Embers of Love (Isla de Vista Series #5)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Cage

We left the house right after. In full speed, we arrived in a restaurant in no time. The course was served within the span of twenty minutes and I got to fill my empty stomach with the luxury of sumptuous internal nourishments.

I chewed on the creamy bacon pasta. I started my fill on a light cuisine before eating steak and other heavy meals.

And my bruises are covered with foundations and concealer while we are in the car. Ayaw kong isipin ng mga makakakita sa amin at mag aakala na baka binubugbog ako ni Zeke. Hindi man kayang takpan ng lubos, at least I managed to made it look natural.

"Masarap ito, Z." masigla kong komento. "Would you like me to feed you?"

There was no response.

"Uhm, Z?" I called.

I heard a faint sniff. The normal sound of my chest began to wander into a deeper and strong tune. Zeke clenched his fists around me as he kept burying his head on my shoulder.

Binaba ko ang hinahawakan na tinidor. Inabot ko rin ang kanyang ulo pagkatapos at marahan na hinahaplos. I am becoming convinced that the sniff pertains to him shedding some silent tears.

"Z, are you crying?" I gently asked and was also worried. "Why? Z, is everything alright with you?"

His hold tightened even more. He is indeed crying. My heart sank into the deepest pit. This is the first time I heard him crying.

"Z..." I whispered. "Why are you crying? It brings me great sorrow. Are you okay, Z?"

I gulped the lump in my throat. I am on edge for tearing. With all of my might, I turned my body towards him and cupped his handsome face.

Umawang ang aking labi sa nakita at mas lalong nasaktan. Umiiyak siya ngayon, namumula ang buong mukha. Masakit sa puso ang makita siyang ganito.

"I could imagine your pain and I hated myself for going on that stupid business trip. I fucking hate myself." mariin niyang bulong. "You warned me before leaving. And I had my doubts too. But still, I choose to leave. Ahh!"

Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. He is trembling. No, Z. I squeezed him to my chest. I want him to never ever feel guilty about anything that happens to me.

"Let's stay at our own place. Hindi na tayo babalik sa bahay na iyon. Sa iyo na ako uuwi palagi, Z. Please don't cry anymore," I heartily whispered.

"We will, baby." he marked with finality. "We will. Talagang hinding hindi na kita ibabalik doon. Makipagpatayan ako."

Pinunasan ko ang mga luha sa pisngi niya gamit ang sariling mga kamay. It was too late when I realized the tissue on the table. I preferred wiping him with bare hands because I am sure they are sullied and I want to comfort the love of my whole life.

I kissed his forehead. "You made me whole, Z. You're my soul and my life. And my heavens and my earth."

"Hmm, my sweet baby..."

Nag-order pa ulit si Zeke ng mga pagkain. He made sure I am well-fed. We had dishes of my own choices with desserts and snacks. Pinag uusapan din namin ang business trip niya kaya medyo tumagal tagal kami sa restaurant na iyon.

"Let's go get your nails done, baby. Let's do something to make you forget all the bad days." banayad niyang sambit.

"You said you want to talk to them?" I asked.

"I told them to wait so they have to wait." suplado niyang tugon habang hinaplos ang aking likod. "My baby is my top priority."

I enthusiastically nodded and hugged his left arm. "Alright."