Chapter 36: Chapter Thirty-Five ✓

Chapter Thirty-Five:

Emberly's POV:

'I'm not ready to accept the reality. That person... meant a lot to me. I can't seem to move on. Whenever I try, I feel like giving up already.  I am tired of struggling...'

'He isn't how he seems. He has been through a lot, that's why he made himself like this.'

'Love is the most overused concept in life.'

'I know how... difficult he can be but I've seen the way he looks at you and trust me, you're special to him.'

'What if someone you love hurts you and leaves you in pieces, so many pieces that your hands prick when you are trying to put yourself back together?'

'Just take care of him.'

'You... loved her?" "Still do.'

'Promise me, you wont leave me...'

2:35 am

I couldn't sleep. I was feeling too restless and too worried. I kept tossing in my bed, irritably. As I lay in my bed in the dark, my eyes wide open, I couldn't help but think about Arran. Well duh, who else am I suppose to think about? Who would've thought Arran Raymond had been in love and boy did he fall hard for that girl.

Sophia.

Even thinking about her made my mouth bitter and I barely even knew anything about her. Why did I have a feeling that she used Arran to gain something? But what? Maybe, I should just try to sleep!

3:27 am

I wonder where she is. How is she? Who is she with, if anyone? Why did she leave him? From what I had gathered, he was an ideal son, cousin, friend and no doubt he would've been an ideal boyfriend too. Then why? What happened? What if it was Arran's fault? What if he always had anger issues and she had just had enough of it?

A part of me wanted to ask him so badly but the other part knew I would be pushing my luck if I did. He disclosed his past to me without even realising that he was telling me so I wasn't going to rub it in. I could tell it was hard for him to tell me and I didn't want to be nosy by questioning him. Maybe, I shouldn't rush it even if it takes months for him to tell me more. But he did say she has returned. Is that why he organised this trip out of nowhere? I hadn't even seen him doing any work or asking me to schedule any appointments. He was just escaping from a reality that he wasn't ready to face.

I seriously needed to sleep otherwise I would look dead tomorrow.

4:48 am

Arran revealed that he was still in love with her. Did it hurt that he still loved her? More than it should. It hurt knowing he would never love anyone the same way he loved Sophia, but at least I knew what to expect.

Did I?

Had I fallen for someone who didn't fall for me? 'Don't be stupid, I barely know him.' It never occurred to me that there might be people in this world whose love was not returned. One of them was Arran. Nothing hurts more than loving someone who doesn't love you back. Can you ever be in love with someone whose heart belongs to someone else? More importantly, how can someone still love someone after what they did?

Maybe, but I still didn't know the whole story. Sure, he could be overwhelming but the amount of care and love he showed for his special one was moving. If you meant something to him he would leave no stone unturned when showing how much he cared about you. Sophia butchered who he was and left him, taking his soul, a soul who once knew how to live and love. She made him bitter and cold and the worst part was, it was the people who loved and cared for him, that were suffering the most. He was aware of how he acted, but he had his walls built so high that was impossible for anyone to reach him.

I had always considered myself a non-violent person, but people like her made my blood boil. I groaned and shut my eyes tightly. No. More. Thinking!

6:35 am

The bright numbers on the clock nearly made me pull my hair out. Talk about being a non-violent person! I couldn't believe I had spent an entire night thinking about his past! My mind was telling me not to judge her so quickly since I only knew one side of the story. It took two to tango, so maybe it wasn't entirely her fault? This was something that I couldn't agree on. I stared at the ceiling till I could see the rays of sunshine through the blinds.

Great! Its morning already!

I quietly climbed out of the bed deciding to have a long bath to soothe my tense muscles. After slipping into a sundress, I decided to roam around for a bit. Luckily for me, it was a warm day. I decided to call Cherry using one of the apps I had on my phone. Good thing the hotel provided free Wi-Fi!

"Hey." She picked up on first bell.

"Hey, how are you?" I asked her.

"Oh my god, why the hell have you left me on my own? We are supposed to do everything together Berrs. Can you believe that bitch is making me pay for the rent?"

"You mean Priscilla? Your own sister?" I stifled a laugh, knowing how strict Priscilla was.

