Chapter 35

Lauren

"How long has it been since we three sat together like this?" Sarah wondered out loud eating her salad.

"It's because Lauren ditched eating with us." Leah glared at me playfully.

"What?" I played dumb all the well, knowing they would not buy my act.

Lately, I've been having my lunch with Ethan as he skips his meals being busy in his work. I know he will take a break at least for me to eat if I spend my lunch time with him. Isn't it a win-win situation? He eats his meals and I can spend some time with him.

"Right." Sarah agreed, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"It's nothing like that. We have a lot of work to do, so I decided to just eat at my desk." I shrugged avoiding their eyes and concentrating on my chicken wings.

"At least lie properly, Lauren." Leah shook her head like a disappointed mother.

"Right. We know that you have been having your lunch with Mr Kingston. You both have become inseparable these days." Sarah wriggled her eyebrows and I didn't know how to deny it anymore.

"Well, yes but-" Sarah interrupted me.

"You don't have to explain anything. I know you both are so in love. We were just pulling your leg." Sarah gave me a soft smile.

I didn't know how to respond to the love comment. But that line alone made me feel all giddy inside.

"Also, we missed you," Leah added and my heart melted at her comment.

"Aw, I missed you guys too." I gave them my best smile with sincere eyes.

"And not to mention our silly talks and jokes," I added and they nodded their heads.

"Ah yes, the cringe jokes." Leah fake laughed but stopped when she saw Sarah and mine's glare.

So, what's going on in life lately?" I changed the topic.

"Well, Alex and I are dating. And let's just say except for the times he's being too picky, he is pretty good for me." Sarah started.

"Aw, I always knew you both were soulmates." I gave her a cheeky smile, and she rolled her eyes playfully at me.

"And Leah?" I turned towards her.

And she took a deep breath before opening her mouth.

"Well, I do have something good to share." Sarah and I frowned at Leah's response.

"What is it?" Sarah asked.

"What?" I asked now curious.

"Betty and I decided something. We decided to adopt a baby. Well, anyone who knows Betty, knows that she loves babies. So, this has always been the plan from the start" I widened my eyes at her.

"Oh my god, Leah. Congrats." Sarah giggled happily grabbing Leah's hand.

"Congrats, Leah." I beamed at her after coming out of the shock.

"Stop saying that. It's not like I'm pregnant or anything." She brushed us off but Sarah replied sternly.

"But you are still going to become a mom, Aren't you?"

"So, when are you going to finish the adoption?" I asked and Leah turned towards me.

"There are a lot of formalities, Lauren. First, we have to finish them." I nodded my head understanding her words.

"I'm sure Betty is over the moon right now." Sarah teased and Leah's lips stretched into a big smile. She had that big smile with a content glint in her eyes.

"She is. I can't tell you how excited she is..." I zoned out of the rest of the conversation staring at Leah and Sarah.

Leah herself is so happy talking about the baby and Sarah had a wistful look on her face looking at Leah's excitement.

Thinking about babies and children and a real family made me feel warm and tingly inside for some unknown reason.

What if one day, Ethan and I have a little baby someday...

No...Two kids it is.

Three kids will also be beautiful if I had to be honest.

"Lauren." Leah's voice brought me out of my daydreams.

What am I even thinking?

"Yes." I stared at Leah and Sarah.

"Were you daydreaming or what?" Leah

"What? Me? No. I'm just listening to what you were saying." I avoided their eyes drinking water as an excuse.

"Sure." Sarah trailed off chuckling and I glared at her.

"Anyway, I think I should go now," I spoke getting up from the chair and searching for my phone on the table.

"Just say you already miss your husband, Lauren," Sarah spoke making me roll my eyes.

Is it too cringe of me to say that I miss him already?

Yes, it is. I know.

So, I'm never going to admit it.

"Whatever."

"I'll see you guys later. Bye." I spoke and they both waved at me without giving me a second look, continuing their chat.

***

I entered his office after knocking on the door at five in the evening.

I couldn't talk to him earlier as he was busy with work and I had no intention to disturb him. So, I left him to be.

He acknowledged me with a momentary look before going back to his work.

"Did you have your lunch?" I asked standing in front of Ethan's desk.

As he removed his coat, he is only in his white shirt and trousers. And it would be a lie if I say I didn't drool at the abs I can see through his tight-fitted shirt. In a single word, he is smoking HOT.

He is clearly a show worth watching.

Wait-

Did anyone else come here and saw him like this?

