A Wife's Cry Chapter 35

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It was already past 9 in the evening when I arrived at the house of Allen's parents where the party was being held. I'm actually having second thoughts about getting inside thinking that I arrived too late already.

I got stuck in the traffic. I wasn't able to consider that it's Friday and also the payday of most people at the same time. But… I'm already here, left with no choice but to go straight inside. Loud music and colorful lights welcomed me. Although, I wasn't surprised by the big number of guests that attended the party.

This isn't the first time that I attended the anniversary party of Allen's parents. Before, he would usually bring me with him, but he wouldn't introduce me to any of their business partners. I can remember that we just stayed on the table - oh I just stayed on the table - while he was busy speaking with so many guests.

Right now, this seems to be a more grand party. Maybe their business has really expanded quite essentially and they have built new relations.h.i.+ps with more people. There were a lot of guests and all of them were in their formal attires. Though there were quite a number of guests, the place looked big enough to accommodate everyone.

It didn't take me long before I found the table where Leila was seated – she was with Mom, so I felt relieved. I also felt excited to be with them at the same time. Then, when Leila saw me walking toward them, she immediately stood up and greeted me, “Hey! I told you to call me so I could pick you up at the gate.” And then we kissed cheek-to-cheek.

“It's okay. I think no one noticed I'm a gate crasher.” I said in a sarcastic tone.

“What gate crasher?! Do you want me to punch you? And hey, what took you so long? I thought you couldn't make it.”

I pulled my hair to behind my ear and responded, “Sorry, the traffic was too heavy. Well, I'm late… But I'm here anyway!”

“You're not just late. You're so much late! The program already ended! You didn't see Allen sing!”

I couldn't help but laugh out so loud that I even lost my poise, “S-seriously?” I really couldn't believe it!

She also laughed, “Of course I was just kidding! That guy would sing? G.o.d, Vannie! I would have myself gang-raped if that happens.” She said, fooling around, and then I laughed even harder.

Then, I noticed that she looked at me from head to toe. She even held me on the face and said, “s.h.i.+t! You're so beautiful! Prettier than me even. You sure you didn't have plans of attending the party? Why do you look so prepared?”

Trying to hide my smile, I said, “Thank you. But you're more beautiful.” I praised.

It's true! The tube dress in royal blue tone suits her; it complimented her complexion. Also, she rarely wears a dress, that's why it seems new to me when she would wear one.

“Yes, I know. I'm really beautiful.” She said, praising herself. “Come on, let's go to your Mom before you go find your Allen.” She invited.

I could only shake my head, and then I followed her to the table. Mom and Dad stood up to greet me and kiss me on the cheek, “h.e.l.lo, honey. We're so glad you made it.” Mom said as she embraced me.

I smiled at her slightly and responded, “I was invited. So I might as well attend.”

After Mom released me from our embrace, she checked out my whole look and said, “You're really getting prettier, my daughter. Rioscents seems doing good on you.”

I rolled my eyes heavenwards. Oh, Mom! Of course she'd say that because I'm her daughter. Even when they visited me last week in my office, it was the same thing that she said.

“Thank you, Mom.” I said.

Then, I greeted Leila's parents who were also on the same table. I remember, his Dad was also helping out in the family business.

Jerome, Leila's older brother, was also here! It was surprising, though, because he usually doesn't attend such events because he stays in America and he doesn't feel like going to such gatherings. I actually didn't recognize him when I saw him earlier. Well, he has grown so mature already.

“Long time no see. How are you?” He asked, and then kissed me on the cheek.

“Long time no see! I'm okay. I'm running my own business now. And you?” I asked him back.

“Good. I'm good.” He said directly, and then went back to his seat.

“So, have you seen Allen already?” Dad suddenly interrupted.

“Uhm, not yet.” I answered without looking back at him.

“He's been waiting for you. He's been worried about you.” He added.

“Don't worry, t.i.to. I'll accompany her.” Leila said.

