Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Tom's POV

Eventhough I had prepared my mind for possible rejection, I never thought it will hurt this much. I felt like ten daggers piecing through my heart at the same time. I knew it wasn't the right time to propose but I realized Mark was secretly in love with her and knowing he never loved Tilda, he will easily dump her for Maya. I confirmed my suspicion when he went to her office alone. I know that he went there to ask her out after the party because I heard him talking on the phone and making some arrangements.

Knowing that Tilda wasn't around, the only person he was making that arrangement for was Maya. I thought of taking advantage of her innocence and shyness before the crowd to accept me so that we spend time knowing more about each other before we finally settle down but No. She rejected my proposal in front of all those people.

Why Maya, why can't you love me for once. Why can't I be happy again? When I left the party, I was about going to the pub to drink my heart out but Tracy followed me. She was like, the only one who cared. Mark didn't come to console me like I thought so that their date will be cancelled. Instead, he went with her and only Tracy came to me. When I saw them walking lovingly to Mark's car like the perfect couple, my heart was completely shattered. It felt like I didn't even matter to her in the first place.

If Tracy hadn't been there, I swear I would have done something to myself. She didn't see them because she was hugging me with her back to them. I felt comfort in her hug but my broken heart could not be mended. So Instead of going to the pub, I made my driver drive me home. I took some sleeping pills and fell into deep sleep. How could I have slept without these pills? But somewhere in the middle of my sleep, I woke up to a call from Tracy. She was calling to see if I was okay and asleep. So caring of her. Then I went back to sleep.

I woke up with serious headache and had to take some pain killers. I even told the maids not to disturb me. I spent the whole day thinking about everything that happened yesterday. I will not give up. No, I will not let go so easily eventhough she easily gave up on me, I won't give up on her so easily. I will still be here friend. Just as I was about to call her, the phone rang and looking at the caller ID, I was surprised.

Maya, I exclaimed. I wasn't expecting her call in anyway. I thought it might be Tracy.

"Hi Tom, I am very sorry about everything. I..."

It's okay Maya, I cut in before she could say another word. I understand and It's my fault. I caught you ofguard and you were not ready as well. Please forgive me.

"There's nothing to forgive Tom, you have not wronged me in anyway. Please take good care of yourself."

Thanks Maya, but what are your plans for today?

"Hmmm...Tracy and I have decided to stay home and arrange everything as we could not do so last weekend."

So can I stop by in the afternoon?

"Why not"? She smiled as she hang up. I don't know why but after everything, I still want to see her again. There is this calmness about her that makes me to always want to be around her no matter what. My phone rang again and I answered without even looking at the caller ID.

"Hey Tom, I wanted to know if you wanted us to visit our new restaurant. Today being a weekend will be a great time to know if we have made the right investment..he said"

I can't make it today. I told Maya and Tracy I was going to pass by in the afternoon.

"Well why don't we go to the restaurant together and we can meet Maya and Tracy afterwards?" He suggested.

OKay, fine. I gave up because I knew there was no way he was going to take No for an answer.

"Okay, I will be there in fifteen minutes. He said as the line went dead.

Damn, I hit my hand on the wall. Why did I even mention that I was going to see Maya knowing he doesn't want me around her. All those times of him telling me to stay away from her because she was a low life bitch was just his way of keeping her for himself. I hate myself right now for not being smart. I could have told him anything instead of the truth. I cursed myself as I stepped out to meet him.

We arrived at Maya's apartment earlier than I had planned. Tracy opened the door and gave me a heart warming hug, just as Maya also did same. I couldn't help but notice the look on her face when she saw Mark after hugging me. Tracy had welcomed Mark with a hand shake and was leading us to the room.

"I didn't know you got company..was Maya's voice after giving Mark a quick hug. I think a lot has changed after that apology. Mark acts more human now and is no longer as arrogant as he used to be. I mean, around friends. He is also more caring towards me. If not of us loving the same girl, I know we would have been best friends.

"I could leave if I am not invited", Mark said jokingly.

"No, I didn't mean it that way. I am just surprised"....said Maya apologetically. She seemed uncomfortable with Mark's stares.

" Don't be hard on yourself Maya, am just joking...he laughed. You should see the look on your face"....he laughed again.

"Come on guys, food is ready", Tracy screamed breaking the awkward moment.

"I didn't know you guys had already placed an order", Mark said teasingly. He has become and talkative today and I am just wondering what happened to him. The Mark I know is usually cold and calculative. But he seems to show a complete different side today.

"No, we prepared these ourselves"....Tracy said excitedly as she sat next to me.

Maya sat next to Tracy which got her closer to Mark and I hated it so much.

"  This is delicious....Mark exclaimed biting into his chicken.

I agree...The pasta was well cooked and the chicken was also well seasoned and grilled. The salad was professionally done as well. I didn't know they could cook this well.

So you girls really did this cooking? I asked teasingly.

"Of course, Maya made the Pasta and salad as I seasoned and grilled the chicken..Tracy concluded proudly". We chatted for some time after the food when Mark suddenly requested to speak to Maya in private. I was instantly angry. Well, can you blame me, I still love her eventhough she broke my heart.

Maya's POV

I was startled when Mark asked to speak to me in private. I mean, our relationship is not yet official and we don't want to create any suspicion so why will he ask that? Refusing to talk in private will only worsen the case so I led him to the balcony. I usually don't come out here. The view today was breaktaking. Maybe I was extra mesmerized because I had not been here for...I can't even remember the last time....Yes, that's how bad it is. I always stayed in doors to keep warm since I always lived alone. As the sunset down the horizon, the sky performed It's magic in blending colors of Orange, red, Yellow and a shade of violet.

" I didn't know you had a very beautiful view here"....Mark commented, interrupting my thoughts.

I Didn't know myself. Its been a while since I got out here. That door leading here is always locked, I said, twisting my mouth to the right. It made him laugh and I'm glad he saw it funny.

"Then you've really missed a lot, I think I could spend a whole day here reading my favourite books"....he said thoughtfully.

Why didn't I think of that? During the days I spent all my weekends reading or researching. I guess you are right and I've really missed out...So what do you want to tell me?

"Nothing..."

I don't understand. You requested for a private time to tell me nothing?

"You are beautiful...he said lustfully.

Thanks, I blushed. But I don't think people should be seeing us together like this. It will ruin the secret.

What if I change my mind? He said with his forefinger tucking a loose hair on my face behind my ear. What if I announce to the whole world right now that you are mine...he said staring straight into my eyes.

God, I was really enjoying this time with him but its not right especially when he is engaged to someone.

Well, Mr. Snowman, I believe you but I don't think the time is right.

"Why not, he asked holding my waist and pulling me close to him. This action made me feel things I have never felt before. I didn't want to come out of this embrace but coming to my senses, I tried to wiggle out of his warm embrace but I wasn't fast enough as the balcony door burst open and standing there was Tracy and Mark with that indescribable look on their faces.