Gambling Hearts with the CEO

CHAPTER 4: Face to Face

My eyes remained wide as I looked at the familiar figure at the very entrance of the room. Despite the loud music and voices talking at the same time, he managed to get almost everyone’s attention just by his presence. But while they adore him, I was left glaring.

As he stood there in a popover shirt tucked in a trouser with a pair of leather shoes, I couldn’t help but actually notice how much he had changed. He was indeed good-looking back then, otherwise Tyra wouldn’t like him. But compared to now, he does appear more mature and responsible looking already—though I have doubts whether he really is one now.

His hair is slick back and, just like back then, he puts on a straight face which shows his cold expression once again. Both hands are placed inside his pants pockets as if he came only to show himself. If I am being honest, just by looking at him, he looks like he doesn’t even want to be here. He just never really changed.

While I studied his changes, it took me a few minutes to realize that he was looking back at me with those pairs of intense, cold eyes. Those pairs are just plain blank, as if he doesn’t even care about my existence. I rolled my eyes and tore my attention away from him to focus on my friends instead. But these people are way too focused on that jerk!

All of them, including Aisha, have their gazes fixed onto the direction where Brandon and his friends are standing. Similar to when Aisha and I arrived, they also got crowded by our batchmates. But as his friends smile at the people around them, that damn jerk doesn’t even mind giving them any attention. He was just plainly standing there next to his friends as if he was just really dragged in here!

“You said he wouldn’t come,” I told Aisha, frustration obvious in my tone.

She finally tore her eyes away from Brandon and gave me a disbelieving look instead. “I only told you what I heard, okay? Who would have thought that he was back from his business trip anyway?” she defended herself.

“So much for asking to make this night end well,” I whispered to myself, making sure I was the only one to hear it… but failed, of course.

“Actually, Brandon was not originally supposed to come since he really told the others that he would be out of the country for a business trip. But we heard that he returned days ago, so they tried contacting him again and they somehow managed to make him accept the invitation with the help of his friends.” Dominic explained to me, backing up Aisha.

“Days ago?” I repeated as he nodded his head.

Could it be? Was he really the one I bumped into at the airport?

“Do you know what day he returned?” I asked, trying not to expect more.

He hummed, brows furrowed while thinking. “I’m not really sure, but we only got notified of his acceptance the same day you arrived. So he probably arrived on the same day as you. Why? Is there any problem?” he curiously asked.

All I could do was shake my head with a timid smile. It was really him! I wasn’t hallucinating! I’m pretty sure he knows that I was the one he bumped into as well. Also, his voice! I wouldn’t mistake things, especially when it comes to that jerk’s cold voice.

My eyes went back to the direction where Brandon was still standing. The crowd around them was already gone and his circle of friends were the only ones left while they looked around. Looking at him now, I am becoming more determined that it was really him at the airport. It would be ridiculous if I was hallucinating and if he denied it.

As I was about to look away, I accidentally made another eye contact with Brandon, making me hurriedly look away. I picked up my glass as well as the bottle of alcohol placed on our table before pouring some of it into my glass. Once done, I gulped down a bit of it while looking outside the glass window just to drift my attention away from someone… but this night is really telling me not to end well.

“I see you guys have started drinking early.” A somewhat familiar voice said, making me turn in that direction.

There, two familiar men stood next to Brandon with such bright smiles plastered on their lips. The complete opposite of what their friend puts on. If only he could drop his pretentious cool act and cold aura, I might actually view him differently now. But his personality does not even change a bit, even after how many years have passed now.

“Well, it’s better to start early than late, right?” Kai stands up and greets Brandon’s friend in a friendly manner before giving him a pat on his shoulder. “How are you doing, Wood? Business doing well?”

“Why does he suddenly speak so formal and mature?” I heard Cat whisper, making me smirk a little.

“Doing great so far, Hiroji. I’m sure your company is doing great as well?” Brandon’s friend responded.

