The two stood, facing each other. Neither of them could tell what each other was thinking.
Darielle thought it through. Why was she running? It wouldn't change anything.
Instead she would tell him. That way he would stay away.
However, Alex towering over her. Scrutinized the woman before him.
She looked lean. Dark circles were beneath her eyes. Her face was slightly pale. There was a huge difference from the last time they met. "Did something happen to her?" He thought.
"Alex I …" she said. But for some reason she couldn't bring herself to say more.
"Let's grab lunch, we'll talk after." Alex held her hand. Intending to lead her out.
"Alex I can't go"
Alex raised an eye brow, "why?"
Their eyes locked.
Instantly Darielle's eyes darts around avoiding his gaze.
"Did something happen?" Alex asked.
Darielle had never acted in such manner. He glanced at her. Trying to see if he could read through her behavior.
"We'll talk over lunch." He said with a thin smile on his face as he lead her out without waiting for her response.
"A … Alex." Darielle was in a daze. She didn't want to follow him but her body was acting otherwise.
Back in the living room Cecilia had already calm down. But her face was still laced with anger.
Let go of me.
Diego seeing Darielle stares at Alex. The latter nodes.
Immediately Diego lets go and checks the bite mark on his arm.
"This crazy woman." Diego muttered.
Cecilia out of annoyance shoves Diego and walks towards Darielle.
Are you alright did he hurt you? Cecilia checks Darielle, her hands all over.
You! Cecilia diverts her attention to the man beside Darielle.
You think you can force yourself into my apartment and get away with it? Huh?
Just you wait I'll call the police.
Alex stood on moving staring at the insane woman before him.
Cecilia grabs her phone and tries to call the police.
Umm Ceci, don't do that. Darielle grabs her phone. She knew was angry and she had every right to be. Alex forcefully entered her home. But the police wouldn't do anything. It was Alex after all.
Why? What are you saying Darielle. Give my phone back. Now. Cecilia's face turned red. Her brows into a knot.
Umm Ceci I apologize on his behalf. Darie holds her hand. Trying to calm her down.
What? Darielle! He broke into our apartment. Her expression filled with confusion. Why was her friend so calm.
I know, I know. But he's not a bad person.
U know him? Cecilia asked her anger depleting.
Yes. Umm .. I .. he's Alex. Darielle said giving a face of - pls understand and calm down.
On hearing darie 's words her eyes bulged out of its sockets and her jaw dropped.
"Alex?"
Darielle nodes with a thin smile.
Like Alex, Alexander Wright. Her eyes move towards the tall man beside Darielle. Damn her friend really caught a big fish. His build was good. He was BREATHTAKINGLY HANDSOME. Plus he was stinking rich.
At that moment she forgot what he had done. Obviously all these were her thoughts.
She was good at one thing hiding her emotions. Though she was all haywire inside, her facial expression was hard to decipher.
Oh, he's the Alex. Her sea blue eyes scrutinize the man from top to bottom.
But that doesn't give him the audacity to barge into our apartment.
I'm sorry,
Why are you apologizing? When the one who is at fault is standing right here.
Oh my. Darielle almost forgot her Ceci was one to put people in their place. But Alex whom she knew wasnt one to apologize. His pride was something.
Darielle subconsciously scratches her neck and looks up at Alex.
Understanding what the two women were hinting at Diego was in a mood to see what Alex would do. And he knew he wouldn't apologize.
Alex brow furrows the lines on his head coming to view. His patience was wearing thin. Right now he needed space with Darielle.
"I apologize."
On hearing his words a smile appeared on Cecilia face.
Cough, cough. Darielle chokes the moment she heard his voice.
Are you alright? Alex worried patts her back.
Mmm. She answers softly.
Let's go. He nudges her.
Darielle drags Cecilia to a corner.
He wants to take me for lunch. Darielle brings her head down. Waiting for Cecilia to explode.
Darielle I don't think …." I'll tell him we can't work. I would have told him but he insists we talk over lunch.
Hmmm, Cecilia pinch the center between her eyes. I'm just worried for you. Besides you guys aren't dating, why spoil what you have right now.
I know you care but it's best like this Ceci. I can't start something with guilt.
Cecilia could see her eyes welling with tears.
Enough of this. What ever you do I'll support you.
Cecilia wipes her tears and gives her a tight hug.
Thank you Ceci. Darielle smiles lightly.
I'll be back soon.
Cecilia nodes with a smile.
Darielle follows Alex out of the house towards his car.
Cecilia watched from door, as the Maybach zooms off.
A sly smile appears on her cheek.
How can I allow you let go of such a man, never Darielle.
Cecilia on closing the door notices a car that drives off coincidentally having the same imprint on the back, just as the same as Alex's Maybach. Her brows furrowed into one of suspicion but she shakes it off. Obviously a coincidence. Cecilia thought and closed the door.
In the car the two hadn't said anything.
Darielle couldn't tell what he was thinking.
His expression was neutral neither warm or cold.
There was a lot of questions but he needed calm down. For a second he thought she was ignoring him. Or was she?
But then again she looks lean. He had to get her something to eat.
Sir which restaurant?
