sat on the sofa across from him and called my secretary to bring us some snacks.
“I'm glad you dropped by. By the way, I'm sorry about what happened at the bar. I never got the chance to call you because it completely slipped my mind. Did you and Aleena get home safely after I left?” I asked shyly. He simply gave me a small smile.
“Of course. How are things between you and Desmond? Have you two fixed your relationship?” I bit my lower lip. Erick had been courting me for a year now, and throughout that time, he had become a really good friend.
“I’m sorry, Erick. I never expected things to turn out like this—”
“You don't have to apologize. I understand,” he interrupted me. “I'm not going to force you to love me. If you still love Desmond and you want to fix your relationship with him, then that's okay with me. What matters to me is that you're happy. If you won't be happy with me, then what's the point of forcing myself into your life, right?” he said with a smile. I smiled faintly, still feeling guilty. I never intended to hurt him. I just never expected that once I came back to the Philippines, Desmond and I would be able to fix everything between us.
“We're still friends, right?” I asked. He chuckled softly at my question.
“Of course. Just because I'm no longer courting you doesn't mean our friendship has to end. I'm happy for you. Believe me, I sincerely accept all of this. Maybe it's really for the best that you and Desmond fix your relationship, especially for Daryl. Does he already know about him?” I shook my head.
“I’m going to tell him this Saturday. I'll explain everything that happened. Do you think he'll be happy?”
“Why wouldn't he be? If I were in his position, of course I'd be happy to find out that our child was actually alive. He's very lucky because he has you, and he has a son like Daryl. Honestly, I can't help but envy him, but if he's the one who can make you and Daryl happy, then my heart is happy to let you go.” I smiled. I stood up and hugged him.
“Thank you so much for everything, Erick. My life in Germany became so much easier because of you. Thank you for all the love you gave to Daryl and me. I'm really sorry because I can't return those feelings. I'm really, really sorry,” I said emotionally. It wasn't hard to love Erick, but I couldn't force my heart to love him when I knew it still belonged to Desmond.
“What do you think you're doing?!” I was startled when someone suddenly pulled me away from Erick. Desmond immediately punched Erick.
“Desmond!” I shouted at him. He was about to punch Erick again, but I quickly stepped between them and hugged him. “What are you doing?! You're getting the wrong idea!” I yelled at him. He looked at me, his eyes still burning with anger.
“What else am I supposed to think, Heaven? The two of you were hugging.”
“Yeah, I know, but that doesn't mean we're cheating on you!” I explained. I could still feel how fast his heart was beating because of his anger. I looked at Erick, who had already wiped the small streak of blood from the corner of his lip.
“Erick, I'm sorry. Please forgive Desmond,” I said apologetically.
“He has no right to hug you, Heaven. Anyone would've gotten angry after seeing that.”
“I know!” Desmond was still furious. I let out a deep sigh before facing him. “Erick came here to talk to me. You already know that he's been courting me. He came here to properly end his feelings for me because of you. He's no longer going to force himself on me because it's obvious that I chose you! Next time, I hope you stop letting your anger take over. You ended up hurting someone whose intentions were actually good,” I said angrily to Desmond. He finally calmed down, so I turned back to Erick.
“I’m really sorry, Erick,” I apologized once again.
“It's okay, Heaven,” he replied, making me glare at Desmond again. He didn't say another word.
“I should get going too. I just came to bring you your favorite snacks. Take care of yourself. If you ever need me, or if you just need someone to talk to, I'll always be here for you.” I smiled at him.
“Thank you so much again, Erick.” He simply nodded before walking out of my office. I turned back to Desmond, who couldn't even look me in the eye anymore.
“I wouldn't have fixed our relationship if I were only planning to cheat on you. You should've asked what was really going on before hurting him,” I scolded him.
“I’m sorry, I thought you were just fooling me to get revenge. Don't worry, I won't do it again.”
“You better not, because that was really embarrassing,” I said before sitting down on the sofa and opening the food Erick had brought me. Desmond sat on the sofa across from me.
“Are you sure he's really done courting you? Did you tell him to stop?” I let out another sigh before looking at Desmond.
“Wasn't I clear enough? He came here to show his support for us fixing our relationship. He's happy for me. Erick is a good friend of mine, Desmond. My happiness is what matters most to him, that's why he stopped courting me. You didn't even apologize to him.”
“I'll apologize the next time I see him.” I could only shake my head at him.