~ 6

0006

✧･ﾟ: ✧ :･ﾟ✧  Marichuy ✧･ﾟ: ✧ :･ﾟ✧

The lights were dim, allowing just enough to see their deceitful faces sitting across the table.

We had placed an order and quietly stared at each other, waiting for our meal to arrive.

The silence was heavy; the weight of awkwardness was pulling down the romantic ambience Derek had deliberately set up.

Previously, I had noticed the rose petals and the additional decoration. All of it is strategically designed to make me feel safe.

When I pointed it out, Derek was quick to say he had it all arranged for me and I spent the rest of the evening feeling safe. Special. So much so that I didn’t question when he brought up the topic of merging our finances.

I remembered his explanation for why he was sitting on the other side of the table with Lily.

“This angle allows me to see your beautiful eyes.”

I believed him. The whole time, he was rubbing Lily’s laps underneath the table and she showered praises of how I got ‘one of the good ones.’

Since I did not raise the topic or open the door for the conversation, they had no idea how to begin filling my ears with their lies, especially since they always pretended not to have any relationship.

‘Why is she acting weird?’

‘Does she know something?’

‘There’s no way she could have.’

I listened to their thoughts and their suspicion made me realize I was probably going to blow this off. The last thing I wanted was to give them the idea that their secret affair was any less than the secret that they intended for it to be.

“It’s really beautiful here tonight,” I said.

“Befitting for you,” Derek responded quickly. His response came off as rehearsed. “I had them upgrade it just for you.” He added.

I smiled and nodded affirmatively.

“He really is a good one, Mari,” Lily lifted a cup of juice to her lips.

 I smiled faintly and straightened my face.

“He is, isn’t he? Since you’re my best friend, maybe we should share him.”

Lily spilled the drink she had in her mouth. Derek’s eyes widened. They both tried to bury their discomfort in awkward laughter, but I maintained a straight face.

“You’re so silly.” Lily chuckled, forcing out laughter.

When I was slightly satisfied with her discomfort, I smiled. “Just silly thoughts,” I said,

Derek heaved a small sigh of relief, but I picked on it. My eyes were on their every move, watching closely like a hawk.

“Our food is here,” Derek announced.

Three waiters soon occupied our table with all sorts of meals. Everything we ordered and other things that we did not.

Derek and Lily’s relief made me smirk.

I could look at their smug faces all day.

‘I want to peel off their faces, not look at them.’

Deep breaths, Aria. We’ll get there.

Seeing them uncomfortable was just enough reward for me. For now.

They were both quiet until the waiters left.

“If I had a man like Derek, I wouldn’t want to share him, or see him with another woman. No matter how temporary.” I said, sending my message to Lily.

They were both quiet for a second.

“Mari. Honey. You have me.” Derek looked at me passionately, but I could see through his lies.

I froze for a second.

“Yes. Yes, I do.” I smiled. “I was just telling Lily, why having someone like you, or maybe you is worth fighting for.” I buried my head in my plate, “I mean, there’s no point waiting to come in second. Allowing him to marry someone else first.”

Both Derek’s and Lily’s mouth were sealed throughout dinner. Contrary to the last time, where they would not stop talking about joint finances and the need to financially tie my life to Derek’s, this time, they were both mute and confused.

The touching under the table stopped and they would stare at me every chance they got, while I pretended not to notice, stuffing my face with more food than I could eat.

“So, wedding plans,” the waiters were clearing the table when I opened the floor with a new topic.

Their eyes widened in surprise.

“That’s what we’re out to discuss, Derek, isn’t it?” I probed.

Derek shook his head.

“We can discuss that on our way back, honey.” He replied.

“Don’t let me ruin this for both of you,” Lily pushed her chair back, hurrying to excuse herself.

“I’m sure Derek doesn’t mind,” I chipped in, “I know I don’t mind. You’re my best friend and you’ll be an important part of the wedding anyway. We might as well plan it together.”

Lily chuckled. “I wouldn’t want to impose.” She picked her purse and literally ran out of the restaurant.

“I’ll just… uh… see her off,” Derek pointed at the exit. “Make sure she gets a cab or something,” he followed in a hurry before I could accept or object.

I smiled proudly, taking a sip from the glass of juice in front of me.

In one night, I was able to rattle them enough to forget their lies of not having a relationship except I was present. Now, Derek was out making sure Lily found a cab. He had quickly forgotten that she had a car, which I bought her on her last birthday to appreciate her for being there for me through all the chaos of losing my parents.

I was calmly sipping from my juice cup when he returned a few minutes later.

“Did she find a cab?” I inquired, maintaining the sweetest tone.

“Huh?” Of course, he lost track of his lie, but since I was feeling generous, I repeated myself.

“Lily. Did she find a cab to take her home?”

“Yes. Yes.” He responded, quite shaken. “She did,”

“Hmm,” I nodded, “That’s weird. I could have sworn I saw her vehicle parked outside when we drove in.”

“Really?” Derek had sweat breaking out his forehead.

‘Shit!’

He yelled internally, realizing how terribly he had flopped.

“Take me home. I’m sleepy from all this over-eating.” I pushed my chair backwards, got up and walked past him to the car, holding my head high.

Initial stage of phase one in progress.

I had to confess that I did not want to be here for dinner, but this was a way better plan and I was excited because it was only just the beginning.