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

Chapter 55

Wonder

Nang sumunod na araw ay parang walang nangyari kay Arik. He woke up early, and I found him in my kitchen, busy cooking. Minsan ay pumupunta talaga ako rito para magdala lang ng stocks. May iilan din kaming mga gamit dito.

I kept staring at him. He was quiet while preparing breakfast that morning. Sigurado akong matutuwa si Ariah sa oras na makita niya ang daddy niya mamaya pagkagising nito, pero hindi ko pa rin mapigilang mag-alala. I was waiting for him to talk to me or even just look at me, but he didn't.

He's avoiding me, and I know why. I don't know how to broach the subject with him. I'm scared.

I was busy washing our dishes when I felt his arm wrap around my waist. He even kissed my shoulder gently as it moved upward to my ear.

"I've got this," he said in a soft voice, still not letting me go.

"It's okay. Patapos na rin naman ako."

"I dropped Ariah off at school. Do you have work today? Can we just rest all day?" He asked. It seemed like he was carefully choosing his words.

After finishing the last glass I was wiping, I finally faced him.

His eyes were downcast, tired, and with dark circles beneath them. It was clear he was exhausted. The puffiness from his crying yesterday was still visible.

This was a different Arik in front of me now. He was drained, just trying to make it through the day.
He's just surviving.

"Let's also talk," he said and rested his forehead on my shoulder. I felt his deep breaths against my skin.

"Marami akong gustong sabihin, Celeste. I hope you'll let me explain."

My heart ached. I ran my fingers through his hair and kissed his cheek while he was in that position.

"Makikinig ako, Arik. Let's rest the whole day here. Let's do that," I said and leaned my head against him.

I felt him nod and repeatedly kiss my shoulder.

God, I love him so much, and I can't bear to witness what I saw yesterday, especially the things I read in that note. I wonder if he knows I read it?

I just read the first two lines and didn't force myself to read the rest. I felt like I was invading his privacy.
And I felt like I was also abusing him.

"I had to do that to protect both of you and to find out what else Yumi was planning against you. I know it was terribly wrong of me. I'm so sorry. I left you thinking that I had forgotten about you and even Ariah. Patawarin mo ako, Celeste..."

Iyon ang una niyang sinabi nang makarating kami sa sala. Hawak-hawak lang niya ang kamay ko habang nakahiga sa lap ko at nakatingala sa akin.

"But I don't regret doing that because of what I found out," he emphasized.

I didn't say anything. I knew he just needed someone to listen to him now. I didn't want to let my emotions and anger take over.

All I wanted right now was to know everything.

"I'm sorry all of this happened, Celeste. I'll make sure Yumi won't come near you again no matter what."

I nodded, still contemplating whether I should tell him about what I read in the note or not. But how will I find out what I want to know if I don't ask him?

"Arik, I read something..." I trailed off and looked at him.

He looked up at me and placed my hand on his chest, and I could feel the strong thump of his heart.