Chapter 33

Lauren

Staring at the pile of files sitting on my desk, I whined softly at the load of work I had to do.

Don't, Lauren. I can't be this lazy. No wonder my mother hated me.

I took a deep breath.

This is nothing. I can finish it before lunch.

I spoke a motivating speech to myself before immersing myself in the file review I had to do.

I hadn't even met Sarah and Leah yet. I came early this morning as Ethan had a lot of work to do. He looked pretty normal like he didn't just meet someone after a long time, Moreover, after all that happened last night.

Although he said that I can take a day off, I don't want to come off as a lazy person, so I declined the offer. Now that I'm here, I should've taken the day off.

Time passed with me slipping to sleep sometimes, eating a chocolate bar sometimes and just random body stretching among all the work I had to do.

It was almost lunchtime and I sighed happily. I was about to go to Ethan's office when Ryan entered in.

"Ryan." I greeted him.

"You are going somewhere?" he asked me and he sounded low. He even had a tired look on his face.

"No. but what happened to you? Are you not feeling well?" I walked towards him and placed my hand on his forehead to check the temperature.

"You don't have a fever. Then why do you look so low?" I asked without thinking much. Then the last night's events flashed in my mind.

"Is this about Eva?" I asked Ryan and he just scoffed with a smile. If I didn't know him any better, I wouldn't even notice any change in his behaviour. He looked okay-ish but not his usual cheery normal.

"No." He spoke turning his eyes away from me.

"You won't tell me? and here I thought we are enemies." I joked giving him my sad pretence eyes.

"We still are. Don't worry." Ryan smiled for the first time since he arrived here. a real smile.

"Then tell me. Ryan?" I asked him again this time genuinely concerned.

"You are worrying too much for nothing, Lauren. And coming to Eva, she doesn't want to see me again. So, the little story we had, has ended last night." Ryan spoke casually and I didn't know how to respond.

"Ryan..." I trailed off but he interrupted.

"Don't worry. I am absolutely fine. I already knew we were never meant for each other. My world is different from hers. I just didn't think it would end this soon." Ryan finished with a humourless smile.

"Was Ethan the reason?" I asked him hoping it wouldn't be the reason.

"I don't know." He answered.

"Did she tell you about Ethan and everything?" I asked after a silent moment.

"Yes." He answered simply.

"Oh." My response was short.

"Is he thinking of meeting Eva?" Ryan asked with a neutral face and I sighed.

"Honestly, I don't know." He looked like he wasn't happy with my answer but decided not to speak any further.

"What is that?" I asked looking at the file in his hand.

"Ethan wanted this file and the information in it is confidential. So, here I am." Ryan handed me the file.

"I'll go now. Bye-bye, fish dancer." I ignored his nickname for this time.

"Wait. Did you finish your lunch?" I stopped him by holding his hand. I doubt if he will have any mood to eat later.

"Why?" he asked me and when he saw my glare, he answered again.

"No."

"Good. It's my lunchtime now. Why don't we three eat together." I suggested and he just looked bored.

"Where?" he asked and I frowned.

"Ah, yes. You can't eat in a restaurant. Paparazzi problem. The office cafeteria will also be slightly crowded as it's lunch time now. Why don't we eat in Ethan's office?"

"I don't want to, Lauren." Ryan looked uninterested.

"Shut up, Ryan." I took his arm and dragged him to Ethan's office.

***

We are currently sitting in Ethan's office. Ethan and I were sitting on a couch and Ryan sat on the side couch next to me.

I brought chicken nuggets, some fries and a burger for the unhealthy me and the boring salads for the healthy men in the room.

Salads are good but I will still prefer a burger any day.

We started eating and slowly the comfortable silence started heaving with tension as they both didn't speak a single word to each other.

After a couple of silent moments, Ethan opened his mouth. This time not to eat but talk.

"How did you meet Eva?" Ethan asked staring at Ryan.

Silent eating was better than talking about this topic. I sighed.

"She was in my last court case's legal team," Ryan spoke eating his salad.

I slowly chewed my chicken nugget when they went silent again.

"So, after eating, I was thinking-" I started but Ryan interrupted me.

"Why did you never meet Eva again?" I blinked at Ryan's question.

