Behind Every Pages

Chapter Thirty-one:

Lestari

So, this is how it feels to be living with someone like Ezrahel Astley Valera.

"Ezra, masusunog yung niluluto ko!" I said, panicking as the meat stuck to the pan. He was standing behind me, his hands gently resting on my waist, his scent intoxicating as he kissed my cheek.

"Okay, sorry," he laughed, releasing me. He sat down to watch me cook, his eyes never leaving me.

"Don’t you have anything to do? Amalia’s waiting for your update," I reminded him, recalling their phone conversation.

Ezra’s dream of becoming an internationally renowned author was finally coming true. He had secured a deal with an international publishing company. He deserved it; his talent was exceptional. But a pang of sadness hit me at the thought of him leaving.

"I’ll talk to her later. This is more important," he said, his eyes fixed on me, a smile playing on his lips.

"What, my cooking is important?" I teased.

"You, cooking, are more important to me," he corrected. I bit back a smile and focused on the task at hand.

After dinner, he insisted on washing the dishes. Now, we were watching a movie when I remembered Amalia was still waiting for his response.

I paused the movie, making him look up at me in confusion. He was lying on my lap, and he sat up to face me.

"Naghihintay si Amalia sa reply mo." I said seriously, worried he might lose his deal. This was his dream.

"I know. I’ll reply later. Can we just watch the movie for now, please?" he asked softly, his eyes pleading.

"Importante iyon, Ezrahel," I insisted. He sighed, seeing my determination, and stood up, smiling.

"Fine, I’ll go to the office and talk to her," he said, leaving me to watch the movie alone. But I couldn’t focus.

In a month, he would be gone. We hadn’t talked about it. I was waiting for him to bring it up. I didn’t know what to feel. I had to support him. Before I became his girlfriend, I was his biggest supporter in his journey as an author.

I sighed, convincing myself that we could make it work long-distance. I trusted Ezra. I lay back on the sofa, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me.

My thoughts were interrupted by a message from Luther.

Luther Yvondir Castillano
Come home. Mommy’s here.

A cold chill ran through me as I read the message. What was she doing there?

I quickly got up, preparing to leave. I’d tell Ezra after I was ready. Once I was done, I knocked on his office door.

"Ezra, I need to go home," I said, startling him. He quickly ended his call and walked over to me.

"W-why? Did something happen? Did I do something wrong?" he asked, confused

Bumuntong hininga ako at umiling. "No, uuwi ako kasi nag chat si Luther, n-nasa bahay daw si Mommy," pareho kami ng reaskyon sa reaksyon ko kanina dahil gulat din siya at hindi nakapagsalita. "B-baka nagkakagulo sa bahay. Baka nalaman na ni Ate Florence ang totoo, Ezra, baka mapano si Ate Florence, buntis siya," naiiyak kong sabi.

He nodded, immediately pulling me out the door. He didn’t even change his clothes before we left. When we arrived at the mansion, fear gripped me. But Ezra held my hand, silently telling me he was there for me.

We walked in hand-in-hand. Luther was waiting for me. "Ate, I’m glad you’re here," he said, and I hugged him tightly, missing him so much.

"W-where’s Mommy?" I asked, breaking the hug. He looked sadly toward the living room. I took his hand, heading there, Ezra following behind us.