Leila knows my current situation with Dad. He's not in favor of me leaving Allen and my plans about getting our marriage annulled. He wanted us to talk about it earnestly and think about it seriously. But whatever happens, final decision is still mine to make. Though, I can feel that he's with a heavy heart regarding this matter.

After quite a while, I excused myself from everybody on the table, especially from Leila's parents.

“Know what, honestly, I really don't know where Allen is. Earlier, he was just here, and then he's gone just like that.” Leila said as we walked, looking for Allen. I don't really know where we're heading.

“Tsk. He was not in the mood. Maybe he went home to his condo already?” She added.

It made me stop from walking and frown, “W-wait. W-what do you mean? Didn't you tell him I'm coming?”

She didn't answer my question, and then just looked in another direction, “There! There's Marco and his friends. Maybe they saw Allen.”

Oh, Leila! Avoiding my inquisitions. This girl, really! Maybe she didn't tell Allen I'm coming.

We went to their table and there were only two persons - one was Marco. I can clearly remember him, of course, even if he grew a beard already. He was with a woman – a beautiful woman in a morena complexion.

Marco stood up as we arrived on their table and greeted, “Hi, Vanessa.”

I smiled and greeted him back, “h.e.l.lo. How are you?”

“I'm fine. I'm glad you made it. We thought you're not coming.”

I laughed at them very lightly, “I was stuck in the traffic.”

He smirked, “By the way, this is Mariel… My wife.” He said as he rested his hands onto the shoulders of the woman who was still sitting.

“Honey, this is Vanessa…” He introduced me, and then he whispered something to the woman's ears.

I don't know what Marco told her that her face suddenly lit up. Then, she lifted herself up and kissed me cheek-to-cheek. Only the have I known that she's pregnant. She's a beautiful preggy woman!

“Hi, Vanessa. Nice to meet you. Uhm, are you staying here for good? You won't go back to London anymore?”

“O-oh, y-yes. I… I have my own business here.” I responded, confused. How did she know I came back from London? Do they talk about me without me knowing? And now I think I know what Marco whispered to her.

“Oh, she's looking for Allen.” Leila suddenly interrupted, and then the two of them looked at her.

“Allen? He's just here earlier. Hmm.” Marco stated as his eyes wandered around. “Look for him inside the house, Vanessa.” He suggested. “Maybe he's taking time for his drama. He's not in the mood since the party started. Your cousin didn't tell him you're coming.”

Then I immediately s.h.i.+fted my gaze to Leila. I want to pinch her on the arm! Tsk! I can't believe this woman! “Why didn't you tell him?” I asked.

She couldn't look at me, but I saw her smile, “So there's some thrill.” She naughtily said.

Marco and Mariel couldn't help but laugh, while I could only shake my head. Leila is really a crazy woman! How could she make fun of this thing? And what thrill is she talking about? She acts like a kid. Tsk.

“Look for him inside, Vanessa.”

And then my eyes s.h.i.+fted to Mariel who just spoke. Her voice was as calm as an angel. I wasn't surprised how Marco liked her. I have known her only for minutes, but I can sense the kindness in her heart. Additionally, she looked innocent, too.

“Uhm, o-okay. I'll go look for him inside. Thank you.” I said, and then turned to leave, but Leila suddenly called me.

“Hey! Come back right away, okay? Don't do anything else inside.”

I laughed before I went straight inside the house. My cousin seems to have not forgotten yet that I slept in Allen's unit. She also won't believe nothing happened between us there. d.a.m.n it.

My hands felt cold as I walked inside the house of Allen's family. I felt bothered that somebody might catch me wandering around.  Honestly, I really don't know where I could find Allen. I've been in this house before, but never had he brought me to his room. I couldn't ask anyone, too, as they all seem to be enjoying the party outside.

I was too full of myself. I should've just asked Leila to accompany me in looking for Allen's room.

