Chapter 35: Chapter 35

“Where are you going?”

Dashtan looked at Rakia who was passing through the living room wearing black jeans with torn accents on her thighs combined with a long-sleeved shirt that looked a little oversized in blue jeans. Rakia rolled up the sleeves of her elbow-length shirt in a rather large roll. She had her hair in a ponytail but there were a few hairs that fell to the side of her face. In Dashtan’s eyes right now, Rakia looked like fresh meat that provoked the beast inside him to feast on it.

“I’m going to meet Lizzy, I’ll be home before dinner,” Rakia said then continued her steps after turning away from Dashtan.

“Want me to take you?” Dashtan immediately asked before the woman had completely passed.

“No. I can-“

“I’ll take you, come on.” Dashtan decided and Rakia looked up with a small chuckle. She was honestly still a little angry with the man because of the kissing incident this morning. Dashtan walked out of the house first followed by Rakia later. He waited on the porch until she was completely out because she was going to lock the door. Dashtan opened the car door for Rakia and he caught a whiff of Rakia’s soft, sweet perfume. Unconsciously, he licked his upper lip slightly as he closed the car door for the woman.

“Where will you meet?” asked Dashtan as they were on their way. Rakia mentioned the name of a café and he nodded in understanding.

“How about we eat out tonight? As my apology,” Dashtan said before Rakia got out of the car when they reached their destination. Rakia sighed then turned to Dashtan, she stared at the man for a moment trying to understand what was going through the man’s mind, or whatever the man was hiding from her. When Rakia brought her face closer, Dashtan held his breath for a moment, and when the woman looked at Dashtan’s lips with all the emotions she felt. She sighed. Rakia pecked the corner of Dashtan’s lips and then whispered, “I have to pay you back.” After saying that Rakia immediately pulled away and got out of the car. Dahstan could only be transfixed by Rakia’s actions just now. For some reason he couldn’t resist the woman’s charm, instead he seemed to let himself get lost in it. The scent of Rakia’s body was like a signal that awakened something inside him, something sensual and passionate. Dashtan calmed himaelf as he adjusted his hair and leaned back against the car seat. He knew that the future would become more complicated with Rakia’s attitude that began to threaten her. Once again Dashtan exhaled loudly, trying to get rid of the anxiety that was starting to creep into his heart over this marriage. He started the car engine and left the place to go back home and busy himself with his work.

Rakia, who had just arrived, looked at Lizzy who was enjoying her drink.

“Hi,” she greeted in a half-whispered voice. Lizzy looked up and gave a faint smile. Their current situation looks awkward after their last conversation. Rakia sat on the chair opposite Lizzy and looked at the woman who still seemed to be hiding behind the cup she was drinking from.

“So....” Rakia started the topic with one word. Until Lizzy placed her cup on a small plate, neither of them spoke. Rakia gently rubbed one side of her neck in awkwardness.

“I’m sorry, I was too hard on you.” Lizzy looked at Rakia seriously.

“I understand, anyone who hears this will definitely think I’m stupid and crazy. But, it’s okay, I’ve chosen to be like this so I have to be prepared with all the risks,” Rakia said and looked at Lizzy with a smile.

“What about Hanan? You guys are getting married, right?” asked Rakia to change the topic. Lizzy frowned in surprise.

“How did you know that?”

Rakia chuckled.

“My mother in-laws came to the house this morning and told me that Dashtan’s cousin is getting married, you already knew that, right? That Hanan is Dashtan’s cousin?” Rakia looked at Lizzy curiously. The woman in question seemed to pat her forehead like someone who forgot something.

“Ah, I forgot that they’re family, yeah... I just remembered, then, welcome to our family,” Lizzy said as she opened her arms in a welcoming gesture then they both laughed together, and instantly the awkwardness that had been created between the two melted away.

“I’m going to Dubai next week, to meet Dashtan’s family, you?” Rakia turned her head to look for a waiter then gave the code to come to her table. She ordered an avocado juice.

“I’m going to Dubai on Sunday, the event is next week, but I’ll let you know later.” Lizzy winked and smiled, Rakia pursed her lips and sighed heavily.

“Dashtan told me not to tell anyone about us, Deal?”

Lizzy let out a sly smile when she heard the indirect offer.

“But... You should give me a special gift on my wedding day, something expensive and luxurious.” Lizzy lowered her forehead quickly with a sly smile. Rakia rolled her eyes with a lazy face.

“Oh, come on... Your husband is a CEO,” Lizzy said. Rakia let out a resigned sigh.

“Yeah... Okay, something expensive and luxurious,” Rakia repeated Lizzy’s gift requirement.

“We have a deal, your secret is safe with me.” Lizzy nodded and then smiled very wide. They talked about many things with changing topics until the return time that Rakia and Dashtan had agreed upon arrived, they parted ways at the cafe. Lizzy went home first with Hanan, while Rakia waited for Dashtan. She was alone sitting at the table. She thought for a moment about what she did to Dashtan when she was about to get out of the car that time.

“I can definitely go through with it without following my heart. Let’s say you and him were playing a game about getting married, Rakia... He must be like that too thinking it’s just a game you have to play to accomplish a mission,” Rakia mused as a few minutes later she was surprised by Dashtan who was now standing by her side.

“Are you okay?” Dashtan looked at the dreamy Rakia. The woman was surprised for a moment.

“Yes, I’m fine, let’s go. “Rakia got up from her chair and walked out of the cafe first. Once they were in the car, neither of them spoke until Rakia decided to break the silence between them.

“Where do you want to eat?” Rakia turned to Dashtan awkwardly. Dashtan turned to Rakia so they stared at each other for a few wordless minutes.

“Want to eat korean BBQ? I know a good place,” Dashtan said and smiled. The smile infected Rakia and she nodded. Dashtan turned his head towards the front as he started the car engine and they went to the place Dashtan wanted.