"Yeah, I mean I get I broke the toaster by accident and her straightener and her laptop but she is suppose to be my sister. It's my house too. Nana left it for both of us and just because I moved in doesn't mean I have to pay for the rent. Right?" She exclaimed, frustrated.

Cherry was a sweetheart and she was one of those people who would always stick with you no matter what. Being the middle child of five siblings, she was always pampered and babied by her parents when it should've been the other way around. Her grandma, who moved back to Jamaica last year, decided to give her house to Priscilla and Cherry since both of them were her favourite grandchildren. It was convenient for her to move there when she found a job near the house.

"Why do you have to pay the rent? Isn't that your house too?" I questioned her, wondering why would Priscilla ask her.

"I knowwww, she was saying something about paying for mortgage and honestly I had no clue what she was talking about. Did we pay for this shit?"

"Uhm, Cherr, we still do. Dad is still paying for the monthly mortgages. Remember? He made us sign a legal form? I wonder if how he managed to pay since mom was in the hospital."

When we tell people that the two of us have a house of our own, they assume we are bloody rich but the reality is, it was with the help of my dad and our savings that paid for the mortgage. Looking at the size of the house, it was a good deal for us.

"I will remind him. I haven't called him in ages, listen I have to go. Priscilla thinks I broke the washer too. I swear she wants to kick me out." I could totally imagine her rolling her eyes and praying that the washer was in one piece.

After saying our goodbyes, I was about to go back to my room when I saw Arran sitting near a shaded area of the garden. I took a good look at his white T-shirt, which surprisingly made him look even tanner.

How was it even possible for him to look so fresh while I looked as if I was on my deathbed? Nevertheless, I joined him. He looked up from the newspaper and smiled softly. Somehow, his smile did not reach his eyes.

"Coffee?" He asked me as he poured himself a cup. I scrunched my nose and sat down.

"No, thank you." He went back to reading his newspaper. How could he act like nothing happened last night and the conversation we had meant nothing at all? If I was disappointed, I made sure not to show it at all. I was thinking of ways to avoid this awkward silence. Did I mention how much I disliked birds chirping?

"It's a fine morning isn't it?" He spoke from behind the newspaper, as I eyed him strangely. I worked for him long enough to know he never talked about the weather. Trust me, he didn't care if it was raining cats and dogs.

"Yeah I guess so." I looked around to see other people having their breakfast in the shaded area too. They were either on their phones or laptop. No wonder it was his favourite place. It was made for business moguls like him. Should I ask him about last night? I mentally debated and then realized he was speaking.

"I mean everything about Greece is amazing. From the..." He kept on rambling.

"Yeah?" I replied uninterested. Right now, my mind was debating to choose between pancakes or French toast. I sipped on my orange juice.

Suddenly, I felt guilty for not listening to him. He was making an effort to start a conversation with me and I wasn't paying attention at all.

I opened my mouth to apologise when he beat me to it and said something that nearly made me jump out of my chair. "So I was thinking we should go on a date."

Wait... What?

I nearly choked on the juice. I quickly swiped the drops off my lips and stared unbelievingly at him. He folded the newspaper neatly and placed it back on the table. He smiled at me expectantly and it took me a minute to register he was still waiting for my answer. I drank the juice quickly, nearly choking again when he raised an eyebrow.

Damn it, he nearly killed me.

"So you were saying something about a date?" I enquired, after calming myself.

I remembered the last time he asked me to book a table and I assumed he meant us two. Boy, how excited I was for no reason. It was embarrassing as hell and I wasn't falling for that again. I assumed he would tell me to book a table with someone else any minute.

"Yeah a date, there's a restaurant nearby and I thought we should go and check it out, unless you already have a plans for tonight." He avoided eye contact.

This had my complete attention. So, let's recap quickly. He said he wants to go and 'check' a place out.

With me.

On a date.

With me.

And he is nervous.

Ekhhhh!!!

I bit my lip from grinning like an idiot. I was mentally doing rumba in my head but I decided to tease him. I couldn't believe he was actually making an effort. It would be just the two of us, all alone!

"But I already have a date with the cute guy from reception. You know Remon right?" I bit my smile and asked him. He made a 'tut' sound and smirked.

