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

Chapter 36

You're a slut

"That's all you need to know, Celeste. Don't worry, we'll provide updates about the case soon."

"Thank you so much, Yumi," Oliver said to her and stood up as well.

Ako na lang ang natirang nakaupo pa kaya napatingin silang dalawa sa akin. Hindi ko na napigilang umirap saka tumayo.

"Thank you, attorney."

Nagmadali na akong lumabas nang hindi nagpapaalam sa kanilang dalawa. I couldn't look at her for long. Besides feeling disheartened by the slow progress of the case, I also couldn't forget her text to Arik last night.

Sigurado akong pagkatapos ng meeting namin na ito ay pupuntahan niya si Arik. Should I call him?

Hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin siyang text kahit isa kahit na hindi ako nagpaalam sa kanya bago umalis. I couldn't help but feel a bit hurt about that. I also couldn't understand why his mood suddenly changed.

Was it because of that woman? But who is she? Who is she in Arik's life?

"Aalis ka na?" Oliver called out to me as I adjusted my handbag.

I just nodded and didn't respond.

"Are you okay? Kanina ka pa tahimik, Celeste. Is something bothering you?"

"Nothing. May iniisip lang ako. Anyway, I'll pass by the mansion later to pick up Ariah," I replied, facing him.

"Ikaw lang? Isn't Arik coming with you?" He asked, puzzled.

I rolled my eyes. The growing resentment in my heart was getting stronger.

"It depends if he wants to come. I'll go ahead."

I started my car with a heavy heart and clenched fists. Lalo na nang makita ko ang pagsakay rin ni Yumi sa kanyang sasakyan at mabilis na umalis.

I really wanted to call Arik right now, but my pride wouldn't let me. I wanted to ask him about Yumi and who she was in his life, but my pride held me back. He should have told me from the start. Bakit ako ang kailangang unang magtanong?

"Damn it!" I cursed and left Oliver's tower.

Lalo lamang akong napamura nang mapagtanto kong nasa Rioflorida building na ako kaya wala na akong choice pa. I got out and make my way to Arik's office.

As I walked down the hallway towards his office, I ran into his assistant, Max.

"Good day, Ma'am Celeste."

"Max, is your boss in?" I asked him immediately, while gazing at Arik's office.

"Yes, Ma'am. He's in his office."

"May importante ba siyang meeting ngayon?"

"Yes, Ma'am, with Attorney Alejandro."

At that moment, I knew their conversation was indeed happening. After thanking Max, I decided not to proceed to Arik's office for now. I'm not sure if Yumi is here yet, but based on what Max said earlier, it seems like she's not, so I decided to wait in the hallway's waiting area for now.

Mula sa inuupuan ko ay tanaw ang clear view ng buong city sa baba dahil sa malaking glass window roon.

"Is he here? Is he expecting me now?"

Narinig ko ang pamilyar na boses na iyon sa likuran ko. Nang tingnan ko kung sino iyon ay tama nga ang kutob ko. Walking alongside Max, she was headed towards Arik's office.

Napataas ang kilay ko nang mapansin kong iba na ang suot niyang damit kaysa kanina. Earlier, she was in corporate attire when we had our meeting, but now she's in a fitted red dress that clung tightly to her body, revealing more of her curves. It's as if she dressed up specifically before coming here.