Chapter 113: Chapter 113

(Avery’s Thoughts)

We just finished our tour in Macau yesterday, and we arrived at the States just a few minutes ago. Even though we had some disagreement, we made up the next day, and our stay there was splendid.

I got to know more about his billionaire friends, and they told me more stories about Dmitri’s past. They even told me what kind of tricks Dmitri pulled to get me out of the SEXONITE’s system.

We were back to being sex buddies, and we are enjoying our moments together, because I added a clause in our contract that once Jeff and I married, I could no longer meet him.

I maybe a cheating girlfriend, but I want to honor the sacrament of marriage just like my parents did. And besides, somehow Jeff deserves it. He did nothing but love me with all his heart.

But sometimes being apart test your relationship in terms of patience, loyalty, love, and trust. And to be honest, I already failed two of them.

I do love him, and I want to be patient with him, but I am no longer loyal to him, nor I am worthy of his trust. Yet to keep the relationship going, I need to talk to him everyday and understand him more.

However, the thing that happened in Macau ignite his jealousy and paranoia, so here I am again forcing myself to listen to his endless nagging.

“Babe, are you listening?” he asks impatiently.

“Yes, babe, I am. Sorry I can’t show my face since I am doing something else. There’s a lot of things to unpack here from Macau. By the way I bought you something,” I divert the topic, but he easily catch up.

“You are avoiding my question again. Why didn’t you answer my call for the past few days? I just wanted to know how you were!” his voice starts to sound aggressive again.

“Babe, we already talked about it. I was busy with the museum, and at some point, I went out to familiarize myself in Macau. Please stop asking questions,” but my voice remains calm.

“I know, but–”

“–Babe! You need to calm down. I’ll be coming home soon!” I assure him. After hearing it, he finally gives in and let go of the topic.

“By the way, thank you so much, finally, Kendra forgave me. Thanks, babe. I didn’t know what you said or did, but I really appreciate it. I am so glad,” I share him the good news.

“Woah! That’s great, isn’t it? I am so glad, babe. And, somehow, Kendra and I are somewhat close,” he chuckles. I was about to tell more stories but I overheard some customers ordering something, “Gotta go, babe! Answer my call later!”

I hate to admit, but sometimes, talking to him everyday feels more like an obligation to me, and somehow, I really hate that feeling. That’s why I need this girl talk with Kendra. I really can’t wait to be with her.

***

It’s been a while since the two of us hang out, and it will be the first time after the fights. I am sitting here in one of the busiest street here in Seattle. There’s this coffee shop we used to visit before I left.

I am wearing the usual outfit, a sleeveless blouse, and a flowy long skirt, and there I see Kendra walking a few meters away, with her favorite wide-leg jumpsuit.

Since we are both tall, we both can pull this off. She waves at me, like how she used to be, and I almost cry smiling at me again.

“Hey, K,” I call her out.

“Yes, woman, I like your color palette today, so where’s my gift from Macau, huh?” she jokes as she sits down.

The waiter immediately come to our aid so we order some egg-drop sandwich and a salad, pair with both cold coffee-based drinks.

She stretched her legs and crosses. “So, how are you? I haven’t seen your ring yet, may I?” she says.

So I extend my hand and show it off to her, “What can you say?” i ask her while wiggling it.

She smiles, “Jeff is a great guy, I like him. And the ring, well, honestly, it doesn’t suit you or your personality. I think that’s the only thing he lacks. He doesn’t know what you want.”

Even I was surprised by the remark she gave, and somehow, I realize she has some point. But I shrug my shoulder, “Then, who knows me better, you?” then I wink at her.

She flips her hair and leans her body forward while crossing her arms, “Well, of course! That’s why I am here, aren’t I?” she sarcastically responds.

“Huh! Damn right! I actually can’t decide about the theme, but first,” I put on a coral pink box on the table, “Here, this is for you,” then I follow it up with the invitation.

She opens the box and and her eyes widen, “Goodness, Avery! This is so gorgeous, I mean, and it looks expensive, how can I accept this?” she says something that makes me frown.

“What are you talking about Kendra? It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done for me. And also, a token of my apology for leaving you behind. I am so sorry, my mind, at that time was–”

But she holds my hand and says, “–It’s been forgiven. Nothing to worry about, Avery. But please, don’t ever do that again, please? Or else I will tell Nana and Dada to haunt you in your dreams.”

Tears suddenly fall down from my eyes, but despite the ears, I’m smiling, and I am smiling widely. Nana and Dada is how she used to call my parents.

“A, I’m sorry,” she soon apologizes. But I shake my head, “No, no. I am just glad, all throughout, you’ve never forgotten them.”

“How would I? They were my parents, too. I was even closed to them than of my own, right?” she winks at me.

“Cause you were such a rebel!” I correct her.

“And you were not?” but she throws the accusation back at me. And we both laugh reminiscing.

Our orders arrive and then both of us continue with our time travelling while eating out.

“So, how do you feel? You never told me how he proposed, but let’s saved it some other time, I have a question for you, A. Please be honest with me,” K’s voice has gotten serious, and it automatically sends me into a nervous mode.

“What if she asks about, Dee? What if–” but I calm myself, and just lift my head and look at her straight in the eye.

“Hit it,” I say.

“How much do you love Jeff?” as expected from her blunt mouth.

“Of course, I love him, that’s why I’m getting married to him,” I scoff and go back to eating.

“I know you more than anyone else. Do you love him more than you loved Seid?” she asks.

“Of course, K. Seid was a good man, yet, Jeff’s a great man. Seid was my first love, that’s unquestionable. But Jeff, he’s the one I see myself being with in the future,” I easily answer her question.

She sighs, “Then, how about this? Do you love Jeff more than you loved that man?”

My eyes widen and I almost choke of my own saliva. K didn’t mention his name.

“You mean, Dee–Dmitri?” trying to answer casually, even though my hands are somewhat trembling. K’s eyes are focused on me, “I don’t know, K. I really don’t know. But, you said it yourself, Jeff’s a great man. He’s the man I will marry.”

“You think you can be happy, marrying half-heartedly?” K’s question hits me hard.

“I am happy with him right now. But sometimes, I feel tired and exhausted, explaining things to him, talking to him, being a good woman for him, these sort of things,” I shortly respond.

“I see. Because Jeff could feel it, A. He told me, you don’t open up to him,” K shares the conversation they had last time.

My heart broke knowing how Jeff truly felt when he’s around me, but what can I do? I feel, I feel so different when I’m with…

“Think about it, A. It’s not yet too late,” K’s advice actually surprises me.

“You’re not mad at me? You’re not going to force me or convince me to marry him instead?” I curiously ask her.

“Who am I to judge, A? In case you have forgotten, I am still a mistress, and I saw it first-hand…” she pauses.

“Saw what?”

“Being trapped in a marriage without love. And I am afraid it might happen to you. Nik loves me, but he can’t leave his children. And I don’t want you to realize it too late. Leave while you can, save both of you from misery that’s about to come,” she says while smiliding sadly.

Her advice finally wakes me up, but I am not sure whether to act on it or not.

I hold her hand, “You’ll be the first to know, K. For now, I think marrying him will make me happy, so please wear the necklace I got you on my wedding day as my maid of honor, okay?”

She sniffs and wipes her tears, “Of course, I would love that. So after this, where to?”

“Hmmm, I think I might have a surprise for you!”