Today's the funeral of Zayden's father. I saw Zayden's mother silently crying while she's being comforted by Zayden. Zayden did not cry, but he did not talk to anyone after hearing that his dad passed away. He shuts himself out from everyone. I haven’t talked to him starting that day.
"Cal, let's go. Let Zerro comfort Zayden. He knows his brother best." Megan tapped my back.
"What about his mother? Don't you think I should go and talk to her?"
"Can you?"
"I'll try. Please, take care of Zainea's mom. I'll go home once I made sure that Zayden's mom is okay."
"Okay."
After the funeral, I went to see aunt Kiara. It's Zayden's mother's name. I only got to know that just now. Thanks to Tristan.
I pressed the doorbell.
"I..."
"Ma'am Zainea? Please, come in. Come in." One of the maids opened the door and let me in.
"Ma'am is upstairs."
"Is she alone?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Can you cook her favorite dishes?"
"Okay. We'll prepare them right away."
"Thank you."
Although she does not show it, I can see that she still cares for her ex-husband. Chairman Constello is the man she loved, after all. His death was sudden, so she's feeling down. I heard she does not have any appetite these past few days.
I knocked on her door.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"I missed you."
She smiled, but it doesn't reach her eyes.
"I brought you your favorite milk tea."
"Thank you, Zai. Come in."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. I just... I just feel sad. He passed away all of a sudden."
I hugged her. "I am here for you. Zayden and Zerro, too."
"He did not even ask for my forgiveness, yet he already left. He's really annoying," she said in between her sobs.
I let her let out all her complaints and pain. I lend her my shoulder and ears. We stayed inside her room for two hours talking to each other.
"Thank you for coming, Zainea."
"I am always here for you, mom." I hope I could tell that this is me, Calais Ruscitti. "Get through it, mom. I don't want you to be sad for so long. I don't like you to wear that kind of sadness during my birthday."
Zainea's birthday is within five four days. I decided to invite more people. It would be too awkward for me if it were just me and Zainea's parents.
"Right. I forgot to ask you. What do you need for your birthday?"
"Why is everyone asking me that? I don't need anything, just your presence is more than enough."
"How about I wrap Zerro and send him to you?" Yes, she knows it.
"Mom! That is not appropriate."
"Why? Are you feeling shy?"
She teased me. I'm glad that she's starting to feel better.
"When will you marry each other? I'm waiting for a granddaughter."
"I-I... Mom, let's not talk about that."
"I want twins," she added. She even winked at me.
Twins??
Someone knocked on the door.
"Lunch is ready, ma'am."
"I requested them to cook all your favorites. You won't let it go to waste, will you?"
"Of course, I won't. I still have my sons to take care of. I must be strong."
That's the spirit, auntie. You can mourn, but please, don't make it too long.
We talked and talked after we had our lunch. She told me everything about Zayden's and Zerro's life. Zerro is four years ahead of Zayden, but no one can't tell that he's that old. They adopted Zerro when he was five.
The pictures she has shown me gives off the feeling of overflowing love. There's a picture of Chairman Constello carrying the one-year-old Zayden while Zerro's sleeping on his side.
It was once a happy family. Chairman Constello was smiling. Too bad, he changed. He got scared of Zerro growing up and knowing the truth, perhaps.
My phone rang.
"Answer it. That might be important."
I excused myself. It's Zayden. Why is he calling me?
"Hello? Where are you?"
I can hear noise from the background.
"Zayden?" Is he in a bar?
"Tell me where you are. I'll be there. Wait for me." I didn't end the call.
"Mom, I'll go ahead. Something came up."
"Is everything okay? I'll ask the driver to send you home. It's already dark. It's not safe for you to wait for a cab alone."
"No thanks, mom. I'll just call our driver on my way out. No need to bother yourself."
"Are you sure? I'll walk you out. Let me make sure—"
"Mom, it's okay. You should rest. I'll see you some other time. Bye, bye."
"Zai—"
I immediately went out.
"Zayden? Are you still there? Where are you?"
I am already out in their villa and am waiting for a taxi. I took the cab that I saw first.
"Uhm, to the nearest bar, please."
"Zayden, where are—!"
"Get the hell out of that taxi," he finally said.
"What? Why? Don't you want me to—"
"I said, get out of that taxi."
The background music is slowly fading. Seems like Zayden is walking away from where he is.
"Sir, you can drop me there." I pointed the bus stop. He stopped his taxi.
"Thank you." I gave him my fare before he takes off.
Some students are waiting there with me. It's already seven o'clock in the evening, yet they are going home just now? I bet they went to have some fun in an internet cafe.
