Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Dylan
Surprisingly, the day went by without someone demanding an overtime. I managed to go home a bit earlier than usual. I gotta admit, going home without working extra hours felt fucking great.
It was not only that which was surprising. I came home to a place filled with chatter and laughter. It was the first time that I heard noise in the penthouse. It’s usually very quiet when I get home because no one is around.
Everyone went quiet as soon as they sensed my presence. All three heads turned to me. I frowned when I saw someone who’s unfamiliar. I don’t remember him at the party either. Cara smirked as soon as she saw me and called me tesoro. I walked towards her automatically.
What made me curious though was Franco’s reaction when he immediately saw me. His eyes widened in surprise and he acted awkwardly as he was put in a tight spot. He was trying hard not to be obvious about it although I could already sense it. I found it very strange and it didn’t settle right with me.
“Who’s this?” The guy asked. He looked genuinely curious at the same time, he was eyeing me in amusement.
I literally haven’t seen him before. He has bright blonde hair, pale skin and dark blue eyes. His pale skin was painted with a lot of intricate art, from his forearms up to his neck. He is as tall as me, probably an inch or two taller. I have a bigger build though while he’s on the lean side and ripped with muscles. I could tell he is not a relative. His features are different from Cara’s Italian family. He has a different accent, too.
One thing I feel about this man though… I don’t like him one bit.
Cara chuckles before answering him. “Meet my pet.” She looks at me with a teasing smile but I didn’t find any humor in her words. My heart is beating fast, anger rising. It’s like I already know what’s going on.
The man laughs. He crosses his arms against his chest as his eyes hold humor in them. “Since when did you indulge yourself in boy toys? I thought one of my men was joking when he said you were enjoying yourself with a man.” My fists clench at his words.
Cara rolls her eyes. “Vassily this is Dylan Ross. Dylan, this is Vassily, my…”
“Fiance.” He continued and answered for her. He was still eyeing me in amusement. Does he find it funny that they’re playing with my feelings? Franco, on the other hand, was observing us warily. The place used to fill with laughter right before I arrived. I guess I ruined it for them.
“Fiance?” I repeated in a whisper.
In my whole life, I’ve never thought I’d experience this kind of pain. They should’ve just put a gun straight to my heart and fucking shoot it. I feel like a fool standing in front of them. I was no different than a used toy. It’s only a matter of time that she’ll throw me away because I was already useless.
Vassily frowns in curiosity. “You didn’t tell him?”
“You must be a pretty forgettable fiance if you’re able to slip from my mind.” Cara jokes which made him laugh. “Come on. Didn’t you invite us to dinner? I’m starving.”
“Of course.” Vassily directs his attention to me. “You should come. I’m sure Cara appreciates you coming with us.”
I was taken aback that he still managed to invite me to come despite the fact that he knew Cara and I’s relationship. Shouldn’t he be furious? Shouldn’t he be after my head? I hated him the moment I saw him but he confuses me if he treats me like that. Either way, his treatment doesn’t make me feel any better.
I clench my fist. “No, I’m fine.”
“Tesoro-”
“I’m good.” I forced a smile at her. “Thanks. I just had dinner with my friends from work.” No. Actually, I’m starving. I went straight home because I wanted to cook for us. But I’m no longer hungry. I can’t stomach food right now with how my emotions are going haywire.
Vassily nods in response before whirling around to walk ahead.
“I’ll be home late.” She said. She leans to kiss my cheek but I already blank out and didn’t notice her doing it.
I was left standing here frozen while everyone left. My chest hurts, my eyes sting like a fucking waterfall is about to burst.
I laugh mirthlessly. “I’m so stupid. Of course a gorgeous woman like her couldn’t be single. And here I was dreaming of having a family with her. You are such a fool. Stupid idiot.”
I can’t believe that I even thought that she might be serious with me. I was nothing but a toy to her.
—
“What’s wrong with you?” Miles noticed my bad mood. He’s been staring at me all day until he finally asked the question.
“Just feeling under the weather.”
“You don’t fall sick easily, Rose.” I stiffened at the nickname he called me. I willed myself to focus back on my work. “Is it your family? Are you worried about them again?”
I scoff. “Since when do I not get worried about them?” I sigh. “But they’re doing better right now.” Probably because of that huge amount I was slapped by Maxwell Reed. Despite the bastard beating me, his money was a huge help. We were able to pay the pending bills we haven’t paid for months.
“That’s good. You know if you have a problem, you could always come to me. I’m always here for you, man. And for auntie and grandma and for Damian too.”
“Thanks, man.” I said, tapping his shoulder before rising to my feet. “I’mma go get some coffee.”
“That’s the third time. Couldn't sleep with your girl beside you, can you?” He teases which made me let out an obligated chuckle. I wasn’t in the mood and his joke isn’t helping at all, especially when it was about Cara. But he doesn’t need to know that.
Ever since I met her fiance, I’ve been avoiding her like a plague. I can't even stand the thought of her face- the face that I was once crazy about. The most beautiful face that I grew to love. Now it will only bring me pain.
I even heard that she invited him to stay in the penthouse. Thank god, he refused. I wouldn’t want to stay there knowing I was the third party. What’s worse is that he knew it and he didn’t mind. The two must have an open relationship which disgusts me. Let alone that I have fucked her first even before her intended.
I want to go back to my apartment so badly. Maybe I should live there again. To hell with her if she doesn’t agree. I don’t want to be her plaything anymore. Fuck, I feel like throwing up.
“Dylan?” A soft angelic voice pulled me out of my reverie. I looked down and saw that it was Amilia. Oh, right. They had just come back from their trip. “How are you? You don’t look well. You okay?” She asked, following me to the pantry.
Even I grew to hate this room. It only reminds me of how much I thought that she wanted me as much as I wanted her– a foolish dream. But I have no choice. It’s where we get our coffee.
“Just lack of sleep.” It was the reason why I wasn’t myself today. As much as I want to deny, deep inside, I know it was just part of the reason- a very small part. I was used to having lack of sleep because of my freelance jobs. Sometimes I get to sleep for an hour and still manage to wake up early for my full-time job.
“Haven’t seen you in a while. How’s the trip?” I asked while putting my mug down on the counter before facing her.
“It’s good. We were given time to actually have fun and enjoy the trip.” She said with a smile.
“Damn. I’m jealous. We want a trip, too.” I teased, putting my hands inside the front of my pants’ pocket.
She giggles. “I’m sure Miles will have a plan for you boys. We all know how he loves trips and food. And besides, the whole two weeks were kind of stressful with the conference and all.” She rolled her eyes. “What about you? I heard rumors about you though."
I raise a brow. “Rumors? What rumors?”
“That your girlfriend is one of our clients.” I tensed. “She’s also a gorgeous woman. The men in our department couldn’t stop gushing about her.” She was swaying her body side to side as she spoke to me with hesitance.
“She’s not my girlfriend.” I corrected her with conviction. “She’s just someone I know. I… worked with her before.” I tried to ignore the feelings that were about to burst and tried to be as nonchalant as I could.
Amilia’s face suddenly lights up. “Oh… is that so.” I nod. “Hey…” I tilt my head to the side as I wait for her to continue. “How about a rain check on that date?”
