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

Chapter 62

Not your wife

"I was calling you because I needed you at the warehouse. Why are you still here?" Tanong niya pa kay Rusty.

I saw Rusty grin, but the smile vanished quickly, replaced by a serious expression.

"I don't have my phone. I had a meeting with Celeste earlier, that's why I'm here," he explained.

Napataas ang kilay ko at tiningnan siya dahil sa sagot niya. We didn't discuss anything important earlier. He just checked up on me, and we talked about what Hannah might be up to with Arik until Oliver caught up with him in my office.

"I told him to stay, Arik, because I needed to ask him something," I chimed in, giving Arik a serious look as an excuse.

His eyes suddenly darkened, clearly showing jealousy, and I almost laughed. Nagseselos siya kay Rusty, pero kahapon ay pinahatid niya ako sa huli. Nakakatawa naman.

"Where were you, hiji? It's the first time I've seen you since you got discharged from the hospital," Mom said.

Inayos ko na ang mga gamit kong nasa mesa pati na ang coffee mug na binigay sa akin ni Rusty kanina. I even saw Arik glancing at it.

I didn't bother to listen to their conversation and just walked out of the conference room. I marched straight to my office, not caring if Arik would follow me or not.

It's almost lunchtime. Maaga raw siyang umalis gaya ng sabi ni Emerald, pero ngayon lang siya nagpakita. Where was he? Probably at the warehouse, yes, but who knows? I think he went to see Hannah again.

While I was packing my bag because Mom and I were supposed to have lunch, I received a call from Uncle Isaiah, which surprised me. I answered it immediately, thinking he might need something important.

"Hello, Celeste, my dear?" he greeted me.

I've been with him several times, and he always spoke to me this way, contrary to his usual stern expression. His voice was gentle and caring.

"Yes, uncle. Good morning."

"Hi, dear. How are you? You haven't been visiting with my grandchild," he said, clearing his voice, as if adjusting his tone.

I stood up and faced the large French window where the entire city was visible.

"Just busy with everything that happened in the past few weeks, but I'm planning to take Ariah there this weekend. I'm sorry, Uncle Isaiah."

I could hear his heavy breathing in the background.

"It's fine, Celeste. I miss you, especially my grandchild. Anyway, I called to ask if my son is there with you. Nasa opisina ako ngayon at wala siya rito. I need something important from him. He wasn't answering his phone, dear."

I nodded as I realized and answered the question I had earlier. Arik didn't come to the mansion. Hindi niya pinuntahan si Hannah.

I cleared my throat. "He's here, Uncle. Kararating lang po niya."

"Can you tell him to call me back? I need to talk to him about Montecarlos immediately."

That got my attention. I wondered what it could be about.

"Bakit po? May problema ba?"

"It's about Hannah. They found her, and they're going to meet now to discuss her return to their family."

I didn't ask any more questions about that once I knew his true intention with Arik. I quickly excused myself and was momentarily lost in thought. I didn't even hear the door opening and closing because Arik's arm suddenly wrapped around my waist. His soft lips quickly met my neck.