"Tough luck for Remon, just be ready by 8."

I couldn't stop the smile from spreading this time. My heart thumped wildly but a thought suddenly hit me.

"But I only brought my office wear. You should've at least informed me." After all, it was our first date. I decided to leave the last bit out. He didn't need to know my excitement level which was more than a kid with sugar rush.

He looked at me for a good minute, not believing that I was giving more reaction on the clothes than the fact he asked me on a date. Now that I think about it, he asked me to attend the charity gala with him and oh to meet his family. Both were intimate but this felt like another level.

"Don't worry about that, just get ready by 8." He said after thinking for a while.

"But..." Does he expect me to come in my birthday suit? On second thought, he might.

"Don't worry about that. Just don't make me wait." His phone rang and he answered, gesturing at me to hold on.

"You do know we are living right next to each other?" I muttered sarcastically, making him smile.

After some time, he excused himself and told me to get ready. I asked him if we were expected to be somewhere but he just brushed it off saying he has to go somewhere alone. Right... So here I was, in my room with a bath robe on and no idea what to wear. I opened my bag again and went through all the clothes I brought. Suits, way-too- formal dresses, and normal, everyday clothes. I was hyperventilating when I was packing back home, too worried about my phobia of flying to pay attention to what I should take. Nothing fancy at all! I was about to call him when I heard a knock. I waited for Arran to open it, but then I remembered he hadn't returned yet. Quickly, I open the door and was surprised to see a young girl carrying few bags in her hand. She smiled at me and handed me the bags.

"Have a nice day." She says chirpily and winked at me before turning back.

With the bags in my hand, I went back to my room and hesitantly opened one of the bags. My eyes went round when I saw the logo on the box.

Shit, he was serious.

Oh my god.

This time, I opened the box quickly and gasped loudly. He might not know what to say to a girl, but he did have an amazing taste in clothes.

Its freaking Oscar de la Renta!

And the dress was ah-ma-zing!

Feeling too excited, I stripped down and quickly dressed myself. Aghh, it looked perfect. Now I just needed to shut the zip, which was on the side. It zipped effortlessly till it made a sound.

Wait, something isn't right.

I tried to zip the dress once more but I struggled. I held my breath and tried again but it just wouldn't bulge.

Mother-fudger...!

I tried again and again till my fingers were pink with the force I was using. It was a wonder the zip wasn't in pieces. Then realisation hit me like a homerun.

Oh god.

The dress won't fit.

This is a disaster!

Don't panic Emberly just think reasonably. What can you do in this situation? That's it I can lose weight! I thought excitedly and dropped the idea instantly.

Yeah right!

It is such a shame that he had to send a size too small.

I was one of those women who normally didn't care how they looked but situations like this, made me very self-conscious. I opened another bag and without even trying, I knew the shoes were a size too small. I'm pretty sure he thought I was small but I was not that small. I had to stop myself from crying out loud. They were Louboutins!

Instead of sulking and pouting, which I desperately wanted to do, I thought of how to get out of this situation. Looking at the time, I had few hours left so I slipped into blue jeans and a plain white T-shirt and decided to check out the shops nearby. After roaming around for hours, I found a dress, which was slightly overpriced, but worth it.

The dress I chose was grey and soft to the touch, yet stiff enough to hold into shape. The skirt hit at the knee. The bodice was plain, but the shoulder straps crisscrossed each other along the back and front, making a beautiful design of lines across the shoulders. It went well with the black heels I had.

I left my hair down and it fell down my back in loose curls. I put on some blush, mascara, and a deep scarlet lipstick that took the outfit up a notch.

Not bad, I guess.

My heart was thumping with every second passing. I didn't know what to expect. Moreover, I wasn't sure where this was heading. Was it wise to expect something more despite knowing about his past and Sophia? He was my boss and I was sure there was a rule about dating your employees. What if I got in trouble because someone found out about us? What us? I scolded myself by telling myself it was a harmless date. I placed a hand to my chest and had to concentrate on the beating of my heart because there was a very good possibility I would pass out. After applying mascara to my eyes, yes again, I checked the time on the watch. 5 minutes left till 8.

