RIGHT 2

Chapter 26

"If Ms. Gracia isn't busy, I would like to have the pending lunch with her." Elliot peeked through the cabin door. Sometimes after Aiden's mother had left, for hours my thoughts were consumed by her.

What does she want to talk about? Why does she want to talk with me?

I don't know if I should meet her or not, Aiden's relationship with her was complicated, probably, time could only tell.

"Sure, Mr. White," I smiled. He gestured for me to move and I rose from my chair and when to the entrance where he stood. We quietly walked to the canteen area, and as it was lunch hour, we could see a sea of crowds scatter around in groups and some lone people too.

We took place in the front row corner as it was only placed vacant at the moment. Elliot ordered for both of us, I don't mind what it was unless it was food because I was starving, I could have even eaten dry bread, yes that hungry I was.

"Everything here is delicious, I, myself had been confused many times about what to eat," Elliot said, taking a sip of water.

"I hope what you are saying is true."

Soon, he brought the food and we started devouring it.

" So, you and Aiden are together again?" Elliot asked while eating food.

My cheeks turned crimson, recalling this very morning when Aiden kissed me in front of everyone. Elliot was even present there. Elliot and I had been so busy with work and studies that we didn't receive any free time to talk. And him being residing with his roommate and me occupied Aiden doesn't help at all.

" Yes, we reconcile our differences," I said.

He looked at me, and he appeared like he wanted to say something. After seconds of silence, he didn't hold back from letting out what he wanted to say.

" I don't know Emerald, but do you think, you did the right thing by forgiving him? You do remember, right? how much he had hurt you, how can you trust him again? Look, I may sound irrational to you but you too know he is not good for you."

My smile dropped.

Did he really say that? Yes, he was there for me when I had broken up with Aiden, he had seen me cry endlessly, and he knew, how hurt I was, but he has no right to question my decision. I am not a fool to forgive Aiden without thinking, he proved himself and that's why he earned the forgiveness.

" Elliot, you are my friend and I know you are just looking out for me but you are wrong, I love him and I am happy with him, can't you see it?"

I stopped eating and so did he.

" He is playing with you, this rich person knows how to manipulate, he will break your heart Emerald as he did before. Back in America, you know his friends and what reputation he and his friends held, they are not good for people like us, you need a simple life and Aiden will just bring you down."

I always knew that Elliot dislike the group, and it was okay because after Ava degraded him, it was fine but he didn't know Aiden wasn't as brutal as he appeared, I knew the real him and nobody could change my mind about that.

" It's all the past. He made the mistake, everyone makes. He is not a snob and he didn't manipulate me, he loves me and that's why he is here."

The air thickened with tension. We stared at each other with umbrage in our eyes, my fingers are curled into the fist underneath the table.

" If he had loved you then he wouldn't have jeopardized your career." He said, bitterly.

" You are crossing yo–" I stopped myself as my eyes drifted to people passing us. Once they passed, I looked at him.

I sighed heavily.

" Listen, Elliot, I would appreciate it if you don't interfere in my personal matter."

His body tensed.

" It's no more personal now."

" What do you mean?" I inquired; incredulity apparent in my gaze.

" Are you sleeping with him for his money and this job?" He asked, and my breath wrung in my chest.

"What?"

My eyes bored into his gaze, in a solid desperate search for a tenderness, which always exists but this very day I failed to discover it, and instead, I found distrust and suspicion sparking in them.

" People are talking behind your back, you are sleeping with Aiden for this job and money."

" Do you believe them?" My voice was cold and stringent.

" Does it matter what I believe or not because it won't prevent people from talking?"

" Do you?" I pressed, placing my hand on the table.

His face hardened.

" Yes."

My heart dropped.

" As much as I want to refused not to believe them, I can't. First, you fixed your relationship with Aiden after knowing he was the niece of the owner, then Mr. Roosevelt appointed you as the general for the project, and not to forget about today morning when your idea was approved when there was numerous more idea that can bring more profit but they still considered yours. I don't know what to believe anymore."

With each reason he professed, my heart clenched in agony.

" Y-You know it's not t-true..." I stuttered as the weight of the grief crushed my soul.

He shook his head.

" I know Emerald you are one of the most talented people I have met, but you earned success too early, without any effort, and you too know it. It's all because you are dating Aiden, while we are here fighting to be recognized by them."

If my heart wasn't breaking at his accusations, I could clearly see there was envy gleaming in his eyes.

Was he saying the truth? All this I had earned because of Aiden, not because I was capable of?

It hurts.

It hurts, hard.

A few days ago, there was the same accusation, I faced, that time it was Aiden's father. He didn't know me, so I don't care what he thinks but when today Elliot condemned me, it hurt because he knew me and still believe others. I was his friend and yet he chose not to believe me.

Tears fused in my eyes, I rose from my seat with quivering legs and sprinted out of the canteen area without glancing at him or saying a word. Why do I justify myself? The opinion had been already made about me. Friends doesn't needs any explanation.

I could hear Elliot's voice calling from behind, there were a few heads turned in my direction, but then at the moment, I didn't care.

I failed to keep my tears at bay, as they slowly and softly streamed down my face. My breathing began erratically.

He thinks I am a gold digger.

No, he wasn't the only one to think like that, others matched his opinion. More anxiety swelled inside me; I dislike when people have opinions about me. Thinking about what other think about me corrupted my mind and delivered me into a world of doubt.

I slumped onto the chair inside my cabin, with my head in my hands.

Emerald, don't waste your tears. He is not worth it; they are not worth it.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Vote, comment & share!