Chapter 71 Surprise Dinner
A rainy Tuesday afternoon. I was tucked into the corner of the library, watching Arden help me with algebra.
“Look, you have to do it like this.”
He had looked up then, and for a split second, his gaze had swept toward the books again.
“Thank you.”
My breath had hitched, my lungs paralyzed, hoping, aching, for him to touch me. He hadn't of course.
He hadn't known I was staring. To him, I was just another girl he was helping out….
Those memories were no less than apparition, a humiliating one to remind me how miserable I used to be.
I hated it. I didn’t want to feel that way.
My phone vibrated on the desk, a sharp, electronic chirp that made me jump. I charged for it, my heart pounding hard against my ribcage, praying for a text from Vince—a 'Coming home early,' or a 'Thinking of you.'
Instead, it was a message from an unknown number.
Just a location pin, dropped at a bar three blocks from the office, and a single sentence:
ARDEN: You know I am back in the city. You don’t have to hide from me. Let’s hang out. I am coming to pick you up.
ME: Sorry. Not Today. I am tired from work.
I replied and threw the phone away. My mood was smeared. And I had no intention of meeting him.
But, the next day, when I returned from work. I had freshened up and was waiting for Vince’s call until my door knocked.
“Yes? What is it?”
“Madam. Sir Arden is here.”
“Arden?” Making a disquiet face, I opened the door slightly. The frown was etched but I had no choice.
He was in my home and in Vince’s absence, I represent this household and must not give a bad impression.
Though my heart was pounding, I disliked the thought of interaction but controlled myself. He was a guest in this house. I had to be polite.
“Tell him to sit in the lounge. I will be there in a moment.” I ordered and fixed my form a little, applying lipstick and letting my hair fall as I went down and saw Arden.
In his effortlessly charming form as usual, grinning when he saw me.
“Hey,” We did a formal handshake.
“Hey.” I formed a polite smile, “Vince is not home.”
“I know.” He chuckled, “I invited him over for dinner but he left for a business deal.”
I hummed, gesturing to him to take a seat.
“What about you? Are you free? I am getting bored. I have nothing to do. It’s been years.” He whined, still in his lively demeanor like always.
My smile converted into a sorrowful one, “I miss him. I don’t want to go anywhere without him.”
“Oh? Haven’t you become an entirely devoted wife? Where is that rebellious girl who got what she wanted?”
“I got what I wanted– Ken. And it was the worst decision of my life, Arden. Now, I have what is truly meant for me– Vince.”
“He saved you, hmm?”
“He didn’t only save me, he became my everything.” I corrected him.
My mind flashing with the time I had spent with Vince that had become my shore, my only destination.
“He… supported me, cherished me. He helped me stand on my feet, regain my assets and gave me respect when this world abandoned me.” I started with my list of praises only to get cut off by Arden who waved his hands, stopping me.
“Alright, alright. I heard you, he is a hero. I am just here to have dinner. Did you have dinner?” He said, smile forced this time, I could tell. He seemed slightly exasperated.
Were my compliments not to his liking? Weird.
“Not yet.”
“Great. We can have dinner together. I hope you won’t mind.”
“Sure.”
We were having dinner but I could barely swallow a bite, my mind was elsewhere, poking my food, lost in a haze.
His presence was hurting me. It reminded me of the past. Of how I used to be. Of everything and it was unbearable.
I had changed. I was no longer a desperate, immature girl. I had become better, found a gem, I didn’t want my old times to hit me like a slap honestly.
“So, how’s your company? I heard you separated your work from his.”
“Yes. It was hard at first to manage everything alone but thanks to Vince I can handle everything.” I smiled, taking a bite, “If I have trouble, he helps me with it.”
“Vince helps you, of course.” He scoffed, bewildering me.
“Is there a problem, Arden?”
“Huh? What? No. Nothing.” His head shot out, playing oblivious, and held a controlled smile which distressed me.
What was wrong with him?
“I am just worried about you, that’s all.” Arden’s hand, resting near the edge, shifted.
His fingers twitched, a reflexive, almost magnetic movement toward mine, as if he were trying to reclaim a narrative that had ended years ago.
My skin prickled, “I am absolutely fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”
I pulled my hand back instinctively, clutching my water glass like a shield, when a sudden, familiar sound reached my ears.
The thud of the front door and jiggling of keys, bringing instant vibrance to my features.
Vince.
The relief that washed over me was immense. The suffocating haze of the past shattered instantly.
I didn't think, I just moved automatically. I pushed my chair back and ran toward the hallway with a delightful grin.
"Vince!"
He looked exhausted, his suit jacket already resting on his forearm, but the moment his eyes landed on me, his entire posture softened.
He opened his arms, and I practically collapsed into them. The smell of him, the heat radiating from was the grounding wire I had been desperate for.
I buried my face in his chest, holding on tight, "You're back," I breathed, "You’re actually back early."
Vince chuckled, his arms wrapping firmly around my waist, his hands rubbing soothing circles into my back.
"I told you I'd be back as soon as I could. Did you miss me that much?" He hummed, brushing his nose against mine.
I looked up, meeting his eyes, and saw that signature warmth, the steady, unwavering gaze that had never once made me feel trapped or heartbroken.
It was only when he leaned down to kiss my forehead that I remembered Arden. He was also here.
I turned back toward the dining room. Arden was still standing by the table. He hadn't sat back down.
“Ahem,” He cleared his throat, breaking out rhythm.
His hands were stuffed deep into his trouser pockets, his jaw tightened with a sudden displeased expression plastered on his face.
"Oh, right. Arden is here," I pulled back slightly, wrapping my arm around Vince’s and extended my hand to Arden.
"He stopped by for dinner. He mentioned he invited you."
Vince’s expression shifted, his brow arching slightly, “Ah, yes, he did. Hey, Arden.”
He gave short, cold reply, “Hey.”
Arden smirked emptily, the mirth of his usual grin certainly not reaching his eyes.
"Just catching up, Seems like I have missed a lot."