Ch-7
3762 Words
Mia ( Four Years Ago)
I had my eyes stuck on the laptop when someone knocked on the glass door of my cabin. Yes, I get my cabin here and it was one of the best feelings in the world to be honest. It made me felt authoritative and in control, finally. Its been three months in New York and I was finally getting back control in my life. I was finally starting to feel like myself. My team mates here are very welcoming and hard working. My seniors absolutely adore me. I enjoy my day at work immensely and then I go back to a beautiful comfortable home where I can relax and unwind. I was starting to enjoy my own company immensely, feel the peace inside me.
Of course not everything was bed of roses. Sometimes, the slightest of noise would make me jump in fear and I would rush and close all the doors and windows quickly. I don't know exactly what I was scared of but such sudden disturbances were capable enough to induce complete panic attacks, freezing me up for a minute or five until I has to push myself out of it. I slept with a long wooden stick that I discovered in the shed near my bed. And there were countless nights when I would wake up to chilling nightmares of those grey black eyes haunting the hell out of me. But other than that, I was fine. More than fine.
I looked up and saw Chris, one of my colleagues standing outside with a massive bouquet of flower in his hand. I frowned and asked him to come in, the floral scent filling the entire room in no time. They were a big bunch of light and dark pink peonies, one of my favorite flowers. They looked so cute and that instantly brought a smile on my face.
"Someone sent you these," Chris muttered, not looking pleased as he placed the bouquet on the coffee table. He definitely has a crush on me. I have noticed him blankly staring at me on many occasions. It was sweet but he was quite younger than me, a rookie in the business.
"Does it says who?" I asked and he nodded and handed me a pretty pink envelope tucked between the flowers.
"Thanks, Chris," I gave him a smile.
"You have got a lot of admirers, boss," He muttered and I rolled my eyes at him.
"You have to stop calling me boss, Jeez," I laughed. "Its Mia...M.I.A. Anyways, can you get me the details about the Shaun Conrad event next month?"
"On it," He nodded and shooting a last disgusted look at the beautiful peonies, left. I shook my head in amusement and opened the envelope. I instantly knew who it was from without even seeing the name at the bottom as I read the message on the card.
I hope this beautiful flowers cheer your day...
I am dying to see you...will be waiting sharp at seven near your apartment.
Let's have dinner tonight? Don't say no...pleaseeeee:(
Love, Ethan...
I smiled as I chucked the envelope in my purse and quickly typed a text to him confirming that I will be there. The last time I saw him was back in my apartment that afternoon when he asked me to give him one chance and confessed that he might even love me. After that we kissed but up until now I haven't given him a concrete answer. And not once has he tried to force me. He made it very clear that he will wait for as long as it takes but he was definitely not letting go.
We have stayed in touch after that through texts and calls and the mere sound of his voice brings a smile to my face. But despite that I was still wary about getting into another relationship again. I trusted Ethan and I knew that by no means was he like Tristan. The best thing about him was that he was as normal as a person could get. It was just so easy to be with him. But still, a part of me was scared of getting hurt again in any way. However, that doesn't mean we can't have a friendly dinner. And to be seeing his beautiful smiling face again after three long months already made my day a hundred times better.
I took a glance at the mirror at exactly seven in the evening as Ethan said and felt satisfied by the way I looked. I didn't want to go all out so I pulled in my best pair of white denims with a strappy silver sequin top and matching silver stilettoes. I pulled my hairs up in a high messy bun with a few tendrils here and there and completed the look with a wine red lipstick. I looked good enough but at the same time friendly and not over the top flirtatious. The last thing left was a good fragrance and my over the top expensive watch that Nicole gifted me.
Precisely a minute later, my phone buzzed showing a text from him that he was waiting downstairs. I took a deep breath, grabbed my sling bag and was out of the door in a second. I was inwardly appalled to be feeling so excited by the prospect of seeing him. It was probably because he was the only familiar face that I will be seeing in a really long time in this gigantic city that never sleeps. And also I loved the warm fuzzy feeling that he always radiates, like everything the world was fair and good. How many people can make you feel like that?