A loud thunder startles me. Don't tell me it's going to rain?!
"Tell me where you are." I almost forgot, Zayden is still on the phone.
I send him my location. I smiled unconsciously. Is he going to fetch me? Is that why he told me to get down?
Here we are again, Calais. You're giving false hope to yourself.
"Wait for me there. Don't go anywhere." He ended the call.
While waiting for him, the rain started to pour. The waiting area has a roof, but it's not enough to shield us. A bus came and everyone went in.
"Miss, aren't you coming?"
Where is he?
"No, thanks. I'm waiting for someone."
"Okay."
It went off. I was left there all alone while the rain is pouring.
Twenty minutes has passed, I'm still waiting for him. I don't know what has gotten into me that I suddenly feel like crying.
Is he going to come?
I removed my mask for me to breathe properly.
A car stopped in front of me. I thought it was him, but it's Caileigh.
"What are you doing there, Miss Zainea? Hop in! I'll drive you home," she offered.
"No—"
"Cabs don't usually come this way, and I guess you missed the last bus."
I miss her. This kind of approach from her, I miss it. What in your mind, sister? Why did you do that to me? I can give you the right to run the Ruscitti Enterprise, only if you presented me your reasons and talked to me peacefully. I am not that hard to persuade.
She went down her car and approached me with an umbrella.
"I'll send you home. Don't be so polite to me." She opened the door on the passenger's seat.
But I'm waiting for Zayden.
"Thank you." I entered her car.
I will just text him that I went home. I need to observe Caileigh.
She started the engine.
"It's raining, why are you there?"
"I wanted to experience riding a bus. That's all."
"I see."
"Yeah. You could've ignored me, why did you stop? I am no longer Zayden's wife. You can't get a help from me."
"I know. I just can't ignore someone I know." She tapped my bag.
Her secretary called her.
I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but my heart almost sank when I heard what her secretary said. I had no idea that dad is in the hospital, and it's because of Caileigh. I tightly gripped my bag to stop myself from harming her.
"He regained consciousness?"
Thank God. Thank God he's okay.
"Yes, ma'am. That's what his doctor said. What are we supposed to do?"
Caileigh took a quick glance of me and smiled. What are you planning? Stop it, please. Don't harm him.
"Tell those doctors to take care of him."
"Ma'am?"
"You heard me. Anyway, inform dad that I will take Calais home. He doesn't need to worry."
She's pretending before me.
"What happened?" I asked as the call ended.
"My dad had a heart attack after knowing that Calais doesn't want to go home. That woman, she's enjoying her vacation and left her company hanging."
He had a heart attack after knowing that you attempted to kill me! And what? Enjoying? Do I seem like enjoying everything that's happening to me?!
"Where's your house again?"
"Just drop me here. I forgot to buy something."
"What is it? I'll wait for you."
"No need. I will call dad to fetch me."
"Oh. Okay then." She dropped me in front of a grocery store.
Why do you treat someone else so nice, but treat me bad? Am I an outsider in your eyes? You are not that caring sister I knew anymore.
I took out my phone. Six missed calls from Zayden. He even texted me.
From: Zayden
            Where are you?! I told you not to go anywhere! Who are you with? You mom told me you're not home yet.
Megan texted me also.
From: Megan
            You, crazy woman! Your mother called me, asking if you're with me. I said we're having a sleepover. Zayden even asked me the same question! Where'd you go? Are you okay?
To: Megan
            Thank you for covering me up, Megs! I'm fine, no worries. I just have something to do tonight, so I can't go home yet.
         
From: Megan
            I think you should know this. We have a hint about the person who cut your car's brake. The police sent me a DNA result from the Forensics. I'll send you the file.
There was a file attached to her message. I opened it. It was Caileigh's secretary.
From: Megan
            Aside from yours, her fingerprint is the same with the fingerprint they found on your brake.
          
I remembered it. I saw her beside my car before I left the penthouse. She told me she did some cleaning inside my car. I did not doubt her for that. She seems nice, no one would think that she can do that. Did Caileigh make her do that.
A car horned loudly. I was startled. The owner came out. It is Zayden.
"Zayden, I—"
He pulled me into a hug. "I thought something happened to you again. Don't you ever ride in a taxi alone."
Oh, I see. He's worried that I might be in danger again, that's why he told me to get down.
"You..." I smelled his coat. "You drunk, yet you drove all the way here?!"
"I'm not. I just had one glass."
"Still, you're—" He hushed me.
"I'll take you home."
He removed his coat and put it on top of my head. "Don't get sick."
"How about you?"
"I'm fine." We run toward his car.
