Ella's POV
"Ella, let's go," says Zed as he comes back from wherever he went. He doesn't go back to his seat but stands behind me instead.
"Is there a problem?"
"A stomach discomfort." But I don't believe him. There is something in his eyes that speaks about something else, other than physical discomfort.
He waves a hand to Mr. Mori, telling him that we're going ahead. The latter nods and raises a hand as well.
Zed then places a hand on my shoulder, guiding me as we take our exit. Before we reach the elevator, Miss Aliyah Torres, one of the speakers a while ago, appears from another direction and smiles at us.
"Babe!" she says, and Zed walks to her and kisses her on the cheek.
"Babe, I'm suddenly not feeling well. So, we're going ahead."
Miss Torres furrows her brows, tilts her head, and looks closely at Zed. She's about to open her mouth to speak, but ends up shrugging her shoulders.
"Oh, I hope it's not what I think," she presses a thin smile and shifts her gaze at me. Then, he turns to Zed, "This is?"
"Hmm, this is Ella. Ella," Zed pauses and looks at me, "if you remember, she's Miss Aliyah Torres, one of the speakers a while ago.
I smile and nod." Of course. Who can forget a stunning lady?"
Miss Torres extends her hand for a handshake to which I readily accept.
"I'm flattered, but I'm not as stunning as you do," says Miss Torres while her eyes are on Zed.
Zed then taps her shoulder to excuse us. "We have to go, babe. I'm having stomach discomfort."
"Sure, babe. Please get well soon."
While the two are still exchanging goodbyes with a kiss, the door opens and I see Miss Yen standing alone inside. I feel her body stiffening as she sees us, but she suddenly gains control and looks away. She reaches for the wall, perhaps on the control panel, because the door quickly closes. Though wearing large sunglasses, it still does not hide the redness of her nose. It looks like she has been crying.
"Miss Yen saw you," I tell Zed as we finally get into the elevator car.
Zed's eyes narrow into a questioning look. "Yen?"
"Yes. While you're exchanging goodbyes with Miss Torres, the elevator opens and I see Miss Yen in it."
Zed nods but does not say a word.
"Her nose is red. She must have been crying."
Zed holds my gaze for a moment, but still seals his mouth. The door then opens and we walk silently towards the parking lot. Once we're inside the car, Zed's expression turns grimmer, like he's about to smash things or cry. I want to ask what bothers him, but he doesn't even glance at me.
The silence makes me uncomfortable already. Zed's house on Tres Gardenias is still an hour away, but his eyes are on the road only. Whatever it is that troubles him, I'm sure it's not about physical discomfort. Because I see pain in his eyes, instead.
Just a few minutes ago, Zed shocked me with his achievements. If I didn't do research, I would not have known that XYZ Coffee Shop has already spread all throughout the city. And now, he surprised me with his credentials, and his being one of the highest-paid motivational speakers in the country. No wonder why he carries himself so well in front of the huge crowd as if he's just talking to a circle of friends.
I'm now wondering if he has published some motivational books already. All influential speakers do, such as the likes of Robert Kiyosaki, the author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," Norman Vincent Peale, the author of "The Power of Positive Thinking," and many others.
"Are you alright?" Zed suddenly speaks, throwing me a side glance.
"Of course." Since his eyes are back on the road, it gives me a chance to stare at him. And as expected, his gorgeousness and his sexy moves, even when driving, has got me mesmerized.
"You look stunning in that gown, Ella," he says and I get hundreds of butterflies in my stomach. Of course, I never expect that compliment. I know his eyes are on Yen only, although that changes a little after witnessing his romantic encounter with Miss Torres. I even suspect they have a thing in the past, if not now.
"I bought that for Yen when I was in Singapore, but she never wore it."
My heart sinks upon hearing that. Everything around him is always about Yen. But he lost her to Mr. Mori, when can't he accept that?
"Maybe this gown is meant for me. I hope you're not seeing me as Yen in this attire."
The corners of his mouth curl into a zipped smile before he nods. I wait for his reply but he gets lost in his thoughts again. Silence then takes place until we arrive home.
I take a quick shower then change into a pair of denim shorts and a tank top. My thoughts are on Zed. What if he's really sick?
With still a towel wrapped on my head, I hurry towards the next room and knock on the door. And since Zed doesn't answer, I turn the knob open. He's not inside the room, but I see another door that leads to the terrace. So, I head out in that direction and find Zed standing by the railings.
"Don't jump! It's not too high; it won't kill you."
I'm sure Zed hears my voice, but he doesn't turn to look at me. Unrelenting, I pace towards him and stand by his side.
"She wants me back, Ella," Zed suddenly speaks, but still, he doesn't look at me.
I pull my brows together. "What do you mean?"
"Yen wants me back." Zed's voice was hoarse, but I can feel the pain behind it, even if his eyes are on the garden below.
"What?"
"Yes."
"But-" I am about to remind him about Yen's marriage with Mr.Mori.
"She's not in her right mind, Ella. Maybe, the guilt is still eating her up."
I understand how difficult it must be for Miss Yen. Their marriage fared well until Mr. Mori came along, announcing his role in her life. How did she break the news to Zed?
"What did you say?" I ask, curiosity now hitting me.
"I told her I don't love her anymore. And that we're going to have a child soon."
Pain etches in his eyes, even as he looks at the blooming garden below. The flowers dance before our eyes, producing a kaleidoscope of colors. Yet, it doesn't change the sad atmosphere around us.
"I'm about to release you from our drama, but it looks like I have to ask you again for an extension."
Zed then turns and looks at me, his eyes are coaxing. Feeling the pull of his magnetic eyes, and the sense of pity that I feel for him deep inside, my hands fly at the sides of his head, pulling it down for a deep kiss.
"Can I help you forget?" I say as I pull my lips away from his. I'm asking this, not for him alone, but also me.
Zed doesn't answer me, but he grabs my chin and kisses me back.