Ethan was leaning against his car, wearing a white shirt and blue denims and man did he look hot. I don't really understand why men always leave half of their buttons open but whatever it was...it looked sexy as hell. His eyes widened in surprise on seeing me and then a big genuine smile almost split his face into two halves.
"Hi," I smiled brightly at him and before replying he gave me a tight crushing hug. By now I have got used to being with him so I hugged him back, trying not to inhale his musky scent.
"I missed you so much," Ethan whispered, still not letting go. "So so so much,"
"Yeah...me too," I answered because that was not a lie. I really did miss his warm comforting vibes. He pulled away, looking very happy as he examined me at arm's length.
"You look hella fine, Ms. Garner," He said and the way his brown eyes appraised made me blush instantly.
"So do you, Mr. Taylor," I answered and he grinned before opening the passenger side door. I mouthed a thank you and climbed in, feeling excited after a very long time.
Ethan has selected a very cozy looking restaurant and the table was set with pretty flowers and candles. The place was crowded as hell as was expected of every other chic place in New York City but thankfully not chaotic.
"Would you like to order the wine?" Ethan asked and I shook my head.
"Not good with that," I answered and he smiled, looking pleased for some reason. Men love to order wine, I have noticed that many times, asking all sorts of questions that obviously made no sense to me.
"So, are you staying with your parents?" I inquired once the waiter has left with the order. Ethan shook his head.
"I have my own place," He answered and I frowned . Why does he have a place here when he lives in Seattle?
"I brought it last year when the real estate dropped," He answered my unasked question. "New York has always been my home and sooner or later I was going to move in back here so its natural to have my place here, isn't it? Plus, property is a great investment,"
"Yeah," I nodded, remembering someone saying the exact same thing a long time ago. I pushed the thought aside. "So how's your business going? Who is doing your PR now?" I don't know why I was talking like I have been meeting him after forever. Its just been three months and we have talked frequently over phone as well.
"Business is smashing," He smiled. "And you would be pleased to know that your best friend took over after you left,"
"Oh...yeah. Now I remember...Liv told me sometime ago," I said. "That's great. You are in good hands,"
"I don't doubt that," He agreed. "But what about here? Are the agents working here as good?"
"Oh...they are amazing," I said, feeling a sense of pride for my team. The waiter came back with the wine and filled our glasses with an absolute flourish before retorting back.
"That's great...can you recommend someone for me?" He asked and I nodded my head in response.
"Sure, of course," I said. "But wait a second...why do you need a agent here? You already got Liv so..."
"Because, I am moving base to New York," He answered and my eyes widened in surprise. Moving to New York?
We will figure something out. I will follow you to the end of the world if I have to...I remember him saying that but I didn't know that he was being serious. I really hoped that he has think this through because I definitely don't want him to loose years worth of hard work for me.
"Why?" I asked, almost stunned and watched him turn utterly serious in the blink of an eye.
"You know why..." He answered, looking absolutely serious. "I told you we will figure things out. This is me figuring things out,"
"Ethan...you don't have to do this for me," I said feeling a bit bewildered. "This is huge. Your entire business is set up there. And now moving here...starting from start,"
"I am not doing this for you. I am doing this for me," He said, taking a sip of his wine. "I want to be there for you, Mia...because I know what you went through. My feelings towards you sometimes doesn't make sense even to me but I know they are strong enough to make me want to take this leap of faith,"
"Ethan..." I begin but he cut me off again. '
"I know you need time and you can have as much time as you want but today, I want you to promise me something," He said. "I need you to promise me that even if it take four months or four years or even six years... in the end its going to be me. That you will give me a chance this time? Can you promise?"
I stared at his beautiful face and warm welcoming eyes, knowing too well deep down that next time it would be him. Because I do liked him. And I do wanted to be with him. It was my fears and the horrifying past that I just left behind that's stopping me from moving ahead.
"Yes...I promise," I answered, without a second thought. 'It will be you,"
"Then that's all I need," He smiled at me.
"Ethan...have you thought this through? Starting from the very start again?" I asked, not feeling as optimistic as he looked.
