EPISODE 2
1609 Words
ROSABELLA
I looked up as I heard the door open. I roll my eyes when I observe the couple’s wonderful gesture toward each other. The ants appear to be attracted to them because of their sweetness. They spend long hours in the office. More than an hour, perhaps? I am unsure.
“Rosa, I’ll be out for today. Please message me if the client calls me.”
I looked at his girlfriend who was staring at me. Although she doesn’t raise her eyebrows, how she stares at me seems like she doesn’t like me.
“Yes, Sir,” I said.
They left. While they were walking, I looked at their clasped hands. I felt jealous. Why am I feeling this pain in my heart? Why does he keep hurting my feelings?
I need to remind myself not to be jealous. Why should I? I am just his secretary.
I just put my things on the table. I will be home early. I don’t care about him anymore. I don’t want to work because I’m upset.
You’re just jealous because he doesn’t prioritize you.
I frown. If he needed something, he was nice to me. But when his fiancée is there, he forgets about me.
I am not a coverhole when his girlfriend is not around, and I am the available one. He makes me feel as if I don't feel anything, as he uses me to convey his loneliness while his girlfriend is afar.
I am stupid to love a man who never cares for my feelings.
I decided to go home early. I have nothing to do here because I am not in the mood. He lost my patience. Next time I will not buy his drama at all. As soon as I left the building, I saw Leonardo and his girlfriend. I thought they had left.
“Where are you going, Rosa?” Leonardo asked.
I wanted to raise my other eyebrow, but I did not do it because his girlfriend was in front of me.
“I’m not feeling well, Sir. I’m so sorry I need to go home.” I reasoned with him.
Even though I am not sick, which is my alibi for going home early, I don’t want to see them being very sweet to each other.
“Do you want me to take you home?” I shook my head to refuse his offer. I took a glance at his girlfriend, who now looked
“No need to, I can go home alone,” I said, in a sarcastic tone. Did he notice my discomfort because of what he was doing? Why would he take me home if his girlfriend is with him? Isn't he serious? Didn’t he think that his girlfriend might be hurt? Isn't he thinking?
“I have to go,” I said my goodbyes and then left them.
I was in the taxi when my cell phone rang. I just looked at the screen of my cellphone. Leonardo’s calling. I decided to get off my cellphone.
I decided to go to the mall to go window shopping. I do not want to go home early. My sister Isabella would ask me why I go home early. I don’t have a reason for her.
My sister should know nothing about what’s happening in my life. I don’t want her to get worried about me. My sister Isabella has gone through lots of problems. I don’t want to be a burden to her. I can solve my problem.
I leaned on the chair. I had just arrived home from the mall. While I was at the mall, I thought about quitting my job. This is the only way to avoid Leonardo. I can't be quiet as long as we're together. It's always been like this.
It hurts.
I’m not the type of woman who gives up. But I need to give up on my feelings for him. It’s not right because I have no right to feel like I’m the one being wronged here. On the other hand, we do not have a relationship.
“Rosabella, are you okay? I’ll serve you some food. Toper, Annabella, and I ate first because we were hungry early. The two of them have been waiting for you for a while. They’re waiting for their favorite food you bring,” said my sister Isabella.
My brother-in-law, Chris, and my sister Isabella are happy together. Even though my sister was hurt at first, their relationship improved. Now she is satisfied with their children. I can see the happiness on my sister’s face.
“I’m just tired, sister. There’s so much work at the office.” I lied. I tried to smile to show that I was okay even though I wasn’t. In truth, I wanted to cry in my sister’s arms. I couldn’t hide the weight of my heart from my sister anymore.
“Too bad they both fell asleep. I bring them cupcakes,” I said.
“I’ll serve it to you. Our dish is beef stew. That’s good to make you feel better,” my sister kissed my forehead. My sister Isabella is such a good sister. She can do anything just for Annabella and me. As long as I can, I don’t want to cause my sister any trouble. I opened my cell phone. Leonardo had many messages for me. I didn’t bother to check them all. I’ll start today. I’ll avoid getting any closer to Leonardo.
*****
I calmed myself down. I knew Leonardo would ask me about yesterday. I just did my daily routine - preparing the papers for my boss to sign. I’ll tidy up his messy office. You’d think someone fought inside. I’ll make coffee and dictate his schedule for today’s meeting.
Even though my mind was preoccupied because of that man, I finished my work properly this morning. It’s already nine o'clock, but my boss is not here yet. I thought he would come in early. Why did you expect him? To talk to you?
It’s noon, but my shameless boss is still not here. I tried to call his number, but it was off. Maybe the two of them had fun last night and forgot that he had work today. I’m even more annoyed.
I went to the pantry to eat. I need to eat. I’m not the only one hungry, my baby too. Luckily there’s no meeting and Leonardo will be doing something important at the office today.
I sighed before starting my lunch. I stopped chewing when I heard someone argue.
I saw Leonardo, who was no longer dressed properly, and his girlfriend, who looked like she had just stepped out of her clothes. Her skirt was so short and her blouse was hanging so that her navel was almost visible. The two of them enter Leonardo’s office while arguing. Out of curiosity, I followed them. They hadn’t closed the door, so I could hear the two of them arguing.
“My God! Chiara, we've already talked about this. You promised me you wouldn’t sign a contract. But you always break your promises. If I hadn’t talked to your Mommy, I wouldn’t have known everything. And now you’re saying this is the last one? How long will I wait for you, Chiara? How long?! Have you ever thought about how I feel? Every time you’re far away, and I just want to be by your side, I feel alone,” Leonardo’s aura was angry.
What does he want? It's clear he's not important in this woman's life. A career is more important.
“Leonardo, please understand my situation. I am at the peak of my career now. I don't want to miss the opportunity that is coming my way. I told you that we would also come to the point of settling down, but not now. That’s why I don’t want to tell you, because I know this is how you will react,” she explained.
I shook my head. What else would she want from Leonardo? He already had everything, after all.
You’re unlucky, Rosabella, because you're not Chiara whom Leonardo loved so much.
“If we’re always like this, it’s probably better for us to end it. You know my career is important. I love you, Leonardo. Right now, I want to concentrate on my career. If you love me, you'll understand me,” she said.
Wow, she’s the one who dares to break up. I didn’t expect what Leonardo did. Suddenly, he knelt in front of Chiara. He put his arm around her waist. It’s so painful to see the person you love. Begging in front of a woman who doesn’t care about him. I envy myself, Leonardo can still cry for her. I wonder if he’ll do the same when I’m gone.
I doubt it.
“Please, stay with me. I love you so much, Chiara,” he said as he hugged her around her waist. “I can't lose you, Chiara. Okay, I agree. Just don’t leave me,” he added while crying.
I covered my mouth because the pain I felt was so bad. I wanted to punch myself. I was the only one hoping for nothing. Why am I so stubborn? Am I waiting for him to choose me just in case?
I went back to the pantry because I couldn't bear to watch Leonardo begging Chiara anymore. I sat on the chair and shed my tears. It was excruciatingly painful. It’s breaking my heart. I covered my mouth, so I wouldn't hear my sobs. I was stupid. I gave myself to someone who didn’t love me.
- Writer
