His expression looked a little fierce, and there was no hint of emotion in his eyes. It was like you were staring at a blank paper, then you were cut unconsciously. I would have liked to argue with him, but looking at his condensed expression, I couldn’t help but swallow my words back. I tried thinking about what to say and tried opening my mouth to say something but no words came out. Finally, he opened his mouth and said,
“Follow me.”
So I followed him and we went to a separate room. I followed him inside and proceeded to sit on the sofa. I watched him walk to a cabinet and took out the first aid kit. He opened it, then took out cotton swabs, anti-inflammatory medicine, and other things he needed. In skilled movements and long fingers flipping, the things to be used were quickly and neatly laid out by him.
He then put a moderate amount of alcohol in the cotton and applied it on my wound without warning.
When the alcohol touched the wound, I couldn’t help but bared my teeth in pain.
He subconsciously softened his movements and asked, “Does it hurt?”
I nodded, “A little.”
The pain from my wound then lightened up by his action. He continued to apply first aid until he’s sure that he put enough to eliminate the bacteria from my wound. He then helped me wrap the gauze up when he was finished.
“Thank you.” I said.
“You’re welcome.” He was surprisingly and inexplicably relieved. I don’t know why but I felt relieved too. I am sure though that it was not only because he helped me patch my wound up, but also because I saw and felt the gentleness of his feelings through his actions. Regardless of what he’s portraying.
The next day, after I finished shooting, I walked past Haden’s office and went inside his building.
On the first floor, I accidentally bumped into a woman and dropped the papers she was holding on the floor. When I looked up, I saw a woman who had a very good temperament. Her aura screamed elegant and her overall look was graceful and gentle. I could actually feel from her features that she really resembles those of an actress.
“I’m sorry.” I said after I got over her beauty.
“Let me pick those up for you.” I added.
“That’s all right.” I heard the woman say. She was very polite and elegant as she picked up the papers. Although she said it’s alright, I proceeded to pick some of the scattered papers to help her.
After the little incident on the first floor, we made our way to the elevator. Our elevator stopped at the same time on the eleventh floor. The only office situated on that floor was Haden’s office. I looked at the woman next to me without saying anything. I’m confused. What is she doing here?
She smiled at me a little. I returned the smile and got off the elevator before her. I went straight to Haden’s office.
Inside, I saw Haden sat on his chair with his head down, processing some paper works in his hand.
“Okay.” I responded.
“Am I being an interruption here?” I asked after hearing no words from him.
“No.” He said flatly. This time, he looked at me. I can sense that he’s not up for a talk right now so I let him be.
“Okay. Good. Then do your job and don’t let me interrupt you.” I replied.
Haden has been very busy lately, well, when was the last time that he’s not? I asked myself. Right after sitting down, I also saw him begin to work again.
A short time later, his secretary knocked on the door. I heard the door open and she peeked inside.
“Belle’s finished making changes to the proposal you assigned to her.”
Haden said nothing. He looked at me first then averted his eyes.
“Tell her to wait for me in the conference room.” He ordered his secretary.
I felt a little strange, why would he go to the conference room just to talk to someone?
Just as when the words fell down my thought, a woman, a very familiar woman, walking in high heels came in. Her voice is very sweet.
“Haden.” She called.
She actually called him directly by his name. Who was this person and what person in this building, even in this group that can call Haden by his first name? My thoughts were interrupted when I saw the woman’s gaze fall on my body. She paused for a few seconds as if wondering who I am and what I am doing here.
“My wife. ” Haden didn’t let her open her mouth to ask and introduced me to her.
“Yes, hello again. I think we just met.” I presented myself.
“Belle.” Belle reached out her hand for a handshake.
“Elena.” I took her hand and smiled.
Belle also smiled politely. Her look confused me a little. I don’t know why.
After the introduction, Belle then proceeded and handed Haden the papers.
“Sit down.” He said.
Belle sat down across from him. Then they discussed the content of the paper. I just kept myself busy with the magazine inside his office while observing them. I didn’t understand a word of what was being discussed, I only saw Haden’s eyes that were full of appreciation for her.
I didn’t know how long their conversation lasted but when the conversation ended, Haden looked at me and said, “I’m sorry, I’ve been very busy lately.”
“That’s okay, I understand.” I answered.
Belle sorted through the information and smiled.
“Haden’s a workaholic, he mostly just talks about work, and I don’t know if he brings work home too so you guys might think he’s boring.”
She could call him boring right in front of Haden? Just who is she to him?
When I looked at Haden, he showed no reaction even after hearing it. What kind of relationship do these two have?
If they can joke like that, they seem to know each other really well. But I still smiled and said, “No, my Haden is usually a very interesting person at home.”
Belle’s face suddenly turned ugly when she heard that. Huh! Take that b**ch.
“Maybe. I know he’s good with the kid at home, and he’s good with me. I’m pretty happy when I’m with him.”
I saw the corners of Haden’s mouth twisted into a smile in my peripheral view. What the…
“Then, Haden, I’ll go first. ” Belle resumed her smile and left. Finally! I thought.
I suddenly froze for a moment as I realized I was actually interested in Haden. What’s wrong with me?
“Are you thinking about something?” I asked when I noticed he didn’t say anything back.
“Nothing. “He replied.
I studied him and I noticed he was wearing a shirt, ironed very straight, shirt sleeves pulled halfway up, revealing strong arms and a belted waist. It’s his usual look but I couldn’t help but stare at him. He looked very handsome but, in my eyes, he always looked striking and attractive.
“Haden, in the time that we’ve been divorced, have you met a girl you like?” I asked, breaking my own thoughts. I’m also curious if he’s already interested in someone. I don’t know why but I felt a pang of jealousy piercing right through me. I’m not happy at all. I want to ask him questions… Wait… Loading… Rewind… What? Jealousy? What the hell am I talking about?
Despite my internal struggles, I saw Haden froze for a moment but answered.
“I’m busy with work and the kid every day, how am I supposed to have time to meet a girl?” He defended.
“Then you … Do you still like me? ” He did not expect that question. Neither am I. Just what is happening to me? I asked myself.
At that moment, the bright moonlight shrouded his face in a veil, though he could faintly see the blush on my face, just like a ripe fruit. I saw the reaction of his face turned from emotionless to a confused one. Sorry Haden, I am too. I said in my mind. I didn’t wait for his answer and continued.
“Haden, I want to tell you something. I don’t know if you want to hear it, but I feel like I’m falling in love with you.”
I spoke incoherently because I was nervous. So nervous that my hands were sweaty and I felt like my heart was going to come out of my chest. I was so busy calming my inner thoughts that I didn’t notice Haden suddenly covered his stomach.
“Are you alright? Do you want to go to the hospital?” I asked, starting to panic.
“No need.” He answered calmly.
He suddenly reached out his arms and held me tightly. I don’t know what to feel right now. One thing is sure though, the next thing he said sent shivers down my spine.
“Let me just hug you for a while. It will make me feel better.”