Chapter 29 — Bite the Dust

Blowing off the steam above the hot chocolate drink, I moved the groceries away for Aurelius to have more legroom. Right after buying food, we went straight to the nearest cafe for a snack. Other than the fact that we were hungry, it was just another excuse not to walk around in the cold weather. It seems like the rest of the people out today had the same idea.

The flowers he gave me sat on the corner of the table. Staring at how beautiful it looked with the cold atmosphere as the backdrop, I quickly fished out my phone and took a picture. When I absentmindedly opened one of my social media accounts to post the image, my lips parted.

Was I really going to—

With a sigh and a hand massaging my temple, I knew I almost screwed myself over.

I don’t love this man. I really don’t… so why did I almost make it known to the whole world? Have I gone mad? Is it really true, what he said? Am I stupid?

Out of instinct, I directed my line of gaze to the man waiting for his drink along with other customers. Biting my lip, I had my eyes narrowed while analyzing him from afar. With how tall he is and how good his facial features are, Aurelius definitely won't have any problems in looking for a wife soon. I mean, Iris is still attracted to him.

I am too… but I don’t have to love him just because I’m attracted to him.

I don’t have the time.

“Phew, that was a long wait.”

Swallowing hard, I cleared my throat. “You good?” I asked once he finally sat down with his hot beverage in hand. The cafe was a bit packed and getting a seat was like getting a taxi during rush hours. The thought of staying long didn’t cross my mind, however, I do feel bad for those looking for a vacant table or waiting for those who are close to finishing their coffee. “Do you think we should stay after?”

Aurelius took a long sip before setting his cup down. “Do you want to stay? Or would you prefer to go somewhere?” I watched him scan my facial expression, blinking a few times then grinned. “If you like, we could go to visit the zoo.”

“That… would be nice,” I mumbled, wrapping my hands around the cup to keep them warm. “But I don’t think we have that much time? I have to get back home before dark. Mom’s orders…” I added bitterly.

Leaning back against his chair, Aurelius hummed. “I see. Do you think she will give you more freedom if I ask for permission? She doesn’t know I’m courting you, right?”

I felt my whole face flush beet red at the old-fashioned term, inwardly criticizing how much of a hypocrite I am. Clenching my fists, I glared at the buildings outside as Aurelius laughed at me. “Court me? You won’t even get to ask permission from my mother.” A gasp elicited from my mouth when I felt his stretched out leg touching mine, forcing me to face him with a hard frown. He smirked.

“What’s the matter? Scared that she’ll do something out of character?” He stared at me for a few seconds then pointed his index finger, I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t even know if your mother wouldn’t agree. Who knows, she might say yes to me.”

How thick faced!

I huffed. “Say yes to you? First of all, you don’t know my mother. Second, she won’t see anyone, especially men who think they're so handsome that everyone would just allow them to do whatever they want.”

“Then let me see her.”

“Did you even listen to what I just said?” Trying not to raise my voice, I furrowed my eyebrows. “It’s best if you don’t talk to her. Just listen to me.”

Please don’t press further. Please just don’t. I’m saving you from criticism and headaches. She wouldn’t even want me to date, let alone focus on something that doesn’t concern my future career.

“Alex?”

Eyes slowly widening in shock, I was still for a few moments until Aurelius turned to see who just called my name. He then stood up, greeting them with a handshake. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cole, fancy seeing you two here.”

“Small world, huh, Mr. Clarke.”

“Hello, Miss Bay. It’s nice to see you again.”

Glancing towards their way, my mouth refused to move as Desmond and Karen stared at me, expecting me to greet them back.

Out of all places, why are they here? Is this some cruel joke? A reminder that I will never be happy? And they ask why I’m bitter when it comes to love.

“Um, Alex?” Aurelius tapped me on the shoulder, snapping me out of my stupor. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah…” I muttered, slightly lifting my chin up as I addressed Desmond. “Small world indeed.”

“Um, would you guys mind if we join you two for coffee?” Karen questioned with such a brilliant smile that it almost diminished the awkwardness in the air. Almost. “It would be weird if we just go on with our day as if we didn’t see you.”

“I don’t mind if your husband doesn’t mind as well,” I replied, still keeping a stoic composure. I could sense the way Aurelius is giving me a concerned glance to which I paid no heed. Her hand around Desmond’s was making my eye twitch, memories of me having that arm around my waist continued to flow. “And you’re right, it would be definitely weird… considering our connection.”

“Okay!” Karen immediately pointed at the counter, hand still around Desmond’s arm. “We’ll be ordering now, sorry in advance if it takes time.”

The married couple made their way to the cashier and Aurelius sat down, bombarding me with questions at once. “Are you sure about this, Alex? I get that you want to reconcile and try to fix your tense relationship with them but—”

“Fix? Who said anything about me fixing my relationship with that asshole?” Not intending to come off hostile, I clicked my tongue in irritation instead of growling. “I couldn’t care less if he drowns. If he dies, he dies. He had it coming.”

Aurelius tilted his head to the side, “But are you okay with sharing coffee with him? And with his wife around…”

I stared down at my drink and took a sip to test if it was still hot. Making sure that it was bearable, I quickly chugged the beverage down. Aurelius sat there in awe as I closed my eyes, forcing it down on my throat. In record time, I was finished and the couple finally returned with their drinks in hand. I grabbed my bouquet of flowers and a bag.

“E-eh? Where are you going, Alex?” Karen inquired with such a concerned expression that it was almost painful to look at. I stood up and intentionally bumped into her.

Just as I planned, the liquid inside her cup sloshed around, most of it landed on her sweater. She jumped and squealed at how hot it was, prompting her husband to panic slightly and look for tissues. Half of the customers grew curious while the other half couldn’t afford to spare a glance. Aurelius, who stood next to me, was shocked as well. I scoffed, rolling my eyes at how sickly the display was in front of me.

I don’t give a shit or a fuck.

“A-Alex? What was that supposed to—”

“Don’t take what I’m about to say to heart, Karen.” Taking Aurelius’ hand, I beamed innocently. “I don’t like you or your husband.” Leaving them with their gaping mouths that were inviting flies to enter, Aurelius and I left the cafe.

I never felt alive.