Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Yen's POV

"I'm only offering this if Zed and you are in the marrying stage."

My eyes pop wide for a second. I don't understand why Kim brings this marriage thing up. I am already so sick of putting up a fake façade before these two men, and yet he worsens the situation.

Just a few hours ago, I had been a whore and one hell of an idiot. I could have run away the moment I realized Zed was not himself. He never forced on me before, but his changed behavior towards sex made me curious. Despite the lust burning in his eyes as he devoured me, I saw desire. Desire to make me his again. But I realized that was all a presumption. Zed has already moved on and is now in love with Ella.

I don't understand myself. I know I should be happy for Zed because I am happy with Kim. Yet, the way Zed laughs and smiles at Ella reminds me how he treated me like a fragile princess before. He makes me feel so special. And that is something Kim can never do, although he loves me in his own way.

"Are we, darling?" Zed's voice jolts me out from my thought. I turn to look at him, just in time to see him looking so affectionately at Ella.

"We had been together for a long time already. So what difference would a piece of paper make?"

Zed let out a soft laugh, his eyes shining with happiness. He looks at Kim, then at me, but only for a second.

A searing pain slices through my heart as I realize I'm no longer the object of Zed's affection. I must not feel this way, I get it, but those tender eyes used to be mine alone. This truth just seems so sickening.

I was a fool to believe it was still me in his heart when the lawyer called me about the properties he wanted to give me. And when he made love to me. I saw it in his eyes. In the hungry way he claimed me like I was the only woman who could give him the satisfaction.

"You're living together?" Kim asks, raising his left eyebrow, and Ella answers. "Just when?"

I fidget in my seat. It's something he should not have asked but the question flows from his lips like it was a business issue.

"Zed got invited one time to speak in Harvard, and they treated him to dinner at Jamella. But then he became a regular guest. I thought it was Jamella's gourmet coffee he liked and came for. Who would have thought it's the CEO?"

Zed's eyes flicker in amusement and pride before the both of them break into laughter. Ara squeals, and Kim chuckles. Leaving no choice, I also join the fun – laughing like an idiot.

"Of course," Zed adds. "Who would like repeated dishes in a week if it were not for someone very special?"

Ara, who has always been silent whenever Kim is around now opens her mouth. And I'm always scared whenever she does.

"Oh, Zed. I happened to pass by XYZ, and one of your men recognized me. He said you're building a house somewhere in the outskirt of the city. Is it true?"

"Yes. I have it constructed while I was away."

Zed picks his glass of water and raises it to his mouth. He peers at me from above the rim of the glass. I look away.

"Oh, can I visit you there? I'll bring Ralph," Ara says.

Zed then looks at Ara and says, "Of course. I have always thought of inviting you there once I can put in the final touches."

"When?"

"This week," replies Zed, smiling at Ara then at Ella. Ella gapes at him; a sense of full admiration written on her face.

"Oh, Zed! I just can't wait to see and compare it to the one you have designed for Yen. But of course, you're richer now, so it could be better. But if the previous one is still more beautiful than the new one, then it means your love for Yen is greater than-"

I kick Ara under the table, and her eyes pop out. She instantly covers her mouth while she nervously glances at Kim.

"I mean no offense, Kim. Sorry," she murmurs. Kim just tilts his head and purses a smile at her.

I steal a glance at Zed. My heart is already hammering loudly that I'm afraid Kim might hear. But to my surprise, Zed laughs softly. The rich voice of the highest-paid motivational rings not only within the confines of the room but in my heart as well.

"See it for yourself, Ar. But be sure to bring my son."

I see how Zed's eyes flicker at the mention of a son. I can tell by that expression how dear Ralph is to him. When Ara started a new life in the USA, Zed flew there to assist her. So, that goes without a question that Zed would be an ideal father to our son if only he lived.

"When is the house dedication?" asks Ara.

"Maybe, at the end of the month."

"Okay, so I still have time to make your invitation cards. You should see my latest DIY cards; they are amazing."

I roll my eyes to tease her, although I can't deny the magic in her hands.

"Can I object to that?" Zed laughs, and Ara pouts, slapping his shoulder. But when she turns to Kim and her eyes flicker, I know something is brewing in her mind. I shudder.

"Kim, since I will be sponsoring the invitation cards, what's yours?"

Kim looks at me like he wants to ask for my opinion. I shake my head. Zed hasn't invited us.

But Kim still opens his mouth. "A seven-layered cake?"

I nod, watching Zed as he smiles at me. He looks so gorgeous beside Ella, making them a perfect pair together.

"I'm flattered. Thank you." Zed grins wider, then turns to Ella, pulling her closer. Ella leans her head on his shoulder, and Zed responds by kissing her head.

My heartbeat seems to stop.

"Yen, what about you?"

"What about me?" I say, glaring at her. I hope she gets the message that Zed and I live in two different worlds already. And putting as close together only worsens the awkwardness.

"Oh, come on. What's wrong? Before you and Zed became a couple, you were friends. Let the friendship stay and let the heartbreaks be bygones." Ara shrugs like the past doesn't bring emotional load until now. Damn her.

I steal a glance at Zed, but to more of my discomfort, our eyes meet. I look away and curse Ara inwardly. Both Kim and Ella are there, watching our every reaction; how can she not understand?

"Why don't we start eating?" Zed says, looking at me. There is sympathy in his eyes.

"That's better. I'm also hungry already," answers Kim. I'm glad these men know how to control the rising tension in the atmosphere. Or else, I'd be dead.

Kim gestures for the waiter to bring in the food cart. I sigh in relief, watching the attendants spreading the platters of sumptuous food in front of us. Ara starts placing food on her plate, and I also follow.

I scoop some rice from the platter and place it on Kim's plate. Then, I cut some steaks for him. I always do this for him, something I learned from Zed.

"Sweetheart, my tea, please," Kim says. I glance at him and nod. His eyes are on his phone.

From the corners of my eyes, I see Zed. And to the irony of it, I also see him cutting some meat, placing them on Ella's plate. Then, he rolls his fork on the white pasta, placing it also on her plate.

"Eat well," he says, pouring her a glass of juice.

"No, Zed. I like tea better."

"No, it's not good for our baby," Zed whispers, but I hear him well. "I'll get you some smoothies or fruit juice."

I swallow hard. Zed used to cut meat for me and always see to it that I get pasta in white sauce when we dine out. That was the food I liked when I was pregnant with our child. He was also thoughtful of my health, making sure I had some glass of fruit smoothies every day.

However, my role has now reversed. I am now the one cutting meat for Kim. And make sure he gets a cup of coffee every morning.

"Kim, I need to go to the bathroom," I tell him. I need to go away, or else they will see me breaking down. I then raise my eyes at them and excuse myself.

Kim nods without looking at me. His eyes are still on the phone. I'm already about five steps away when I hear Ella's voice.

"I also want to go to the bathroom."

Zed answers, "I'll go with you."

A lump form in my throat. Kim loves me just as Zed does in the past, but Zed treats me differently. And it's what I miss in him.