Dealing With Solevan

CHAPTER THREE

DEALING WITH SOLEVAN

COPYRIGHT 2017 © JOESLINE

CHAPTER THREE

Jayden was in his favorite dark blue suit. He was flipping through a black file, scribbling some notes with his classic black fountain pen. There were faint dark rings observed beneath his eyes. He didn't sleep well? Even with a little pale stricken complexion, his look could still make my heart flutter. I couldn't believe, after marrying him for ten years, how he could still have that effect on me. I took a deep breath to suppress the ridiculous butterflies in my stomach.

He looked up, before dialing a few numbers on his land-line, "Emily, make some Earl Grey for my fiancée"

It was just yesterday that I walked out of Jayden and here I am, settling myself opposite his work desk in that magnificent skyscraper tower of his. My eyes were still gazing at the man that was oozing with so much of machinist charm.

"I heard from Fall that you are still approving the wedding plans"

Still, he didn't react to the news that brought me here.

I frowned, "Why?"

"Why?" His eyebrows raised a notch, "Why did you decide not to go ahead with the wedding only after months when you agreed to my proposal?"

I couldn't shake off that perception I presumed from his tone. It sounded a little reprimanding. But it would be logical to reason my actions as indecisiveness than any alternatives.

He sounded me from my thought, "Annie?"

As much as I wanted to explain, I felt my hesitance. Nothing seemed as hurtful as what I was told. I let out a sigh, watching the man that was giving me his full attention. Just how much of that was love or rather I was only a spur of interest?

"Do you... really love me?" I questioned, "Or I was just a lesser burden than Anna?"

There was no response. My voice was weak as I watched him sat in silence, "Yeah, I probably am..." - a spur of interest.

He let out a soft sigh, "I didn't know I had to confess this but-"

I snapped, "No" I don't want to hear it.

Just before I walked in this office, Fall had warned me. She told me that it doesn't matter what was the reason that Jayden broke up with Anna. She have assured me multiple times that Jayden loves me. But was it? I couldn't be convinced from his reaction. If not for Anna's father owing the loan shark almost five million dollars, I will never be here standing in front of Jayden. He wouldn't have proposed to me again. I grabbed my chest, frowned at the tightness.

Jayden left his seat. He walked over, knelt down as he held my hands in his grip. His gaze rose slowly, greeting me with the full force of his emerald green eyes. That husky voice murmured, "Annie."

Was there a slight chance that he might really love me?

"I was stranded, stuck being a boyfriend to Anna and a husband to you. It did took me long enough to realize I had to make a choice between you two." He continued, "But when I finally made up my mind, you had already made up yours to leave me for good"

"You made up your choice because Anna's father owed five millions."

"How did you know?" Jayden paused for a second, "You were checking on me?"

Just like a thief, caught red-handed. His expression was priceless, yet nothing that I want to see. I bit my lips, trying to focus then letting the emotions taking over me. It was enough to have that split moment having the wishful thoughts that Jayden might love me.

"What else did you know?"

I gulped, "That you decided to come find me after you broke up with her"

He denied, "That's not what it is"

"Jayden" I loosened his grip, "Could you just drop the act? I won't fall for your trick again." It seemed living lavishly had lowered my guards against him. Anna could have just save the trouble and let me know the reason why he had choose me over her.

I stood up, holding one last glance at the man that was still staring blankly. He might feel rejected, but he will never know what I had to put through. My heels brought me to the door, as I grabbed the knob.

Will he chase after me?

A few seconds passed. Jayden wasn't fidgeting at all.

He is not going to.

Without any further hesitation, I opened the door and closed behind me. My eyes shut for a moment, letting out a soft sigh. I held my fist, gathering a pinch of pathetic courage to continue walking. I stared sightlessly as I sat foot in the lift, witnessing it closing on me. My head leaned against the wall, trembled in disappointment.

A drop of pearl-like tear slide off, creating a trail of new tear stain on my face.

--

I curled on the bed, reminiscing on every fragments of my memories about Jayden. From the moment he set foot in my life and till the times I figured myself back in this room where I hid myself, staring our wedding photo, crying.

I was a backup plan, not a priority.

A knock sounded me. "Annie?" It was Mom.

I uttered, "Y-Yeah?"

"Can I come in?"

I bit my lips, "Sure..."

The door knob twisted open. Mom walked in with a tray of fruit platter. She settled the fruit platter beside and took a seat on the side of the bed. Her eyes watched my messy crying face. Mom's hand stretched as she held my cheek, "My poor daughter..."

I shut my eyes, feeling the warmth. Somehow, even at such an old age, mom's touch still could calm down that overwhelmed emotions I was caught in.

She patted her hands on mine, "You should give yourself sometime to be ready marrying him."

I let out a soft sigh, "I'm not marrying him anymore..."

Mom did a slight nod, "Ever since you accepted the proposal ten years ago, Dad and I never had a night not worrying about you"

I held my gaze at the woman. Her eyes filled with so much of love for me. My eyebrow furrowed as guilt overtook me. My throat constricted, "Mom" How long has it been that I haven't pay attention to my already old mother?

She exhaled, holding my hands tightly in her palms, "But I guess you will know better than anyone what's best for you"

I held up my glance on that soft expression, "Mom, do you hate him?"

"For what? Snatching my daughter's youth? Or putting you in the spotlight?"

I sat up, bit my lips. "He..." He didn't. I was the one agreeing on all of that.

"We made this choice on our own. So we don't blame anyone for our choice." She stroked my head gently, "And so do you."

I cursed under my breath, "I'm stupid to accept him again." After all, I'm just a backup plan.

"But that's what your heart wants"

I shook my head. That's not possible. I'm stupid if I still want him. 

Mom sighed, as she took my hands in her palm. She emphasized, "Don't lie to yourselves."