Anabel raised her head and looked at him to know what he would say and their eyes met. Desmond didn't look away. He kept looking at her while Anabel held on with an unreadable facial expression. It was as if the time was paused. Anabel was waiting for Desmond to say something but he just kept looking at her.
The eye's battle lasted for some seconds before Anabel held back and went back to the food she was eating.
Desmond smiled lightly and shook his head before looking back at Sir Orton. "I don't think I have any other thing to request for. I’m well satisfied with what you have already done for me. What else should I ask for? I’m grateful for your forgiveness, and for welcoming me back to work with your company."
Lady Orton, who had been keeping quiet, glanced at Desmond knowingly before speaking. "Are you sure you don't want any other thing?" she asked. "You don’t need any other favour from Sir Orton." Lady Orton asked, expecting him to say it out. She knew he wants Anabel back. She could see the desperation in his eyes but no action. Deep down, she was expecting Desmond to say he wants Anabel back.
Desmond chuckled softly and replied, "There is no need to ask for what I have in mind. I think I will have it When the time comes. I will surely have it. It will only take time." he replied calmly. He dosen't want to cause any unnecessary drama. He knew it would change the peaceful allure in the room. He came for dinner and have reconciled with Sir Orton. Involving Anabel at that moment in time is unnecessary.
Jethro chuckled and shook his head slightly as he took a sip of his wine. "You sound confident." he remarked and Desmond smirked. "I have no reason not to be."
"I don't know what you are talking about, but I wish you to good luck. Though you sound so sure of having that." Lady Orton smiled, nodding in agreement. She knew what Desmond was talking about. She knew she was talking about Anabel, and Anabel knew as well but she remained silent. She didn’t smile or even react. She kept eating her food as if what Desmond was saying dosen't concern her. She was practically pretending she hadn’t heard a word.
The dinner eventually came to an end. After talking for a while, Desmond pushed back his chair and stood up. He lowered his head slightly in appreciation. "Thank you for having me, Sir. And thank you for the offers, for everything. I have to leave now."
Sir Orton stood up and shook his hand.. "I should be the one thanking you. You did a great thing for me. If you need anything, you can always call me."
"Yes, from today, we have your back. Take care of yourself." Lady Orton added and Jethro smirked. "See you around."
Anabel, however, said nothing. Desmond didn’t expect her to. He turned and made his way towards the door. He got to the door and turned. With one last glance at Anabel, he stepped out into the night.
Just as Desmond's car drove off, Anabel stood up and retired to her room. Sir Orton noticed her swift retreat. She didn't even care to clear the table. Her silence was louder than words. It was something Sir Orton could not ignore. It was obvious she didn't like Desmond's visitation. Maybe she has someone else.
"Do you think Anabel has another man?" He asked his wife, and she sighed softly, shaking her head. "I don’t know, but it’s obvious she doesn’t want Desmond anymore. With the way I'm seeing this, nothing will make her change her mind."
"I think you are right." He muttered and glanced toward the hallway. "Her behavior tonight wasn’t just cold toward Desmond. It was resistant." He turned to Jethro, "Do you have any idea if she is seeing another man?"
"I don’t know if she’s seeing anyone. But if I had to suspect someone, it would be Sylvester." Jethro answered.