Chapter 23

If only the stares could melt, I would have melted earlier. As soon as I look at him, I find him staring at me. He was next to Elton who was in front of me while my brother was next to me.

"Baby, we heard about your Dad. It's a good thing our friend is really good." at the same time Elton patted Taiden on the shoulder.

I looked at him again and he looked at me the same way. I immediately averted my gaze because I could not hold his gaze.

"Thanks about that," said Kuya.

Taiden frowned.

"It should be her, thanking me ..." our eyes met again. "Not you..." he said and his eyes pierced through my Kuya.

"Why not? She's my girlfriend." Kuya said politely and I saw the tension in Taiden's jaw. He looks irritated.

Those with us at the table seemed to feel the tension so they changed the subject.

"By the way, are we clubbing tomorrow? We'll finish early today, it's too late. We still gonna welcome you, tho." Macsen trying to change the topic.

"Great! We haven't completed it in a long time." Mozes supported.

"How about you, guys? Is it okay?" Dale asked Kuya and Taiden who were both silents. I get even more nervous when the conversation goes on between the two.

"No problem." my brother answered calmly.

"Sure," Taiden replied.

I want to say hello to everyone but I am bothered because of the eyes staring at me. It was as if he was watching my every move. And when the two were talking, we immediately changed the subject.

Kuya had already told me about Taiden's disappearance. He even threatened Kuya, if I was not exposed. But Kuya didn't even know where I was. Only Anjo and Suzie know where was I.

I also can't believe how playful destiny is. Who would have thought that Sofiya would be able to marry Anjo?

I almost even fought with Anjo back then because maybe he was just kidding me. That's why Sofiya is so mad at me because Anjo and I are close and he even flirted with me.

Everything Sofiya did before was just because of her jealousy. Anjo's appearance has changed. He's not as thin as before so it looks like his eyes are watering when I look at him. Anjo is now an engineer and has an elegant physique because he pulls out of the gym.

But Anjo and I didn't talk much now cuz Sofiya was still jealous. She thought Anjo and I had left each other. We did tho. But it's not because we're gonna get married or what. It's all because of Taiden.

"Suzie, Arabella is coming. She just got out." it was Dale. I don't know who Arabella is. Maybe they know each other.

"Your cousin, Dale?" Elton asked.

Elton immediately caught my attention with what he said. Dale's cousin? I mean ... Kuya's girlfriend?

I looked at Kuya but he was already looking at me. Maybe we both think the same thing. It's hard.

Soon, Arabella arrived. She's thick chic, tall, and pretty. Her challenging hips and ass could not escape my eyes. He is dressed now, earlier in the store it was just jeans and a shirt.

Kuya sat up and stared at Arabella. Next to Dale sat Arabella and in front of her was Kuya. I hope there is no topic about Kuya and me. Otherwise, I will ruin their relationship.

"How's work Ara?" I was surprised when Taiden suddenly spoke. He had been silent for a while.

"Fine, T," Ara said as she stared at me before Kuya who was also staring at her.

I'm just really praying that it won't be about us ...

"Ara ... are you going with us tomorrow? We'll go clubbing. We still welcome Keion and his girlfriend, Zella." Elton interrupted my prayer.

You are Elton! Your mouth has no brakes!

I felt Kuya's shock and he immediately bowed. I feel guilty for what we are doing. I looked at Taiden and his eyes narrowed as if he was reading me through my eyes.

I immediately averted my eyes for fear of seeing him there. Arabella is staring at me now and I know those eyes. She is in pain.

I could no longer afford to stay at the table so I decided to go to the comfort room. I was so nervous about this gathering.

"Yes, Zella. The farthest door on the left side is the comfort room." Suzie gave the direction and I immediately walked over there to avoid the conversation.

I didn't have a hard time finding the car because there was no other door at the end. I went in there and immediately leaned against the back of the door.