He'll knock any minute now. And surprisingly a couple seconds later there was a light knock.

I took few deep breaths, preparing myself as he knocked once more.

"I'll be out in a few seconds." I yelled over the closed door.

After putting on the necklace my mom gave me on my birthday, I strolled towards the locked door and unlocked it.

Here it goes.

When he saw me his eyes widened, slightly in shock. They smouldered, giving me a slow, long once over from my eyes to my toes and back up again. He sucked his breath in, but said nothing.

Wait for it!

But then when he realised I wasn't wearing the dress he sent me, he frowned and pressed his lips together in a thin line. Disappointment flashed across his features.

Oh-oh.

However, much to my surprise, he said nothing. I took a good look at him and approved of what I saw. Dressed in his black tuxedo with white shirt accompanied with sleek black tie, he was looking good enough to make any lady's knees wobble. At least mine.

I waited for him to say something, but he remained quiet and very, very still. His eyes never veering away from mine. The dress that I wore wasn't that bad. Compared to the one he sent, this was cheaper and completely different, but it looked good on me or at least that's what I thought.

He finally looked away and sighed deeply. Nevertheless, he smiled and complimented me, which made feel bad for some reason. Arran offered me a tight smile and gestured for me to go out first. I took big steps in my high heels, and went out to the hall, where the elevator waited. We strolled into the hall, through the lobby, and into the parking lot.

If the situation was uncomfortable we both did nothing about it. What could I say in this situation? When the valet handed him the keys, without saying a word, he opened the passenger side door. He then took my hand, helped me into the front seat, and closed the door for me. I stared at him while he drove. He knew my gaze was on him yet he remained calm, not even looking at me once. He rubbed his forehead lightly and started telling me about the restaurant. I knew I shouldn't be, but I was amused. Maybe, a part of me was expecting him to ask me about the dress. Initially, he showed a reaction but now he was talking as if everything was perfect. It irritated me slightly that my actions meant nothing to him.

"Seriously? You aren't going to ask me?" I couldn't hold it back anymore and asked him irately, looking ahead.

"You aren't wearing the dress I sent you." He accused.

Shit! Maybe I don't want his reaction.

"I am not." I turned my head to reply to him. Heat was tingeing my ears red.

"You are not." He mocked and glanced at me.

"I am not." I grimaced slightly, hoping he would drop this right now. If he thought I would tell him about how the dress didn't fit me, then good luck!

God, this is so embarrassing. Why did I have to mention it? Oh yeah, because I wanted his freaking reaction.

"Okay. Your choice." Arran shrugged his shoulders and hummed with the beat of the music.

"My choice!" I half scoffed. "I wanted to wear it." I defended myself. Deep down, I knew I was acting childish but something inside me was a little peeved.

"Then why aren't you?" He asked me once more and I was quiet.

I wanted to tell him but I couldn't and I knew I was making an issue out of nothing. As childish as I sounded, I wanted to know how he felt about me. I didn't want to be another one of the girls he wined and dined.

"I felt like wearing this." I shrugged my shoulders and clasped my hands tightly. Curse me for starting this conversation.

"But you couldn't wear the one I sent you?" He glanced at me sideways. "Again Emberly, its fine. You don't have to feel guilty about it. I thought you'd like that dress." He was trying his best to not sound detached.

"I am sorry. I'll send it back tomorrow." I told him and he looked baffled for a second. It wasn't like I was ever going to wear that again so it was better to send it back rather than wasting money. His lip curved in a mysterious smile.

The traffic was light and we made it there within twenty minutes. As soon as he parked, I got out of the car quickly. He frowned but said nothing.

"This place looks amazing."

Which was true. It was elegant and cosy. After Arran gave his name, a small guy with curly, salt and pepper hair led us through the tables to one corner. Like a gentleman, Arran pulled out a chair for me to sit and sat across me. He ordered wine for himself whilst I settled on water. I opened the menu card to hide from his confused gaze.

"May I take your order?"

Finally an English-speaking waitress!

I eyed the waitress as she batted her too-long-to-be-real eyelashes at Arran, who was oblivious of her antics and concentrated on the menu. When he asked about something, she giggled and replied over-enthusiastically.

