Chapter 72
The next day, I went to the Hall of Justice ahead of time because I had to sign a final written warning due to job abandonment that had happened yesterday. I also had to submit some of the shorthand I have completed to some of the judges I worked with. After that, I went back to my office so that I can start transcribing some of the pending recordings I have on my table. I am about to sit on my swiveling chair when I heard three knocks on my door.
My eyes shifted on the door. I saw Jameson's face when it opened. The sadness in his eyes are too visible when our eyes met. I breathed heavily and sat on my swiveling chair. I do not know why he's here but I guess I have no other choice but to listen to whatever he would say.
He entered my office and then sat on the available chair in front of my desk. I looked down at the documents in front of me and scanned through it. I heard his heavy breathings but I don't care at all.
"I'm sorry," he finally said after that deafening silence between us.
"Sure. I will accept your apology. Is there anything else?" I replied in a blunt way without giving him a look.
I am busy reading through the entire detail of the papers I have on hand and I don't really have the time to be dramatic with him. I can forgive him for what he did to me but the damage has been done. I trusted him but he only stabbed me on my back in return. I guess that will ne the end of our friendship.
An individual tends to do cruel things just to get what he or she wants. This kind of person doesn't know the essence of acceptance. It is just saddening that Jameson Alleje has this kind of tendency...
"Our family is willing to help you, Nathalie. I can assure you that I am different from that Evan Zendejas. I am not going to leave you whatever happens. If you will agree, we can get married but only for papers and then we will work together so that your company will be saved. Doing so, you don't really need to sell it and you no longer need Evan's help either..." he added that made my blood boil severely.
I forcedly put down the papers on my desk and looked at him angrily. I can't believe what I just heard from him. I can't believe that all this time, he has this kind of thinking behind my back. I thought I already knew him but he proved me wrong. He's like a different person to me right now and I can't even bear to look at him without the feeling of being disgusted.
"I don't really need your help at all, Jameson. Can you please stop interfering in my family's issue?" I told him with my gritted teeth. I fisted my hand as I felt the anger eating me up. "And can you please stop blaming Evan for what happened to me? You don't even have the right to compare yourself to him. I totally hate what you're doing right now."
He's no way better than Evan. In fact, he doesn't even match him at all. Evan is way too kind and professional and I know he would not stab me on my back unlike what Jameson did. This guy have unmasked his true self in front of me and I am totally disgusted in him.
"Nathalie, please..." he begged and reached for my hand. He held it as if it is his only lifeline. "Please, reconsider it... Reconsider me..."
I cringed at his last words. I pulled my hand away from his grip and then stood up abruptly. I then pointed the opened door.
"Please get out. I'm done talking to you," I said, fuming mad because of his action.
"Please, Nathalie..."
"Please, Jameson! And don't you ever try to talk to me again or else I will file a restraining order against you! Don't make things worst for me!" I yelled at him.
"I-I'm sorry..." he said in defeat. He finally stood up and then looked at me darkly... as if he's mad at me for treating his this way.
What the hell?
"Get out!" I shouted at him.
I sighed in relief when he walked his way out of my office. Out of irritation, I marched towards the goddamn door and closed it. I even locked as I don't want him to enter my office ever again!
I can't believe this is happening! I didn't know what crossed his mind to offer a marriage for convenience when I don't feel anything for him at all! I mean he's not that dumb not to feel that! I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose to calm myself down.
Now, I am thinking if working here is the right thing to do. I feel like I want to go back in Manila and get transferred to the office I used to work with in there!
***
From: Evan Zendejas
I'm going home. Can I call you in thirty minutes?
I'm done taking a bath when I read Evan's text message. I went to my closet and started typing a reply to his text.
To: Evan Zendejas
Can you please stop texting when you are driving? Yup, that's fine.
I sent him my reply and then chose some comfortable pajamas. I get dressed and turned on the television for me to stay awake as I wait for his call. I then threw myself to bed while holding my phone... waiting for him to reply. Are you crazy, Nathalie? You just told him not to send you a text message while driving! I want to hit my head for being so stupid. I then reached for the remote control and started switching the channels.
