Chapter 25 Friend

Kia

It is raining again in the city. I am here, sitting behind the wishing fountain with Miaree. We are just taking a rest after a tiring walk around this mall.

“Miaree, do you have something to do after this? My husband agreed to have some visitors in our home since we are already done decorating. Didn’t you say you wanted to see him? Today is a perfect time for you to meet him!” I said while smiling.

“Oh, I am sorry! I have something urgent to do right now. My uncle texted me to go see him, so maybe next time. Tell him that he needs to treat me to a good meal next time, okay?” she said before leaving me alone.

What is wrong with her? She has not been herself lately, and I noticed that she is always busy. Or maybe his uncle just needs her help. I heard that his uncle is a businessman. Yeah, maybe…

I stood up and fixed my pants. I carried all the things that I bought. I actually didn’t buy much today, just some school supplies that I really need in school. I went to the exit but the rain hasn’t stopped.

I have to admit that I like the rainy weather. When it rains, the city seems to be both alive and lifeless, which is wonderfully beautiful but melancholy. As the raindrop sound grew louder and the wind became more ferocious, it began to cascade down. The sound of passing cars and the water that flowed into drains were forever lost to the world above. Vehicles move smoothly through the streets while illuminating the roads, then vanish into the shadows of the streets' nooks and crannies.

The only light sources in the city are the street lamps, which shine like diamonds, and the headlights of passing vehicles. In the distance, city lights gleamed like tiny, glittering stars, and a glimmer of the golden street lamps was reflected in the wet. Car horns and other city noises keep people from sleeping in the numerous apartments that clog the city. I grab my phone from my bag and look at the time, 8:24 p.m.

Sh*t, it’s late!

I was about to call Ares when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder. I turned around and saw Nate standing behind me.

“Are you waiting for someone?” he asked. He is wearing a black hoody and black pants with his black shoes. Wow! Consistent with the color black!

“Uhm, no. I am actually waiting for the rain to stop. How about you?"

"I just got my haircut done tonight and I was about to go home when I suddenly saw you standing here." He answered.

I didn't know what to say anymore. It was like I was out of words and didn't know what to say next, so I just nodded and turned my attention back to the cars in front of me passing by. I can see him putting his hand in his hoodie.

"...Mhm, do you want a ride? I think the rain won't stop soon, so maybe you will need to wait here for about an hour or two?"

I looked at him, but he was not looking at me anymore. He is right. The rain doesn't look like it will stop after an hour and my hand is actually a bit numb because the things I bought are quite heavy. Maybe there is nothing wrong with accepting his offer?

"Really? That is so nice of you…"

"I can help you with that," he said while looking at the things I bought. "My car is just there, wait…" he started to take off his hoodie and suddenly gave it to me. "Wear these so that you will not get soaked by the rain. Give me that, I will carry it for you." He grabbed all of my things and immediately ran towards his car.

I wore his hoodie and followed him. He immediately opened the door for me. That's why his hoodie doesn't get wet that much.

"So, where do you live?"

"In Luisita Village," I answered while taking off his hoodie that I wore to protect myself from the rain. I handed it to him, and he grabbed it and threw the hoodie in the back seat. He started the car and drove us all the way to my home.

This is the most awkward silence I have ever experienced in my life—

"I saw you last time talking to Vincent Rivera," he said while his eyes were focused on the road. "I didn't know you were his ex-fiance. I am aware that he has a girlfriend, but I never saw you before, so I didn't know it was you." he added.

"...Yeah… He is my ex-fiance because everything turned into a messy outcome. It is what it is."

He took a three seconds glance at me and said, "I heard what he said that day... About your company experiencing some kind of crisis?"

"Yeah, and he offered me help, but on one condition… I need to marry him. Which I will never do!"

I heard him laughing in a flash of a second. "That's nice, you are using your brain. But serious talk from a guy who has known Vince for a short period of time. Don't ever fall for his tricks because you will never know what's real and what's not, so be extra careful."

"You've known him for a long time?"

"Yes, he played basketball before and I was on a team with him, so we became buddies for a short period of time." He answered.

I know that Vince used to play basketball back in high school, but I was always there to support Vince. How come he didn't see me before?

"We are here..." he said, and suddenly stopped the car in front of the village gate. He opened the window and the guard started to ask him questions.

"Ma'am Kianna! I didn't see you there. Is this guy taking you home?" Mr. Guard asked.

"Good evening! Yes, he is taking me home!"

"Okay, you may enter now."

The guard said and let Nate's car enter the village. I just guided him on the way to our house, and finally, we arrived!

"Thank you, Nate! I owe you one!" I said, thanking him for driving me home. As I entered the house, he immediately drove away.

"Hon, what happened? I was so worried about you. I keep on calling your phone but it cannot be reached."

I immediately grabbed my phone to see if I turned on the mute button, and yes, I did…

"I'm sorry, hon. I didn't know that my phone was on mute."

He took a deep breath and hugged me tightly, "Don't make me so worried like that again… Come on, let's eat dinner."

-

ARES

I was busy preparing our dinner when my phone suddenly vibrated. I took it out and a message from my secretary appeared on the notification bar. I opened it and silently read the message.

[Boss, we have almost bought the Saavedra’s shares. What should I do with the shares now?]

I look at her and she is leaning her head on the sofa while her eyes are closed. Those shares should be handed over to Kianna later.

I typed my message, [Keep it. Don’t suppress the Saavedra’s Group for the time being. I will take care of it later.] and send it.

I want to give those to her as a small token of surprise for her in the future. I hope she will like it.

-

KIA

* Buzz * Buzz * Buzz *

I opened my eyes and immediately grabbed my phone. It was my dad who was calling. What does he want this time?

“Hello?”

[Kianna, hija, thank you! If it weren’t for you, the company would really be unable to hold on…]

What? It’s odd. The Saavedra’s crisis is averted? What is it going to do with me?

“What do you mean, dad? There is nothing to do with me. You can thank whoever you like, I gotta go.”

[Hey, hold on. Your friend said it is because of you!]

Friend? Who’s that? How can I have such a powerful and rich friend?!

[Kianna, remember to say thank you to your friend.]

“Okay, I gotta go.”

*Call ended*

Friend? Who is it exactly? However, the crisis at Saavedra’s company has been fixed. It kind of takes a load off my mind. At last, a peaceful mind…