I'm not moving even so, the maids opens the gate for us. I swear, I don't know what to say right now! This whole thing is shocking the shit out of me.
Should I retreat? Should I go back to the car instead and let Yuna there?
But on the other hand, why? Why, Vanez? Why you seem so bothered? Why does it affects you, still? Like the old times, huh? Many has changed now. What if it was all coincidental? That they forgotten about your existence since the day you're gone? We never knew.
So, I composed myself and breathed deeply, fixed my suit and held my purse tightly. I shouldn't get bothered. Let's bring back the unbothered me.
"You're from...?" One maid asked after she opened the gate.
My eyes found those curious and longing ones. I felt a bit uneasy as Anya and mine met. She's beside her co-maid, staring at me like I'm some unknown specie on the galaxy.
"From Bella Amélia boutique, miss! Someone from here, sent us a message and we're gonna give him the brands he piqued!" Yuna answered the maid.
I already my throat and put down my gaze. The maid accompanied us inside. Yuna's walking next to Henry and I'm at the last line. When I felt a hand on my arm.
"M-ma'am Vanez..."
To my shock, I swayed it immediately. She look shocked, too, because of my violent reaction. I gulped. Good thing Yuna and Henry were too busy heading inside to even notice us.
"I'm sorry. B-bye..." I left her there and followed the two."Yuna! Henry! You didn't even wait for me!" I demanded after I got near them.
Her face reddened."My apology, Ms. Arnaez, I get a bit distracted by the place..." she explained.
"Sorry, too, ma'am." Henry and his usual stiffness.
"Whatever you two. Let's go." I gotta Yuna's place.
The maid left us. I guess she's just new here or my conclusion was right? I'm just being forgotten? I didn't give attention to our maids and drivers that much before so, I'm not aware of their names and faces, not familiar with. I only knew Anya and the other drivers but the rest... nope.
"Wow! What a great mansion! I didn't expect it's way more glamorous than our BM!"
I glared at Yuna.
She gave me a peace sign."Kidding aside, ma'am!" Ugh, she's hopeless.
Anya gestured us to sit while waiting for the private customer we're expecting to come out. She's been glancing at me for seconds and it's kinda awkward.
"Oh, there he is! Hi, Mr. Arnaez!" When Yuna waved her hand at my back.
I heard multiple footsteps.
Then, a deeply hoarse familiar voice."Good morning, Ms. Gracia." I closed my eyes tight and sighed afterwards.
I'm too tired to ask why this is happening but I guess, I need to just go with it. Whatever shit is this... I must.
"Are you with the owner?" A stern but sophisticated voice seconded.
Yuna pointed me."Yes, Miss! She's the owner!" She giggled as she whispered to me,"You have the same surname. Arnaez everywhere, eh?" She doesn't find it suspicious, huh?
I didn't answer her and just turned to the people who came. Dad' expression didn't change after our eyes fixed. It's like he was not even surprised seeing me here, like he already expected or... he intentionally made this happen. While Sharon on his side, covered her mouth and the shock in her face was readable. They're both wearing a formal attire.
My eyes diverted to the two behind them. Innov was like, he saw a ghost from his past. His mouth were half opened so as Akira beside him. His face matured as well, I noticed some stubbles on his chin from here. Akira's body developed more, turning it into a curvy version.
"M-Martin! Don't tell me?!" Sharon, almost hysterical.
Dad sighed."I'm sorry I didn't tell you..."
"Dad! What's going on? Why is she here?" Akira sided with him rightaway. My brow shot up.
He didn't answer her. They all sat in front of us. Yuna and Henry beside me turned stiff. I'm looking at the people in front, emotionless. I have no rants, really. But I'm not gonna lie that my heart is aching right now, not the same intensity of pain years ago, now's different intensity, like it's near to going numb.
"I'm pleased to meet you. I have seen the brands, it was all fine. They loved it, too." He pertained to Sharon and Akira who were just scoffed.
Aren't they changing? I thought I'm gonna see the better version of them already.
Innov interfered."He's right. We're rooting for it, I liked the tee shirts' quality. Those are all nice, Van." I know I'm not the one who stilled after he called me by my nickname because I felt Yuna's stillness, too.
I already my throat."T-thanks, then. Thanks for all the feedbacks. So... I'm gonna give you your orders now..." I cannot take it any longer, being with them. Extremely awkward!
My hand ask for the bags, Yuna gave it immediately, and I handed it to Dad who was just looking at me with obvious longing, pain, guilt and sadness in the eyes. Am I seeing right? Are those all true? Surely? My eyes aren't tricking me?
He accepted it and cupped something in his pocket. I was taken aback when I saw it's a credit card."Thank you. I think you deserved this---"
"Wait, I'm not accepting that!" They're shocked by the sudden raise of my tone. I already my throat."C-cash is fine..." I said, calmly.
But he shook his head.
"No, no. Just accept it. It's for you..."
God, still stubborn as ever. Maybe I got that trait from him? Tss!
"I said, cash is fine." I said firmly.
Akira intruded."Why don't you just accept it? It's for your business' sake! Gosh." She rolled her eyes at me.
"Uncle, just let her..." Innov murmured to Dad.
I ignored them, my eyes were all on my father. His eyes were pleading.
But why?
"Well, if you won't give me a cash then, I won't accept that card. I'm done for today. Thank you for trusting us." I stood up casually so as Yuna and Henry who both looked curious.
I thought I wouldn't get affected anymore. I'm so wrong.
"Wait, Vanez! My daughter..." my feet automatically stopped. Oh, goodness! Fucking soft spot!"Are you planning to leave again? I can't endure another of your disappearance..."