chapter 5

Aria

Quinn's travelling box stood by the bedside; Quinn was spraying his perfume. I knew he was prepared to leave. I slept in the guest room and woke up late, which was unlike me,I slept like a baby.

"Good morning," I greeted, leaning against the door.

He paused, just long enough to acknowledge me. "Morning."

"Last night…" I began, the word flowing out on its own: "I didn't really—"

"I’m about to leave," he cut in.

"Still angry?" I asked. Basically, thinking of it, my question was way too absurd; he was the one trying to force himself on me, and refusing him meant respect for my dignity. It was nothing to be sorry about on a second thought.

He exhaled, then shook his head. "No." His gaze dropped to the floor. “I mean… I'm at fault for breaking my promise again."

Ohh, so he was only being remorseful about having to leave for work again, but him trying to force sex on me wasn't worth being guilty.I studied his face, the eye bags. He looked like he hadn’t slept much but it didn't soften my heart.

"When will you be back?" I asked; curiosity crept in, not because I cared about him but because I cared to know how long I have to keep up with Zachary and most especially Athena.

He looked up at me then, as if surprised I had asked. For a moment, I thought he might lie.Quinn was a legend in that aspect, he hesitated. His fingers tightened round the travelling box handle. "In a month’s time."

"Ohhh," I said. It was all I could hate to say. If he said 2 weeks, it meant twice. So a month meant two.

"I'll make it right," he said in more of a whisper.I nodded, though I knew there was nothing to make right; we could no longer right our wrongs.

He wheeled his box to the door where I stayed, and I reached out for it. He gladly released it.

How kind of me to a cheating man!

How absurd to think of such when I was nothing less!

"Take care, Aria." He said.

We were already in the parking lot; his driver put in his box and ignited the car.

"You too," I replied.

He pushed me closer, closing the distance between us. I felt he was about to kiss me, and I didn't feel the usual.

Butterflies in my belly - numbness to his touch. I just didn't want it, and I needed to stop it.

I found myself comparing Quinn to Zachary but I realized it wasn't worth the comparison.

Comparing a mere top actor to a Forbes top billionaire? It was berating

Looks? Quinn can't even stand beside.

The aura? All hail Zachary

Now I wonder how? Why?

How did I ever love Quinn?

Why didn't I notice Zachary back then in college?

Zachary was a nerd which everyone ignored and Quinn was the college hearthrob –The girls would literally die to get a conversation with him.

"Quinn, stop; otherwise, you'll miss your flight." I warned.

“I’ll be glad to do so.” He responded.“As if you dare,” I added, pushing him off me.

“I’ll miss you.” He stated as he looked deeply into my eyes, searching for answers.

For what? Forgiveness? Reassurance? Proof that he hadn’t completely destroyed us?

“Same.” I smiled politely.

“I’ll call you when I get there.” He assured.

“Be sure to do so.” I nodded.

“I love you, Ria. I’m so scared of letting you go. We would spend time making babies when I come back.” Quinn's statement came out awkwardly. I didn't give a response, not that I had any suitable one to give.

“Babies – does she have a womb for that?” Athena shot back, raising her eyebrows. I realized we weren't alone. Athena had to escort him too.

I was planning on ignoring her, but my kind of personality wouldn't just let me. “Eavesdropping isn’t a good habit.”

Athena shrugged. “Hard not to hear all that.”

" Then shut it and leave." I shot back

"Are you speaking to me? Quinn your wife now thinks less of me... I've become the object of ridicule in this household." Athena whined.

"Ria, please apologize." he urged.

"I won't." I remained adamant. My tone revealing finality.

I glanced around; Zachary was nowhere to be found, not like Quinn would have loved his presence.

“Bye, Ria,” he murmured.

“Bye.” I bid him farewell.

Quinn entered into the car.

The door clicked shut, and they left.

I stood there for a moment longer than I should have, watching until the car disappeared from sight.

I walked back into the house, off to our room, not caring if Athena chose to stay outside or not.

“Wow! That was affectionate.” I heard a clap behind me.

I stopped. My fingers curled into a ball.

I froze.

I smelt his cologne.