The air in the car was filled with tension as we both looked at each other, silently. I gulped at his darkened gaze as he said, "You what?"
I pressed my palms together, frightened. It didn't take me a moment to regret what I had said. I cursed myself for the courage I had suddenly gotten and only wished to go back in time and zip my lips.
"I…"
"YOU WHAT?" He pressed every word, almost making me break a sweat despite the air conditioning.
"You what, Elira?"
I shut my eyes while tears formed in them in fear. I pressed my lips together while my inner thoughts battled between keeping shut or digging my own grave. Since I had already spilled those words, I chose to not keep my mouth shut anymore.
I slowly opened my eyes to look at him, pretending bravery. I spoke, "Mr. Wolfe! Now, I know every part of the contract. I can meet people, my friends, or anyone, but I shouldn't be involved in any intimate moment, including a friendly hug, right?"
He didn't say anything but continued to look at me, surprised by my words. He probably didn't expect me to talk about the contract again after everything that had happened.
"Last time… it was my mistake. But, this time, I want to meet Matthew. I hope you know who he is."
Like I thought, he didn't overreact or threaten to do something. He kept quiet, giving me the time I needed to calm myself down.
"Mr. Wolfe!" I looked at him with my begging eyes. "Besides Mira, he's the only person that's there in my life. It's been months since I met him. I really want to meet him, and I swear, I'll be on my best behavior. I won't violate any rules this time."
He was so quiet that his silence started to frighten me. His gaze was on the steering wheel while I expected him to reply or at least yell at me.
"Mr. Wolfe…"
"The only person in your life." He scoffed. Then he looked at me with his usual intimidating expression as he said, "You can meet him."
Then his tone became so serious as he spoke, "But, this time, I will definitely stop your sister's treatment if you break any rule."
A small smile appeared on my lips when he accepted. I finally got his permission, and I only had to make sure I'd not violate anything.
Happily, I met Matthew the next day. Mr. Wolfe's men sat nearby guarding me and reporting everything about us to him, but I didn't care. It was enough for me that I got the chance to meet him.
"The place is a little crowded today." Matthew looked around, especially at the guards, who looked out of place in the cafe. He didn't know who they were. But, in a few minutes, he was going to learn everything.
"Yeah!" I took a deep breath. "Matt…"
He interrupted. "I am sorry for shouting at you the other day."
"No!" I shook my head. "It was my mistake for breaking the promise. That day…"
"It's fine. You might have a few urgent things that you needed to take care of."
"Matt…" I bit my lips, mustering up the courage, "I want to tell you something."
"Even I want to tell you something. Actually a big thing." His eyes lit up while a bright smile appeared on his lips.
I narrowed my eyebrows at his excitement. His eyes reflected the joy, happiness, and sense of satisfaction as if he had conquered something.
"Matt?"
Taking a deep breath, he said, "AcadM is opening. I got all the required permissions and a loan to get it started."
"What?" I squealed. "When did it happen?"
"This is the reason why I wanted to meet you. I want to see the happiness on your face directly."
Matthew had always mentioned his dream of starting an academy, especially about mathematics, for the students and preparing them for exams and interviews. It also included collaboration with regular colleges for workshops, trainings, and even placements. He had been trying for months, and finally he achieved his dream.
"I am really happy for you."
I wanted to push the table that separated us and give him a hug, but I resisted, knowing the consequences of such actions.
"Matt… I am really proud of you. I don't even know what to say." I only looked at him with my proud-filled eyes.
"The work is almost over. It will be opened in less than two weeks. I only have to make sure my father doesn't get involved in gambling again. Everything of mine should be perfect in the initial days."
"Such a big thing!" I scoffed. "And now I get to know about it. I am really sorry for not being there for you."
"Don't be. Even I don't want you to see my struggles. I only want you to see my success and happiness."
I nodded happily while the tears of happiness flooded my eyes. His success felt personal to me as if I had achieved something.
"You should definitely come to the inauguration."
"Of course, Matt. I will not miss it." I smiled at him. "So, tell me more about your AcadM."
"Come on, you know everything about it." He laughed. "AcademicsMathematics, or AcademicsByMathew, has always been my dream. You know about it."
"Yes."
We then talked about other things, but mostly about him expressing his excitement and happiness. He was so happy that I didn't get the chance to even interrupt him.
Mostly, I didn't want to spoil the moment. It was his moment, and I truly didn't want to ruin it. I kept quiet, unable to bring myself to speak the truth.
"Sorry, I keep talking. You wanted to say something?"
"Um…" I looked into his happy eyes. "Nothing. It's just that… Mira's condition is really better now."
"That's amazing. Now, I only see happy days before us."
I kept quiet. Then we talked for a few more minutes before I stood straight to leave.
"Elria, wait."
He stood before me. He gave me a jewelry box, which stunned me. It was a simple but modern chain, which brought a bright smile to my lips.
"Wear this for the opening."
"I will."
Even though I wanted to stay longer with him, I had no choice but to leave, taking the happy memory of him in the chain he gifted.
It felt like a beautiful gift anyone would receive in their life.