I hope not. He is available only for my eyes. I pouted at the thought of someone else watching his body.

"Yes." His response pulled me out of the war with my thoughts.

Why aren't you wearing your coat?

That question was at the tip of my tongue but I didn't want to embarrass myself asking him that.

"Aren't you going to ask me if I had my lunch?" I asked him.

What? I didn't have anything else to continue the conversation. Moreover, he should at least ask me that. That's a very basic thing to do.

"I know you did." He answered me completely busy doing his work.

"I know your priorities, Lauren." This time he stared at me while answering.

He knows me too well.

You can't blame me eating is my first priority.

I decided to go back to my desk but remembered Mrs Kingston out of nowhere.

I didn't say Ethan about my meeting with his mother in court the day he met Eva.

I thought of telling him later in the evening, but was afraid that it might just slip out of my mind and it would seem like I kept it from him on purpose.

I didn't want to keep any secrets after what happened with Eva.

I got away easily from that last time, but I don't think Ethan will appreciate it if I kept it from him. Moreover, he should know about his mother's accident.

"Ethan, I have something to say," I spoke sitting in front of him.

"Now? We could just talk later, Lauren." He ignored me.

"I met Mrs Kingston in the court that day" At the mention of his mother, he gave me his complete attention.

"What?"

"She met with an accident and had to attend the court about that," I spoke and he bolted up from his seat.

"What? Is she okay? What happened? Why are you telling me now?" I blinked surprised at his sudden outburst.

"Yes. Except for minor injuries, she is fine." I nodded my head at him but my answer didn't satisfy him.

"Was she alone when it happened?" he asked me again. The tension and worry can be clearly seen on his face.

He was worried about his mother.

"Yes-" before I could continue he cut me off.

"What was her security staff doing?"

"Ethan-"

"I should just fire them all and hire new people-"

"Ethan, calm down." I touched his arm and his eyes landed on my face.

A soft sigh escaped his lips staring at me.

I held my tongue to not say something which can cause a rift between us but of course I had to say it.

"You should probably talk to her." he frowned at me.

"No." he was quick to answer.

"Ethan, you care for her. I can see the love you have for your mother-" He cut me off walking away from her.

"I know I care for her, Lauren. But I also can decide if I want to talk to her or not." He turned away from me removing his tie and throwing it harshly on his couch.

"Then when are you going to decide?"

He turned towards me.

"I know what happened in the past and I know that whatever happened wasn't fair. But don't you think people change? –"

he cut me off walking towards me and standing in front of me.

"What are you trying to do? Prove me wrong or what? If you wanted to pick a side between us, just tell me." he fumed at me and I can see him getting mad.

"I'm not picking any side, Ethan. I just-"

"You clearly are, Lauren."

I took a deep breath to cool down for a bit before speaking again.

"I'm not," I spoke looking away from him.

"Your mother has always been sweet and loving towards me. So, I'm sorry if I try defending her." I resumed the conversation.

"She is my mother, Lauren. You don't have to worry about our relationship. I didn't tell you about my whole past only for you to judge me and make opinions." He snapped at me.

"Judging?" I scoffed.

"Where am I judging, Ethan? I'm a human, after all. Can't I have my own opinions?"

"Yes. Please pray do have your opinions, Lauren Kingston. But don't you dare bring every silly opinion of yours in front of me." He told me off and it made me even madder.

"Silly opinions?" I furrowed my eyebrows at him.

"Yes. They are silly ninety per cent of the time. Aren't they? Try using your brain at least sometimes, Lauren." he yelled at me looking quite frustrated and I didn't even know what to speak anymore.

His angry voice vibrated throughout the walls around me. His words felt like a tight slap on my face.

"Don't speak to me like that." I glared at him.

I hate when others yell at me.

It just makes me want to cry and I can't express my point clearly when someone yells at me.

It started with my mother. I don't want Ethan to continue it.

It has happened in the past too. Whenever Ethan shouts at me, I couldn't talk anymore and just cry. Crying didn't make me feel pathetic. It just made me feel less strong.

When he stared at my face, his guilt-filled eyes avoided mine and stepped back creating some space between us.

How wrong of me to think that he knows me too well.

The argument is proof that he doesn't know me at all.

Maybe it's just me who is living in this fake fantasy of building a family with him.

Yes, I love being silly. and maybe I do think childishly. But it's just how I cope. It's either I overthink or act irrationally.

My hands get sweaty and they shook violently before attending a meeting or any party.

I can't choose one if have many options. I go back and forth.

