Chapter 53 Goodbye

CHAPTER 53 Goodbye

I QUICKLY TURNED around to go upstairs to change. It was there that my tears finally flowed. I can’t do it even if I stop it. My heart was being hit and twisted in both fear and excitement. Is this the right time to accept him back into my life?

Maybe I just make mistakes and send in my own emotions. But when I saw Lawrence hugging his son, all my worries seemed to go away.

Before I went down, there was a concrete decision formed in my mind. This time I will decide not just for me but for the sake of Clarence.

Loud laughter greeted me as I went back to the living room. I immediately noticed Mommy carrying Clarence while Dad and Lawrence were in front of them.

“You’re so adorable!” I heard Mommy say.

I smiled, then I approached them.

“How was my baby Clarence doing? I asked as I enter the living room.

“He’s my grandson. I’m no doubt about it,” Dad said, then he tapped Lawrence’s right shoulder.

I glanced at him. His lips twitched a little and scratched his nape a bit. I also noticed that his cheek was a little red with the attention Dad gave him.

My heart immediately overflowed with joy. I expected Dad and Lawrence not to have a good confrontation, but I was wrong.

I still remember that he was still building me up with Lawrence back then. He even mentioned my vacation in San Simon and my exclusive dating with him.

By the way, ever since, his vote has gone to Lawrence. I shook my head and smiled a little.

“You might even be caught on your way. It would be better if you set sail,” Mom told me and smiled with a hint of amusement.

I bit my lower lip.

“Be careful driving, son. You are with your family,” Dad told Lawrence.

I never heard Lawrence answer, but based on the look of the two and his nod to Dad, I am sure they understand each other.

It took a few minutes for his car to run, but I still couldn’t get over what happened earlier at home. Too awkward if I ask him more about that. But then, he broke the silence and spoke.

“I already talked to your dad. I mentioned to him our wedding plan.”

Even though I knew what he was going to say, I was still shocked by what he said.

“What did he say?”

He glanced at me for a moment. I could feel the heaviness and the intensity of his gaze at me. I was immediately nervous. Didn’t they have a good conversation?

“It is up to you whether you will accept my marriage offer,” he muttered darkly.

I noticed that his perfect jaw tightened after he said that. The expression on his face grew darker, and his eyebrows could not be painted.

I wanted to laugh at his reaction. Does he know my answer to his question? I don’t think so.

I decided just to erase the attention on the road while Clarence was on my lap. I chose to enjoy the ride with these two handsome boys. Maybe I have nothing more to ask for now, but the time will come when we will be a whole family.

After about a half-hour drive, we reached the villa where Carrick and Cindy stayed.

Many cars are already lined up in the parking lot. Lawrence and I are heading straight inside the house. He only gave a few nods and smiles to the guests we met even though I noticed their surprise at Lawrence’s child load.

“Bestie! Finally, you’re here!” Cindy happily welcomed me. She carries her son Kyzler.

After our hug, the smile on her lips gradually faded as she glanced at Lawrence beside me.

“What is the meaning of this?” she mumbled lowly at me, then pulled me away from Lawrence.

“We’re just . . .” I can’t continue what I have to say.

“Peter is here, and he was looking for you earlier.” Her eyes almost widen.

I gasped. Here we go again. How long should I explain to them that Peter and I are not dating?

“We talked last night, and we’re good,” I say as I looked away.

She stared at me for a moment before I could hear his deep sigh.

“How about Elliesse? Does she know about this?” she asked confusingly. It was as if a lot is troubling her mind.

“I-I don’t know . . .” I shook my head down.

She blew out a frustrated breath. Slightly hover the hair and shake. Gradually, a great nervousness arose in my heart after I saw her reaction.

“She’s back. She came last night from New York. Carrick told me.”

I was overwhelmed. I quickly grabbed the ring I had been wearing since last night. I do not know how I should feel after hearing this news.

“Alright, I just warned you. I just don’t want Lawrence and Peter to argue anymore. It’s good that you made everything clear,” she said in relief.

My lips quirk a bit. I want to ask if Elliesse’s failed marriage continues. I’m sure she knows the answer because of Carrick. But I was afraid to find out for myself.

I tightly gripped the ring I was wearing. I was slightly relieved by what I did. This is the only hope I have right now, so there is no reason for me to be nervous like this.

“It’s better to come inside and join them,” she said.

Because there were so many people inside, I did not immediately have a chance to talk to Lawrence, who seems to enjoy the conversation with his colleagues. My friends from different schools and elite societies are also invited to the party. I spoke to some of the guests before I noticed Peter talking to one of my female classmates in college. His dim eyes looked at me. He holds in his right hand the glass rock with only wine. And my heart pounding hard in my chest.

***

PETER SAID GOODBYE to his colleagues and stepped in my direction. I stand in froze. But I quickly said goodbye to my colleagues and greeted him.

“Peter . . .”

But he did not speak, his jaw sets hard, and he looked more dark and ruthless in a short distance.

“If you came here just to apologize, then apology accepted!” His voice sounds delighted. But the expression on his face was always dark to me.

I sighed heavily. The truth is I really want to apologize not only for what happened last night but for all my sins. I am very grateful to him, and I cannot just throw him away lightly.

“Can we talk for a moment?” I ask.

He first poured the wine into the glass before laying it on one of the tables.

“Let’s get out of here.” He grabbed my arm and gently imitated the back of Cindy’s house.

There are also a few people in the backyard, unlike inside, where are mostly guests.

I chose to sit in a wooden chair facing the swimming pool as he remained standing next to me.

Silence fell like cold water in the pool. There will be no noise if you do not jump, or leaves will fall from the tree.