Amor Vincit Omnia

XV.

AVO || the truth

     It felt like time stopped when none of the two guys broke eye contact from each other. The anger and annoyance they felt for one another could be felt by everyone who was watching. Some of them stopped working to observe what was going to happen while the others would nudge them to stop looking at us. I began to feel Sam's hand shaking and that's when I found the courage to end this unpleasant situation. I turned my gaze to Christian first and stole his attention.

"Uh, I guess the meeting ended quickly, Christian." I tried to let out a relaxed laugh but I only sounded nervous and constipated. In the corner of my eyes I could see Ross looking at us with great confusion. Some of the workers asked him what was happening but he only shooed them away.

"Well, I was in a hurry," he gave us a nonchalant shrug, "But I didn't fully expect you to still be here, Elizabeth. And with your boyfriend, too."

I was about to open my mouth and speak when Sam beat me to it. He gripped my hand tighter and his eyes darkened more than it possibly could as he continued to glare at Christian.

"Fully expect? So you were still hoping my fiancée's here when you get back?" His voice was almost a growl.

"Fiancée. Right, sorry. I almost always seem to forget she's engaged." My blood boiled when I saw his lips form into a mocking smirk.

Before Sam could even finish taking a step towards Christian, my right palm connected with Christian's cheek. A sharp sensation spread across my palm and I held back the urge to grieve about it. Christian's face only moved slightly like he wasn't even hurt with the impact despite his cheek turning red.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Sam surprised with his mouth agape as he stared down at me. His frown was still there but the anger in his eyes minimized.

"Didn't you promise not to do this anymore? I thought we agreed?" I didn't know why my tone came out as a pained one when all I could feel was anger towards him.

The arrogance in Christian's eyes softened until it's slowly consumed with regret. His head snapped back down to me as he opened his mouth to say his piece. When he reached out to hold my arm, Sam's grip on me tightened once more. Before anything more could happen, I took a step away from Christian and pulled Sam away.

The people we passed by shamelessly looked at us leaving Christian there dumbfounded but I couldn't care less. All I wanted at that moment was to leave the place and tell the whole truth to Sam. I didn't take a glance at his face as I led him to the driver's door and then marched to the passenger's side. He also didn't make any move to steal my attention.

Both of us were quiet as we drove away and back towards our house. All the confidence and anger I had to speak up to Christian went flying out the window now that I was alone with Sam who was more angrier than me. And I know it wasn't just Christian he was mad at.

Without moving my head, I tried hard to glance at him. His jaw was clenched, brows furrowed, and eyes blazing with anger. I trailed my eyes toward his arms, gripping the steering wheel too tightly. Some of his veins protruded more than the others. I pushed down all the silly thoughts running through my brain because this wasn't the time to make jokes. The situation was serious and I can't ease Sam's anger by teasing him. I could tell by the way he wouldn't glance at me and how he was pursing his lips that he wanted to burst. He wanted to relieve his mind from all the questions bothering him about me and Christian.

It wasn't long before he maneuvered and parked our car in front of our house. All my movements were slow. I want to talk as well but now that we're already here, I feel the crawl of cowardice up my spine. By the time I could completely remove my seat belt, Sam was already at my side of the car. He pulled the door open but his eyes didn't look down to meet mine. I felt a sting in my heart as I hurriedly stepped out and watched as he closed the door. I followed him as he marched towards our front door with long strides.