I was about to go back to my cousin when I noticed one bedroom door slightly opened. Not that I think I know everything, but it felt like that was Allen's room. So instead of going downstairs, I headed to that room.

I peeked at the small opening first just to be sure – and my instinct proved me right. I have confirmed that it was his room! I have even seen him lying on his bed facing down. It was dark inside and only the lampshade gave it a dim light. I also noticed that he wasn't wearing a s.h.i.+rt! Oh, maybe he's sleeping.

I went inside completely and G.o.d, he was sleeping like a baby! I could only shake my head. He's unbelievable! Everyone's enjoying the party outside, while he - the son of the celebrants - is here sleeping! What could've happened that this guy seemed to be exhausted? Tsk. Then I slowly sat down on his bed and brushed his hair with my fingers. He looks like an angel when he's sleeping.

After quite a while, his eyes opened. I think he's already awake. “Hey…” I greeted him with a smile.

His eyes bulged and he immediately got up and sat on the bed. I tried to hold him, on the other hand, as he would've fallen losing his balance. Tsk! He might have been surprised I was here! There, there! His head might have ached a bit.

“Oh, are you okay?” I asked.

He looked at me then. He looked at me for quite a while and I was trying to hold my laugh smile back. His gaze seemed to be confirming it was really I in front of him. His face looked so innocent, too.

“Sorry, I'm late. I was stuck in the traffic.” I said.

His lips suddenly drew a sweet smile, and I was stunned when he suddenly pulled me closer to him and wrapped his arms around me. Then, I slumped over onto his chest. And because he was wearing no s.h.i.+rt, I can feel his tiny hairs on my skin and I can smell a fume of alcohol. Oh! Maybe this man's sort of drunk again.

“I thought you're not coming. I'm really happy you're here.” He whispered, and then wrapped his arms tighter around me. Here he goes again, like he will lose me anytime he releases me from his hold. I let him do so, but didn't embrace him back.

After a while, I released myself from him. I felt uncomfortable feeling the warmth of his body, “I was really coming. Leila just didn't tell you.” I explained.

He first frowned to what I just said, but smiled right after. His smile seems different; he looks genuinely happy.

“Such a crazy woman.” He teased Leila, and then I laughed.

“What time did you arrive?” He asked, changing the topic.

I shook my head in response, “No. I just came. Marco and his wife didn't know where you are, so they just told me to come and look for you in here. I just guessed which one is your room.”

“I'm sorry. I fell asleep.” He said, and then he pushed strands of my hair to behind my ear. He even stroked my cheek after which made me feel uncomfy, so I s.h.i.+fted my gaze to a different direction.

“You're beautiful.” He said in a s.e.xy voice.

He couldn't get enough of me that he still stroked the skin on my shoulder. Well, my dress has an asymmetrical neckline, so one of them was clearly exposed. I had gooseb.u.mps to his touch, not to mention that his eyes were locked on me.

I slightly hit him on the chest as he might do something terrible next. It's just the two of us here in the room, so I better take care of myself. “Come on.” I invited him. “Leila said we should go downstairs right away. Get your clothes on.”

Then I stood up from the bed, and he followed me immediately.

“Wait for me.” He begged, and then he went inside the comfort room.

I sat on the couch while waiting for him, but surprisingly, just after seconds, he has already got out of the C.R. Is he done already?

I was knocked down by a feather when he suddenly went near me and pulled me on the arm to bring me with him inside the C.R. What?! Everything happened too fast that I wasn't able to stop him!

I slapped him hard on the arm as soon as he locked the door of the C.R. “H-hey! What do you think you're doing?!”

What is he planning? Why did he bring me here?!

“You might leave. So just stay here where I can see you.” He answered.

My mouth dropped open to what he just said. I could only shake my head! Jesus! This man's insane!

“I have no plans of leaving.”