I didn't know if Ethan would even want to answer that.

"I was a kid and Eva and her mother moved out to California." Ethan stopped eating and leaned back to answer Ryan's question.

"You are not a child now. Are you? You could have met her before if you wanted to."

"What are you trying to say, Ryan?" Ethan furrowed his eyebrows even when he understood what Ryan was saying.

"Why don't we talk later? You know all that stuff about we shouldn't talk while eating right?" I butted in to stop them from talking for now.

"What? did I speak anything I shouldn't?" Ryan asked with a snarl. Did he just ignore me?

"Yes. You did." Ethan finished.

"Is it? Please do tell me what did I say wrong?" Ryan's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Why don't you have some nuggets?" I butted in again trying to stop where this could go and they both ignored me again.

These shitty best friends... I controlled my anger.

"You shouldn't talk when you don't know everything." Ethan addressed in his cold tone.

"Yes. I do know that I don't know everything. But, from what little I know, you are wrong Ethan."

Ethan scoffed at Ryan's answer.

"You shouldn't conclude right and wrong when you don't know things completely, Ryan."

It was Ryan's time to scoff.

"These fries are absolute heaven. Have some..." my voice fell on deaf ears this time too.

Why do I even bother speaking at this point?

They stopped eating long back and are set to talk more like argue. Even my neck started aching snapping my neck to look at the two men sitting on either side of me.

"So, you are saying that you never-meeting-your-once-little-sister again was right?"

"I had my reasons." Ethan simply shrugged.

"You had your reasons. Good, But what about Eva? Did you never think of her? How would she feel about all that?" Ryan stressed.

"Okay-" I started again trying to sound stern not liking how they started arguing.

"Lauren!!!"

Both Ryan and Ethan seethed in a stern tone interrupting me.

Did they just snap at me? what?

I swear to god if I ever talk to them.

I stopped talking glaring at them and leaned back exhaling loudly. I can't believe they both snapped at me. At the same time.

"What do you want me to say? That I never cared about my sister. Or that I never loved her ever." Ethan fumed at Ryan.

"I'm just asking. What? Is that wrong too?"

"Yes. It's wrong when it's none of your business."

"None of my business?" Ryan scoffed. "I thought as a friend I could say it to you when I didn't like something about you. Guess I'm wrong." Ryan accused.

"I didn't say that," Ethan spoke.

"You clearly meant that." Ryan glared at Ethan before getting up from the couch.

"I'll see you later, Lauren." He spoke only to me before walking out.

Ethan huffed getting up from the couch and storming to his desk.

If they weren't actually arguing, I would have thrown a tantrum right then and there.

***

It's been two days since Ryan and Ethan had that argument in the office.

I never imagined Ryan and Ethan fighting. They were just so inseparable and understanding of each other. Now that I think, even Chris had the same understanding with Ethan as Ryan and Ethan.

But Ethan and Chris still fought for years.

I sighed not liking them arguing. They both looked stubborn before. Although they might solve the issue themselves, I felt intrigued to do something to help. But what should I do?

Ethan really is a pro at letting people misunderstand him. He doesn't think of a need to explain himself further and that's the root of every problem. He would rather let everything fall apart rather than just sort it out.

I was working with the files that needed to be reviewed when Ethan came into my cubicle.

"Let's go," Ethan spoke taking my hand.

"Where?" I asked but he already started dragging me out.

"I'll tell you." That was the only response I got.

***

He stopped the car and I frowned when I took in the sight in front of me. He brought me to a court. But why?

Don't tell me he wants a divorce. My heart stopped for a moment.

But I have to sign the papers first and he didn't send me anything like that. I sighed and my heart continued playing its happy beat.

Why do I overthink everything? And moreover, why would he do that when we are better together?

"Why are we here?" I asked getting down of the car and he did the same.

"To meet Eva."

"Oh..." I trailed off at his response.

"Wait- you are going to meet Eva?" I asked surprised as he was pretty sure to keep his distance from her.

"Yes," he answered.

"Why? I mean you wanted to stay away from her." I continued as I didn't want him to misunderstand me.

Wasn't it Ethan, who said that Eva reminds him of his father's death and all the tragic past?

