Chapter 44

That night, I tried ringing Amilia. It went through voicemail but I didn’t stop until she finally answered. Not knowing if she’s okay or not is eating me alive.

The relief I felt when she finally answered my call was overwhelming. Huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

“Amilia, thank god. Are you okay?” Came my frantic voice.

“Dylan, hey… I’m- I’m so sorry if I haven’t answered your calls. I was busy settling… in my new place. I’m also doing very okay. I’m sorry if I haven’t talked to you. I was…” She trailed in hesitance. Her voice sounded unsure and evasive.

“What? What is it? Did she threaten you to stay away from me?” The long silence made my heart throbbed in anxiety.

“Dylan… I’m sorry.” I couldn’t decipher the tone in her voice. I was confused why she kept apologizing when I was only concerned for her. That doesn’t sound like she’s in trouble.

“You already said that.” I sat on my bed, tired from pacing back and forth in my room. “Tell me, Ami. What did Cara say to you? What did she do?” My frustration was surfacing as we conversed.

She pauses for a long time again which only adds to my worries. “I’m so ashamed of myself right now… but I guess we both need this conversation. It will be unfair to you if I drag this on.”

“Ami, what are you saying?” I bit my lip in impatience. She was making me feel extremely worried.

“You know I already have a feeling you have a relationship with that woman… despite you denying it.” I froze. “But you seemed so convinced that you don’t so I tried with you. I really do like you, Dylan, but I guess I’m far more ambitious than my feelings for you.”

“Ami, I don’t get what you’re saying. I just want to know that wherever you are right now, you’re okay.”

“I am. That’s why you need to listen. That night after we had our date, she came to me. She was waiting for me in my apartment.” My heart was racing as I listened to her. “She told me to stay away from you. I didn’t want to.”

“Did she threaten you?” I rasped.

“Not really. She… offered me a deal instead. She said she’s not satisfied if I was near you so she wanted me gone, out of the company, out of the building.”

“Ami, fuck, I’m so sorry.” I feel so guilty right now. This is all because of me.

“No, don’t be. She told me that I won’t be able to refuse her offer. Apparently, she’s right because I agreed with no second thoughts. Dylan, she gave me an opportunity to live my dream. She gave me the job I wanted the most. You know I applied for this three times in the past three years, I was rejected every time. She had just one call and I was in.” She suddenly started rambling somewhat in awe and in disbelief about her situation or how Cara made her dream become a reality. “She even booked a flight for me and had everything sorted out. I still can’t believe this is happening. I have been dreaming of living and working here in Tokyo… and now I'm here. It feels surreal.”

She sighs. “That’s why I’m sorry. I truly like you, Dylan. But I guess I just love my ambition more.”

I exhaled in relief. “You don’t have to feel sorry for following your dream, Ami.” I smiled, actually happy for her. “I was worried that something bad happened to you. I’m happy that you’re living your dream right now. I only wish for the most important people in my life the best. So, really, no hard feelings.”

“Thank you. It feels kinda weird to be here because of the connection I made. But I promised myself that I would work harder and live up to their expectations.” She said in excitement.

“I’m sorry if she suddenly came to see you. I didn’t know she would do that.”

“Honestly, despite being scared to meet her at first, I feel thankful. Because of her, I’m here. I guess the only thing that had bothered me was my guilt. After all, I was determined to pursue you but then I dropped that thought like a hot potato the moment a good opportunity rolled in. I’m so glad we have this conversation, Dylan. I didn’t know how to break this to you. It’s kind of an asshole move.”

I chuckle. “What are you saying? Of course, it’s not. There’s nothing wrong about choosing a career over romance. Perhaps it’s just not meant to be for us. And besides, I was the one who pulled away first. To be honest, I was feeling guilty for a while. I convinced myself that I shouldn’t be because we never really made it official, let alone confessed to each other.” I confessed, feeling the guilt coming back.

“Oh, wow.” She sighs lightly. I could feel her lips curl on the other line. “I guess there’s a reason for us not to actually be together, Dylan. You didn’t confess and I confessed too late. But we are where we want right now.”

My heart throbbed at her statement. I doubt that. I wanted to tell her that there’s no hope for Cara and I anymore. She’s getting married to someone else and I’ll probably be back to being… me. But I smiled for her either way because she’s happy. She’s living her dream.

Our conversation went on for a long time. She had talked about how she was settling there and starting to miss New York and her friends here. But all in all, it was worth it for her. It was her dream for years to work there. It was the first time that we really bonded as friends even if it was through the phone. And I feel closer to her that way.

As I lay in bed that night, I pondered in regret and guilt. I had just accused Cara head on without even getting my facts straight. I assumed things when in reality she had done her best not to harm anyone close to me. Granted, she only wanted Ami to stay away from me but in the process, she had made her dream come true.

I need to apologize to her big time. But it doesn’t mean we’re going to be okay or go back to what we used to be. It will not change the fact she’s still going to get married. Hopefully, she will finally let me go.

—

Cara

I watched Vassily miss his shot a couple times in target practice. It was becoming extra annoying how he rarely had a bull’s eye. He’s like this whenever he’s distracted about something in his mind.

Out of irritation, I snatched the gun from his hand and shot the target until the bullets ran out, a huge hole was replaced on the red dot. I calmly put the gun down the table and looked at him.

He crosses his arms as he looks back at me. “Well, that's one way to put it.”

I raise a brow. “You’re distracted. Tell me. What’s going on in that Russian mind of yours?”

He smirks before leaning his ass against the table. “You know me so well.” His smirk suddenly disappears. “We need to talk, Cara.”

“I agree.” I second. “The floor is yours first.” I said, following his action and sat beside him.

“I don’t think you’d like what I’m going to say.”

“Seems interesting for you to say that. Go on.” I smirked playfully.

“I’m afraid I have to cancel our marriage agreement, Cara.” I look at him in surprise. “There’s something I must do. Our marriage would likely hinder it.” He watches me while studying my reaction.

I shrug. “Okay.”

He frowns. “Okay? That’s it?”

I shrug again. “That’s it. It’s not like I’m in a hurry to be tied down, Vassily. Whether you have declined the offer or not, I wouldn’t exactly have a problem with it. You were just the perfect candidate for me but I’m sure I’ll find someone I could trust to be my partner. May I ask, though, what is that something you are referring to?”

“It’s just something that I need to settle. I won’t be around in Moscow for a while.” He answered vaguely while rubbing his chin in thought.

I smirk. “I have a feeling that this is more than just your usual business. I hope it’s not England where you’re heading.” I grinned at him mischievously.

Vassily returns my grin. “We’ll see. It’s a shame we could not be married. I did imagine us to be husband and wife.” He teases.

“I imagine you taking over both of our families with that short temper of yours.” I tease back.

“Did you also imagine the kiss and sex?” We stare at each other for a while before laughing.

“Cazzo! That’s disgusting. How could that even cross our minds?” I shivered in disapproval while Vassily, on the other hand, was frowning.

“I feel like I have committed sin to my sister.” I laugh at his remark. Heirs did cross my mind but the hows did not. And the thought about it brings shivers down my spine. He’s right. It feels as if we committed sin. “What are you going to do about that boy toy of yours anyway? You’ll be coming back to Italy soon. You can’t honestly bring him with you. He looks like he can’t survive in our world.”

“Trust me. The guy is a great asset. He’s smart enough to catch Alvaro off guard. His assistant is almost the same level as him yet he managed to sneak in and steal from us. That and the sex is the cherry on top.” I grin.

He laughs. “Living life to the fullest, eh?”