Arabel’s POV
Indecision ripples across my face as Ashley speaks, telling me about Richard’s call. I overheard their conversation, and judging by his tone, something is definitely wrong.
If I hadn't heard his voice, I would have assumed he saw me with Ashley and decided to do this just to have me come back to the apartment.
But I know he isn't that much of a prankster.
Even if he were, he would never indulge in something like this with his secretary.
Ashley even looks more worried than me, making me confirm my suspicion that she has a crush on him.
At that thought, I wave the idea of following her away as I step down with Daisy.
It is just drizzling now, so Daisy and I hurry into the house after waving the anxious Ashley bye. For a second, I am thinking of getting a car soon to avoid inconveniencing anyone, especially not Alex, Richard, or Ashley anymore.
She must have her own life, too.
Getting an apartment and a car were among my plans and budgets before I came over for the partnership. Seeing Richard again made me give up on all those plans.
But now I need it. More than ever.
I've already secured an apartment, which I'm not sure I can stay in, and a car will follow.
I know I am still mad at Alex, but seeing Richard at that house made me realize I need to come back home to him for now until I have things figured out. Aside from that, I should receive a response from him before departing.
When we are fully in, my eye catches the sight of heels, which has me venturing fully into the living room to see a young, strange woman sitting on the sofa comfortably sipping a drink.
I furrow my brows. “Hello, how may I help you?”
Daisy lets go of my hand and rushes to sit opposite her, engrossed in the phone.
“Hi,” she says, flashing me a sweet, pretty smile.
“Are you here to see someone?” I demand politely, smiling, so she won't find my question rude.
“Yes, Alex!” She responds pointedly, and I nod, realizing my mistake. This is Alex's house, not mine. He can choose to bring in anyone, whether a male or a female.
Going against the idea of telling her Alex is probably not back from work, I turn back to check if he is back.
When I get to the room, it is empty, so I am thinking of giving him a call when I realize I didn't come back with my bag.
Shit!
Suddenly, it hits me.
I didn't close the door.
Shit!
What the hell is wrong with me?
I am about to rush back to the living room when someone almost bumps into me.
“Watch where you are going, woman!” She snaps at me, moving back and watching me with disgust.
"Sorry," I only say, careful not to take it to heart. “Can I know your name, or perhaps, can you help me give him a call?”
Instead of replying, she burst into laughter, watching me with disdain. "Aren't you the homeless woman my boyfriend took in? Why are you still here? He told me you had moved out."
Rage bubbles inside of me. It's not at the words she's hurling at me; rather, it's the mention of Alex telling her that I moved out.
He knows already. He told her about me.
I never knew he had a girlfriend, though I suspected something like that. Alex is a handsome guy that any woman would kill for, except me.
But this girl isn't good for him.
“I'm sorry,” I find myself saying again, wanting to move out when she blocks my way.
"I don't want to ever see you near my boyfriend or his house. Go find your daughter some daddy. Alex won't play that role.”
I brush my shoulder past her, tears blinding my eyes and pushing back the temptation to give her a reply. I won't stoop that low.
“If you don't do as I say, be ready to face my wrath,” she barks behind me, making me shut my eyes and flickering them open to find Daisy.
We need to get out of here now.
My flexible heart will be my doom. After deciding to move out before Alex's arrival from wherever he must have traveled to, I got an apartment and began to feel guilty for wanting to leave without informing him beforehand.
But now, I guess I did the right thing anyway.
His girlfriend is here, so my stay here is up.
“Daisy,” I call out sharply. She is not in the living room where I left her with Alex's girlfriend.
Where is this girl? I turn around when I see the maid coming downstairs.
“Have you seen Daisy?” I demand from her.
Anita has a pitiful look on her face as she points. “I saw her going out.”
“Thank you," I mutter before dashing out. She had the same look on her face as I packed my belongings, intending to leave. I'm sure Alex is back, and she already told him I left.
He must be damn mad at me right now, and I couldn't care less.
“Daisy,” I call out, glancing around and ignoring my anger. I just want to find her and leave. “Daisy!”
I see her in the garden. She turns around quickly, hiding something behind her. I am not interested in knowing what she is doing because I am sure this has to do with her phone.
I might have to take it from her again.
I grab her hand and move out without hesitation. She grumbles as I drag her, almost cursing beneath my breath for not coming along with my phone so I can call a cab.
I can't call Ashley either, and I can't stay with her. Right now, I have no choice but to go back to the apartment and avoid Richard as much as I can.
And then, first thing in the morning, I am getting a car.
“Mom?” Daisy calls softly.
“What?!” Unconsciously, I bark, frustrated at everything.
“I called a cab," she announces, surprising me and making me feel guilty for yelling at her.
Relief washes through me as I halt. Just before I can say a word, a cab stops in front of us, and we enter.
When he takes off, Daisy turns to me again. “Mom, my friend is sick.”
It takes a while for me to realize what she is talking about. Instead of asking what happened and how she knew, which I have already figured out, I snap at her again.
“Shut up!”