I talk to strangers but I constantly worry that I'm just wasting their time talking to them.

These thoughts are just in my head for so long that I am used to them at this point. And being silly and playful with the people I'm comfortable with relaxes me. It calms me down.

But he wouldn't understand me, even if I say it to him.

He just thinks I'm silly and just probably dumb.

"I thought you know me well, but you don't." I started.

I glared at him but he kept his gaze away from me.

"We are different."

This time, I got his attention.

He is different. He is practical and logical. But I'm not. I do what I like to do. He would never understand me.

He looked at me and his eyes are filled with mixed emotions. I looked away from him to not get fooled by those eyes like every time.

"I'm leaving."

"Lauren-"

"My office hours are finished, Ethan. I can leave now." I retorted.

"Lauren, wait." He started walking towards me but I stopped him before he could reach me.

"Don't follow me. I need to be alone." I glared at him but he ignored me walking towards me.

"Lauren, just listen to me-"

"Don't, Ethan. I mean it."

He stopped in his tracks listening to me and gave me a final look.

He looked like he was holding himself back. I shrugged it off before turning back and walking out.

***

It's been almost two hours since the fight with Ethan.

I tried looking at the good things around me to cheer myself up, but let's just say, I'm constantly failing in doing that.

I didn't want to go home. I know that Ethan will be waiting for me and I'm in no mood to fight with him anymore.

How does expressing my opinions felt like I'm judging him?

And not to mention how he subtly meant to mind my business and not give him my opinions.

It just makes me mad that he still thinks that I have no part in his life or his decisions, even though I'm his wife.

But no. Ethan Kingston loves being the cold, rude, arrogant man. Well, add the worst husband to the list too.

He doesn't have to accept my opinion or decisions; he could just listen to them. That's the basic thing.

Maybe he still doesn't think of me as his wife.

But what about those kisses, flirting, and those random laughs looking at each other? Did they mean nothing to him?

It obviously didn't. How naïve of me to think of a family and two children with him.

It's never going to happen.

I exhaled loudly releasing all the tension within me. Thinking of him is only making me furious.

I sat on the bench on the side of the road and was eating my sandwich looking around.

In silence, I ate the rest of my sandwich for the new few minutes. I was about to search for my phone in my bag when I heard some whimpers.

I frowned and looked around.

I kept looking around till I saw a small puppy whimpering on the side path and its one of the paws is bleeding.

The poor puppy must have gotten injured on the road.

I rushed towards the puppy and tried picking her up, but it whimpered more and it scared me that I'm just hurting her even more.

I was about to pick her up carefully when someone else picked up the puppy with utmost care and into their arms.

I looked up and saw a tall honey brown-hair man wearing a hoodie and some sweatpants. His hair is long but not that long too. His hair reached his shoulders and kept on falling on his forehead.

But the way he carried the puppy carefully and spoke soothingly to the puppy calming her down surprised me.

"Can you drive?" he looked up for the first time staring at me.

"No."

He looked quite shocked.

Yes, sir, there are a few people who can't drive. Like me.

He sighed and stepped closer to me in a quick motion.

"Just be careful with her." He spoke carefully placing the puppy in my arms.

He stared at me for a good moment before stepping back and I had to avert my eyes away from him.

I petted the puppy carefully as she was still bleeding. A few blood drops spattered on my white coat here and there.

The blood tensed me even more.

"Here. let's go to the hospital." he opened the passenger door and I was scared for a moment to get into a stranger's car but quickly brushed it off.

I quickly entered the car all the while being careful with the puppy.

He quickly rounded the car entering in and soon we hit the road.

***

"She lost some blood. But nothing serious. Don't worry." The veterinarian doctor spoke and I sighed visibly.

"I'll just clean up her wound and do the first aid. And then you can leave with her." He spoke.

"Thank you," I spoke.

"Thanks a lot." I heard the long-haired man beside me. He stayed with me throughout the pup's treatment.

We walked out of the room together and waited outside.

"Thanks a lot for helping," I spoke after an awkward silent minute.

Earlier, the car ride was silent as we were both in a rush to reach the hospital. So, we didn't talk about anything.

"I could tell you the same." He looked up with his green eyes and spoke in a raspy, husky voice.

Well, If I wasn't married, he is that man I would see in an airport and crush on him for years.

"So, do you want to adopt the puppy?" he asked me bringing me out of my ridiculous thoughts.

"What? Ah, yes. Sure." I quickly agreed without thinking twice and he smiled at me.

