DOMINIC’S POV.
I increased my pace. Before Saraya’s call, Mary had called me and told me about Saraya’s plan to leave.
I had panicked and was already on my way to her. Mary had told me she would see what she can do but I couldn’t just sit back and wait for her to do something.
Although I had no excuse for showing up unexpectedly and knew it could get her angry, I didn’t mind as that was the least of my worries. Imagine my relief when Saraya called me.
When I pulled up to Saraya’s place, she was already waiting outside, her bag slung over her shoulder. She looked a little lost, like she was caught between running and staying, and something about it made me want to pull her into a hug.
“Hey,” I said, stepping out of the car. She gave me a small smile.
I spread my arms and she leaned in for a quick hug.
“Thanks for coming,” she said softly, climbing into the passenger seat.
“No way I’d let you leave without seeing you,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood.
She just nodded, looking out the window as I started the engine.
The ride to my place was quiet, the kind of silence that felt fragile, like the wrong word would shatter it. I didn’t push her to talk. I figured she had enough on her mind already.
When we got to the house, I parked and glanced over at her. “You good?”
She nodded again, but there was a hesitation in her movements as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Yeah. I’m just not sure this is a good idea.”
“Relax,” I said, opening the door and stepping out. “They’re going to love you.”
We walked up to the house, and I could already hear my mom in the kitchen. I pushed the door open, calling out, “Mom! Dad! I brought someone I want you to meet.”
My mom appeared first, wiping her hands on a dish towel, her face lighting up when she saw us. My dad followed, his usual calm expression giving way to curiosity as he took in Saraya.
“And who’s this lovely young lady?” my mom asked, her eyes sparkling.
“This is Saraya,” I said, stepping aside so they could get a better look. “She’s… a good friend.”
Saraya smiled politely, holding out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
My mom beamed, taking her hand and squeezing it. “Oh, you’re just as sweet as Dominic described.”
I felt heat rush to my face. “Mom, don’t embarrass me.”
“What? I’m just saying!” she shot back, laughing.
My dad stepped forward, shaking Saraya’s hand firmly. “Welcome, Saraya. Any friend of Dominic’s is a child of ours.”
“Thank you,” she said, she smiled and I could tell she love them already.
“Come in, come in,” my mom urged, ushering us toward the living room. “You must be exhausted. Dominic, why didn’t you tell us sooner? I would’ve prepared something special!”
“It’s fine, Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes. “She’s not staying long.”
Saraya nodded. “I really appreciate the warm welcome, but I can’t stay too long. I have a flight to catch.”
“Oh, how responsible,” my mom said, clearly disappointed but masking it with a smile. “Well, you’re welcome anytime, Saraya.” My mom took her hand. “Come with me to the table.”
“And me?” I asked, feigning being left out and stretching my hands towards my mom.
“Young man, do I know you?” She asked and all of us bursted out laughing.
*
MARY’S POV.
I slipped into the pool, letting the warm water soothe my tired muscles. With a glass of wine in one hand, I leaned back against the edge, savoring the rare moment of quiet.
My phone buzzed on the lounger beside me. “Please don’t let this be the hospital,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as I reached for it. The name on the screen made my stomach tighten. Arlan.
“What does he want?” I asked, contemplating whether or not to pick his phone.
I hesitated for a moment before answering. “What do you want, Arlan?”
“Mary,” his voice came through, calm and measured. “I called to check on Alex. How’s he doing?”
A sharp, bitter laugh escaped me. “Oh, now you care? Haven’t you done enough already, Arlan?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, his tone cautious.
I clenched my teeth, gripping my wine glass tighter. “Thanks to you, Alex is lying in a hospital bed, and Saraya… Well, not only did she resign but she has also left us. I’m sure a place that house her family has suddenly become a place that suffocates her, thanks to your charm and seduction prowess.” I sneered.
“Left? What are you talking about?” He raised his voice, sounding desperate.
“Why should I tell you?” I retorted.
“Mary, please.” He begged.
“Figure it out yourself,” I snapped, ending the call before he could say another word.
The phone buzzed again almost immediately. I glanced at it, his name flashing on the screen. I let it ring.
“This is so much fun than I thought.” I muttered, taking another sip of wine, a smirk tugging at my lips.
The buzzing didn’t stop. Arlan wasn’t giving up, but I wasn’t ready to indulge him. I watched my phone light up again and again, his persistence almost amusing. After a while, the buzzing stopped, replaced by a notification tone.
Curious, I leaned over and picked up the phone. He’d sent a series of messages.
Arlan: Mary, please tell me where Saraya is. I’m begging you.
Arlan: You can’t just say she’s gone and not explain. What’s going on?
Arlan: Please, I’m worried. Pick your phone.
I rolled my eyes, letting out a humorless laugh. “Worried, huh? That’s rich coming from you.”
Another message came through.
Arlan: If you don’t want to talk to me, at least reply my messages. Please, I’m begging you.
I stared at the screen, debating whether to respond or block him altogether. The idea of leaving him in the dark was tempting, but something about his desperation gave me pause.
Before I could decide, another message popped up.
Arlan: Mary, I know you hate me and you have every reason to. I’m pleading with you. Just tell me where she went. I won’t bother you again.
I scoffed, shaking my head. “Sure, Arlan. Like I believe that.”
Setting the phone down, I took another sip of my wine, letting the silence settle around me again.
The phone buzzed a third time, then a fourth. I ignored every call, sinking deeper into the water allowing the coldness relax my body.