Rhezi didn’t know how she managed to arrive at Monterio Hotel. All she knew was that she desperately needed to be away from Jericho’s mansio after he confessed his romantic feelings for her. She didn’t see that coming. She was flabbergasted and along with that was the bitterness that swallowed her heart because of the betrayal of someone she trusted so much.
She never thought that Jericho would trick her like that. Rhezi was completely believed that he was gay. She was lost when he was with her. She was vulnerable and broken. She ran away after he found her. The immense pain she felt made her forget the anger. Then, she ran away with him and ended all of her connection to her friends and family.
Rhezi sighed as she remembered the memories. She was still unwell but she needed to keep herself sane. The woman was spaced out for a few minutes, just staring at the elevator button inside the building. She didn’t know if she should go to that place, but in the back of her mind, she thought it she should.
If she really wanted to know everything, she should start from the beginning. She should start from the people who caused all her pain. Rhezi admitted that she lacked logic everytime her heart was at stake, but she didn’t want to repeat the history. She didn’t want to be played and be deceived over and over again. Furthermore, what she was about to do was also for her own sake.
In the end, Rhezi heaved a sigh and pushed the button of the elevator. When the ding sound resonated, the woman immediately went out and walked towards the destination. She slowly strengthened her trust and self-confidence .
While staring at the closed door, Rhezi took a deep breath. She gripped her clutch bag tightly as she waited for the metal door to open. A while after, the door opened, revealing the person she’s looking for. There was shock in her eyes as she saw Rhezi, as if finally remembering the latter.
“Shan Melendez,” Rhezi said. “Can I talk to you?”
“S-Sure,” she hesitantly uttered. She opened the door wider and invited the woman in.
The studio type condo greeted Rhezi’s sight with black and white interior. The place was fully furnished and the furnitures were undeniably expensive. There are two rooms and one small living room. There was also a painting on the wall which the woman knew that it was from America. It was quite the opposite to the background check that she did, stating that the model was living simply after stopping from her career.
“Please, have a seat, Mrs. Bailey.”
Rhezi nodded and sat on the couch. She followed the woman with her gaze as Shan walked towards the kitchen until the latter came back with a juice.
“How do you know me?” Rhezi asked as the woman sat in front of the vacant couch.
The other sighed. “I know why you came. I remembered you clearly. You just got slimmer but you’re still the fat girl that Kraius kept on blabbering about.” She laughed and shook her head. “Imagine, Kraius “the playboy” Montreal was smitten to a fat girl. He must have been nuts! Too bad, my cousin was also captivated by you.”
“What do you mean?” Rhezi asked. l, forehead creased.
“Jericho. He’s my cousin.”
Rhezi became deaf. Even though she expected the woman to have some sort of connection to Jericho, she was still flabbergasted to know that they were cousins. At the revelation, she felt even more angry at herself and at the people who played with her life.
Rhezi left Shan in her condo, but she made sure to have her revenge before she walked away. She slapped her so hard in the face, making sure that the woman won’t be able to go out of her condo for a whole week. Subsequently, she rushed towards her car and drove it to the Bailey mansion.
She wanted to be furious after finding everything out. She blamed everything to the people who played them but perhaps, she’s also part of the fault. Maybe, Hasmet Montreal was really right. She wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. She was still immature of dealing things and her love was shallow.
Rhezi stepped on the gas of her car and abruptly went out when she reached the mansion. The guards immediately opened the gate. She forced a smile at them before walking inside. The place was quiet, different from any normal day with her kids playing around. It felt gloomy and empty.
When the lady arrived at her own room, she quickly grabbed her luggage and put it on top of her bed. She made sure, she took everything she needed, including her clothes, and leave those that are unimportant. She just wanted to be away from the place because she felt like it was suffocating her.
Rhezi was too occupied with packing that she was shocked when someone hugged her from behind. She stopped what she was doing and tried to unclasp the hand on her stomach, but the person behind her was too stubborn, tightening the embrace and burying his head onto the woman’s shoulder. Then, she heard a sob. A weak and whispered one, something that the lady didn’t wish to happen.
“Please, I need to do this for us.” It was a word of conviction. Rhezi may be feeling empathy on Jericho, she still wanted to go away. They needed space.
Rhezi concluded that Jericho’s love was unhealthy. Trying to ruin someone’s relationship for his personal gain was desperation. Pretending to be fine even after knowing that the love he gave wouldn’t be reciprocated the same way as he wanted. Caging and feeding her lies was selfishness. Because if the man truly loved her, he would always respect her and be happy for her happiness.
“I’m sorry, but I needed to do this.”
“Y-You really won’t forgive me? We’re married, Momma,” he stated.
Rhezi sighed. “I can’t force it, Jericho. I don’t know how to start forgiving you. My kids were gravely affected because of what you’ve done!” the woman sternly said. “Besides, you knew the real score between us.”
“But I love you, Momma!”
“And I don’t!” she spat. “I don’t love you the way you wanted me to.”
Rhezi was relieved when the hug loosened. She grabbed the chance to face him and ended being hurt even more seeing his tearful eyes and messy look. But despite of it, she still managed to stand her point. She needed to be strong so that she could temporarily escape the situation and think.
“Please. . .” he begged.
Rhezi’s eyes slowly widened when she realized what Jericho was doing as the man fell on his knees. She shook her head to stop him but the latter was determined while looking at her straight to her eyes. It was begging and pleading, hoping that the lady could grant what he wants.
But, Rhezi was more determined. She fearlessly turned her back on the man and reached for the luggage, zipping it up. She took it from the top of the bed and put it on the marbled floor. Then, she looked back at Jericho who had his shoulder slacked and head down.
“Thank you for taking care of us. I will always cherish your kindness to the kids.” She stopped and walked closely to Jericho and tapped his shoulder. “I will file the divorce papers soon,” the woman muttered before leaving the man in the room.
Rhezi heard him shout her name but she didn’t mind it at all. Carrying her luggage, the woman strode towards her parked car quickly. She nodded and smiled at the maids and the bodyguards looking at her. She treasured them all and was thankful for their service.
When she arrived outside the gate, she finally sighed in relief. Her heart was throbbing but she needed to be calm. Then she blinked, trying to suppress the tears that might fall down her cheeks. She’s tired of crying and thinking about what she had done wrong. It won’t change anything.
The woman was spaced out when a car stopped beside her. Rhezi stopped fixing her luggage and shifted her gaze to it. The car wasn’t familiar to her but it was obviously new. When the person inside finally went out, confusion and astonishment filled her face.
“Can I talk to you?” the person asked.
Rhezi’s head throbbed painfully. Looking at the man in front of him wearing his usual expensive coat and tie, her instinct told her that she should not agree with him. However, the other part of her mind was also telling her to do so, curious about something.
What does Hasmet Montreal need from her?