Beautiful Dreamer

41. Do You Like Me?

"It's a bit infelicitous you're busy these days."

"It can't be helped, my dear Ari. What's more unfortunate is you not being able to recognize the sacrifice I'm making. I've equally lost a lot of money postponing my trip to help you promote your new start-up, but I'll gladly do it repeatedly."

Ari smiled. She didn't like how Ned was generous with her; however, despite her attempts to make him leave, Ned seemed somewhat convinced she couldn't handle her errands alone. "Does it still worry you that Lia's fiancé is suspicious of me?"

"Forget about him." Ned replied, buttoning up his coat and then whisking a strand of hair that fell at the tip of his nose. "Don't let him preoccupy your mind. At this rate, you'll burst an artery worrying over inconsequential matters."

Ari laughed, then stood up from the bed and dressed up too. "I'll escort you out. I think I was too rough on you last night since you kept bleating about your back in a feeble quarrelsome manner."

"Cheap tease coming from you my dear. You wait until it's my turn, and I'll teach you a lovely gruesome lesson." Ned teased, then reached to stroke one of Ari's checks. "You know, you should consider that girl's request. I'd rather you call her and cancel the appointment than keep her case pending; better yet, I can have one of my secretaries do it before we lift off."

"She is Rey's sister."

"So? Doesn't it look suspicious to turn her down despite her qualifications? Lia's fiancé did a background check on her, and she seems fine, apart from her past gambling tendencies, among other things..."

"I'll take you to the airport."

Ned chuckled. "I get that you don't wish to delve into the matter. It's your company. Therefore, you must do what you deem fit. On a lighter note, I appreciate that you've been exclusive with me for the past three months. It makes me feel confident that you no longer labour under feelings for Rey."

Afterwards, Ari had held onto Ned's hand throughout their journey to the airport, and as soon as they'd stopped at the red light, they both looked at each other, smiling reassuringly. Ari wished for this: someone mature, loving and accepting within her age gap. They may have started on the wrong foot, Ned letting her have her way, but he offered a lifetime commitment. No flings, no cheap hookups or uncertainty. Theirs was a real relationship.

'He is still jealous, and I can no longer allow him to shelter that feeling. Despite knowing his unrequited affections, I agreed to settle. Mun might think me shutting my eyes to the reality, but what am I supposed to do when Ned has been gentle with me?'

"We aren't going to the apartment. Drop me off at a different location." Ari had requested Ned's driver as soon as they had parted ways. "I have something to take care of."

"From the map, it's not that far from here, madam."

"Yes. We should be there in a few minutes without traffic."

"Yes, madam."

Ari leaned back on the seat and shut her eyes briefly. She pondered over Ned's advice to stop avoiding Rey. The three months of not seeing him had proved productive; however, she wasn't sure if her confidence might waver.

'Perhaps I should have informed Ned that I already made plans with Rey's sister.'

"We are here, madam."

"That was fast." Ari's eyes flew wide open. "Thank you, and you needn't wait up. I'll be going to my office afterwards on my own."

"I shall pick you up in the evening then."

Ari stood by and waited until the car disappeared from her sight. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until the moment he let out a loud sigh. 'Perhaps I'm doubting my resolve, or this was an arbitrary decision to rush here without a plan.'