Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I smile at Yen and Kim as if they aren't the ones who break my heart. Seeing them happy together reminds me of how miserable I have been since three years ago. However, I don't want them to see how wretched I am because pride is the only shield I have in this battle. I don't need their pity — it's eating up my self-worth.

"Come on, Zed! We have lots of things to catch up on," Ara exclaimed, her beautiful eyes as big as the round LED light above us.

I shake my head, annoyed at how spineless Ara seems. As Yen's best friend, she's a witness to all of our emotional struggles, but now she's acting like she has forgotten them all. I even ran away —  she knows that — because it's just impossible to heal and move on while they are around the corner. Kim used to be our neighbor, so when Yen moved in with him, I almost went crazy. It's because I knew that in that other house, Yen was there in another's arms.

"Dear, do you mind if we join them?" I tell Ella, pulling the edge of her shoulder close to me. Ella's stiffens, and her eyes dart wide, but she manages to smile quickly, concealing the surprised look on her face.

"No, of course, but can you please accompany me first to the lady's room?" answers Ella, shifting her gaze between Ara and me, her mesmerizing smile remains plastered on her face.

"Sure, it's on your right." Ara gestures with her hand in the direction of the restrooms.

I nod and place an arm around Ella, guiding her towards the women's room. Ara also leaves, heading towards Yen and Kim's table.

"What drama is this, Mr. Ramos?" Ella asks as soon as we reach the entrance of the restrooms.

My eyes drift on the sitting area adjacent to the front wall. I gesture for both of us to go there, and I'm glad she follows when I lead the way. I wait for her to sit down first on the cushioned sofa before I settle beside her.

"That woman you see is my ex-wife. And the one beside her is her husband," I start to explain.

"Still hurts?" she asks like the emotion is boldly written on my face.

"I would be lying if I say no." I look away, not wanting her to see the depth of my heartaches.

"So, you want me to play the game?"

"Is it alright?" I ask back, relieved that I don't have to do much convincing for her to support my plan. She sees me through.

"You're helping me without any condition. So, it's my chance to return it to you."

"Thank you, Ella. That would mean so much to  me."

"You're welcome, Mr. Ramos."

I cringe in discomfort at the formal way she addresses me.

"But Ella," I say, pausing for a moment to clear my throat, "a girlfriend doesn't address her lover with his first name," I chuckle, appreciating her sincerity.

Ella's eyes flicker in realization, and then she laughs softly. "Then how do you want me to call you?"

"Zed or whatever. It's up to you. As long as it isn't Mr. Ramos." Our amused gazes then meet, making us burst out into a peal of genuine laughter.

We're still laughing as we go back to our waiting audience.  Ella keeps on suggesting endearment that makes it feel awkward. Finally, laughing my discomfort out, the tension around me is no longer tight that I can already look at Yen and Kim in the eyes.

"Hello guys," I greet them. "It's been a while." I no longer care about professionalism, even if Kim deserves high respect, being the owner and CEO of Kim Yuan's Microelectronics, Inc.

"Zed," Kim immediately stands up, extending his right hand to me. I shake hands with him while watching Yen shake hands with Ella. "So, this is?"

"Ella," I say, throwing a meaningful gaze at her. I haven't asked her last name yet.

"Ella Sahara," she supplies the word, her eyes flickering in amusement. I draw out a sigh of relief. She's such an angel, knowing exactly how to rescue me.

"So, Ella, he is Mr. Kim Mori," I pause to shift my eyes on Yen, "and she is Yen, my...hmm...his wife."

Ella's smile suddenly leaves her lips, her eyes glued on Kim like a pair of magnets. Kim sees her reaction, and he chuckles.

"Anything wrong?" Kim asks her.

Ella blinks her eyes and heaves a sigh before she answers. "I just can't believe I have seen in person the man behind the success of Kim Yuan's."

"I'm flattered," Kim replies, then gestures for all of us to take our seats. "But I'm glad you have recognized me."

"Of course, Mr. Mori. I always watch business news." I smile at Ella proudly, and she smiles back sweetly at me. I'm so impressed with her acting that I pulled her close towards me, completing our play.

"Into business?" Kim asks further. It looks like he's comfortable around business-minded people.

I steal a glance at Yen to see how she reacts. She wears a constant smile like she's already used to awkward situations. If ever she feels guilty about what we did a few hours ago, it doesn't show on her expression.

"Nah, just a small food business."

"How small?"

My heartbeats start racing when I see Kim's interest in Ella. It used to be like this when Kim first met Yen. I glance at Yen, and the glints in her eyes show that she shares my sentiments. Because four years ago, a similar situation happened. Yen and I were having dinner with Ara and her boyfriend in some five-star restaurant. And coincidentally, Kim and Maezy also came for dinner. Ara and Maezy were friends, and since they had just seen each other after a long time, Ara invited them to join us.

"If you happen to hear about Jamella, then that's it."

Jamella. I haven't heard about it yet, but Mr. Kim's eyes glow in recognition of the restaurant.

"Sweetheart," says Kim, turning to Yen beside her, "this might be a good idea. How about we offer a partnership with Jamella? Since Sweet and Spicy is withdrawing, why not give it to Zed and Ella?"

"That's if they're interested," he adds, moving his eyes between Yen and Ella. Yen furrows her brow, stating her confusion.

"Sweetheart, Jamella is a high-end restaurant with, I think, five branches already. Am I right, Ella?"

"Yes."

"Sweet and Spicy, our food business affiliate, has plans to withdraw from the company. So, we are looking for another affiliate who will feed our employees."

"So, I will run your cafeteria?" Ella clarifies.

"You may. Or, you can put up another branch of Jamella close to the business zone. If you do, there are hundreds of companies that might hold business meetings in your function rooms."

My eyes fly wide. So, Ella is not a simple woman. But, it seems I am right with my intuition that there is more to her personality other than what she only confesses.

"If you're interested, Yen can discuss with you our offer. So think about it, see her at the office on Monday."

Ella's jaw drops as she stares at Kim. The look of overwhelming surprise paints her face. "Why are you offering this to me, sir?"

Kim looks at me before he turns to Ella. "Oh, I'm sorry for missing this part. I was presuming," he pauses and rubs the middle of his eyes with his finger. "I'm only offering this if Zed and you are in the marrying stage already."