Troy Hugh Wood. We’re not really close to one another, unlike the guys, but from what I know, he owns a big telecommunication company in the country. He inherited that company from his father, who is now the Chairman of it. I only managed to meet Troy back in college when I was sometimes accompanying Tyra to meet Brandon, but I never really talked to them casually. Maybe except by saying hellos? But besides that, nothing more.

But if there is someone I know much better than Troy, it is the man who is standing next to Brandon. It is Ricky Franklin Luz, the man I caught Brandon was hugging when I went to confront him back in college about Tyra. Though we aren’t exactly friends, I remember him clearly because of the memory I have of the last event I had with Brandon.

I raised a brow when I noticed Brandon leaned towards Ricky’s ear, whispering something, before putting on a small smile. The first one he has put on since arriving. Even if I didn’t want to make any sort of conclusion, I couldn’t help it. They look so close, may it be back then or now. Yes, they could be just friends—maybe best friends I may say—but it just looks suspicious in my eyes… Or is it just me?

“It’s been so long since we last saw you guys. You all look good!” Ricky eyed each of us before his gaze stopped on me. He puts on such a sweet, warm smile. “Especially you, Alexandra. I saw your magazines and some clips of your walk. You are indeed pretty big now, aren’t you?”

“Well, our dear friend here was not labeled as the Supermodel of the Decade for nothing. She really created her own path.” Dominic sweetly responded to him, making me feel warm and happy somehow because of his recognition of my hard work.

“Indeed. But I’m hoping the pressure is not on you too much.” Troy butted in, giving me a small smile. “I actually saw some comments and articles about some people bashing you. I hope you weren’t offended by it.”

I gave him a quick look before smiling timidly. Before I could even answer, my eyes caught the small smirk Brandon puts on after his friend talks about those comments I received. He must have found it fun talking about one’s weakness. Indeed a massive jerk!

“I appreciate your concern, Troy, but you don’t need to worry. Being affected by those people’s comments or other people’s unnecessary opinions about me is not really my thing. It is actually the least of my concern now.” My gaze went up to Brandon, making sure he knew that I was giving him a look before looking away. “The last thing I want is to let some jerks affect my working life.”

At some point, I was hoping that jerk would at least speak up and mock me for my answer. I want to know what runs in his mind after my response. But instead, he remained silent and kept standing next to Ricky like a freaking statue! What makes it worse is that it is silence that bothers me more than his silly talk.

“It;s good to know you have such a strong mindset in such a cruel industry,” Ricky complemented.

I pick up my glass then gulp down a bit of the alcohol, letting it flow down to my throat, before looking up to him. “Well, I had to… especially if some people around me are much more cruel than the industry itself.” I said with sarcasm.

For some reason, the moment I looked away and stared outside the window to push myself away from the conversation, I suddenly felt that awkward atmosphere around our table. No one talked after me, probably because my friends knew exactly what I was talking about. I’m sure they know that I am pissed off because Brandon is here when I thought he wouldn't come.

While I remained silent, they continued talking about some business talks for a short while before Ricky bid goodbye to my friends. The moment they walked away from our table, I leaned back in my seat and let out a heavy sigh, letting out my frustrations. Just as I thought that this night could end well, Brandon really decided to show up and ruin it.

I might be exaggerating right now, but I hate the fact that I am in the same room as him yet I couldn’t even do anything to give him the same pain he gave Tyra. On top of that, I also haven’t gotten back to him for that kiss in the club that night! So I can’t really keep myself calm, knowing that I am just stepping away to allow myself to do what I have promised to myself.

“Damn, girl! What the f**k is wrong with you?” Kai suddenly exclaimed, giving me a look. “I thought Styles was already cold enough, but you had to add spice to it with your awful sarcasm.”

“Shut up, Kai. It’s not f*****g funny.” I only said, rolling my eyes at him.

“Looks like someone still hasn't really moved on from what happened in the past,” Catalina pointed out, which everyone at the table agreed on. “Tyra has already moved on and is with Dominic now. Even Dominic is on good terms with Brandon, but here you are being all sarcastic all of a sudden after seeing that man.”

