Simply You(Ongoing)

CHAPTER 11

Daniel was eagerly looking forward to introducing Yessenia to one of his closest friends. Their date had gone wonderfully, and he felt it was the right moment to share a bit more of his life with her. As they arrived at the towering building where his friend worked, Daniel’s excitement was palpable. Yessenia, with a smile that had been a constant since the beginning of their evening, followed him closely, their hands intertwined.

The building, a sleek and modern structure with glass facades, stood out even in the bustling cityscape. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the city, and the lobby was buzzing with activity. As they walked through the entrance, Daniel couldn't help but notice how Yessenia looked around with interest. She seemed intrigued, her curiosity piqued by the building’s contemporary design.

People in the lobby glanced at them, taking note of their hand-holding. For Yessenia, the attention was subtle but noticeable. She felt a slight thrill; it was as though they were making an entrance into a world that was momentarily theirs. Daniel, aware of the gazes, simply squeezed her hand reassuringly. He led her towards the elevators, their journey taking them to the building's top floor.

As they ascended, Daniel chatted animatedly about his friend, sharing anecdotes and inside jokes. Yessenia listened intently, though her mind wandered occasionally, wondering about the nature of this close friendship Daniel had. She hoped this introduction would provide more insight into his world, a world she was just beginning to understand.

When the elevator dinged at the top floor, Daniel guided Yessenia towards a large, polished wooden door. He took a moment to check his appearance in a nearby reflective surface, adjusting his jacket with a practiced ease. Yessenia, too, took a moment to compose herself. The excitement of meeting a close friend added a layer of anticipation to her evening.

Daniel knocked lightly before pushing the door open. As it swung inward, Yessenia’s face brightened in a welcoming smile, only for it to falter almost imperceptibly. Her eyes locked onto the figure standing across the room. It was Matheo. The same Matheo she had encountered a few weeks ago, whose presence had unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

Daniel’s friend, the person he had been so enthusiastic about, was none other than Matheo, the man from her past. For a split second, Yessenia felt a surge of anger, a mix of betrayal and frustration. How could this be? The world seemed to have collapsed into a small, insular space where old connections resurfaced unexpectedly. She had hoped for a pleasant evening, a fresh start. Instead, she was face-to-face with a reminder of things she'd rather leave behind.

Yessenia quickly masked her reaction, her years of experience in handling uncomfortable situations kicking in. She offered a polite smile, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes but was perfectly courteous. Daniel, oblivious to the internal turmoil Yessenia was experiencing, introduced her with a sense of pride.

“Yessenia, this is Matheo. He’s one of my closest friends. Matheo, this is Yessenia.”

Matheo, who had been casually leaning against the desk with a relaxed demeanor, straightened up. His face remained calm, though his eyes briefly flickered with a mixture of recognition and curiosity. “Nice to meet you, Yessenia,” he said, his tone neutral.

Yessenia returned the greeting with an equally composed, “Nice to meet you, Matheo.” Her voice was steady, betraying none of the internal chaos she felt. Daniel’s excitement seemed to magnify the awkwardness of the encounter.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Yessenia forced herself to focus on the conversation, pushing aside her frustration. She couldn’t let her personal feelings overshadow Daniel’s moment. Matheo, too, maintained a facade of civility, though the tension was palpable. The small talk was polite but stilted, each participant acutely aware of the underlying tension.

Daniel, ever the gracious host, tried to steer the conversation towards more neutral topics. He spoke about his recent work projects, his hobbies, and his thoughts on various subjects, making a conscious effort to include both Yessenia and Matheo. The evening carried on in this vein, with Yessenia and Matheo engaging in brief exchanges that were courteous but lacked warmth.

Despite the strained atmosphere, Yessenia did her best to be present. She engaged in the conversation, asked questions, and offered thoughtful responses. The physical tension in the room was almost palpable, but she remained outwardly composed. Her mind, however, raced with thoughts. She tried to piece together the coincidence of Matheo’s presence in Daniel’s life and her own unexpected reunion with him.

As the evening wore on, Daniel suggested they move to a more relaxed setting in the lounge area, hoping it might ease the atmosphere. The change of environment provided a slight respite, but the awkwardness lingered. Yessenia found herself struggling to maintain her composure, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.

Matheo, sensing the discomfort but maintaining his polite demeanor, made an effort to engage in lighter, more casual conversation. His attempts were genuine, though Yessenia found it difficult to fully engage. She was caught between her desire to respect Daniel’s wishes and her own unease at the unexpected meeting with Matheo.

By the time the evening drew to a close, Yessenia was relieved. Daniel, unaware of the full extent of the evening’s strain, expressed his hope that she had enjoyed meeting his friend. Yessenia, managing a tired but sincere smile, reassured him that she had.

As they left the building, Daniel chatted animatedly about how he was looking forward to future gatherings and how he hoped to see Matheo again soon. Yessenia, though maintaining her smile, felt a heavy weight lift only once they were alone. The world had indeed felt small that night, but she hoped that it would return to its usual expansive self.

The drive home was quiet, with Daniel occasionally glancing at Yessenia, trying to gauge her mood. Yessenia, lost in her thoughts, struggled to balance her feelings. She knew she would have to address the situation with Matheo eventually, but for now, she was content to enjoy the quiet of the night and the comfort of Daniel’s presence, even if only superficially.