I trust Xander

The early morning sun streamed through the windows, gently rousing me from my sleep. I stretched and yawned, momentarily forgetting where I was. Then it all came rushing back—

Xender's mother's mansion, his warm and inviting family, and the promise of a few days spent here. I couldn't help but smile as I got out of bed, eager to embrace the day ahead.

As I made my way downstairs, the familiar scent of breakfast greeted me, and my stomach rumbled in response. The maids greeted me with warm smiles, and I felt a growing sense of familiarity with each passing moment. Lady Isabella was already seated at the dining table, engrossed in a book. She looked up and smiled at me, her presence soothing and comforting.

"Good morning, dear," she greeted, setting her book aside.

"Good morning, Isabella," I replied with a smile, taking a seat across from her.

Breakfast was a leisurely affair, filled with light conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Isabella shared stories of her own youth, stories that made me laugh and feel like I was part of the family narrative. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and acceptance that surrounded me.

After breakfast, Isabella suggested that I explore the estate at my leisure. I wandered through the lush gardens, marveling at the beauty of nature. The tranquility of the surroundings here emphasized the great contrast to the bustling city life I was used to.

Over the next few days, I settled into the rhythm of life at the mansion. Each day brought new experiences and interactions with Xender's family. I spent time with his cousins, young and lively individuals who welcomed me with open arms. Their laughter and playful banter became a backdrop to my days, reminding me of the joy that came from being surrounded by loved ones.

One afternoon, I found myself playing a game of charades with Xender's cousins in the sprawling living room. Laughter echoed through the space as we mimicked silly actions and tried to guess each other's words. It was a simple yet joyful moment, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging.

I indeed felt part of his life now.

As evening descended, I received a mysterious message on my phone. It was a location and a time—no name, no context. I furrowed my brows, wondering who could have sent it. When Xender didn't answer his phone, I decided to call Agnes for help. She had a knack for finding out information when needed.

"Hello?" Agnes answered, her voice cheerful.

"Agnes, I need a favor," I said, my curiosity piqued.

"Shoot."

"Can you find out who sent me this message?

It's a location to meet someone, but I have no idea who it is."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

"Sure, I can try. But why don't you just ask Xender?"

I hesitated, realizing that I was reluctant to bother him with something that might be insignificant. "He's been busy, and I don't want to disturb him."

Agnes chuckled knowingly. "Alright, I'll do some digging. Text me the details."

I thanked her and sent her the information. While I waited for her response, my mind wandered to the possibilities. Who could want to meet me? And why the secrecy?

A short while later, my phone buzzed with a message from Agnes. "It's Ryan. For Pete's sake why is he bothering you?."

Ryan?

I frowned.

"I don't know. why would he want to meet me?"

"Wait. Let me ask him"

Few minutes later, she called me back.

"Yes. what business does he have with me?"

"Chill"

She chuckled.

"He didn't say though, but he insisted it's important. Maybe it's about something legal?"

I frowned, my mind racing with possibilities. "I guess I'll find out."

With Agnes's words in mind, I decided to go to the meeting. The location was a quaint cafe, and I arrived a few minutes early, which meant that I might have to wait for him. Trust me, I would have lost it if not because he was now dating Agnes. Which meant that he was family.

As I entered the cafe, my eyes scanned the room for any sign of Ryan. It didn't take long to spot him—a tall, well-dressed man seated by the window. He looked up as I approached, a faint smile on his lips. Thank goodness. He was here already.

"Amelia," he greeted, standing up to shake my hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please"

"Skip the formalities we're both aware that we know each other"

He smirked. "Don't you think it's different now and there's need for re-introduction"

"What's different?"

"You are about to marry my long-time friend"

I scuffed. "I'm not marrying you so still not your business"

I made my way to settled my things on the table between us. "Regular people would jump at an opportunity to prove themselves…"

"Especially if it involves sneaking into someone else's home"

I shrugged. "I don't think it's a necessary thing. After all a regular person wouldn't go that length"

He nodded his head. "You have a point"

"Only thieves do that"

I rolled my eyes. "Did you call me here to insult me?"

"Actually…"

He met my gaze, his obvious disdain looming inside it. "That was never my intention"

I hummed. "It looks like it"

"Anyway"

He skips down to business. "Shall we proceed to why I called you here?"

I was quiet, looking at him to hear what he had to say.

"I'll get straight to the point. Xender values your presence in his life a great deal. He's talked about you more than you might realize."

I blinked in surprise, my cheeks warming at the unexpected compliment. "I appreciate that."

Ryan leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "Xender is a man who has seen his fair share of challenges. He's faced obstacles that most people can't even fathom. But through it all, he's managed to build a successful life, both professionally and personally."

I nodded, listening intently.

"He's always been careful about who he lets into his world. And when I see him around you, I see a side of him that he rarely shows. A side that's happy, content, and genuinely at peace."

He was making a lot of sense until he quickly inserted. "Though I don't understand why"

I groan internally. "No offense"

He muttered after a while and I shook my head, nodding briefly. "None taken"

Somehow I feel a lump forming in my throat, from Ryan's earlier words. "I feel the same way about him."

I confessed, in between the silence between us.

Ryan smiled, his expression sincere. "I can tell. Which is why I wanted to meet you and tell you this in person. You have his loyalty, his trust, and his heart. And as his friend, I'm grateful for that."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I blinked them away, feeling a profound sense of gratitude.

"Thank you, Ryan. That means a lot to me."

He reached across the table to pat my hand reassuringly. "I thought you should know. Xender might not always express his feelings openly, because he is at times an idiot"

"And being his No.1 problem solver for fifteen years of friendship, I must assure you that he is a good guy and I know that his actions also speak volumes."

As I left the cafe that day, I felt a greater trust in my relationship with Xender. Ryan has made me understand him better and at that moment, he wasn't only assuring me about Xander. He was proving himself to me.

I thought he was a jerk but turns out, Agnes was right. He wasn't so bad after all and now I trusted him very much to take care of my friend.