Despite their remarks, I only remained silent and talked less. I fear that if I talk more, then things might not be in my favor at all. After all, they still have no idea about what happened in that dark alley with me and Brandon.

“What made you hate Brandon so much anyway? I mean, it’s been so long but you still hate him.” Esther butted in, giving me a confused look. “If you hate him back in college, I understand that. But for you still hate him even now? I’m more convinced there is something more to this.”

“Don’t act like you don’t know, Es! She hated him because of his guts, remember? I remember Alexa being all pissed after she went back to our hangout place after confronting Brandon. It’s so funny because she looks even more mad than Tyra during that time.” Kai says, letting out a little laughter in between.

“I remember that! Thinking about it now, one would mistake her as the girlfriend instead of Tyra.” Aisha butted in as well.

I glared at her, then shook my head. “So much for being my best friend, yeah?” I sarcastically said, which she responded with an innocent smile.

Despite the whole talk about what happened with Brandon back then, Dominic and I were the only ones who remained silent throughout their entire conversation. My eyes felt like bleeding as they reminisced with the memory of my anger towards that jerk. I think their reminiscing moments only add more to my hate towards Brandon now.

As they talked more, I kept glancing at Dominic to make sure he was not bothered by any other words that came out of our friend's mouth. They are so unstoppable that they are forgetting the fact that Tyra’s current boyfriend is even here with us. They are unbelievable.

“You okay?” I whispered to Dominic while the rest remained talking.

He looked at me and nodded. “Do I look like I am not?”

“Well, they are talking about Tyra’s ex-boyfriend. So I figured you might be bothered by it, since you know?” I shrugged my shoulders a bit, making him form a smile.

He placed his hand on top of my head, patting it gently. “You don’t need to worry about Brandon’s presence, okay? I am completely not bothered by him and the fact that he is Tyra’s former boyfriend. It is already in the past, so I suggest you set aside your hate for him now as well and just move on.” he advises.

Though he told me that, I couldn’t help but glance at where Brandon and his friends were. They are seated on the high chairs over the bar with drinks served on the island. My attention focused on Brandon and Ricky, and I noticed something different between them. As they talk, Brandon puts on such a smile that we often see, and even leans in to whisper with one another. Damn, I am turning into someone judgmental now.

“Dominic,” I softly called as he responded with a hum. “Did Tyra somehow tell you the reason why Brandon actually broke up with her back then? I know that I shouldn’t bring up such past issues already, but I just can’t help it because we never really get to know the reason why.”

For a short moment, I only heard silence from him. The longer it lasted, the more I became more curious about what he would respond to. If he lasts this long to respond, then he probably has an idea why they broke up.

“I can’t really remember anymore about their break up, Alex. It’s been so long and even if Tyra told me about it back then, why would I even want to keep such a memory of my girlfriend’s break up with her ex?” he responded, reasoning out really well.

After hearing him say that, I suddenly feel guilty for bringing up the past when both him and Tyra are already having a good time together. Maybe they were really right. I am so stuck with the past even though so many things have changed in my life now—not just mine, but everyone else as well.

“It’s actually amusing because Brandon has never really been spotted with any woman since the moment he was involved in their family business. I mean, if one is a renowned bachelor, then they will be likely to be monitored almost daily, like how those paparazzi show up in Alexa’s life every single day.” Catalina said, letting out a little laugh.

“What are you guys talking about? Why am I involved?” I said, giving them confused looks.

“We’re talking about how Brandon surprisingly remained single after he broke up with Tyra.” Esther answered before giving Kai a look. “I really thought he would have someone next to him right after they broke up because he seems to not care after Tyra right away.”

“Dude! What do you think of us men? We always play with girls' feelings and switch from one woman to another? How cruel of you,” Kai dramatically said.

“Well, you can’t deny that there are indeed some assholes in your circle, Kai.” Aisha butted in as well, raising her brows and putting on a smirk to tease our friend more.

It's funny because, even though Kai is the troublemaker in our group, he still ends up being the one teased the most. Somehow, we just managed to always find a way to tease him so much with even just a single word that escapes his lips. However, all those teases backfire as well, because he never really just stayed down and remained silent.