"Of course. And who says its a new start?" He beamed. "Its expansion. I am not wrapping up business...I am expanding it. New York has much more opportunities than Seattle and I have consulted with my advisor. He agrees that its a really good time to explore the market and expand accordingly. Both my parents have great connections and so do I. All I need is some mind blowing PR and I would be good to go,"
"And who will look after your business there?" I demanded.
"I will hire a COO who will look after the business there and report accordingly," He answered. "We are already on the look out for someone with a impeccable track record. And one of my advisory members will assist him or her...I don't discriminate,"
I stared at him, a little blank. He really has thought everything through. And all for what? To be with me? Was I even deserving of that much love and sacrifice? Can I give him back even half of what he was giving me? Was I worthy of all his efforts? I felt guilty inside but at the same time, a part of me felt blessed. How many people gets a second chance in life? Ethan was the second chance that God was giving me. I can feel it inside me. It feels right with him. It feels safe. It feels comforting and I hoped that with time I can give him back just as much as he was giving me if not more.
After dinner Ethan dropped me back home, looking very pleased with himself for some reason. He looked very cute when he just smiles to himself, God knows enjoying what inside joke. I watched him curiously and couldn't help but wonder why he was so hooked on me. He can get anyone he want. He was smart, handsome, funny and successful. A proper husband material for those seeking one. And yet here he was, running after someone like me. Placing me completely on the pedestal while all I do was keep him waiting. It was weird.
"Thanks for dinner," I smiled at him. "Thanks for everything actually. It means a lot,"
"Thank you for not shoving me away," He smiled back. "I can't wait to move here and honestly, I was really wary you know...whether you will agree to this proposition or not or am I just putting all the hopes and wishes into nothing. But now that I have got your answer.. I am hell of a excited,"
"I am glad I could at least do something in return," I answered and tried again not to question his happiness and feelings towards me. "When are you leaving by the way?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," He answered, tucking one of my tendrils behind my ears. "Need to wrap things up there ASAP. Mom and Dad are so thrilled to have me back as well. I bet they are gonna invite you out again just to thank you,"
"I will love to meet them again," I laughed. "So...I should get going now. Oh....would you like to come up? For coffee or something?"
"Ah no...I have to meet up with my folks as well. So I better get going," He said and leaning down gave me a hug.
"Good night, Ethan," I murmured. "I will be looking forward to you moving here,"
"So would I," He smiled, releasing me. "Good night, Mia. Sleep well. Dream of me...if you would,"
"Sure," I chuckled and started to walk away but even before I could take one complete step ahead, I felt a sharp tug on my hand and I almost stumbled falling straight into Ethan's arms.
"I had to do this," He whispered and pressed his lips to mine kissing me softly and slowly. I wrapped my arms around his neck feeling as comfortable as home with his arms around my waist. That was what I liked the best about him. He was all about no muss no fuss. I was sure the doorman was enjoying the view a lot and anyone else out there but I honestly didn't want to let go off him because above everything he made me feel safe. Very very safe.
"I love you," He whispered, releasing me and my eyes widened in surprise at his confession.
"What?" I stuttered and he smiled, almost shyly.
"Yeah...its something I realised in these three months while I was taking a shower actually," He answered bashfully. "I mean I knew bu..." I didn't let him finish. I was too overwhelmed by his confession so I kissed him again. And also because I was still not ready to respond to that with something equally positive.
"You are trying to shut me off? Aren't you?" He asked, playfully and I felt my face going red.
"I...just need some more time," I answered. "I promise I will get there,"
"Its okay, Mia," Ethan said, taking my face in his hands. "I don't want you to say it until you mean it,"
I smiled and gave him a hug again before reluctantly heading back home with the feeling of his soft, passionate kiss still lingering on my lips.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mia (Four Years Later)
I closed my eyes and counted to ten, taking deep breaths. I felt stuck in time while everyone and everything else was moving. I felt like someone has glued me to my sit and he was coming towards me, to finally seek his vengeance. My ultimate fear was coming true now.
"Mia! Mia!" A very familiar voice called, shaking me. "Mia!"
