To Love Him Once More (USFIL Book 2) - Completed

Chapter 11

JEARRI

"Hello, Cray." I said after he ended the call. I didn't have the courage to talk to him again, despite Kyron constantly reminding me that I shouldn't be scared of interacting with him. At some point, I realized I was feeling something I had avoided many times before.

I busied myself in helping prepared things for New Year. I had originally planned to proofread my new novel, but Cray's call had made it impossible to concentrate.

"Something's bothering you Zanya?" Mom asked as I was fixing the New Year's decorations. She pointed what I was doing. "You've been repeating that. You haven't moved on to the next one."

I hadn't even noticed what I was doing. Cray's drunk voice kept replaying in my mind.

"I'm okay, Mom." I forced a smile.

"Come here," she said. I stepped down from the chair and walked over to her. I sat beside her, and she immediately turned to face me, while I kept my gaze lowered. I didn't want her to worry. I knew I was okay, but it was Cray that shouldn't be bothering me this much.

"You haven't told us about your stay in the Philippines. You used to share a lot every time you visited another country," she said.

"I was tired, Mom. I'm sorry. This new novel of mine drained me that I couldn't share anything with you and Dad." I rested my head on her shoulder, and she gently caressed my back. "I'm okay, Mom. I promise."

"I wanted you to be happy always. If a problem arises, you shouldn't deal with it alone. You have a complete family now—us, your mom and dad." I gently nodded. "Hmm. Is it about that young Del Valle?" she asked.

I couldn't say a word.

"When I first met him, I've quickly grew to like him. Compared to other young businessmen, he was very respectful and confident. When I found that he was the one who hurt you, I started doubting his intentions toward you—"

"Mom. I'm not Jearri."

"I know, sweetheart. I just want you to know that even though I doubted his intentions, I genuinely saw he was trying. But it's still your choice whether or not to have him around."

"I'm not Jearri, Mom," that was all I could say.

"We're still here for you when you're ready, okay?" she said. I hugged her instead, and it comforted me. "In the coming months, you will see him often. We're business partners now. I hope that's okay with you. If ever you feel uncomfortable with his presence, you can always tell me."

"It's okay, Mom. I'm not scared of him anymore."

I helped her cook with the maids, and it helped divert my attention for a little while. But it didn't last long. The person I had been thinking about called again. I went to my room and locked the door. I lay down on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I contemplated whether I should answer the call or just let it ring until it stopped. It didn't stop. He was persistent to talk to me. I had no choice but to answer the call.

I had a choice. I just didn't want to hurt his feelings, even a little.

Just like yesterday, I didn't speak.

"I'm sorry for bothering you yesterday. My friend and I drank so much that I couldn't think properly. Well, I could only think about you. But I don't regret anything I said. I really miss you."

I covered my mouth to prevent myself from speaking.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk to me. I'm already grateful that you answered my call. I just wanted to share how I welcomed the New Year. It wasn't particularly exciting, just like the past years that I've lost you. It was just a normal day for me, but I didn't expect my employees to throw a little surprise. I was thankful, but I wish you were here."