“I actually read something ridiculous the other day. Actually it has been in the tabloids quite many times.” Aisha started, making each of us focus on her words. “There are articles that talk about Brandon and the issue of him not showing any girl next to him. Some say that he might be allergic to girls or somehow just not really interested in dating anyone anymore. But most say that he might be gay. Isn’t that ridiculous?”

“Yeah, that is indeed ridiculous!” Cat supported.

Laughter fills our table as Aisha shared more about the article that says Brandon is actually gay. She even said that some people think that maybe that jerk is just so private with his life that he doesn't want anyone to know whether he is dating anyone or not. Something similar to what I wanted with my relationship once I had one. But something bothers me.

As I simply glance back to where Brandon and his friends are, I couldn’t help but observe him with Ricky. They might indeed be bestfriends, but considering how I also haven’t seen him with any girls except Tyra, things are indeed weird. Actually, if Tyra weren’t even the one to flirt with him, then their relationship wouldn’t even happen.

“What if he really is gay?” I suddenly said unconsciously, making me turn to them in shock.

They all gave me a confused look and some disbelief. It is given because how can a man who used to be our friend’s ex-boyfriend actually turn out into gay? I mean, I don’t have any problem with gay people because I do have some friends in the industry who are one. It is just some suspicion towards Brandon.

“That's impossible, Alexandra. If he is gay, then why would he date Tyra back then for a year? That’s ridiculous!” Cat argued.

“I don’t know, okay? But come to think of it, we still don’t know the reason why that jerk broke up with Tyra back then. What if the reason behind it was because he is actually gay and he only realized it late?” I said, trying to point out my allegations.

But it made me suddenly question my allegations as well. If he might be gay, then how come he ended up making out with me in the hallway the night before he ended things with my friend? But he was drunk that night! Maybe it was just his hormones taking over, but… I don’t know anymore.

“Look, Alexa. We know you still have some hatred left towards Brandon, but making allegations that he is gay is not really good, okay? He is a renowned bachelor too, and if anyone hears you say that, it could ruin his image. I’m pretty sure you know the consequences of that more than us.” Esther pointed out, making me silent.

“But! But! If Alexa keeps making that kind of allegation, why doesn't she try to find it out herself?” Kai suddenly said.

“What are you trying to say, Kai?” Dominic only said, while looking at Kai in question.

“Make her prove it to herself whether Styles is gay or not.” Kai squinted his eyes as if he was in deep thought. After a few seconds, his eyes opened again, looking all bright. “We can bet!”

Each of us releases a groan and sighs as those words escape Kai’s lips. He really is asking for trouble at this point.

“That’s stupid, Hiroji,” I commented.

“Why? Are you scared of losing?” He provoked, making me slightly feel that competitive gene inside me. “If you managed to prove that he is gay, then you can ask us anything you want. But if he turns out to be straight, you will be the one to shoulder Esther and her fiance’s honeymoon fees. Are you up for it?”

“Wait! Wait! Why is my future honeymoon involved in this?” Esther butted in, clearly against the idea.

“It’s just the idea that pops into my head right now, okay? You can just negotiate with Alexa later on if you want.” Kai answered, determined to make this bet. He then turned back to me with a smirk plastered on his lips. “So… are you up for it?”

I looked at him and saw that mockery in his face. With that kind of expression, it really does release the competitive gene in me that I would be willing to accept anything just to win. But then, if I agree, that means I need to get close to Brandon suddenly and I don’t even know how I can make that happen!

He knows well that I hate him. And I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t like me being around him as well. So how will I prove anything at all?

I gave Kai one last look, only to see that mockery in his face again to provoke me more. I let out a groan then leaned back on my seat. As a sigh escaped my lips, Kai cheered in victory because he knew that I had taken the bait.

“Fine. But you better make sure you stick with your words. I will get anything I want from you.” I made sure to emphasize my last word.

He nodded confidently before reaching for his drink from the table. “Just make sure you can prove it first,” he said before gulping down the whole remains of his glass.

This bet… it’s crazy.