“Ladies, have you heard about the latest gossip?”
“Hmm, is this about workplace politics? Does our boss have a new pet? God. Is there anything new?”
“Right. I wouldn't be surprised if another newbie gets promoted just in her first week. That old man has a thing for newbies.”
“Ugh! Can you two listen first? Haven't you heard or saw it yet? It’s all over the internet and even in the news!”
“Let me guess. Latest celebrity breakups?”
“Oil price hike? Can you just spill it out? We’re eating lunch!—”
“Alright but both of you fix your face first—”
“Matilda!”
“Calm down, bitches! Gosh. Did you know? Austin Mahone and Ms. Lauren Jauregui were spotted together at one of the nightclubs in Tokyo?!”
“What? You’ve got to be kidding me…Wait!—Are they dating?!”
“Is that the reason why he canceled his magazine photoshoots?!”
“Can you two lower your voices?! And yes. Possible. Anyways, go and see it for yourself!”
“I'm gonna cry! Austin is mine but obviously, I’m nobody compared to a well-known Lauren Jauregui!”
“Girl, no doubt. They look so hot together!”
“Aw…. Mahomie is such a gentleman and Ms. Jauregui looks so comfortable with him.”
From his spot, not distant from the staff who were now having their lunch inside the cafeteria, Karlos could clearly hear the loud and exasperating conversations of the women.
Everyone seemed busy minding their own business, whereas his lone self was busy playing with his pasta using a fork. The dish he made was a bit appealing, yet, due to what he heard, seems like he suddenly lost his appetite to eat. Karlos knows that despite wanting to be temporarily deaf, went to great lengths to attempt and appear uninterested, he knows that the urge seemed too strong for him to ignore the rumor. A kind of rumor where he tries to convince himself that it’s just one of the trash articles made by those paid paparazzi.
Exhaling, Karlos immediately covered his lunch box and then placed it on his side.
Truth is, his stomach has been grumbling since this morning. He consumed banana loaf and coffee. However, that wasn’t enough, as he was used to a decent breakfast. As a morning person, he has sufficient time to perform his everyday routines which include serving his Lolo. Unfortunately, as per usual, his wife often ignore his efforts and dedication to strengthen their marriage. It seems like, she got used to run away rather than helping him to resolve their quarrels as a “married couple”.
Karlos grabbed his water bottle and took a sip, his cheerless pair of brown eyes seemed to be gazing into the distance, lost in his own little world.
On the surface, he looks like someone who enjoys his own company. Someone who didn’t seem interested in his surroundings. However, behind his carefree facade, conceals a man who endures daily suffering. A man who pleads daily for a little attention, compassion, and love from his beloved wife. A man who does everything in his power to avoid being compared to the man his wife truly loves, and that is none other than his cousin…
Luis…
With a heavy sigh, Karlos tear his gaze away from the window and instead, decided to pick up his phone to scan the messages he sent to his wife. While reading, he couldn't help but overthink if even the tone of his text structure was annoying too. Due to the argument that occurred again, a sudden realization struck him. He realized that it is better not to ask too much, but to obey his wife's wishes. Doesn’t matter if he’s a coward. For the sake of their marriage, he will do everything he can even if he looks like a fool.
YOU ARE READING
Consequences
Fanfiction"I love dreaming because, in my dreams, you're actually mine." - Unknown