I changed my mind again. He's really my type of man. The man I wanted to marry. Just why can't I have I normal life, just like the others?!
"I can't go home. Megan already told Zainea's mom that we're having a sleepover."
We reached his house. It's the place where I had some memories with him.
The rain already stopped.
"You can stay here for tonight. Your room is still there."
"Uh, thank you." His house is still the same. Nothing changed.
"Hm. Are you hungry?"
"No. I already had my dinner with your mom."
"You went to see her?"
"Yes, to console her."
He nodded.
There are only the two of us.
"Go upstairs now. Have a rest early. If you need anything else, I'm just there." He pointed his study room.
Is he going to work?
"Go now."
"O-Oh."
He turned his back at me and walked to his study room. Something changed. It's the way we communicate with each other. I noticed that he's not teasing me anymore.
Feels like we're a total stranger to each other.
I let out a sigh.
Goodnight, Zayden. I hope I have the courage to take the risk of confessing my love for you.
-----
TRISTAN'S POV
I woke up when my phone rang loudly. Who on earth would call me this early?! It's three o'clock in the morning!
"Send to my email all the personal information you've collected about Caileigh's secretary."
It's President Constello. I nearly shouted at him. Good that I didn't, or else my work is at risk.
I opened my laptop and sent all the files to him.
"Boss, are you a human? Why are you still working? Give yourself a break."
"You know I can't."
Is he really into Miss Zainea? Why did he divorce her when he loves her? For President Dawson's happiness, is that it? Tsk! Tsk! My boss is so kind.
"Boss, any plan?"
I don't understand why he told me to collect all the data about Caileigh's secretary. Is he planning to investigate every person around Caileigh Ruscitti before investing? But why? Ruscitti Enterprise is a well-known company, but Constello Enterprise can survive without it. He can always reject Miss Caileigh's proposal.
"Say no to Caileigh's proposal. Constello Enterprise will not be investing in her business."
"Okay, boss."
"Invite her secretary to come in my office tomorrow. Only her. Don't let Caileigh know about this."
"Boss, that's—"
He ended the call.
Alright. That's my boss. Rude.
How will I invite Miss Caileigh's secretary with her knowing?! She's sticking to her boss like a glue, so how??
-------
THIRD PERSON'S POV
Calais woke up early in the morning. She went downstairs to drink when she happened to pass by Zayden's study room. The door is lightly opened, so she took a peek. No one is inside.
(Where did he go? Did he go to work early?)
Calais opened the door and entered. There really is no one. As a curious human being as she is, she went near the table and happened to see an old notebook. She took it and read the first page.
04/13/22
I feel empty. I have all the wealth, the power, the support, but I feel that there's something missing. What could it be?
I had a fight with my son. I told him everything, but he sided with Zerro. I'm mad. I planned to destroy Zerro's newly-built company, but I restrained myself. I can't do it. My inner self is filled with so much guilt. Zerro didn't do anything to harm me, why am I feeling threatened?
04/15/22
I came to know that Zayden bought almost half of El Grande's shares. I guess he's planning to kick me out.
"What are you doing?"
Calais dropped the notebook.
Zayden's brows furrowed.
"I'm sorry. I-I... I didn't mean to read it." Calais was nervous.
(Is he going to hit me?)
Zayden picked up the notebook.
Calais extended her arms, palms facing upwards.
"You can hit me."
(This woman. How can I hit you?)
Instead of hitting Calais, Zayden handed her the notebook.
"The choice is yours if you want to continue reading or not."
(Is he being serious? He's not testing me, is he?)
"I'll leave you here. I need to finish something in my office. Your breakfast is also ready. Go and eat."
(Why is he being nice? He even prepared me a breakfast. Is he going to die?)
"Tell me everything is going well. You're not sick, are you?" Calais touched Zayden's forehead.
"Why would you think that I'm sick?"
"Because you're being nice? Differently nice."
"Am I not allowed to change once in a while?" He raised his brow.
(Am I being weird? I was just showing her my best side. Is it bad?)
"You can. You can. Of course, you can."
(This is getting awkward. How will I get out of here? Ayaa, Cal, why did you pay attention to his kindness? He's definitely kind, isn't he? He saved you many times without asking anything in return.)
"Are you not noticing there's something new in me?"
(Wrong! He saved Zainea, not you. Gosh!! Why am I having a conflict with my own self now?! Am I the sick one here?)
"Cal," he called me.
"H-Huh?"
(He called me by my name. That's me, right?)
"Are you not noticing there's something new in me?" he repeated.
"What... what something new?"
"Look at me from head to toe, and tell me what you see."
(He changed overnight! Why is he acting weird today?)