I opened my eyes and Liv's dark surprised eyes gazed back at me with concern. The world was finally moving. I was no longer frozen in my place but my heart was not just pumping, it was practically racing at the speed of a bullet train. I dragged my eyes reluctantly to the seat at the end and was surprised to find that it was empty. There was no one there. Did I just imagine him then? Why would I imagine him out of the blue?
"Mia...did you just have a panic attack?" Liv asked, pushing a glass of iced water towards me which I thankfully gurgled down in no time.
"Tristan..." I murmured, running my hands through my hairs. "I think I just saw Tristan..."
"What? Where?" Liv exclaimed and I pointed to the empty seat. She turned to have a look and then glanced back at me with a frown.
"Are you sure it was Tristan?" She inquired and I shrugged. I was not sure anymore.
"I thought it was...I don't know," I whispered, staring blankly at my empty glass.
"Maybe it was someone like him?" Liv offered. "Because nobody in Seattle has heard from Tristan Jacques in four years. He left after terminating the contract with us. And as far as I know he has gone back to Spain. If he was here, I definitely would have known some way or other,"
"Maybe, I imagined him," I answered silently and reaching out Liv softly squeezed my hand.
"Are you still having nightmares about him?" She asked softly and I sighed deeply.
"Not as frequent as before," I replied, distractedly playing with the cute pink umbrella they served with our drinks.
"Its been four years, Mia," Liv said. "He is gone. Done deal. You have moved on and ahead in your life. You have a loving husband and I know things are a little sour at the moment but still you both love each other...you guys have a child together, a good comfortable home and a great career. This is your life...this is where you need to focus. Not on some stupid sick bastard. Isn't Susana helping?"
"She is...going to her has helped a lot," I answered wryly. "Its just that...there's this constant fear working inside me and it pops out now and then knocking the wind out of me,"
"What fear?" She asked and I stared at her and wondered how to articulate my worst nightmare in words.
"I just...I just can't help but feel that everything that happened with us, he will never take in all of that silently. He has been humiliated. His ego has been hurt and as far as I know him...he doesn't take such things lightly. He is very revengeful, Liv. And even though its been four years, I just feel like he is...he is waiting for the right time to strike. To destroy my carefully built life all over again,"
"Okay...you need to get rid of these negative thoughts, Mia," Liv admonished. "This will do nothing but eat you out from inside,"
"I know...but I just don't know how to do that," I whispered. "Its like my head has become a Bermuda triangle or something...sucking in every bad negative thoughts,"
"Maybe talk to Ethan?" Liv offered and I shot her a horrified look.
"He don't know about Tristan," I pointed. "All he knows is that I had a bad relationship with some guy I met through work. That's all. After we got together it was everything new. The past never came up. Now all of a sudden I can't go and tell him how tumultuous that past was. What if he judges me?"
"He is your husband, Mia," Liv rolled her eyes at me.
"No...this is not an option," I shook my head. "I will sort this myself and if it gets worse...well then I will think about it,"
"Okay," She smiled at me. "Just go a little kind on yourself, Mia. If you don't like something...if something's effecting you...speak up, okay?"
"Okay...yeah. I know," I nodded my head and gave her a reassuring smile.
We spent an hour or two together and then headed back after making plan to catch up for shopping the coming Saturday before I leave for New York. Even though I laughed and joked with her reminiscing silly old memories, I just couldn't let go of the memory of that man. Every time I remember that smile, a chill run down my spine with fear. There was just one person who could calm me at the moment. So I took out my phone and dialed his number. The bell kept going on and on and I was about to cut the call when he picked up.
"Mia, baby can I call you back later? I am heading for a early breakfast meeting now," Ethan said hurriedly and I could hear a lot of shuffling sound in the background followed by a damn it from him.
"Okay," I said and cut the call, feeling the usual emptiness creeping up. I leaned my head against the window of my cab and let the threatening tears flow silently. No matter what I try to convince myself...
I knew I was all alone in my fight...
--------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Hey readers! How are you all? I hope everyone is good and safe. Here's the next update! I hope you like it. A bit lengthy chapter which to me is much better than sitting with a empty blank page during the first part. But I hope you all like it. Thank you so much for your support and love!
- Writer
