"Maezy was here."
Ara has a serious expression this time that looks odd on her. She's always silly and tactless that anyone who doesn't know her will think she never takes life seriously. But for those who know her well, she's soft, sweet, thoughtful, and loyal as a friend. Despite what happened between Yen and me, our friendship was never affected. It even grows better.
When she was struggling emotionally because of Tim, I comforted her. I came to her aid and was her companion when she was feeling lost in a vast and foreign country. I was the father image to her son for a long time until she moved on with Alex.
"But instead of coming to see me, I saw her glaring at Ella."
I close my eyes and draw out a deep sigh. "I know."
"Zed, tell me." Ara puts down her cup and looks into my eyes, "Who is Ella? Are you sure about this engagement? You know what, I had a hard time believing you were serious in this, but I only played along. You had been with me for three years, Zed. Wherever on earth you went, you always came home to me. And you had never mentioned her."
A thin smile plays on my face as I listen to Ara. I let her continue because I know I'll never have the chance to speak if she's not done yet.
"You said you met her three years ago? Three years your ass!"
I chuckle as I remember telling them that I met Ella three years ago, and we have been together since then.
"Fine. I'll tell you. But I wonder why it takes so long for you to ask this."
She rolls her eyes. "How can I? I always drop dead at the end of the day, and you're busy yourself. And besides, I just give you time to go on with your drama until you come crying to me."
I finish half of my coffee in one gulp. Then, I wipe my mouth with the table napkin Ara has also prepared.
"I met her at the airport. She was crying, and I pitied her."
"Fuck."
"I had no plan to get serious with her, but then I used her to pretend that I have already moved on."
"So, this engagement is only a drama? Stop it, Zed!" Ara raises her tone, her face flushing in anger.
"Wait. Listen," I tell her. She drops a deep sigh before she tilts her head at me and smirks.
"I'm serious, Ar. I love her," I say sincerely.
Ara stares at me in disbelief. "I hope you're telling the truth, but it looks like you're being honest, indeed."
"Yes, Ar. Don't worry. You have to bring Matthew over because he will be the ringbearer, and you are my matron of honor."
"You're giving me another headache, but alright! Leave everything to me, including your card."
"But there might be no wedding anymore," I confess. I know Ara knows when to kiss and tell and when to zip her mouth.
"What do you mean? You can't be kidding, Zedrick!" When she mentions my full name, that means I can no longer mess with her.
“She is Jame’s fiancée.”
Her eyes grow wide for a minute. And then she rises from her seat, picks her pouch, and rushes out of the dining room. When she reaches the door, she stops and turns to look at me.
"I can't talk to you now. Need to cool down."
I wave a hand to dismiss her. I know I break the heart of my only friend. She turns to leave, but then she faces me again.
"You know, Zed, I keep asking myself why you are so ugly in my eyes that I can never love you. And why do you always see me as a fat pig that you can't love me as well? We could have protected each other from getting hurt all over again!"
I laugh, and she rolls her eyes. "You know you're the only woman I love the most."
"Ugh! I'll go now."
"Take care on the way."
"Of course. I still have to march down the aisle."
I shake my head as I watch her disappear. I finish the food on my plate, then hurry up to go to my secret room.
Once there, I saunter to the long table where I laid the old paintings. I look closely at the strokes the artist used in one painting, then compares it with the rest. I have done this a hundred times – I just can't afford to go wrong.
I proceed to the other table where I placed Yen's portrait. I lay them all at the top, studying them closely again. Staring at the logo in each painting, I take note of the heart, the arrow, and the stone. Dennis is so weird, indeed. Why does he use a different logo each time, and why does there seem to be an emotional story behind it?
After a long while of contemplating, I open the locker that I have locked carefully. Once the split doors fly to the sides, the man and the child in an old painting I hung inside greets my eyes.
He's my father, holding a boy in his lap!
I haven't seen this boy, although my father never fails to send his financial support to him. I was even the one who deposited the money every month through his mother's account.
Yes, my father had a family that he abandoned, but he didn't forget him. He sent him money regularly, even gifts during special dates. He gave him more than he did with me. He even made this son the sole heir to his property while I didn't get a cent.
But I didn't get jealous because I grew up with a father's love while this boy did not. My father made sure I understood this part about him. And he made me understand that some things in life can never be compensated with money.
But sadly, he passed away. The doctor diagnosed the cause of his death as cardiac arrest, but I don't believe it. Because I know who the killer is.