But then the earlier fight with Ethan flashed in my mind. I didn't even discuss this with him.

"Actually, I think I can't-"

"What? Your husband will not agree?" he asked me with a small smile pointing his finger at my hand.

I looked at where he is pointing and I stared at the wedding ring on my finger.

Oh.

The smile lines around his lips every time he smiles are distracting. They look so good on him.

He is handsome but not as much as Ethan. Ethan gets that cute little dimples whenever he smiles, and I had to stop myself to not touch them.

Ethan is a very handsome man with a very cold, rude, dumb, shitty heart. Yes, I'm still mad at him.

"Um. Yeah." I chucked awkwardly answering his question and he gave me a smirk.

"Well, don't worry. I'm taking her home." He gave me a big smile and I was surprised for a minute.

"Are you sure?" I frowned at him.

"I'll take good care of her. and you can meet the puppy anytime you want." He suggested with a shrug and I nodded my head at him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I'm-" He stopped me before I could say my name.

"Let's just don't."

"What?" I asked out loud.

"I mean. Don't tell me your real name. Just make up something and tell me your fake name." he folded his arms in front of his chest and slightly leaned on the wall beside me.

"Why?" I asked surprised.

Who does that?

Don't tell me he is some crazy psychotic serial killer.

"Don't worry. I'm not any of that what you're thinking." He quickly defended himself.

"I'm not thinking anything." I lied looking away from him.

"It's ok. I get that looks a lot. So, I understand." He shrugged standing straight.

"So, what's your name?" he asked me again and I gave it a thought before opening my mouth. It's not like he asked me my real name. It's just fake. What could go wrong?

"Ryan Reynolds," I spoke, giving him my hand to shake and he looked surprised for a moment before giving me a smirk.

"Blake Lively." He spoke back with a straight face and I couldn't stop the smile that is forming on my face.

"Nice meeting you, Blake." He shook my hand before leaving it.

"Same here, Reynolds." He stared at me for a moment and for a second I forgot about my sour mood.

"I should probably go." I realized that I'd been wandering out for so long and I should return home.

"Don't you want to say bye to Layla?" he asked me.

"Layla?"

He pointed towards the room we have come from and I realized he was referring to the puppy.

"You named her Layla? It's beautiful." I spoke and he gave me a soft smile pushing back his silky hair with his hand that kept falling on his forehead.

How is his hair prettier than mine?

Will it be weird if I ask what products he uses for his hair?

Yes. So I'm definitely not going to ask him that.

After petting Layla for a few more minutes, I decided that it was getting late and I should go home.

Layla is okay now. She opened her eyes earlier and she looked better although she is still limping.

"Do you want me to drop you? I and Layla can do that." He spoke, Layla cuddling in his arms.

"No thanks. I'll just take a cab." I spoke giving him a soft smile.

"Ah, sure." He looked disappointed.

He called a cab for me and I got in after thanking him.

I looked up at him from my window to say goodbye when he leaned down to my window.

"It's such a pity, you are already married." He spoke pushing back his hair with his one hand and Layla in his other arm.

I didn't know how to react anymore.

"Bye, Blake Lively," I spoke.

"I hope to see you again, Ryan Reynolds." He gave me a smirky smile before stepping back.

I nodded at him giving him a final look and the driver started the car.

***

I entered the penthouse and frowned when I didn't see Ethan anywhere.

I checked the living room, his room, the kitchen, everywhere.

My worry instantly heightened and I was about to take my phone from my bag when the front door opened.

I turned around and there he is, standing in front of me. When his eyes landed on me, he visibly sighed and walked towards me engulfing me in a tight hug.

His arms were wrapped around me and his chin rested on top of my head.

"Is this how it's going to be?" he asked me.

"Huh?" I frowned.

"Every time we argue, you disappear." He pulled back to stare at me.

I stared at his face and he looked like he was quite worried. There is this constant urge to pull him closer and hug him like there is no tomorrow, but what he said earlier kept flashing in my mind.

How dare he call me dumb and my opinions silly.

"I didn't disappear." I stepped away from him and he frowned at my action.

"Did you know that I kept searching for you everywhere?" he stepped closer towards me and this time he placed his hands on my cheeks.

"Sorry." I stepped away from him again.

"Why are you moving away from me?" he looked mad at my actions.

"I don't know. You tell me." I looked him straight in the eyes and he sighed touching his forehead.

His hair was a mess and he still hadn't changed his clothes yet.

He was about to open his mouth when his eyes fell on my white coat.

