Chapter 87

Looking for you

That whole dinner is a pain in the ass. Who would stay sane when your ex is beside you while his recent girlfriend is on the other side. I was so doomed. He noticed that I’m gawking at his scent so much and that’s so embarrassing. What could he possibly think with those actions I gave him? He might think that I’m still crazy for him.

I managed to hold myself until the second course of the menu. That conversation didn’t happen again, gladly. I tried to just focus on whatever it is that’s in front of me while I hear the small talks of the people around me.

”No, you’re allergic to that.” I heard Aciel.

I pursed my lips. Even though my eyes are focused on the main dish that was served, my ears are fully indulged in the conversation of the two people on my right side.

”Oh, yeah. I forgot.” Ms. Madrigal laughed.

I sniffed and used my fork to remove the vegetable that’s laying on the top of the steak. I’m not allergic to that. I just don’t like greens. I’m not keen on eating steak as well because I prefer chicken but yeah, I’m not in the right place to be picky.

I remember when Aciel used to cook steak for me. He knows my likes and dislikes, so he’s careful when it comes to the vegetable that he’ll cook every time. Sometimes, he’ll cook a chicken steak just for me because he wants me to enjoy the food that I want.

’God, Alia. Stop reminiscing.’ I thought inside my head. It’s all in the past now. You're yesterday and here’s the recent. You must move on, in order to move forward.

I had a bite of the steak but I wasn’t able to finish it. I just silently sat in there, quietly fitting in with the group. I leaned to get the glass on the side but at that moment, Elijah moved as well making our skin touch with each other.

Again, just like the last time; I removed my arms immediately like I’m being electrified. For the right timing, the waiter arrived and offered to refill his wine. I cleared my throat and wiped my mouth with the cloth. It’s so freaking awkward!

”How about you ma’am?”

I turned my head and saw that the waiter was talking to me. I couldn’t answer for a while because the other waiter whom I declined as well offered me. I was about to answer but to my surprise, Aciel opened his mouth and talked to the waiter.

”She doesn’t drink. Refill her juice instead.” He said with a deep silent voice.

”Right away sir.” said the waiter.

I was so surprised. He acted like he did nothing. He acted like it was normal. I was so stunned that I couldn’t remove my eyes on him. I’m so out of my mind that I don't care if Ms. Madrigal, who's busy talking to the person beside her, is right beside her. I was just so stunned by what he did.

Since he didn’t even lay a glance on me, seconds after I removed my eyes on him as well. There’s this building emotion that I’m so unfamiliar with. All of a sudden, it just felt like my chest became so heavy with too much emotion and questions.

When I had the chance to excuse myself after the meal, since I’m not really feeling the people there I excused myself. I felt his gaze when I spoke but I pretended to not care.

Bringing my pouch I went into the restroom. I sighed heavily thinking about what happened a while ago. That part is just too much for me to handle. That just proves how I’m still not so well with everything that’s happening.

Instead of going back to the people, I decided to stay at the not so wide landscape just around the corner of the place. As soon as I sat on the bench, I removed my heels.

”Ouch,” I grunted and massaged my foot that turned pink because of the heels. I’m so not used to this anymore. It’s been years since that last time I wore a pair of heels.

I rested on the bench and felt the breeze of the wind. “Now, this is what peace is.” I talked to myself.

I rested there for quite a while, feeling the solitude that I’m craving. For sure those people won’t even notice that I’m not around. Besides, it’s much better to be here, rather than to be there, not being able to breath because of the man beside me.

”Oh shit.”

I gasped loudly and held my chest when  I heard a voice. My eyes widened like an OO when I saw Aciel standing at the entrance of the bushes with a mad expression in his face. I was caught off guard, I wasn’t able to speak when he walked near to my direction. I had no choice but to hold onto the bench to get my strength in there.

”Why didn’t you tell me that you’re gonna stay here?” his first words .

My lips parted and I blinked in confusion. My mouth quivered looking for the right words but I was too confused to even talk.

”You’ve been gone for like half an hour, Alia. You should have at least told us, or me at least, that you have a plan to have your little relax-session here.”

”I-I didn’t-” I stuttered.

“What if there’s a wild animal here? Or worse, a criminal that passes by, huh? Christ!”

My brows met. I think he just stepped out of the line. He’s clearly raising his voice at me and telling me what to do and what not to do.

“W-wait,” I brought my hands up. He looked at me. “And does that concern you mister? Why don’t you just go back to the venue because your girlfriend might be looking for you.” I couldn’t hide the bitterness in my tone.

He clenched his jaw as he wasn’t able to throw some words back when I said that. His eyes darkened more and his expression.

”Right? So get back and stop sticking your nose at me.” I said slightly annoyed.

He chuckled without any humor. He combed his hair with his finger and shifted his position. I rolled my eyes and didn’t mind his presence.

”It’s cold here.” he uttered gently,  my heart thumped a bit with the sudden change of his mood. “It will be better if you get back to the venue because the heater is on.”

”I won’t go back there.”  I said with a cold tone. My nose is almost flaring because of the heaviness that I’m feeling in my chest.

“Then I won’t come back as well.”

My head turned to him again. My eyes are questioning him while he has this straight face that says ‘I wont give a fvck about your opinion’.

”Tch! Wow!” I exclaimed and shook my head. “Are you serious right now?”

”Do I look like I’m joking?” he raised a brow.

I smirked and shook my head because he’s really looking like a complete asshole to me. After a long wave of silence. I stood up while my heels were on my hands.

“Never mind. I’m going now. Go back, and focus on your girlfriend, Mister.” I spat.

His lips protruded. Using his pinky, he scratched his brow and I saw how he tried to hide the wicked smile on his face.

“This is working, huh?” he whispered something.

”What?” I scowled at him.

“Nothing.” He said with his sleepy eyes. I can still see the ghost of a smile that’s trying to hide behind his cool-asshole facade. What the hell is wrong with this man?

 “Wear this, ” he offered his coat.

I look at it angrily. I gritted my teeth and didn’t even move an inch.

“I’ll drive you home.” he added.

That’s it. “What the hell are you doing, Aciel?” I asked boldly. He’s just looking so bored while looking at me.

“Doing what?” I hate that he looks so innocent when he says that.

“This! Whatever it is that you’re planning inside your head. Cut it off.” I whispered angrily.

He smirked. “Nah Lady. Remember you’re the great planner here.”

My nose flared as I looked at his playful expression. Better end this right away.