Matthew was all torn up inside, not sure how to handle his mixed-up feelings.
Seeing the struggle on his face, I comforted him, "Matthew, the person you were in your past life and who you are now are entirely different. It is Ivy who is too obsessed; you must not let her influence you."
The person Ivy was stuck on wasn't the Matthew standing here. Sure, past-life Matthew might've hurt her, but that was then, and it had nothing to do with the Matthew now.
Matthew needed to live his own life, free from old grudges.
After hearing me out, Matthew's face softened, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
He reached out and ruffled my hair gently. "I get it."
He said it softly, with a bit of relief in his eyes.
Just as I was about to say more, someone grabbed my collar from behind and yanked me back. I stumbled into a warm embrace.
I turned and saw it was Howard, his arm wrapped tightly around me.
In Matthew's presence, I rarely exhibited too much affection toward him. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I gently freed myself from his hand resting on my shoulder. "What are you doing? We were just talking."
Howard's tone was cold and a bit annoyed. "Do you have to be that close while talking? That intimate?"
He was being making a fuss. We were just having a normal conversation. Saying this in front of Matthew was kind of rude.
"What nonsense are you spouting?" I responded, somewhat irritated.
Seeing the tension, Matthew cleared his throat and tried to smooth things over. "Sorry, Mr. Smith, Karena and I grew up together, so some things are just habit. I'll be more careful, especially since she has a boyfriend now."
I caught a hint of sadness in his last words.
Howard responded coldly, "Good that you know."
His voice was icy, like he was drawing a line.
"It's getting late, so I'll head back now." Matthew checked his watch and excused himself.
I offered, "It's hard to get a cab around here, Matthew. How about we give you a ride?"
Matthew smiled gently and shook his head. "No need, it's late, and it would be a hassle for you."
As I watched Matthew walk away, a wave of sadness hit me.
I turned to Howard, who had been watching me. There was a coldness in his eyes.
Howard let out a sarcastic laugh. "What, can't stand to see him go?"
I felt the need to clear things up. I didn't want him to have any misunderstandings or feel jealous for no reason.
I took a deep breath, turned to him, and said seriously, "Your jealousy is really unnecessary. Matthew and I grew up together; he can be considered a dear friend of mine. He's going through a tough time, and I merely offered a few words of consolation from the standpoint of a friend."
Seeing that I had no other intentions towards Matthew, Howard's expression softened, and the tension eased.
"Idiot." Howard snorted, but this time there was a hint of helplessness and affection in his voice.
He turned and walked away, leaving me fuming. Why did he call me a fool?
I quickly chased after him. "Explain yourself; who are you calling an idiot?"
"You." He didn't even look back, his tone indifferent.
"How am I an idiot?" I was really annoyed now, raising my voice.
Howard stopped, turned around, and laughed with a hint of contempt. "You are easily deceived by people. If that's not being an idiot, then what is?"
"What do you mean by that?" I was confused.
Howard didn't answer right away. He walked to his car, opened the door, and got in.
I followed and jumped into the passenger seat, waiting for an explanation.
"Explain yourself; what do you mean? What did he lie to me about?"
The car was filled with tension. Howard finally spoke, his voice low and firm, "You always trust others too easily, taking their words at face value. Being so naive, what else would you be but a fool?"
"What did Matthew lie to me about? You're not making any sense."
Howard seemed to grow impatient. He gripped the steering wheel with one hand, tapping it lightly with the other, his tone mocking. "Do you really think Ivy would be that foolish? If Matthew hadn't remembered his past life, don't you think she would've noticed?"
I was stunned. I hadn't thought of it that way.
"Wait, I'll go ask Mr. Martinez." I decided, opening the car door to get out.
But Howard anticipated my move, grabbing my wrist tightly.
"Even if you ask, you won't get any real answers. They've probably got some kind of agreement. Whatever they tell you will just be what they want you to hear."
Feeling dejected, I sat back in my seat, my heart filled with confusion and frustration.
I asked, "Why would they hide this from us?"
Howard sneered, his eyes filled with ridicule. "Didn't you say you grew up with him? Don't you know him?"
I sighed, feeling frustrated. "No matter how well I know someone, I can't guess everything."
"Exactly. If he doesn't want you to know, asking him would be pointless." Howard started the car, his voice steady.
Thinking about it, he was right. I decided to let it go. As long as no harm was done, everything would be fine.
As for what Matthew was really thinking, I wasn't a mind reader. If he didn't want to tell me, there was no point in overthinking it.
I decided not to dwell on it. Everyone had their own privacy and secrets. Respecting others meant respecting oneself too.
I looked at Howard with sparkling eyes, full of anticipation. "By the way, you'll come with me on that mission next week, right?"
The three of us wouldn't be enough. Having Howard along would be perfect.
Howard's lips curled into a smile, and he raised an eyebrow mischievously. "Beg me."
I didn't hesitate, "Please."
But he still wasn't satisfied. "You want my help without offering anything in return?"