Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 28

H E R A

Nothing much has changed since that night that Enteng and I agreed on our setup. It is pretty weird but I need to fast-track this. I just want it out of my way. I just want to prove that I am capable of it like any other person and that I am not enjoying destroying marriages. The marriage is already destroyed by the time they come to me. I am setting people free of a commitment that's not working anymore.

I just arrived here at Versailles when I received a message from Enteng who is still named Baby on my phone.

Lesson 1: Always send your boyfriend a good morning message and let him know what you're up to for the day.

I rolled my eyes and typed my message. Good morning, Enteng. I have a meeting with Carrie in thirty minutes.

It sounds like you're texting your boss. Make it sound sweeter.

I sighed and turned off the engine. As I waited at Drunk and Sober for my coffee, I was thinking how should I sound sweet like a normal girlfriend? What do people even call each other when they are head over heels in love with a person?

I looked at the couple beside me who are also waiting for their drinks. They are entangled with each other as the woman looks up to the guy in a sweet smile. "Love, basta huwag mong kalimutan ha..."

I shrugged and went with that. Good morning, love 😘😘😘. I'm at Versailles today to meet Carrie and some friends. Wish you were here🥺😘. I stopped myself from gagging at how awkward that was. Good thing it was a text message and I didn't really have to tell it to his face. Nararamdaman ko na ang pag-init ng pisngi ko.

Better. Now why didn't you tell me you were going there? I could have driven you there.

You have no business here. I erased my message. Be a woman in love, Hera. You should be sweet, remember? I don't want to tire you out. I know you're busy. Have you had lunch? It's almost eleven-thirty so he must be having it soon.

About to. Hilda brought me an avocado and halloumi salad.

Will that make you full? I have seen you eat, Enteng.

I have a meeting in twenty minutes so I need a quick meal.

Okay, eat something more at dinner. I'll catch you later.

Yes, Hot-torney. And by the way, I will drive you back and forth even if that meant having meetings while driving on the expressway. Drive safely. I'll see you later.

I shook my head and erased my smile as I entered the Wallflower. Jodine was on her desk as usual. She smiled up at me before letting me enter the club owner's office.

Carrie as usual, donned in her pristine and elegant pantsuit crowned with a wide-brimmed hat and mesh veil. Her perfectly manicured nails held on to the teacup as she sipped from it like she had all the time in the world.

"Hey, Carrie. Looking good as usual."

She held her teacup in the air as if she were assessing me. I was wearing a lilac-coloured midi skirt, dark plum long sleeves, and stilleto heels.

"You're looking different. Good different. I know we cancelled a few meetings and haven't seen each other for quite a long time. I wonder what kept you busy."

I sat on the couch opposite hers and crossed my legs. "I started dating."

"Oh. I wouldn't have beleived it if I heard it from other people but coming from you, it is still shocking to me."

"I am dating one of your members." I sipped my tea to help hide the blush creeping in my cheeks.

"I know."

"You know?"

Carrie chuckled. "I know everything that happens in my club, Hera. My members think I don't give a damn about them but being the owner has it's perks, you know?"

"I should have known."

I can still sense the laughter in her voice. "Enteng Llamanzares. Interesting. I like him. He is one of the people that brightens the place wherever he is. Livens it with his energy. Unlike his twin, he makes everyone around him happy."

"I guess that got through me."

"I can see that. But Enteng is playful as you know. I know we met as a client and lawyer but I have considered you as a friend too. As much as I like Enteng, his reputation is something to be concerned about. Although from what I heard, he has been lying low in the dating scene recently. I wonder if it was because of you all this time?"

"I don't think it's because of me but thanks for the heads-up anyways." Carrie may be as intimidating as me when it comes to demeanor but she also has some soft spots.

"You and I both know how much we are alike. We created these barriers around us to protect ourselves. But somehow, someone will come into your life to come through and eventually shatter those walls. And we know what happens when those walls get shattered. We get exposed...vulnerable." She straightened in her seat. "What I'm saying is, tread carefully, Hera."

"I appreciate the concern. Believe me, this is unfamiliar territory for me and it...scares the hell out of me."

"If Enteng screws this up, I will kick him out of my club."

"But he's a platinum member, Carrie."

She shrugged. "I can get another platinum member. What I can't replace is my annulment lawyer. The best in her field." She sighed. "Don't get me wrong. I love my members and not only because they give me money. I care for them more than I lead on. But I don't let my members get away with their bullshits."

"They're lucky to have you. You're like their mother hen."

"Maybe I am. So...any news from Scott?"

"The HQ is estimated to be done in six months. Apparently, your husband has declined the initial designs of the building. So, the actual opening may be pushed back. What he is sure about is once we get the date for the opening, he will set a date to meet you. Although your birthday this year will come up sooner. Who knows? You might get another visit from him."

"Maybe. At least I am safe for now. I don't want to be worrying about him when my members are a mess right now."

"Your members will be fine. They are grown-ups."

Carrie shook her head. "If you only know what's going on here, you won't be saying that."

"That's all I have for today, Carrie." I gathered my things before standing. "I will see you next time."

"Does this mean you won't be needing your hotel room now, Hera?"

"Well, I don't use it."

"That's not what I mean, honey. I meant you won't be staying here anymore now that you are with Enteng."

My cheeks heated. I know what she is implying. While I am not entirely prude and not totally closed off to doing it with Enteng, we haven't really done it.

"It's normal. It's modern dating what can I say?"

I shook my head while stopping myself from grinning. Now I am meeting the girls. For sure the discussion will be far more colorful than my meeting with Carrie.