"Czarina and Richard Zendejas did not expect that the court will allow the bail for Villarante who is the mastermind for sending death threats and almost get their son killed because of the conflict Evan Zendejas have started with them. According to the Supreme Court, there are no solid evidences that will prove that Tyrone Villarante was a part of the Union that tailed their son and hurt him severely reason why the judge allowed him to get bailed out. On the other hand, we tried to reach Evan Zendejas to get his statement about the issue but he remained aloof and silent regarding this situation..."
What I heard from the news sent shivers up to my spine. My lips parted and eyes widened because of what I am watching on the television right now. Does that mean that this person who sent death threats to Evan got freed because the Zendejas family have no evidences to show that will prove that he is guilty? It's weird and I have a strange feeling about the issue. Evan will not take a proper action if he's unsure about it. I knew him so well... There is something wrong here. I turned off the television and breathed heavily. The news made me feel so nervous and concerned about Evan. Where is he, anyway? I sent him several text messages because I can't calm myself down.
To: Evan Zendejas
I watched the news. That Tyrone Villarante got bailed out.
To: Evan Zendejas
I'm getting nervous. Is that a bad thing? What if that guy takes a revenge against you?
To: Evan Zendejas
Where are you? Don't you dare go out alone! It is not safe when he is walking freely out there! To: Evan Zendejas
Are you alone? Would you be able to check if someone is tailing you? I'm really worried here.
To: Evan Zendejas
Evan Zendejas!!!!
I keep biting my fingers while the fear is becoming too evident inside my chest. It is eating me wholly and I can't do something about it! My phone suddenly rang and then I saw Evan's caller ID on its screen. That gave me a huge sigh of relief. I breathed in and answered his call immediately.
"Where the hell are you?" I almost yelled at him over the phone.
"I just got home, Rish. I am safe, alright? You have nothing to worry about," and then I heard him sigh. "So, Risha Saavedra is watching the news?"
"You know that it's not funny, Evan! What if that Tyrone Villarante is plotting a plan to hurt you?" I said hysterically because I am fucking worried about him and he's acting as if the situation is just easy for him!
I heard him chuckle. He's crazy! Why is he chuckling so sexily when in fact, he's probably in danger?
"I am secured and protected, Rish. Please don't worry about it. Ash and I can handle that motherfucker. Hmm, how was your day?"
Is he really telling the truth?
In the end, all I can do was to sigh in defeat. I laid on my bed and shifted my position.
"Well, not good. Jameson talked to me. He tried to convince me," I replied. "And then I ended up yelling at him. I just can't believed that he acted that way in front of me. I told him that I won't hesitate to file a restraining order against him if he won't stop pestering me."
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I heard his ragged breathing. I know that he didn't like what he just heard and he's only trying to control his emotion so that I won't get scared. I breathed deeply. "Don't worry, Evan. I think I can handle him..." I assured him.
"Just tell me if he continues to approach you. I'll make sure to take a proper action to make him stop from nagging you." He said in a serious tone.
I swallowed hard and sighed after. I can feel that he's really worried about me but I am more worrying about him. I mean... Jameson is bearable but that Tyrone Villarante is not!
"Don't let your guard down too, Evan. An enemy is walking out there, unscathed."
"Yes, Risha. I missed you..." he said softly. His voice made me at ease that I suddenly forgot all my worries. "I'll see you in two days..."
"Aren't you busy?" I asked him curiously.
"I will always make time for you," he answered right away.
It made me smile a bit. I hugged my pillow tight. It feels like there are butterflies in my stomach, and they are all happy when hearing Evan's soft voice.
"Whatever, Evan..." I managed to say because I don't really know how to react. I don't know the right words to say when he's like this...
I don't think I can do what he is doing. To speak my mind and end up getting intimate with him. I think I will just lose this game because I am not that brave enough to tell him what I really feel for him. I will just explode if I do so... "Thank you, Risha..."
"For what?" I asked with my forehead creasing abruptly.
"For the chances. It keeps me going. I can't wait to get things fixed so I can just be with you, again." He said sincerely.
My heart has melted because of what he just said. I am about to say something but then I heard him snoring softly on the other line. That made me smile...
I can probably name my feelings towards him. Just so you wait, Zendejas.