Chapter 8

SEREIA

It’s like my body had forgotten how to work, because I stood still my hands on the door handle, staring at the man in front of me.

My chest felt like it was being squeezed and I suddenly forgot how to breathe. The man at the door didn’t move either he just started at me his face stoic and void of any emotions and I couldn’t tell if he was as shocked at me.

It’s been five years.

Five years since we met.

Five years since we hooked up.

And of course five years since he ghosted me.

He looked taller now his hair slightly shorter. His face was much more sharper and older. He wore a black coat that fit him too well and made him look like a villian.

He looked expensive, powerful and of course rigid.

But his eyes— they were thesame light, cold, focused and they watched me like a predator watching its prey. His gaze ran over my body causing me to fiddle with my dress as I felt a little bit self conscious.

After having Liyana my hips had widened and my breasts had grown a bit. I wasn’t overweight or anything but I couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious about the changes.

“Hi!” I said nervously trying to break the awkward silence and stop him from looking at my body.

He ignored me as he just kept staring at me his jaw tightening. This was probably the only sign I would get from him.

Does he remember me?

Is he irritated that he didn’t escape me?

“Hi,” he finally spoke and his deep voice sent a wave of butterflies to dance in my stomach and I smiled at him trying not to look stupid.

Footfalls echoed behind me followed by Gracia’s voice.

“Why are you both standing at the door?”

“Come in” she added as she appeared beside me staring at both of us. Her hands reached out to hold her grandson’s own and she pulled him into the house, his tall frame almost reaching the ceiling.

“The food is getting cold already, why did you arrive late.” She said in a scolding manner as she sat on the dining chair and we followed suit.

“The flight was delayed because of the weather…nonna.” He said patronizingly and Gracia nodded as she began to fill his plate with food.

I helped myself to some food and we all began to eat falling into a comfortable silence.

“This is my grandson Valerian,” Gracia said proudly. “Valerian meet Sereia.” She added and I looked over at him as he nodded at me in acknowledgment.

“Nice to meet you.” He said and I let out a polite smile.

“Nice to meet you too.” After the pleasantries Gracia began talking, filling the space with noise. She asked about his flight. About traffic. She complained about how thin he looked and how he didn’t eat enough vegetables.

I barely spoke, too surprised about the whole ordeal to form a complete sentence.

I could feel his burning gaze on my face occasionally but I completely ignored it settling my eyes on the duck confit in front of me.

“So,” Gracia said, serving him more food. “You’ll be staying for a while, yes?”

“Yes,” Valerian said. “New York is… useful.”

“What are you here for?” I asked suddenly almost cringing immediately at how that came out.

“Well I’m here for work I’m expanding my business from Carlifornia to New York.” He said proudly as he put a chunk of steak in his mouth.

“Oh that’s nice.” I said lowly going back to my meal.

“I’ll get dessert.” Gracia suddenly said ending the slight awkwardness I felt.

The moment she left Valerian moved in his chair slightly before he spoke. “You look different.”

“So do you,” I retorted before I could stop myself.

A pause.

“Hmm hope you didn’t try jumping in front of moving cars again.” He said smugly and I rolled my eyes at him, and before I could bite back, the front door burst open.

“Mama!” Liyana’s voice filled the room as she ran towards the dining her face contorted in glee, her hair was now a mess and there was candy stains on her face.

My heart leapt, she looked so adorable cheeks flushed and all.

“Did granny finish cooking all my favorite?” She asked enthusiastically.

“Yes dear I did.” Gracia said as she walked into the room the smell of chocolate cake filling the place.

“Chocolate!!” Liyana yelled immediately she saw the cake and she sat on a chair clipping her bib around her neck.

Liyana suddenly stopped yelling when she saw Valerian. She stared at him openly.

“Who’s that?” she asked.

Valerian looked at her. “I’m gracia’s Grandson.” He said all the while his face didn’t change, but something in his posture did. He straightened.

Liyana tilted her head. “You’re tall.”

He paused. “Yes.”

She nodded as she dug into the chocolate cake in front of her. “Do you like puzzles?” She asked with a mouth full of cake.

“Liyana don’t talk while eating!” I corrected and she smiled guiltily at me.

“I do like puzzles,” Valerian said staring her as she stuffed her face.

She grinned at him before speaking again. “I’m really good at them.”

“I can tell,” he replied.

My breath caught.

“Is she yours?” he asked me quietly.

“Yes,” I said. “Obviously.”

His gaze flicked back to her. Then to me. He said nothing.

Dinner ended soon after. Valerian stood to leave.

“It was nice meeting you,” he said to Liyana.

She waved. “Bye, tall man.”

He hesitated, then nodded at me. “Goodnight, Sereia.”

“Goodnight.”

The door closed behind him.

That night, I laid awake staring at the ceiling, my chest tight, my thoughts racing.

I pressed my hand to my stomach and closed my eyes.

The universe had a cruel sense of humor.