The usual. Alex answers his attention on Darielle.
I don't like it, the way you look. Alex's grey eyes.
Darielle hearing his words brought back thoughts she had been trying to surpress. immediately she blinks in the tears threatening to pour out.
Darielle shifts her gaze to meet Alex's grey eyes staring at her.
I've been busy. Darielle said with a light smile.
Alex shifts his gaze to the passing buildings.
Just from her appearance and the way she was behaving he could tell something was off.
Sooner they got to a high class restaurant.
Alex guided Darielle into La Velloria, the kind of restaurant that whispered luxury. Soft jazz played somewhere in the background, and golden lights glowed against marble floors polished like they feared dust.
Darielle paused, taking everything in.
"this place is expensive," she whispered.
They were led to a table by the massive window. The entire city stretched out below them, looking small and far away. Darielle sat down carefully, like the chair was too soft to trust.
A waiter in a black suit approached.
"Good afternoon, sir, ma'am.
What would you like to have?
Darielle scanned the menu, whispering some of the fancy names under her breath. But was lost in her world of options.
Alex noticed and leaned back.
The last time Alex took her out, she didn't need to choose. The dishes were already laid out.
After pondering for a while, umm … Alex why don't you pick.
"We'll have the chef's lunch set he told the waiter," his eyes still fixed on her.
The waiter nodded and walked off.
Do you like it here? He asked.
Darielle gave a light nod in response. But her mind began to race,
"Should I tell him now or I shouldn't? What if I…. No I have to tell him."
Alex Darielle calls out
"Mmm" his eyes steadily on her.
Knowing she has his full attention,
"Alex I need to…"
What are you saying? A man's voice erupts in the room. You got yourself involved with someone else while we're still together!!
People on their tables began to look at the couple on the other end.
Instinctively Darielle shifts her gaze towards them.
Please calm down
No… I..it .. wa … wasn't intentional. The woman splutters.
It wasn't intentional? The man's face turned ashen. His rage boiling up.
Can you hear yourself speak!
Immediately tears could be vividly seen on the woman's face.
I'm sorry. The woman tried to hold the man. He pushes her with force Prompting her to hit the glass on the table, causing it to shatter every where and she fell on the floor.
….it was a mistake….I love you that's why I'm being honest. She managed to choke out in between sobs.
Love? Not love but betrayal. We are over! I don't want to see you again. The man storms out.
No, the woman tries to get to him but the injury inflicted by the glass causes her to fall back blood sippig out of her wound.
Security rushes to clear up the commotion.
Murmurings from different corner's in the room could be heard.
Instantly Alexander's faced darkened.
He would have gone for a private room.
But Darielle didn't like it,
" Alex why are we in a private room. I prefer eating out normally."
He remembered her words.
Immediately Darielle began to panic. Beads of sweat began to appear on her forehead. Her hands on the table shook subconsciously.
The argument between those two made her jerk in fear. If I tell him, would he react like that? She thought.
Darielle are you alright?
Alex instinctively places his palm on hers.
She looked like she witnessed a murder.
Darielle snaped out of her thoughts, hearing his voice.
Yes I am. She tries to calm herself down.
"I just feel a little bit tired.
Alex grabs his napkin and drys her forehead.
Soon their food arrived. The waiters set the dishes on the table.
"Enjoy your meal." They said, took a bow and excused themselves.
Have these first. Alexander said sternly as he places the hot chicken soup in front of Darielle.
She takes a sip as she savours the taste.
You like it? He stares at her as he takes his soup.
She nodded with a smile.
Once they were done with the soup.
They had the main dish
Darielle had a grilled lemon-herb chicken with mashed potatoes and steaned veggies.
While Alexander settled for pan-seared salmon with garlic rice and a light citrus glaze.
Darielle was taken aback by how the food tasted. It was so good. Then she grabbed the cranberry mocktail.
Have this instead. Alexander places sparkling apple juice for her.
Knowing it was the right time, he went on,
"You wanted to say something earlier."
He slice the salmon on his plate with so much elegance.
Darielle grabs the napkin and cleans her mouth.
No its nothing. A smile not reaching her eyes appears on her lips.
Alexander places the salmon in his mouth.
"Ok." He drops the cutlery.
He straightens his posture.
Darielle you weren't picking my calls, did something happen.
Alexander stares at her intently. His grey eyes scrutinize her face.
Under the table Darielle squize her hand thinking of a sensible excuse.
I haven't been feeling well Alex. And my phone is bad. I'm fixing it today. Darielle puts a straight face. She knew Alexander wasn't one she could fool. She had to sound convincing.
I even had to make a few calls, checking up on my mom and sister using Cecilia's phone.
And she couldn't call him using that crazy girls phone. Though his face was neutral his head was completely different.
Alright. From the way she looked he could tell she was honest. Her appearance matched her words. She looked sick.
They had their dessert, A plate of panna cotta with berry drizzle.
While they ate Alexander excused himself.
I'll be right back. He walked off.
As Darielle enjoyed her dessert.
She caught a glimpse of a familiar face.
Clack. The cutlery dropped on her plate, as the man's face became clear.
He ….. Bru ..ks