'Real classy girl, real classy.'

I ignored her loud banter and looked at the menu and my mouth watered. Arran waited for me to order first and I opened my mouth to order something called 'Moussaka' when I remembered what happened earlier like a rewind of the disaster. Not something to remember.

"I'll have... salad only." I gave the waitress a tight smile as she responded to my order with a smug smile.

"Salad?" He asked me, surprised. His eyebrows drew together and he looked confused.

"Yeah salad Arran, with cucumbers and tomatoes..."

"I know what the fuck salad is..." A muscle ticked in his jaw.

"Good. So salad it is." His eyes narrowed, but he continued to look at me like I had lost my marbles.

"No... Can you get steak for both of us, medium- well done for me? What about you?" Green eyes narrowed dangerously at me, waiting for me to protest. It was enough to shut my mouth.

"Well done, too." I told her and she left, swaying her hips slightly.

"But Arran. I like... salad. And I'm not hungry." Just then, my stomach decided to growl. It was embarrassing, but I hadn't eaten anything since morning. He gave me a sceptical look, challenging me to say something. I was sure my face was brighter than the tablecloth.

"Are you going to tell me what's the matter with you? You are acting weird."

"It's nothing." I tightened my grip on the glass, trying to hide my frustration.

"Emberly!" "His tone was more insistent, demanding an answer.

"It's embarrassing." I replied, the words as stiff as my body was.

"It won't be that bad." He persisted.

Oh to hell with it!

"Uhm... I couldn't fit in the dress you sent me." "I spoke softly forcing myself to stay strong. I couldn't believe this was actually happening, that this was real life and not a nightmare. I closed my eyes wishing I could vanish.

"What?" I heard him say, scoffing.

"I couldn't fit in the dress you sent. It was a size small." I repeated clearer this time.

Or two!

"Oh, I heard you the first time." I opened my eyes to find him grinning.

"Then why did you make me say it again? And stop smiling, it's embarrassing." My eyes widened and so did his smile.

"More embarrassing than the time you got a bikini for Belle?" His shoulders shook silently. I glared at him but fought a smile.

"Nothing can beat that." I grimaced, remembering the time I ordered sexy lingerie for Belle. Arran threw back his head and roared with laughter.

"Not funny, Arran. Not funny." I shook my head, not wanting to laugh with him. No matter how embarrassing telling him was, it was funny just thinking about it.

"My bad Emberly. I am really sorry. I thought... anyway, I'm sorry for not treating you the right way. You look beautiful in every dress. Honestly, I am just relieved." An odd combination of emotions swirled in those eyes.

"Why?" I questioned him. I expected him to be shocked, angry, confused but he was at ease.

"I thought maybe you didn't like the dress. Normally, I let my assistants handle this matter but this time, since I was taking one out on a date, I took the matter in my own hands. I... chose a dress for you by myself. I wanted this to be special for you... for us. As I said before, you look beautiful in any dress." He spoke sincerely. "Even in those that don't fit you."

"You are such an idiot, you know that? Tip for next time, don't assume. I died a million deaths this morning because of that dress." I laughed slightly. It was nerve wrecking.

One corner of his lips curled up. If grins could kill, he would slay me with that smile. He never brought up the topic again and instantly it made me feel comfortable. After that, we talked, as if we were two friends spending time together. We got to know more about each other. Music. Movies. Books. Hobbies. Friends. We were enjoying making each other laugh. He ordered cheesecake and it was the best one I ever had.

"Is that you Arran?" We were just finishing up dessert when a sultry voice with a strong accent interrupted us.

I lifted my eyes to the beautiful woman who was standing next to Arran at our table. She bend down to kiss Arran's cheek and gestured to the waiter to bring a chair for her.

Okayyy, please make yourself comfortable.

She was wearing a royal blue dress that showed her cleavage more than necessary. When her eyes roamed over me, she gave me a small smile.

"Natalia. How are you?" Arran seemed delighted to see her.

"Much better, after seeing you." She curved her red lips in a smile and I tried my best not to shift in my seat. I continued eating the cheesecake silently.