I feel sorry for Arabella and I feel sorry for Kuya. It's because of me that our situation is like this, because of Taiden. If Kuya and I will continue to pretend, we will hurt Ara. And I don't think I can hurt other people for my self-interest.

I was washing my hands when there was a sudden knock. Might also use the car, so I hurried to open it. My jaw dropped when I saw Taiden go inside and closed the door.

"W-What are you doing?" I said hoarsely because I was so nervous. He did not speak and just stared at me. I was backing away because he was slowly walking toward me.

I seem to dissolve in the stares he gives me. He is not angry or irritated. His gaze seemed curious ... as if he was looking for something through my eyes.

As I retreated, I felt the coldness of the wall so I was surprised there.

"I-I'm leaving," I said, but even before I could leave, Taiden locked me in his two arms and his two hands were propped against the wall. So I can't move even a bit.

"Are you leaving again? Are you leaving me again?" he said in a deep voice. I could see the pain pass through his eyes when he said that but it also disappeared immediately. It was replaced by annoyance.

"I don't know what you're saying," I said and forced myself to leave his arms but I did not succeed.

With the two of us so close, I could already smell his scent. His expensive perfume and natural body scent are intoxicating. I was also afraid he would hear the speed of my heartbeat because of our distance.

"You love him?" he asked. I don't know if the answer yes is right. Yes, because Keion is my brother.

"Of course. I love him." high forehead I said and he bowed there. I also noticed his fist clenching against the wall. I feel like he's getting angry.

I took a deep breath because of the mixed emotions I was feeling. I felt sorry for Taiden because Kuya had to lie.

But I have to stand up. I will just send him back because I know it would be hard for me. So I should avoid him.

I pushed him with all my might and to my surprise, he pushed as he bent down. When he looked up it was as if in an instant the five-year-old wall of anger I had built... was destroyed.

There were tears in his eyes and I could feel the pain he was feeling. I was staggered to my feet so I couldn't prepare when he suddenly hugged me tightly.

He embraced me tightly and it hurts. Although it hurts, it somehow felt soothing.

"I'm sorry, Ze. I'm sorry," he said in a cracked voice. I couldn't stand his voice like that. My tears are already welling up because I can see that he is hurting.

I could feel his tears dripping down my shoulder where his head rested. I did not speak. I was afraid I might give up right away.

All my life, I only loved Taiden. All my firsts became my last. With him, I all felt the first joy ... and pain.

I'm biting my lip to calm myself. Even though my tears were dripping, I didn't wipe them away.

"I was an asshole. I was a jealous ass. I didn't like what I told you, Ze. I regretted it right away, but when I came back to your room ... you're gone." he said, and it was like a whisper while still bowing.

My chest is too tight to see him like this. I can forgive him right now. But my pride pulls me down.

I was afraid he would say that I forgave him so quickly, with just a little hug and his words.

How much longer can I hold on to my pride? I knew in myself that I had forgiven him. I am even indebted to him for his sacrifice for my Daddy ... even though I was the replacement.

He followed Sofiya's wishes for my Daddy. Only then I can say how much he loves me.

"Ze, can you choose me, again? Please ... choose me," he said and looked at me.

I saw the shock in his eyes when he saw my wet face. That seemed to be a signal because he immediately attacked me with a kiss.

He crouched and kissed me deeply. His kisses were overwhelming as he held the back of my head and one of his hands was on my chin.

It felt dreamy ... and home. I responded to his kisses because Taiden had already broken down the wall I had built up for years.

I immediately snake my hands in his neck because I'm too high from the ecstasy of his kisses. I do not care anymore. I wanted him to suffer, but I felt like I was hurting more.

We were kissing like it was our first time when someone suddenly opened the door.

We were both chasing our breath, but we were both stunned to see that it was Arabella.

"What does this mean?" she asked excitedly as her accusing eyes moved back and forth between the two of us.

"Ara ... please let me explain. You don't understand." calmly I told her and slightly approached her but she backed away.

"No. I understand everything. You're a cheater!"