Perfect Imperfection

Chapter 7

Unwanted Encounter

Riley's POV

It was a typical day at the office, but my mind was far from the piles of paperwork and endless meetings.

One afternoon, I had a scheduled business inspection at a pre-school, evaluating it for a potential investment opportunity. Pumasok ako sa matingkad na kulay na gusali, the hand sanitizer was filling the air and the sound of children's laughter echoing down the hallway. Habang palinga linga, hindi ko namalayan ang sarili na nanonood na sa nagaaaway ng babae at lalaki. I can't help but think of her. Reese. I put both hands in my pockets and sighed.

"Aoww!" Habang naglalakad. Medyo nagulat ako ng may batang aksidenteng bumangga sa hita ko. Dahil ito'y maliit pa, natumba ito sa sahig. I immediately reached out for help. "Are you okay?" I asked, while focusing one knee on the ground so that he could be equal.

Nang sa wakas ay tapos na siyang pagpagin ng kanyang mga damit. Tumingin siya sa akin. "Yes. Can you please not block the way next time, Mister?" Hindi ko nagawang makapagsalita ng matitigan sya ng mabuti.

He looks like me. Weird. I never touched another woman's body besides my wife's. 

I suddenly remembered what happened before.

"Who are you?" Reese asked the girl who got out of my car.

"Riley's fuck buddy. You're not aware?" Pagiinosente nya. I brought a woman home. 

Just by looking at Reese's face. I can tell that she's clearly hurt and devasted. "R-Riley..." rinig ko ng mahinang boses nya mula sa likuran. She sounds so helpless. Pero patuloy akong nagdare-daretso. Tiim bagang kong tinaas ang manggas ng itim na long sleeve na suot ko. 

She deserves this.

Why would I pity her, when she forced me on this, did she pity me?

You want this marriage, right, Reese? I'll force you to divorce me.

"How do we start, Mr.CEO?" the girl I brought into my room asked. I was untying my necktie when she hugged me from behind. I pushed her away. Looking at her with disgusted.

"Did I tell you to touch me? Do what I ask you." malamig at may diin kong sabi. Kita ko namang bumakat sa mga mata nito ang takot. She trembled as I walked pass her. I ignored her, strode straight to the bathroom, and locked the door. I remove my clothes and sink into the tub to relax my body. 

I put on my earbuds, drowning out everything but the low beat of my playlist.

"Ahmm. uh--Uhh!"

In the background, I could hear her starting.

She knew the script... loud, exaggerated moans that would echo down the hall, reaching even Reese's room. I had paid her well to put on this act.

Reese needed to understand—I'm not the man she dreams of.

I'll drive her to the point where she'll want this divorce even more than I do.

So, who is this kid? 

I watch him walk away. Even his cold demure is exactly like mine. I follow him into the men's restroom.

"I notice you following me, Mister." Sabi nya sakin. I can't help but to be amazed... pati ang pagsusungit ko gayang gaya. Ang postura, ang mga galaw, even the way he tilted his head—it was as if I were looking at a mini version of myself. I want to adopt him. I'm sure Reese would be happy. Damn fuck, Sam Riley. What are you thinking?