Chapter 9
1098 Words
(Astrid POV)
“I don’t want to eat anything. I just want to talk” I said as I stared at another 5-star restaurant.
“We will talk in here. I’ve arranged a conference room. There will only be a few people there. We can talk peacefully.” he said as I eye him suspiciously.
“Come on,” he said as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I tensed and glared at him before removing his hand and walking to the restaurant.
The waitress took us to the topmost floor and settled us in a very fancy looking room.
She didn’t take our order but she came back with a bottle of champagne.
“I have already ordered our food,” he said as I nodded.
I guess that’s alright.
“So can we talk now?” I asked as I took the glass he filled with champagne.
“Yes,” he replied as I nodded.
“Where were you?” I asked as he took a sip of his drink.
“I was around. Never in a constant place.” He said as I sighed and nodded.
I knew he will never agree to speak truthfully.
“But I always think about you” he suddenly said as I looked at him shocked.
My heart beat fast as I looked at his void face. Even if he was expressionless his eyes were like a glass showing his true feelings.
Longing, guilt, love…
I didn’t know how to reply as we kept staring at each other.
I missed him too. I missed him a lot.
The days I spend crying over his death were countless.
“Why did you make me believe you died?” I asked as I tried my best to keep my voice from cracking.
“I want to protect you. It’s not safe” he said, his expression still void.
“And now it is?” I asked as he sighed and looked out of the window.
There was a silence as my question hung in the air without an answer.
“It's not.” He said as he looked back at me.
“It's not safe. Not safe until I find the man behind this” he said and I immediately knew who he was talking about.
Before Elliot got shot the men who kidnapped us didn’t reveal the person who was behind this. If Elliot has still not found the guy, he must be very smart.
“You didn’t have to pretend to be dead,” I said as I looked at the empty plate with tears.
“I’m sorry,” he said but I didn’t reply to him.
“Please don’t cry,” he said as I wiped my tears.
“I’m ok,” I said even though I was far from ok.
“So you don’t have even a single clue who that the man is?” I asked trying to change the topic.
“Yes. I have my doubts on a few people.” He said as I nodded.
“Was the people who kidnapped me his minions?” I asked as he nodded.
“Yes. They did it under the order of their superior” he said.
“Then they will be able to tell us right?” I asked as he shook his head.
“No. I have tried that. He is too smart. The men have never seen their boss.” He said as I sighed.
The waitress came in and placed our food in front of me.
My eyes widened as I saw all my favorite food in front of me.
“I never knew we get this in 5-star restaurants!” I said shocked as he smiled.
I was shocked to see an actual and genuine smile from him.
“I made an advance order especially for you. As a sorry” he said as I stared at him.
“Thank you. But don’t think you can gain my forgiveness with my favorites” I said as he shrugged.
“Worth a try”.
“So tell me about you, Astrid. How are you?” he asked leaning in with curiosity.
“Do I need to say anything? I’m sure your private investigator has everything covered” I said raising my eyebrow at him.
“I want to hear things from you,” he said as I ate a piece of chicken.
“So you’re not denying,” I said as he shrugged making me roll my eyes.
“Tell me why you chose a med school?” he asked as I looked at him confused.
”Huh?” I asked looking at him dumb fold.
“Well, you never mentioned that you wanted to become a doctor. You always wanted to be an actress. So why?” he said as I sighed.
“I never thought I will be too,” I said giving out a dry laugh before looking at him.
“It's because of you. That night when you were taken to the hospital they told me that you would’ve escaped if you were given at least an emergency treatment. Even though I was unconscious and in a comma I always wished I was a doctor so I could’ve given you the first aid. And because of that, I wanted to become a doctor.” I said avoiding his gaze.
“I understand. I’m happy you are doing well” he said as I smiled at him.
Silence followed us as I continued to eat, avoiding his burning gaze.
I wanted us to go back to how we were.
I wanted him to be the old, happy and cheerful guy filled with adventure.
I sneaked a glance at him. He was now concentrating on his food.
He looked more matured in his suit. His facial expression is now a bit soft but nowhere near his old self.
After food, we made our way back to the car.
He dropped me at my shift much to my denial.
“Astrid” he called as I hummed and looked at him.
“I want you back in my life. I promise I will not act my death again” he said and I couldn’t help but laugh.
But I stopped when I saw him looking at me with longings.
What should I do? Should I accept him?
My mind was conflicted.
Should I keep my contact with him? Or should I let him go?
A part of me wants to have him back but the other part is shouting that I will be hurt.
But he did it to protect me… right?
I was going to answer him when a girl suddenly jumped on top of him.
My eyes widened as I saw a beautiful girl in an elegant blue dress smile at Elliot.
“Honey! What a coincidence! I was on my way to see the wedding planner!” she said as my eyes widen.
“What?” I asked as she looked at me confused.
“I'm sorry. I didn’t see you there. My name is Sophia. I am his fiancé” she said making my whole world shatter.
I turned and walked back to my workplace without looking back.
His facial expression was clear in his face.
Fear, worry, and guilt.
He is getting married.
I knew this was too good to be true. I knew, in the end, I would be the one who would be getting hurt.
But I just couldn’t help the tears that kept running down my face.
- Writer