"I don't want Eva to hate me," he answered timidly.

"I knew that one day I had to meet Eva. But I always tried to avoid that day. Not because I didn't love her enough or anything. Because I didn't want to change anything. I didn't want to make things better. That pain was comforting, Lauren."

I stared at the man who keeps surprising me every day. Somedays the surprises are good, and some days they aren't as good.

"I'm glad you changed your decision." I smiled at him and he sighed taking my hand.

"But don't you think Eva will be at a law firm where her office is?" I asked him out of blue.

"She has a trail now. it must be finished by now. Let's go." I followed him in.

"How would you know that?" I furrowed my eyebrows giving him a stare.

"I have my sources." He shrugged.

"Stalker much?" I huffed turning away from him.

"Let's just go." He said dragging me in along with him.

***

When I saw Eva standing near the courtroom talking with a person, I turned towards Ethan to see him already staring at Eva.

He looked normal but I could see the hidden nervousness beneath him. He looked like he is questioning all his life decisions right now.

For some reason, I felt like he is planning an escape even now. Like he does every time.

His eyes landed on me and he let them for a good minute. He took a deep breath staring at me and I could see him getting at ease slowly. He gave me a brief smile, and when we turned towards Eva, she was already looking at us.

She started walking towards us and was about to walk past us, ignoring us, but Ethan stopped her.

"Eva," Ethan spoke. I looked at them.

"I need to talk to you," Ethan spoke.

"I don't want to." She turned away from us.

"Eva, please. I know whatever I did was wrong. I'm sorry." He spoke again looking at her.

"Please talk to me." He pleaded and I stared at him.

I can't believe this is the same arrogant man I have married. Getting a sorry come out of his mouth is quite difficult. But it isn't that difficult these days.

When I saw Eva wasn't convinced, I spoke.

"Eva, please. He is your brother." I looked desperate I know.

"Only once. Just listen to him." I continued.

She gave us both a stare and I know we both looked like a complete mess awaiting her response.

***

I sighed and looked around sitting on the same bench and staring at the walls. I'm glad Eva gave in and they both went together for a bit of privacy. Although Ethan asked me if I wanted to tag along, who in their right mind would love to sit in between the quarrelling siblings.

I just hope they sort things out and be like how they once were. Although I didn't know them before, from what Ethan spoke to me, Eva really loved her brother.

Now that I'm here sitting on a bench with a blank brain, I realized I've never been to a court.

I only watched it in the movies and in reality, it's slightly different from what I see in the movies.

Now watching a live trial in the court remained a wish. It would be so cool to even watch a live trial with a jury and lawyers arguing.

Why do I get all these childish thoughts when I'm alone?

But getting a thrill from even little things is something I should be proud of. Don't you think so?

It's been almost ten to fifteen minutes since they left and I decided to walk around but stopped when I saw a familiar person. It's Elena Kingston.

I frowned when I saw her slightly limping.

When I walked towards her, I saw her fractured too.

"Mrs Kingston," I called her and she looked up and her face instantly changed from a blank stern face to a smiling face.

"Lauren, what are you doing here?" she asked me walking towards me. But also limping sometimes.

"I'm here with Ethan. But what happened to you? Are you okay?" I asked standing beside her and looking at her broken hand. That must be hurting.

"I'm good. It's just a small accident." She brushed it off like its nothing and my frown deepened.

"An accident?" I almost yelled.

"How is this a small accident? You must be in a lot of pain. I even saw you limping. You should have at least brought someone with you. Why are you even here, Mrs Kingston? In this state. Why don't you just sit here" I continued not realizing that I am just rambling at this point.

I made her sit on the bench I'd been previously sitting on and sat beside her.

"I had to attend the court as it was the person's court trial who did this to me." she slowly explained showing her injuries and I nodded. Her face still had a tint of a smile even with all those injuries.

"When did this happen?" I asked her.

"A week back." She answered giving me a smile.

"How did it happen?" I asked her and she hesitated to answer but she did.

"I was at the bar drinking. As I was drunk, I couldn't drive back home and I gave my driver a day off. So, I waited for a taxi at the side. One moment I was looking around waiting for a taxi and the next minute a car was running towards me. And then BOOM here I am." she answered lightheartedly but it must be scary.