(Can't you see that I'm wearing the necktie you bought me?)
Calais examined Zayden from head to toe.
"Uhm, well, aside from your usual outfit, you look stunningly gorgeous. Right. You're more glowing today," Calais complimented.
"Is that it?"
"Uh, yes?"
(Can't he appreciate my compliment to him?!)
"You just stated the fact."
"Ha! Wow! Your confidence is overflowing. Where'd you get that?"
"From my mom."
(Gosh—wait! The conceited Zayden is back.)
"You really don't see anything new?"
"What new? Can't you just tell?"
Zayden rolled his eyes.
"Nothing. I'll go now."
(Is she playing dumb?)
"The necktie suits you well!" Calais shouted.
Zayden smiled secretly.
(Zayden is wearing the necktie I gave him. Is this something I should brag?)
"Come home early—no, I mean, drive safely!!"
Zayden's smile widened. The thought of having someone waiting for his arrival after his work makes his heart skip.
(Is she going to stay until tonight? If she is, I will finish this early.)
When Zayden left the house, Calais went to eat Zayden prepared for her while continuously reading the notebook.
She finished reading all the notes written on it. It was the diary of Chairman Constello.
The last two pages of the diary talk about how sorry he is towards Zayden and Zerro. He repented. Too bad, he passed away before he could reconcile with them.
She read again the last four lines Chairman Constello wrote.
"Nothing can beat a family's warmth and love. Without them, the more you go higher, the less you become happier. It is cold up here. I can't feel them anymore."
Reading Chairman Constello's diary made Calais realize that he's not totally a bad person. He was just scared. He felt threatened. He did all that for his family, but the approach he used was wrong.
He's securing Zayden's future through El Grande, that's why he did those erroneous things to make it survive.
(No wonder Zayden seems so lost these days. He’s also feeling regretful.)
Calais let out a deep sigh.
"I judged his dad wrongly."
-----
THIRD PERSON'S POV
"Where are you?!" Caileigh shouted.
Sally, her secretary, looked at Tristan who is sitting in front of her. Tristan waited outside the villa, where Caileigh is currently staying, for three hours to get ahold of Caileigh's secretary. Sally was entering the villa when Tristan called her out.
"Ma'am, I want to take a day off."
"What?! You can't take a day off today! Come back here!"
Tristan showed the picture of Sally's family to her.
"Their lives depend on what you're going to say," he mouthed.
"M-Ma'am, I can o-only take a day off today. Please, ma'am."
"You, good-for-nothing! Enjoy your day off! You'll have load of works tomorrow onwards!" She hangs up the call.
"W-What do you need from me?"
"President Constello wants to see you."
Tristan brought Sally to Zayden's office. When they reached there, Tristan saw that Zayden is reading the hardcopy of Sally's personal information.
"Boss."
He nods.
"I sent you a text message. That's what you should do next."
Zayden is being cautious. Caileigh's secretary is here. He's not sure if she'll confess the truth or stay being loyal to Caileigh.
Tristan reads the message.
From: President Constello
            Sent some men to watch over Mister Eric Ruscitti in China. Instruct them to tell Mister Ruscitti that Calais sent them to take care of him.
(Eric Ruscitti?! Isn't he the iconic former CEO of Ruscitti Enterprise? What is boss really planning? He now reached Miss Caileigh's father.)
Zayden looked at Tristan.
"Do that for now. The early the better."
"Okay." Although Tristan is so curious, he left to fulfill his work.
Last night, Zayden went to Calais' room. Calais was crying in her sleep. She kept mentioning 'dad.'
Zayden thought she's just missing her dad, but when he called someone he knew in China to check on Calais' dad, he learned that Mister Ruscitti just regained consciousness after sleeping for a month due to heart attack.
Caileigh lied to them.
That was the second time he saw her crying in her sleep. The first time was when she was drunk. She cried while mentioning Caileigh's name.
"Confess now."
Sally trembled when she saw the documents on the table, revealing her DNA fingerprint.
The Forensic team had a hard time finding her fingerprint because the car was so crushed. Fortunately, they traced it on the brake.
"I-I d-don't know what you're talking about!"
Sally doesn't have a plan on telling Zayden the truth.
"Are you sure about that? Alright." Zayden brought out the pictures of Sally's family. The pictures were taken yesterday. Zayden knew that Sally will not easily confess, so he intended to use Sally's family as a threat.
"Their lives is in your hand."
"Y-You can't harm t-them. They are under ma'am Caileigh's protection."
"Oh? Is that so? Call them."
"You—"
"You better decide. I'll give you until tomorrow to confess."