Truth

"Are you hungry?" Nicholai asked and then glanced at his wristwatch. “It is lunchtime. Let me treat you to lunch before I drop you at your condo,” he said afterward.

“All right. I also want to ask you something, Nic,” I said and got up from my seat.

Since we were together now, I wanted to be clear on everything Sally said. There was no way for her to tell me that information without any basis.

"What is it?" he asked while his forehead creased.

“Lunch. Let’s talk about it over lunch,” I said and then started walking out of the refuge.

***

We dined at an Italian restaurant. Nicholai and I sat at the table, which was good for two. I like the ambiance of the place. It was cozy.

"Is this new?" I asked Nicholai after the waiter took our order.

I ordered Linguine Ai Gamberi E Rucola. It was a pasta ribbon with prawns and rocket. Nicholai ordered Linguine Ai Frutti Di Mare — mixed seafood linguine with chili and cherry tomatoes.

“Yeah. It’s been a year since they opened. This is one of my favorites now,” he said, smiling.

We both love pasta. We always do. Even then.

“So… What do you want to ask?” I stared at Nicholai at what he said. He actually looked nervous, and I didn’t know why.

I reached for the water in front of me and drank before speaking. “I want to clarify something. If what Sally said was really true— “

“Shit! That brat! ” he cursed in a low tone.

I cleared my throat and looked him in the eye before continuing. "Did you really cheat on me, or was it just for a show?" I asked straight without blinking.

“Just let bygones be bygones, Cris. It really doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. I just don’t want to remember those stupid things that I did to you. If for you I cheated, then so be it. ”

I was about to say something when the waiter came back with our order. Until we finished eating and he drove me to the condo, we never talked about it again.

I knew he had a point to what he said. But I just couldn’t get it out of my head. It was frustrating.

***

The next day, I found myself in front of Denierys’ Refuge. Nicholai was not my intention. It was Sally. Maybe I’m crazy for wanting to know the truth. I know it was in the past. But I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. I wanted to know the truth.

Why do you even want to know, Denima? My mind said. I actually didn’t know. I just really wanted to know the truth.

The place was quiet when I went inside. No one was in the receiving area. I decided to roam around, and I found myself in a garden.

I smiled when I saw the different kinds of flowers. My smile widened when I saw the pergola. It was a classic design. It featured charming white rafters, purlins, side lattices, a comfortable sofa, and a small fountain. Perfect for relaxing here in the garden.

I was so excited and immediately walked quickly to the pergola, so I didn’t notice that someone turned out to be sitting there and reading a book while taking shelter.

Her head lifted, and our eyes met. I gasped as I figured out who it was. This was actually the woman Nicholai brought to our house when we were still living together. She was also shocked while looking at me. I turned around and was about to leave when suddenly she spoke and stopped me.

"Wait, Cris!"

My eyes widened. She knew me!

"Please, don't leave," she said. I turned around and faced her with a blank face.

"What do you want?" I asked in a monotone voice.

"I'm glad you're back." She smiled at me and lowered the book she was holding. "Can we talk?"

I swallowed hard after hearing what she said. Here in front of me was the woman involved in why I was here in the refuge. Was this fate? That we meet so, I can find out the truth?

I sighed and sat on one of the couches that were in front of her. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I know you are mad at me. I've always wanted to talk to you, but Nicholai was so stubborn. He is so stubborn. I know it was long overdue, but I still want to clear my name. I am not Nicholai’s mistress. We are close friends, and he asked for a favor if I could pose as his mistress to make you jealous. To get even to you because you are also meeting your ex-boyfriend in secret,” she said directly. I gaped at what she said.

"I am not meeting my ex in secret!" I said in gritted teeth.

“We thought you were! We saw you and your ex together! I'm mad at you. Do you know that? Nicholai loves you so much, but you cheated on him first! ”

Suddenly my ears tingled with what she said. I stood up in annoyance. “I did not cheat on him! I broke up with my ex before Nicholai, and I got married. It was Cheni’s doing! She manipulated Nicholai! She slandered me, and she made it look like I was cheating! It is Nicholai’s fault for not trusting me! He believed in Cheni more than I do! ” I couldn’t help but raise my voice because of the extreme anger.

How could she ?! She didn’t know everything, yet she was acting as she knew everything.

"What the hell, Alyssa?!" Nicholai’s voice roared that made both of us startled.

“N-Nic…” Alyssa was startled. She looked nervous. She walked towards Nicholai, but Nicholai shot her an angry stare.

I glared at him and hurried away from the pergola. I was just a few steps away when someone suddenly grabbed my arm.

“Cris…” It was Nicholai. “I’m sorry. Just forget what Alyssa said. I want to apologize for what she said. ”

“Why? Why do you have to use someone else just to hurt me? Is it really true that you did it to get even with me?” with resentment, I said.

“No. Fuck! ” he cursed. “It was my stupidity. I was so stupid to think that might be using her would make you jealous. I want to bury the past, Cris. What I did to you was so dumb. I have changed. I’m not the same man I was two years ago, Cris. I changed myself so that in case you come back, it might be possible for us. I want to correct the mistakes I made before. I want to start new. I want a clean slate. I want to pursue you again. This time, no more dirty tactics. Please, give me a chance and prove to you how much I love you. ”

My tears flowed as the rain poured down. Nicholai was just staring at me with begging eyes. We were both soaking wet as the rain kept on pouring on us.

I didn’t know what to say.

Can I accept him again in my life?

And can I gamble with him again after all that happened?