Hidden Lover

“Where are you?” the first thing I asked when Scott answered my call. “I’m outside meeting Arthur,” he replied seriously. “Who’s Arthur?” my next question but I was just keeping myself calm. “Our marketing head. Look, Lauren, I’m busy right now. Will talk later, bye!” That moment when he cut the line, I felt an indescribable feeling. I felt like I was stabbed by a knife so sharp and so deep. Where did he get the audacity to lie to me? Wicked! I was standing across a fine dining restaurant looking clearly at him when I made the call. He was laughing happily and so lively facing... HER. He was cheating on me! I felt like my legs were about to give up because I've been shaking from the moment I saw him with someone.  I slumped on the nearest bench and I couldn’t think clearly about what should I do. I didn't want to cry in public but I couldn’t hold my tears from falling because the pain inside me was on a high-intensity level. I knew her because she was the woman I get insecure about from day one. She's a model in some of the famous magazines in Boston. She's from the family of the elites and obviously with a good background. She could obviously fascinate whoever she wants. I know Scott was crushing on her since our university days, but she was with someone else at that time. Recently, gossip spread like wildfire that she broke up with her beau, and the news of her being single captured his attention. Three days ago, I visited his office.  I did it as a surprise because it was our second month being together. I passed by his secretary because she already knew who I am and Scott allowed me to enter whenever I opted to see him.  Scott has been working since we graduated from college a month ago. He directly helped his father in their business because he has no other choice being the heir.  Moore's shipping Company is prominent in the industry and they're doing well in the market. He offered a job for me but I declined because I want to pursue my career on my own. My pride is bigger than having the job in a click of an eye just because he's my boyfriend. I want to have a job that I know I deserve and I am hired because I'm capable. I want to be accepted in a job without someone handing it over to me. I opened the door and I found him talking to someone on his phone. His back was facing me and he didn't notice my arrival. "Dude, she's single," that was what he said and I neglected it because I don't know who he was referring to.  "It would be great if you can set a lunch for us two days from now," He requested to someone on the other line and I guess, it was one of his connections. I cleared my throat for him to notice me and he was shocked to see me behind him. He right away cut the call and instructed the person on the other line to give him an update soon.  "Lauren, how long are you in?" he questioned without even saying hi to me. He never anticipated my appearance, of course, I intended to surprise him and I guess he was. "Hi to you too," I smirked with sarcasm in my tone because I felt like he's not happy that I was around. "Sorry, I did not expect that you're coming today," he was a bit stuttered but I only pouted in return. "I decided to drop by because I want to give you this," I handed him a small box. "Thank you. What is this for?" he was confused. I hissed and just rolled my eyes. When he opened the box, he saw a waterman hemisphere ballpoint pen which I made customized with his name. I thought he would be happy about it but I didn't feel that sort of emotion. At that moment, I knew something's not right but I let it go because I didn't have proof to create an accusation against him. When I left his office, I went straight to my apartment because my cousin Audrey prepared something for dinner. I felt so lucky to have a cousin who is fond of cooking. "Did you see the gossip online?" I shook my head because I haven't checked portals for entertainment news yet. "Camilla Fox and his beau broke up. She's single again," I stilled the moment I heard her. It gave me a strong suspicion that she was the woman he mentioned as a single back in his office. He told someone on the line to schedule a lunch meeting with her in two days and I decided to follow him to ease the doubt that was growing in my heart and mind. I was right, what I saw was a confirmation of him lying to me. I didn't want to get involved in a relationship that's full of suspicion and lies. I wanted to end the crap before I get drowned to him deeper and make it hard for me to move on. I know that it’s alright to be not strong every day and it’s normal. But if there’s heartache involved -it’s a different story. I felt so low and I couldn’t decipher as to why he did it to me. Thankfully, I’m a strong person and I know how to value myself. I know how to omit people who are not giving me a reason to make them stay in my life. “Are you alright?” Someone sat beside me and handed his handkerchief. I resisted but he wasn’t backing down until I accepted it. “Thank you,” the only word I said to him. My tears couldn’t stop to fall and I looked like a mess. “Heartache?” he uttered. I bowed my head but I was still crying from the pain. “We met people for a reason- either a blessing or a lesson," he consoled even though we were strangers. Few minutes passed, he sat up.  But before he could left he said "Life happens, remember that,” I was dumbfounded as to why he counseled me. Maybe he felt pity for me. I picked up my phone from my pocket and dialed my cousin Audrey. I know she’s the only person who could help in whatever mess that I have. “Yes,” I heard her from the other line. I wasn’t able to answer right away because I felt like I will burst out in tears but she could hear me sniffed. “What happened?” the worry was evident from her voice. “Meet me at our apartment. I’m heading now,” she was serious.  Even though I haven’t said anything yet, she could feel it instantly if I'm in trouble. After I told her about Scott and the thing I discovered, she wasn’t surprised at all. “I told you that scumbag won’t do good to you,” she scolded me like a mom. I’m so thankful for her for being my strong backbone all these years. My parents got divorced when I was five, way back in Atlanta. My mom remarried to a businessman in Michigan and they started living there when she gave birth to my half-brother Austen. My father married his first love and they stayed in Atlanta with my half-sister Naomi. It’s different if both of your parents have their new families. When I was growing up, I felt like something was missing in my heart. Maybe the attention of not having my own parents under one roof. Maybe because their attention was diverted to their newfound families. Though they were able to provide everything that I need, I still feel incomplete and needless to say- unhappy. I came to a point that I got tired of our arrangements. I got tired of traveling back and forth to meet them that’s why I decided to stay with my cousin Audrey. She's a year older than me and when I reached my legal years, I persuaded my parents to study in Boston with her. I wanted to focus on my own and with her, I feel carefree and loved because she always gives attention to me.   “I warned you before - he’s the kind of man who won’t stay in one woman,” she exasperated but I know that she only cares for me. “You know what? Maybe he dated you because you are a challenge,” she smirked with her straightforward judgment. “What do you mean?” I furrowed my brows because I didn't understand. “Tell me, did he already popped that cherry of yours?” my eyes widened in surprise.