Isaac Gray Elizalde’s POV
“Do you know the reason why even after all these years…and even after everything you’ve done, I am still talking to you and accepting you as my friend?” I put all my hatred towards Vivian as I am talking to her right now.
We are inside the same place where the bidding will be held today. I think I need to knock something inside her mind for her to realize that she’s really getting ahead of herself. I know that I had loved her before, but that was before. All I have for her right now is hatred.
“You still love me,” Vivian smiled at me, and she was flirting again. I was even sure why I tried to understand everything about her before when it was clear that everything in her was a red flag. Love really fooled us, and I am happy I had finally let go of my love for her.
Deanara is the only woman I want to be with right now…and I will not let Vivian have it her own way again. She has her own family, and I really don’t know why she’s still not happy about it. Well, I guess I know. She was never content with men. She even slept with another man when Ethan and I were together, then she got pregnant by another man. And, what did she do? She actually put a trap on me. She set me up. I was drunk that time because of the party we attended, she wasn’t even the one with me that time. And, I just found her in the room the next day telling me that we had sex when I couldn’t remember it. That was also the time where she kept on telling me that I am the father of her child.
You see, since then I tried to find logic in everything that she does, but there’s no sense in it. She’s crazy. She needs some mental treatment. Ethan already left her and the father of her child is now her husband. But, look at what she is doing…here…still trying to ruin me.
At first, I was okay since we are friends and I know her husband in the business world, and we talked because of business. During the time that Deanara heard that Vivian was calling me, it was because we have some business to talk about in my airline and not because we are together. But, I was so clear to her…that they will never be us. She should be happy with her family now. Why does she keep on ruining?
“Because I still respect you as my friend…” I told her. “But, Vivian…you already went too far.” I warned her. “And, I don’t want to see you again.”
She laughed, it was sarcastic. “You don’t want to see me? We’re partners. You can’t just break it.”
“My father still respects you even after everything you’ve done to me and my brother…” I smiled a little. “But, now that Deanara is back…I can’t let you ruin us again.” I stood up from my seat. “I am cutting ties with you and your husband’s company. Anything that is related to our company, our business, you can talk directly to my father…or to Ethan.”
“What?” She was shocked. “You can’t do that.”
“I can, Vivian.” I seriously told her. “In fact, I already did. I told my father everything, so he was on his way to talk to your husband.” I smirked. “I suggest you go home right now because my father might say something your husband will never like.”
“Are you threatening me?” She raised her brow and scoffed. I could feel that she already lost her cool and temper when I said that as she tried to look for her phone. It just feels good to see her like this. I should have done this before.
“I already did,” I smiled at her. “Vivian…we’re grown ups so let’s stop the game. Shall we? I am too old for games and I just want peace and you are someone who ruined everything in my life. So, please stay away from me!” I emphasized each word so she would feel that I no longer want her in my life even as business partners. I just couldn’t let go of the partnership because our family’s have strong ties and my father still treats her family as friends…but I’ll let my father handle it now.
I have my own family to keep.If I want to become better for Deanara and my son, I should start cleaning up my mess and I will start with Vivian. She’s really the mess I need to remove from my life.
“My father will handle every affair of your company with us. About my airline, my other directors will handle it. And, I will talk directly to your husband.” I explained to her. “So, please…stay away from me.”
“What if I don’t?” She’s really stubborn. I hate this kind of attitude from her. This is making me hate her even more. What the hell! Why did I even love her…she’s worse than before.
I couldn’t understand why some people are not content and are not happy with things in their life. They make their own life choices so they should bear the consequences of it. Vivian should learn from her mistakes, but each time she keeps on making a lot of mistakes to the point that there is no room for forgiveness. I had enough of her.
“I am going to tell your husband…” I paused with a smirk on my face that I am sure as hell that she’s not going to do anything anymore. I know her secret. I could destroy her, only that I still respect her as a girl.
“You are not going to ruin it!” She was hysterical right now. “You won’t ruin my family!” She warned me. Too late, I am no longer afraid of her. And, what could she do when I have proof that she is actually committing adultery. Well, I don’t know how her husband right now will handle it, but goodluck to her.
“You ruined mine, what makes you think I cannot ruin yours?” I smiled playfully. “But, I will not do it. Only if…” I looked at her seriously. “You’ll fix your mess. I am going to give you a week. Tell everything to Deanara…everything you’ve done to ruin us!”
“And, what if I don’t?”
I faked a laugh. “You know what will happen.”
“Gray…” She sweetly called me. That certain charm she is using, I am immune to that. I can’t believe she is still doing these dirty tricks and men still fall for that? She’s so childish. What the fuck! I am getting goosebumps.
“I no longer fall for that.” I shook my head. “I really don’t know why you are still doing this…”
“Deanara had taken you away from me! Of course, I am just making her pay!” She yelled.
“Really? Deanara?” I cannot believe how crazy this girl is. “You are blaming her? You cheated on me!” I raised my voice, trying to calm myself and stop myself from hurting her any moment. God forbid me! “Wow…I cannot believe you.”
I showed how frustrated I am. She tried to hold me, but I pushed her away. There is no way I am letting her in my life again. It was a mistake.
“You were the one who cheated on me, so don’t ever put her name in this mess.” I warned her as I looked at her with disgust. Why did I even like her in the first place? “Vivian, fix this mess because if not…your family will be ruined!”
I am not sure what she’s going to do but I sure as hell I am going to tell her husband about what she is doing, with proof, to ruin her. She ruined mine, and this is the only time for her to realize her mistakes since then. She’s really a spoiled brat.
“She’s good.” Engr. Ruiz said as soon as I sat beside him. She is pertaining to Deanara who was now talking with some people. “Great, actually. Must be the reason why you are head over heels towards her.”
