Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 16

Her death

They sure know how to ruin everything. Just a few words from them and I lose my mood. If only I could wish not to see them anymore, I would do it.

But our family is like a knot in the business world. Everyone is friends with each other...

"The bidding is about to start in a few minutes, and you're already drunk. Sulit na sulit sayo ang mga wine rito," Aurora commented as she sat next to me. "Nasaan na naman si Arik?"

"He went to the bathroom. Dumating ang uncle at auntie niya kaya hindi ko na siya nasamahan. He's so busy when it comes to this things. He's completely focused on work," I said, pouring wine into my glass again. "I don't even get any attention."

I couldn't hide my annoyance in my voice.

Naghanda pa naman ako nang maayos. I even wore my favorite army green gown that showcased my entire back, but he only glanced at me briefly earlier.

"Wow. Are you sulking?" Aurora chuckles. "So, you were in love with him all along? When did it start? After the one-night stand?"

I sighed in frustration.

Hindi ko rin alam kung kailan. Sa totoo lang, isa sa mga rason kung bakit ginusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang tungkol sa ipinagbubuntis ko ay ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.

But I forced myself to suppress them when I found out about his closeness with Isabella.

I was such a martyr at that time, sacrificing even my own desires for him. I want to slap myself.

"Do you think he'll take advantage of the situation when he finds out?" I asked Aurora, surveying the surroundings.

Everyone is getting ready. There are only a few people here, but I decided to head to Aomori's private place early to avoid any hassle.

"Which one? Na totoong gusto mo naman talaga siya pero pinigilan ka ng katotohanan noon na baka may relasyon sila ni Isabella?" Aurora said that right.

I nodded. "I escaped a long time ago, Au. Alam ko na ang mga ganitong sitwasyon. I'm not young anymore, pero natatakot ako na baka samantalahin niya ang sitwasyon na mayroon kami ngayon at tuluyan nang saktan ako."

"What? Haven't you given up on him yet? Girl, you were already making out with him, what do you call that?"

"A fling?"

Someone chuckled behind us, and both Aurora and I turned to look. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko si Arik na mabilis na naupo sa tabi ko at kinuha sa kamay ko ang wine glass.

"Who's having a fling?" He trailed off and looked at me intently. "Why are you drinking? The event hasn't even started yet. Are you okay?"

Fuck. His voice suddenly made me dizzy.

"I just like the wine here," I made an excuse.

I wanted to make the most of this because when I'm at the mansion, I can't drink much since I have to take care of Ariah. Ayoko rin namang makita niya akong lasing.

Arik's expression softened. I gasped as I felt his warm hand slowly slide from my back to my waist, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"There are plenty of them here. There's also some in our suite. If you want, you can finish them later after the event, just not now," he murmured softly to me.

Nag-init ang parehong pisngi ko, lalo na nang banggitin niya ang suite namin. Yes, we're staying in the same suite.

"So you're together in the same suite? Akala ko ba..." Aurora couldn't continue her sentence because of my glare.