Chapter 9

• I was probably immobile from shock for a few moments while stupidly staring at the screen of Parker's phone in my hand without actually seeing it. Something told me that I should put it back immediately before returned so with my shaky hand, I placed it back on the table, screen down like how he left it. My legs felt wobbly and I had to hold on to the edge of the table as I returned to my seat. I breathed in and out several times as I cleared my head. I didn't want to confront him. I wanted something more. What I just discovered was much worse. He was cheating on me with one of my best friends not with Zoe. Something inside me died. But it wasn't the time to show weakness. Telling him on his face what I learned wasn't enough. I had to think of something to get back at him. I got the glass of water and drank half of it as I repeatedly told myself that I should be calm. Thankfully after a few moments I felt I could finally control my emotions.
• "Honey."
• I heard him call me. I slowly raised my face and eyes at him. He was all smiles as he walked to me, bringing a bouquet of beautiful flowers which were obviously expensive. If I didn't know that he was a cheater, I would have felt so loved and cared for. A smile formed on my lips. I better test my acting ability.
• "I know I have been neglecting you recently and I swore that this time it would be different. This is just the beginning. I hope you won't get bored or tired of my cheesy ways to show you how much you mean to me," he murmured as he gazed at me.
• I secretly balled my hands which were on my lap. I didn't know that he could act really well too. He would have been a great actor too not just a musician.
• "You don't have to do all these. I know how busy you are. You already apologized and admitted your mistake. That is enough."
• He shook his head and extended his arm to me. I raised my hand to hold his though it was the last thing I wanted to do. I almost gritted my teeth when we had the skin contact and I wanted to pull back my hand but I stopped myself. If he was a great pretender, I could give him a run for his money. Still beaming, he offered the flowers and after I got them, he planted a kiss on the top of my head.
• Then we heard a vibrating noise. I felt him stiffened as I sniffed the flowers. I pretended not noticing his sudden uneasiness.
• "Honey is that your phone?" I asked in an innocent sounding voice. I even furrowed my brows.
• His forehead creased and he reluctantly released my hand.
• "Sorry honey. I have to take the call."
• I nodded and sat down again while making him believe that I didn't care who was phoning him. I sniffed the flowers again with my eyes closed as if I was really appreciating them though all I wanted to do was shove them down his throat. I opened my eyes when I didn't hear him say hello to the caller. Instead, I saw his back as he hurriedly walked inside the house. I gritted my teeth. I was sure that it was Anne. I had the sudden desire to follow him but of course I won't. From now I had to have more control of my feelings, actions and words. I would hit him where it hurt most. The best revenge was just around the corner. By the time he was back, I had the prefect plan in mind. We would be going tit-for-tat. But the catch was, he wouldn't have the slightest idea. He had been fooling me for God knew how long so I would make a lot of effort not to be caught right away. The longer I did it, the better. I pasted a smile on my lips. I almost sneered when I saw how edgy he looked. He released a small smile and took his seat.
• "Let's start the dessert honey."
• He carefully sliced the cheesecake with furrowed brows.
• "Is everything alright hon?" I asked as I made sure a trace of worry was on my voice.
• "Everything is fine," he replied hesitantly and handed me the small plate with the cake.
• I put the flowers on the table to get the plate as I thanked him. I was already having my little revenge as I saw the expression on his face. I could just imagine how it felt being in hot water.
• Silence fell over us as we unhurriedly ate our dessert. Even when I saw him gulped the alcohol in his glass like it was water, I didn't say anything unlike before. The only consolation I had was there was no bottle on the table. The last thing I wanted was for him to be drunk. After I swallowed what was in my mouth, I toyed with the remaining cheesecake on my plate. I was thoughtful as I looked at it.
• "Isn't it to your liking honey? Is it too sweet?" he then asked.
• I didn't raise my eyes at him and just continued gazing at the dessert.
• "It's good."
• I heard him sigh.
• "Honey if it's about the phone call, I will say sorry."
• That made me look up and stare at him with a frown.
• "What? I don't understand."
• He put down his fork and leaned forward to take hold of my hand.
• "Don't worry. We're not in a hurry. I couldn't say no to the caller but rest assured, our night is far from over.
• I got my hand back and my frown deepened.
• "Can you please just tell me what you mean? Stop talking in riddles."
• He raked his fingers through his hair and leaned his back on the seat.
• "Caleb is a block away. It would be real quick. He just has to give me some important documents. He can't wait until tomorrow."
• Before I could say anything, the door bell rang. Parker rose from the chair.
• "Stay here honey. I won't be long."
• I narrowed my eyes at him and got up from the chair too. I carefully followed him. I peeked from behind the wall. The townhouse wasn't big. I could see the front door from where I was. Parker opened the door. I couldn't make out what they were saying and I could only see his back. I covered my mouth and immediately moved from the wall. Another shocking discovery!
• "What are you up to? Are you hiding someone?" asked a deep voice which was suppressing a chuckle.
• Abel and Caleb are one?