"Is this blood? What happened? Are you okay?" Panic rose in his voice and he stood in front of me in no time.

"It's nothing." I turned away from him.

He grabbed my elbow and turned me towards him forcefully.

"Just tell me, Lauren."

"A puppy was bleeding on the road and I had to take it to the hospital. It was the puppy's blood."

He nodded his head at me after a minute and removed his hand from me.

"Is it okay now?" he asked me.

"Yes," I answered shortly.

He stayed silent doing nothing except staring at my face. I was about to walk away to my room but stopped when he opened his mouth.

"Lauren, I'm sorry. I-" I cut him off before he could say anything further.

"You don't have to say anything, Ethan. Like I said before, we are different. It's better if we stay away from each other."

"Just stop it, Lauren. I talk shit when I'm angry. You know that." He stared right through my soul.

I fought within myself to not give in.

"It still doesn't justify you, Ethan. You always do that. When you are angry, you call me names. And you expect me to just forgive you every time." I accused him.

He ran his hand through his hair making it even messier.

"Lauren, you know I didn't mean anything I said. I wasn't thinking straight. I told you I'm sorry." He pleaded and my heart pained at the sight.

"It's late. I should sleep now." I was about to go to my room when he blocked me by looping his arm around my waist.

His audacity made me angry but also make me feel something else.

I turned towards him and he stared at me before tucking my hair behind my ear.

"You can do anything you want with me, Lauren. But don't leave me."

We were standing so close to each other.

What is happening?

What is he even doing?

If I wasn't mad at him right now, I wouldn't mind pulling him closer and kissing him senselessly.

Lauren, no. get a grip. You are angry with him Remember?

"Lauren, please-" he started but was interrupted when his phone rang. He closed his eyes swearing to himself and the phone stopped ringing.

He was about to talk again when his phone rang again.

"You should probably take the call," I spoke removing his arm forcefully around my waist.

After muttering a small goodnight, I walked towards my room and immediately closed the door to not run back into his arms.

I can't do that.

He should get a reality check. Doesn't he?

Ryan's POV

"I swear to god, I'm killing you, Ryan" Ethan yelled at me as soon as he answered my phone.

What the hell?

What did I do now?

"I love you too, Ethan." I tried playing it cool.

"Did you really have to call me right now?" he asked me and his voice sounded angry, tired most of all sad.

Did they fight or something like that?

They are really becoming husband and wife these days.

"Yes. I was bored, so I wanted to talk to you both."

I placed the phone away from my ear when he started spitting colourful words at me.

Oh, he is clearly mad at my call timing.

"How is my fish dancer now?" I asked to change the topic.

"She is so mad that she can kill you and me right now. I don't even know how to convince her. She doesn't even want to talk to me." he sounded so desperate and low.

"You do know that you have a friend who is an expert in these things. You should just ask me for advice, Ethan." I showed off.

"I would rather take advice from Chris than you," Ethan spoke.

"Ah, yes. The same Chris who had girlfriend ages ago." I smirked and I heard a sigh from the other side.

"What should I do now?" Ethan asked me after a momentary silence.

I really should thank Lauren someday. He would never listen to any of my advice if not for Lauren.

"Talk to her when you are both calm. Don't prove your point every time, just listen to her. And don't you dare get mad at my fish dancer."

He sighed listening to me and I know he would follow everything I say right now. It's Lauren at the stake now. I know he would do anything for her.

"Ok. I'll talk to you later." He hung up before I could even say anything.

Selfish bastard.

He didn't even want to know why did I call him the first time.

I could be kidnapped for all I care and he would still not answer my call.

I stared at the view outside from my window and tall buildings with night lights are quite a view.

The view keeps me occupied for a good minute but the image slowly faded away from my mind and someone else occupied the place.

Every time I'm alone, I think of certain someone.

I try not to, but it's just too hard to not let her face enter my thoughts.

My phone ringing on the table distracted me from my thoughts.

I answered it without looking at the screen thinking it probably might be just Ethan.

"Hello," I spoke.

But the voice I heard from the other side was not what I expected.

Her voice alone felt like I was brought back to the warm summer morning after all the chilly cold endless nights.

"Hi."

"Eva..." her name escaped from my lips and I wasn't thinking straight till I heard her voice again.

"Can we meet?"

Author's notes

Hi, I know it's been so long since I updated last, but I've been so busy lately. I couldn't find time to complete the chapter.

But this is a long chapter, I hope you enjoy it.

Bye and take care.