“I know.” I smiled.
It took half a day for the bidding and the presentation to happen, which we were able to do. Deanara was no longer in the place when the announcement of the company who got the bid was said to the audience which made us really happy because we were able to get the project and Vivian’s team - which was actually lead by her husband who flew from another country just to settle things to us - admitted that they really copied the designs, well unintentionally on their part so they were willing to pay damages, then.
Nevertheless, it was settled. We cannot start the project. And, it was all thanks to Deanara and her effort, but she wasn’t there…even after the party.
“Have you seen her?” I asked our staff but they kept on telling me that they haven’t seen her. Where is she? I called the hotel…but they have not seen her. Did she already go back to the city?
Since it was getting late already, I decided to go back to the hotel after not seeing her in the vicinity. She wasn’t answering her phone, so I am getting worried.
But then, I was so relieved when I saw her lying on the couch, still wearing the clothes she was wearing. Her things were on the side and it seems like she really fell asleep after the event. She was so tired.
“Deanara…” I whispered as I looked at her face, so serene. I wanted to kiss her…but she might get mad.
I started removing her shoes and fixing her things on the table. I removed her blazer slowly and carefully so as not to wake her up, but she was really so tired and had fallen asleep…deeper. Then, I carried her in the bed so she could rest properly. I removed her blazer and covered her with a blanket.
She was really sleeping soundly, so I didn’t disturb her. I went on my usual routine, took a shower, and prepared myself to sleep. It was already midnight when I checked my watch, and when Deanara’s phone was ringing.
It was Ethan.
Should I answer the phone? Why is he calling at this time? Tch. He is disturbing us. Nevertheless, I decided to answer the phone in case Sae is the one calling his mother. I also missed the kid and I cannot wait for him to know that I am his real father. I know that I should really wait for Deanara to do that because it won't be easy to do it.
At first, I hated Deanara for doing that, but I understood her. It was my fault in the first place that is why she had resorted to that kind of decision. It was all mine that I only have myself to blame. I hurted her as much as she hurted me, so there is no point in me trying to ask forgiveness because no matter what I do, we can never undo what happened. There’s only room for me to actually make it up for my mistakes.
I decided to answer it even though I don’t want to hear my brother’s voice.
“What is it?” I irritatedly said.
“Where’s Deanara?” He replied.
“She’s asleep.” I told him. “If you want to say something, let me tell it to her.”
“Did you tell your ex-girlfriend that we are already cutting ties with their company?”
“Why don’t you tell her?”
Even though he's at the other end of the phone, I know that he is smirking. “Well, I am not the one who showed her the project.” He dropped the phone.
Fuck! I hate him more than ever.
I couldn’t sleep that night, still thinking of what I am going to do about me and Deanara. She won’t believe me now, so it was only Vivian…she should tell the truth. Ugh! I hate that girl.
I fell asleep around dawn when I woke up late. Deanara was no longer around, so I hurriedly went to the office. She was already eating dinner with the whole team and they all stopped to call me to eat with them.
“I’ll go first,” Deanara said as soon as I got down.
“Are you down?” Engr. Ruiz asked.
She just smiled. “I still have a lot of things to do.”
She didn’t wait for our response or even wait for me. She just went on her way and it went on like that for weeks. We continue to treat each other like strangers even though we sleep in the same hotel. She usually sleeps early and wakes up early so that I have no chance of talking to her. Also, she always talks to other people whenever I am beside her, so I have no chance of getting her attention and there are also times that she won’t go to work and I don’t know where she is. I also missed my son and wanted to talk to him, but I had to call Ethan…and it just fucking hurts my pride.
“You really won’t talk to me?” I asked her while she was brewing some coffee. She didn’t. She walked out of the room and immediately went to talk to the other team so she could avoid me.
I let her be like that. What can I do? I am not tired. I want to chase her…and to show her how much I love her but it seems like she’s not really going to accept my love anymore. Fuck! What am I going to do?
“Did she talk to you?” I was shocked to see Vivian on our site when I told her…clearly that I no longer care about her.
“What are you doing here?”
“I am asking if you have already talked to her…” She sighed. “I told her everything and it’s up to her…so you should keep your promise.”
“What?” I raised my brow. “You told her?”
“Yeah. So, it’s up to her, Gray.” She bowed her head. “I won’t bother you anymore, so you don’t have to worry.” She smiled at me and I was shocked to let go of her hug. “Thank you and sorry.”
She told Deanara about it. And, up until now…I still don’t have any feedback coming from her. I am still here…waiting for her because I am afraid that if I approach her, I won’t like what she’s going to tell me.
I went back to the hotel. It’s been more than two months since we first saw each other again. And, why are we still here? I want to be with her. Why did she just let me do it? She knew everything about me now.
For the first time, she was still awake when I went back to the hotel. Well, it was still early and she was holding some papers and was sketching when I looked at it. She didn’t look at me and just continued what she was doing.
“Have you eaten?”
Still, no response.
“Deanara…” I pleaded. “Until when are you going to act like this?” I was really frustrated and my tears were already falling. It hurts so much. I love her and it was so easy for her to do this kind of thing.
“Why? Are you getting tired?” She said, nonchalantly.
“I love you.” That’s all I could say.
She stopped. She was serious…and it took another minute before she finally smiled.
“What are you going to do if I tell you that I love you too—” I kissed her with a smile on my face.
“I’ll kiss you.” I laughed. Gosh! I cannot believe this! Is she seriously smiling now?
“Gray…” She looked at me. “I am going to trust you, once again, so please…”
“It will not go to waste.” I vowed to her.
“Well, let’s have a family, then.” She picked something on her bag and handed me a pregnancy kit. “I’ll tell Sae about you when we come back next week.”
And, I can’t wait to finally have a family with her.