"You look stunning." He complimented her and she grinned, stroking his cheek affectionately.

Yeah thanks, jerk! You can compliment her after meeting her for what five seconds and yet it takes eons to compliment me! Your freaking date of the night.

The fork in my hand clinked loudly against the plate, catching their attention. I mustered an innocent smile and apologised silently.

"Natalia, this is Emberly and Emberly, this is a good friend of mine."

Oh look, he realizes I'm still here. I smiled tightly at her.Why am I so jealous of someone I just met? Dear god, I was turning into a green-eyed monster. First the waitress, now his friend!

"How's Luke?" She asked him, completely ignoring my presence.

Why don't you call him and ask him yourself?

"As usual, how's Savos?" He asked her, rather uncomfortably. Maybe, it was the way I was looking at her.

Good. At least he noticed!

"Oh, he is here. I am on a date with him." She waved the question off with a sneer.

"That makes both of us." I folded the napkin and feigned a smile. For a second, she looked completely stunned and then her smile broadened.

Someone had a little too much to drink!

"I see you are finally getting over Sophia. I am finally meeting someone who isn't a replica of her." Her eyes assessed me.

The tension between us was palpable. Arran clenched his jaw and kept his mouth shut. This was totally awkward and Arran had a type? I thought for sure anything with two legs and a 'v' use to work for him.

When she noticed how quite we had both gone, she laughed a little, feeling embarrassed. "I mean I am glad to see you with someone different than Sophia." She touched his shoulder and stood up.

Please stop!

"I'll see you around. If you want to see me, I am available till next week. It's been nice meeting you." She didn't wait for him to give an answer. He was clenching the fork a bit too tightly.

"Hey, just ignore her, 'kay?" I placed my hand on top of his and squeezed it lightly, letting him know I was there for him.

He bowed his head and a small smile bloomed over his face. When he looked up, it nearly took a breath out of me. My throat tightened with an unknown emotion. I could see his mouth moving but could not hear a word. I was well aware of his deliciously spicy scent that surrounded me, even though he was sitting across the small table. I could feel his body heat burning through his clothes and reaching out to entangle me.

This is not good.

"I need to use... excuse me." I looked around for the restroom.

"Sure." He answered.

I fled to the toilet, and stood near the sink. I rested my hands on the cool tiles. What was that? It can't be what I'm thinking. I can't... Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't think about it. I shook my head at my red cheeks and dazed eyes.

"You like him...?"

Jesus, I nearly had a heart attack. I saw Natalia's reflection in the mirror. I turned around and she took few steps towards me. Uncomfortable at how close she was, I took a few steps back.

I looked at her and shrugged. "He is my boss." Something sparked in her eyes and I instantly regretted telling her.

"Your eyes say something else. Don't be offended honey but I must agree you are different than his usual taste." She walked passed me and fixed her hair. I turned around, facing the mirror and applying a coat of lipstick.

"My eyes says, you should have gone easier on the mascara. None taken sweets, I know what I'm doing." "I replied, pretending to be unaffected whereas my heart was galloping.

You insane psycho!

"Be careful darling, when you try to fix a broken person, you may cut yourself on their shattered pieces! Sophia was, is and will always be the most important person in his life. Don't you ever, even for a second, think you can replace her. If I couldn't, there's no way on earth, someone like you can." Her whole posture was still, yet her words were venomous.

I twisted my neck around so fast that I was certain I'd be feeling the effects of whiplash later. She walked out with a satisfied smile on her face.

❦❦❦❦❦

Edited by Mia .< but then you said 'Meeruh if this makes you happy then I wont come between your happiness. (aka I wont tell your mom but I will blackmail you for the rest of my life)

Uhm I hope you enjoy this chapter? It might be boring but its split in to two chapters so bear with it and try to enjoy it? :P I have cleared few points in this chapter like how they got the house and etc. etc. It might seem the story is not moving but I am working on it x I am working on the 'zing'. (ifyouknowwhatImean)

Vote if you have enjoyed it, leave a comment if you haven't :P good luck to everyone who has GCSE, A-Levels, Uni exams or any type of exams. Wish you all the very best.

Take care, Ameerah x

*phewwww- goes back to revising*