Chapter 13 Chapter 13
Selena
I took a deep breath, my heart threatening to burst from the overwhelming emotions.
Noah was here, just a door away. He was preparing a meal for me just like always, but it wasn't the same.
He cheated, hurt my feelings, yet just being closed still gives me relief. One that I know I have crumbled to, if he touches me.
“It's shitty,” I muttered, biting hard on my lower lip, my nails clenched to the hem of my night gown as I faced the door, building courage to open it and walk out to Noah like I wasn't affected by his presence.
With a final breath, I walked out, slowly, hiding all the pain as I walked to the kitchen. And there he was.
The smell of chicken curry filled the space as he served it in a bowl.
Noah raised his head, looking at me, and he smiled. His warm smile, those eyes that had once spoken warmth, now tighten my heart. I broke the contact, taking a seat at the table.
“I couldn't think of what to make, plus you don't have much in your fridge except chicken, so,” He dropped the bowl in front of me.
“Eat now. I’ll go shopping for you to fill your fridge. Josh shouldn't—”
I scoffed, bitterness crawling on my tongue. “Thanks for the meal. And I’ll fill the fridge up myself. I can afford that now.” I took the spoon and drank from the soup. It was heavenly, just like always, though the maker has changed.
I ate slowly. Not looking at him.
“How did you get a job there?”
I stopped, then turned to him. “What?”
A hint of annoyance grazed his face. “How did you get to work in T&M?”
I dropped the spoon. The food suddenly tasted bland.
“Why? Because I don't have much qualification so I shouldn't be able to work there? You were expecting me to come crawling back to you?”
“No Selena, I…” He reached for my hand, but I moved away from his touch. He stopped and sighed.
“You know I have never looked at you that way, I only speak of that because of the company. You know how the company is Selena. No, everyone knows who Theodore Mateo is. He is dangerous, everything around him is,”
It was true, everyone those, but that was for me to think about.
“He is good. At least, I’m still alive after seeing him today.” I shrugged, trying to be nonchalant.
If it were back then, I’d tell him how I felt. The fear of what they can do, but not anymore.
“This isn't a joking matter, Selena. This is about your safety. And that’s what I cared about.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Look.” He sat in front of me. “Father called me and asked me to go back to the company, so I stated my conditions, and that is you being my personal assistant. You could move in with me, and I’ll get a driver for Josh for his school. This way you won’t have a reason to stay at T&M. And endanger yourself.”
I locked eyes with him. He was sincere, but I knew better.
Going to his company was good. If T&M were first in the country, Noah’s family was among its business rivals. Though they have never been involved in illegal acts. But Noah has always hated going back to the company, so why now?
Whatever reason wasn't important, I wasn't going back to him.
“I’m sorry, I can't join your company, nor give in to your request. T&M is good, and I’ll stay there.” I broke our gaze, taking a spoonful of the curry. It was cold now.
I wanted to laugh. I stood up. “Thanks for preparing this for me. You should leave now.”
Noah closed his eyes, rubbing his hair, before locking it with his other hand.
“What can I do to make you forgive me, and come back to me, Selena? I’m sorry, please forgive me.”
“Nothing.”
My heart suddenly felt overwhelmed, maybe it was because he was pleasing so earnestly, and all my heart wanted was to hug him, kiss him, and wrap around him like usual.
But this was reality. He cheated. Not once or twice. I will never not be heartbroken by this.
“It's over between us, Noah. Now that you are back at your company, you can get any woman you want, so let's part peacefully. You can leave now.”
I looked ahead to my room, suddenly tired, wanting to rest. Without waiting I took a step, but then, my arm was held, and I was dragged backward to face him.
I gasped. “What are you doing?” My heart beat heavily.
“I know I did wrong, Selena. But I’m ready to wait till you are ready to take me back. I’m sorry, don't leave me. So.”
I bit my lips, my stomach tingled, sending shivers down my spine as his hand met with my face, tracing it down to my neck.
“You are mine, Selena. You’ll always be. I’m ready to do everything you want as long as we can be together. No one can have you.”
“You are sick.” I slapped his hands off my face, stepping aside to give space.
Something about his words made me uneasy. The look in his eyes says he meant each word.
“Leave.”
I pointed to the door. Avoiding his eyes.
At first, he didn't, then he moved.
“Let Josh have the remaining curry. See you.” He moved past me. Each step sends a wave to my legs.
I waited, hearing him open the door, and then he was out. My legs weakened. I held onto the chair for support.
I was going to be fine.
It was okay.
Taking the plate, I took it to the sink, washing it and returning it. My eyes glanced at the curry.
Josh would be home soon, and I doubt he would eat something from Noah. I had rather kept it, and not let him know.
My phone beeped, and I traced it to my room. I swapped it open.
“This is everything you should know. You should visit the owner tomorrow, and work your way. I don't know why the boss is willing to let you though it’s going to be useless.”
A document followed.