After my mouth uttered those words, he spoke not a thing anymore. But my eyes bulged when he suddenly unbuckled his belt and opened the zipper of his slacks to pee. d.a.m.n! I was forced to turn around! This man is really an a.s.shole! Did he really need to do that? And now I can hear him p.i.s.sing. Sh*t!

“Why are you facing that way?” And he really had the nerves to ask! Tsk.

“And why wouldn't I? What, do you want me to watch you doing that?” I fought back without looking at him.

“What's wrong, Vanessa? As if you haven't seen me doing this before.”

I rolled my eyes and was about to leave the C.R. when he suddenly pulled me on the arm, “Stay here. I was just joking.”

I just ignored him. I can't even look at him straight as he was still doing the zipper of his slacks. I pulled my arm back, and then he washed his hands and his face.

“Why do you need me here inside? You just want me to watch you.”

He reached for a white towel and wiped his face dry before he looked at me to answer, “I just want to make sure you won't leave me, Van. You're too difficult to contact. You won't answer.”

I could only look to a different direction. I knew it, he would use it against me, “Sorry.  I was just busy that's why I couldn't get your call.”

“Busy? With Rioscents? My source said you left your shop early today.”

I laughed. Source, eh?

“And who's that source of yours, huh?”

“That's a secret.” He said, and then we went out of the C.R.

I laughed deep inside. I bet his source was Leila, though. There couldn't be anybody else.

He opened the lights and then he asked again, “So, what made you busy today?” He really wouldn't stop until he gets an answer, so I was about to respond, “Hmm. Gavin–”

But I wasn't able to finish what I was saying because as soon as he heard Gavin's name, he rolled his eyes. It was funny, though, because I can sense that Allen really doesn't like my chemist.

“And what about that chemist?” He asked as he checked his closet to pick something to wear.

“He was in my condo earlier. We just fixed some papers because we're scheduled to go to Singapore tomorrow afternoon.”

He immediately stopped what he was doing and frowned, “You will go on a vacation?”

I sneered and sat on the bed before I responded, “Ah, nope. We'll be attending a training.”

“What training?”

“About handling businesses.”

“How long will you stay there?”

“2 weeks.”

“2 weeks? T-that's long. Just the two of you?”

I looked at him straight. What's up with his inquisitions? It felt like I'm on a hot seat. Then I sighed, “Yes, it will be just the two of us. What's with the hundred questions, anyway? Just make it fast because they're waiting for us outside.”

He didn't say a word anymore. He just rolled his eyes on me as he wore a new long-sleeved polo. I couldn't help but look at another one slumped on the couch – that should've been what he wore earlier. Hey, he really did change outfit, huh?

I straightened up on my seat when I saw him walking toward me. Then, I lifted up my head to look at him. I was stunned to see him pointing at the b.u.t.tons of his polo, “Help me on these, please?”

I raised an eyebrow on him. Why does it have to be me? Tsk. But I didn't want any more discussion, so I just stood up and started to b.u.t.ton his polo. I did it from bottom to top.

“This fits you perfectly. Did you have it personally made?”

I was actually referring to his clothes because it fitted him so perfectly, especially on his chest and arms. His muscles have definitely showed impressively.

“No. It's a gift from Ellie.”

“Ah. How's Ellie, by the way?” I asked.

“She's fine. She volunteers in medical missions. She told me she wanted to gain some experience. I told her I could just help her enter into one of the top hospitals, or maybe support her to run her own clinic. But she didn't like the idea. So…”

I smiled, “Just let her be. That's what she wants, so just be there to support her. Let her learn things on her own. Experience is the best teacher, right?”

After I b.u.t.toned his polo, I ironed some parts with my hands as there were a few pleats. I lifted my head to look at him because I can feel his gaze toward me, including his warm breath around my head. We were standing right that close, eh?

I thought he will be avoiding my gaze like what he did before, but he did not. He looked at me deeper which made me feel uncomfortable. So I asked, "Why?".

“What time is your flight tomorrow? I'll drive you to the airport.”

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