“Ella,” says Zed, glints of nervousness painting his face. I want to make things right with you. I want to give our relationship a proper name.”
A pang of pain wraps my heart. This man is indeed silly enough to jump into a cliff of uncertainties. He knows I can never promise a future for both of us, but he is still making a fool of himself. He has been there.
“May I see what’s in that other box, please?” I tell him, changing the topic. I am also curious about what is he’s asking in that other box.
Zed stares at me for a while before he moves his eyes towards the two attendants who are watching us from afar.
One nod from Zed, and the two come forward. One of them is still holding the heart-shaped pillow that carries the box. The two bow slightly before the bearer of the pillow puts down the box carefully in front of me. My heartbeats turn into a frenzy. It pounds hard against my ear as I feel I know what’s wr
He looks at me with mocking eyes like I am the most stupid woman on the face of the earth. He doesn’t say anything, but his action speaks it all. I froze. My thoughts drift right away to the paintings Zed had purchased recently. Why does he need so many? Mr. D seems to have read my thoughts. “When a man cares for a woman with an unrealistic devotion, it’s already called obsession.” My heart must have skipped some beats because I suddenly feel dizzy. My breathing has also become shallow. Zed is obsessed with Yen! But this is not the place to break out my emotion, so I take deep breaths until I calm down a little. “Are you alright?” he asks, gawking at my face. I wonder how he speaks like an average man today. “I’m a little dizzy,” I tell him with an air of confidence exuding from within. But when he furrows his brow, I add, “As what every pregnant woman experiences.” He casts me a lazy look. “These painti
"It's not w-what you think, Ella," Zed stutters as glints of nervousness hit his eyes. "I can't explain as of now, but one day I'll make you understand.""How am I going to interpret it? Those numbers of orders you make are enough to fill all the walls of this house. I'm not as stupid as you think. You just have to be honest with me because I can understand," my voice already cracks.Zed pulls to the side of the road and turns off the engine. He closes his eyes and later rubs his face with his hand."When I said I love you, I'm not lying, Ella. There's just something I want to look at in those paintings – I'm searching for something."Searching for something. Is he also an artist who thinks his works are copied?I sigh. I'm not in the mood to ask about his hobby. Maybe I can do that later. But for now, I just want to mess up with my jealousy. He looks sincere indeed. And those beautiful eyes of him are beggingfor my understandi
Before the crimson skies fade into black, the lights around the house and in the garden are already in full swing. Tonight is not just a house blessing, but our engagement party. Since James doesn’t want me anymore, I have decided to give ourselves a chance to be happy. I have never felt happier in my life, not until I met Zed. He’s perfect in my eyes, and I can't ask for more.I pity Miss Yen for letting go of a husband as excellent and as gentle as Zed. I almost can’t believe how Zed got erectile dysfunction when he was with her becausethat flaw doesn’t leave any trace. He ismighty down thereand his self-control is excellent. He often brings me to some bliss of multiple orgasms before he comes.Our invited guests have started arriving when the shorthand of the clock strikes at six. They’re not our close friends, but the prominent people Zed has acquainted with through ‘The Quartet’ and during his seminars. S
Maezy. Right, she's the one. I never remember inviting her here. And even if she's Ara's friend, I don't believe she will be bold enough to invite her. Her gaze is flaming like she's about to devour me alive. I don't have to think twice to conclude that those stares are deadly and full of hatred. But why? "Love, what's wrong?" Zed whispering in my ear has me come back to my senses. I haven't noticed that he has already ended his opening remark. I tilt my head to look at him, then move my eyes towards the woman. Even if I haven't lingered my gaze on her for even half a second, I know Zed has followed me. I look at him again affectionately, and he also locks his eyes on me meaningfully, our smile never leaving our lips. In the eyes of the crowd, we are one sweet couple -- lost in the tide of the moment -- whispering sweet nothings. Zed doesn't reply as the lady of the ceremony mentions us again. She grabs our attention as she announces that the next part is a song rendition by a famo
"Mr. D, I don't like cliffhangers. So spit it out," I urge him. I always know that there's always a senseto what he says behind his weirdness. "Jessica, in Merchant of Venice, says that love is blind and lovers cannot see. But I'd still say it's stupid." I laugh. Mr. D is indeed versatile. Aside from his immense knowledge about art and technology, I realize he's also well-versed in literature. Thus, the famous Shakespeare's quote. "It's because you're not in love yet." Or maybe, your EQ is low, I tell myself. He tilts his head sidewardand stares at me. "What's so good about having someone who is not yours?" Then, he leaves without looking back. I also stand dumbfounded, my mouth hanging open as I stare at his retreating figure. What is Mr. D thinking? Could it be because of Zed's interest in Yen's portraits? I had the same sentiment as him, so I understand. I then rush insid
Zed's POV It's already four in the morning when the music from the ballroom stops. As the host of the party, I can't afford to leave the guests who danced into the night until three. While the youngsters were dancing, I checked the guest's logbook. But Maezy's name wasn't there. There's no suspicious entry as well because I was the one who listed down the guests to be invited. As to why she was at my engagement party, I had no idea. I have the feeling that she comes for revenge. I'm beginning to feel afraid for Yen. I wonder if they knew she was here last night. I want to warn her, but how? I don't want this to cause problems between Ella and me. Ara can also be her target, but she only plays a small role in her destruction. What I am being sure of is that she's here for James. Without James, she can't get enough resources for her financial needs. Mr. Yuki left her, and Kim has found out about her deception. I knew that Maezy did shady things for James, and she had been his accompli
"Maezy was here." Ara has a serious expression this time that looks odd on her. She's always silly and tactless that anyone who doesn't know her will think she never takes life seriously. But for those who know her well, she's soft, sweet, thoughtful, and loyal as a friend. Despite what happened between Yen and me, our friendship was never affected. It even grows better. When she was struggling emotionally because of Tim, I comforted her. I came to her aid and was her companion when she was feeling lost in a vast and foreign country. I was the father image to her son for a long time until she moved on with Alex. "But instead of coming to see me, I saw her glaring at Ella." I close my eyes and draw out a deep sigh. "I know." "Zed, tell me." Ara puts down her cup and looks into my eyes, "Who is Ella? Are you sure about this engagement? You know what, I had a hard time believing you were serious in this, but I only played along. You had been with
Ella's POVThese two had not noticed me when I came down. I take my exit through the door to the garden, then walk stealthily towards the door that leads to the dining room. Zed and Arahave no idea that I am listening to their conversation."How can I? I always drop dead at the end of the day, and you're busy yourself. And besides, I just give you time to go on with your drama until you come crying to me.""I met her at the airport. She was crying, and I pitied her.""Fuck!"I didn't know how deep their friendship was until I heard how Ara recounted their experiences abroad."So, this engagement is only a drama?"I hold my breath. I can't keep listening to this conversation anymore. Just a few hours ago, Zed didn't appear unaffected. I already bawled my eyes out, but he went on pleasuring me. Last night was the most passionate, aggressive, and sensual of all the lovemaking we have done. I felt like thatwas our last.