"Apparently that person who drove the car was drunk." She continued and I sighed.

"Are you okay now?" I asked her again worriedly.

"Of course, Lauren. It's a bit tough sometimes as it's only me who has to handle stuff but it isn't that difficult. Don't worry." She spoke giving me a small smile and she looked touched for some reason.

She looked beautiful every time she smiled. No wonder Ethan is handsome. Elena has the same blue eyes as Ethan.

Although I saw her a few times, this is the second time I've talked to her. the first time being when she visited the penthouse.

"Wait- you said that you and Ethan are here? why? What happened? Did you fight? Don't tell me you opted for divorce?" she started shooting questions at me with a very serious face and I chuckled at her words.

"Of course not, Mrs Kingston."

She sighed at my response.

I can't believe that she is a kind of villain to everyone in the past. Although she looks a bit rough on the out, she is also very warm. At least to me. Has she changed or has she always been like this? If she has always been like this, then why did she become a villain to everyone in the first place?

I knew Ethan might get mad at me if he sees me talking to his mother. Again. But I couldn't stop myself when I saw her in this state.

I always followed my instincts whenever I'm confused. Although all my instincts backfire on me all the time, I'm just happy that I listen to myself. Isn't happiness the end goal?

"Then why?" she asked bringing me out of my thoughts.

She would know about Eva eventually, even if I didn't say now. So, I decided to say about Eva.

"He wanted to meet Eva." She stiffened for a moment listening to me.

"Eva?" she asked me for confirmation.

Obviously, she knew who Eva is.

"Yes." I nodded at her and she had a distant look.

"Ethan met Eva?" after a moment she asked me again.

"He did," I confirmed and she sighed.

After a moment of silence, she opened her mouth again.

"I'm glad they both met." I frowned at her words. I dint expect her to get mad and angry about Ethan and Eva meeting, but I also didn't expect her to be happy.

She is genuinely happy and it made me wonder.

"My driver is here, Lauren," she spoke getting up from the bench and I followed.

"I'll see you again." She smiled at me taking my hand and I smiled at her.

"Do you want some help?" I asked her as her leg isn't fine, but she politely rejected it.

I nodded at her and she walked away, sometimes limping, giving me a final smile.

Why did she become a villain in the first place?

Or was she really a villain?

Ryan's POV

"Your shot is ready sir." my manager spoke after getting into the van.

"Ok."

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath trying to control my grumpy mood and not lash out at my sweet and slow manager.

I am at the shooting scene right now.

For some goddamn reason, I'm so mad at everyone and everything. Although I'm partially guilty, I would still put the whole blame on Ethan.

It's been two days since the fight with Ethan and that bastard didn't even bother trying to resolve the argument between us.

No wonder he looks so ugly. I scoffed.

But then again, I shouldn't have said anything in the first place. But why shouldn't I?

The night when Eva spoke about her past, made me sad. That such a strong girl had to experience so much pain. Those eyes held so much suffering.

Ethan is good, although I would never mention that to him, that cold idiot had always done whatever he wanted without thinking about what others felt.

Someone must say that to him some time and I thought why not me?

But that dumbass garbage didn't think twice before saying it's none of my business. He spoke like I'm nothing when I've been his friend for years. And that alone is making me mad.

Whenever we argued between us three, it was always me who spoke first. Not Ethan nor Chris.

I don't want to give in first, at least this time.

I sighed getting out of my van after doing a little stretch and saw SpongeBob out of the van looking around with a stern expression.

"SpongeBob" I called standing beside him.

His name is actually Bob but I don't know why but he resembles SpongeBob, the character I love immensely.

And he doesn't mind me calling him SpongeBob, so I continued with the name.

"Did you have your lunch?" I asked him as its almost noon.

"Not yet, sir." He gave me a chuckle, answering.

"Good, I heard there is a new restaurant opened here. Let's order food from that restaurant after this scene. Come on." I spoke hanging my arm around his neck and dragging him along with me. He chuckled at my actions but followed me.

To be frank, SpongeBob has slowly become a good friend more than a bodyguard. And I have no complaints about it.

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