Man of His Words

I feel suffocated by just simply standing there. The deafening silence is nerve wrecking. The way Gael's family stopped and listened to whatever commotion there was didn’t help the situation either.

Gael dragged me by the wrist ad we both stormed out of their house without bidding a proper goodbye. When we reach outside, with just a signal of his hand, their valet immediately got what Gael meant.

I swallowed quietly and nervously as I looked at his tight grip on my wrist. When he realized what he was doing, he let go of my hand and I immediately stroked it. I opened my mouth to say anything but I find it hard to look for the right words.

"G-Gael, I'm sorry about that. You shouldn't have talked back to your mother. I'm fine with everything she said."

He glared at me and I saw his jaw moved harshly. His side of lips rose but it doesn't imply any humor. Instead, nervousness was all I felt.

"So you think I did that for you?" He bitterly asked. I swallowed hard and my face went cold.

"It's not what I meant, Gael. It's just that it all started when your mother insulted me-"

"She insulted me through you." He said emphatically.

"Don't assume that I will get affected by whatever she has against you."

It was as if somebody had stepped into my chest when he said those words. His car was parked correctly and he immediately turned to the driver seat to drive.

The valet opened the door for me. I was silent during the entire drive and tried to shake off the pain that was left after what he told me.

Yeah right, Elyse. Why did you expect that he will do that just because he's taking your side. Of course he did that all for himself. It seems that we don't have a place here at home where we are at peace and don't fight.

As soon as we got to the parking lot, I went straight to the elevator and he followed. We both had nothing to say. Without saying a word, I went straight to the room where I was sleeping every time he came to the penthouse and locked myself there.

I know he had a bad day as well, so I feel I have no right to sulk. I just wish that I did more just so I could defend him in front of his family. But how can I do that if just with the words they put on me, I'm almost crushed. How will you save someone if you're drowning as well?

Later that morning, I didn't expect Gael to come anymore with me to visit Dad. I just gave him the space he needed.

I guess I’ll just make excuses to dad if ever he’ll ask.. And besides, I don't think I can postpone visiting my father. I need his warmth. After all those coldness I felt, I know he's the one I need right now.

"Daddy," I called him as soon as I entered the house where I grew up.

He's waiting for me. He opened his arms wildly and I ran to him for a tight embrace. I closed my eyes and sighed heavily. It was as if a thorn was pulled out of me with that breath because I felt relief. I hugged my father for too long so he was a little surprised.

"Is everything alright, honey?"

I nodded while still in his arms. I spent a few more seconds before I let him go. I smiled and avoided his eyes.

”Why are you alone? Where's your husband?"

My lips parted, I already practiced this on the way here but it's still so hard to lie in front of my dad.

"Uhm, something came up dad. You know that he's busy catching up some things since he just arrived here." My father eyed me intently.

My father is smart, he might know what's up with just one look in my eyes.

”But he had said his disbelief and apology. Don't worry we'll visit you again once he's free."

My father pursed his lips and his eyes softened before he came to me again for an embrace.

"You're well aware that this house feels empty without you, right?"

I chuckled at his cute statement.

"If you're husband's gonna be that busy then might as well just stay here."

I looked at his face and laughed. He sounded like a kid but with the mature voice version.

"Daddy, he's just busy. And besides, I understand.” I said. "We all know how we started." I whispered my lat words.

My father's expression changed because of what I said. His authoritative aura is back with him again, the one where I usually get intimidated.

"Elyse, you're forgetting that he's the one who pursued this one. I gave him a choice and he chose the path he wanted. I know I offered him this, but no one is responsible for the decision he made except him. So no reason would be valid if he's not treating you right, honey."

I was silent for the length of what he said, because he was right and had a point. That's the reason why I don't want to tell dad about my shortcomings as a couple.

"Oh come on dad, it's been just what? Almost a month? Give it a rest. You should be the one understanding him out of all people, after all he's the one who's gonna take after you." I smiled sweetly.

Fortunately, he didn't argue anymore. He already instructed our helpers here about preparing the table. My brother, Jaxon will also come later. That man is probably busy with his own business as well.

Dad and I talked at the living room for a while before I decided to go up to my room when I was still living in here. I still have leftover things here because the rest I don't want to bring to my penthouse with Gael. And also, so I’ll have something to use here every time I come home.

My mood died down a bit as I lay lazily on the bed, still thinking about the painful words I heard from Gael. He didn't know that I came here alone, or maybe he had no interest in knowing. I doubt that he even remembered that he said we’ll be visiting my father today.

Our helper knocked a little later so I got up and fixed myself. I went down the stairs lazily and sleepily and if I hadn't held onto the stairs I might have fallen because of the shock that I felt.

Not far from the stairs, I saw Gael standing and talking to dad. He’s here? My eyes widened but I tried not to make it obvious. I carefully went down the stairs even though I almost melted at the edge of Gael's gaze on me. When I reached the end of the stairs, I saw that dad had also turned to me.

"Oh, you're wife's here."

Dad's words were left behind because Gael headed in my direction already. I had no idea what he was doing so I pinched my fingers as he approached me.

My heart beat went berserk when he came to me and placed his hands behind my back and his lips landed on the top of my head. I felt like I wanted to melt in that moment.

"We'll talk later." He whispered to me and looked at me hard before turning to dad.

I sighed heavily. He still didn't release his hold on my back.

"Let's go, the table"s ready.” Dad invited us.

I smiled awkwardly and nodded. Dad went first in the direction of the dining hall and we followed him.

"My eyes almost turned white waiting for you to go out of your room only for me to know that you left early without me." he said, just enough for me to hear.

I eyed him. "I thought you needed more time alone so…"

"Oh yeah? Your husband is a man of his words, Elyse. Keep that in mind.”

He uttered and I was tongue tied. So now, it’s my fault.