Marie.
~
" .. you sure look beautiful daughter, you waiting for the driver? "
" No, no, Asin is taking me out. Where are you off to Mother Seline? "
I was standing outside walking around in circles, waiting for my treat when Asin's mother came out with her not one but two assistants.
" We are off to visit a few gift ideas for my son, I'm thinking something he has a need for.. but it's getting harder and harder every year. " She lamented.
I was actually in the same shoes with my mother in law. Oliver refused to tell me his 'Orginal' plan and even physical violence couldn't change his mind.
He did say I'll be enjoying myself.. and everyone else as well. No clue what he up to.
" He is hard to figure out. " I admitted.
" Well, if everything else fails, you can always just .. you know. Give him something homemade.. " She gave me a suggestive smile.
Before I could even blush, my father in law saved me by appearing in causal clothes that weirdly fitted him well.
He smiled warmly, seeing me.
" Morning dear. Off to work? I sure wish I was.. "
His wife punched him in the arm lightly.
" Since when is work more important than our son birthday? " She narrowed her eyes.
" N-never .. I meant it's rather futile, don't you agree, dear? Every year, we end up buying something Oliver suggests at the end...or a moonbase. "
" I personally believe I can find at least one thing my son would enjoy. But you go .. attend meetings and discuss international price fluctuations with your idiotic coworkers. " She waived him away.
" ..you mean like my father and our eldest child? " He asked.
" Semantics, honey. Anyway you two enjoy yourself and don't tell Asin where we gone. "
She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and left with an already exhausted husband close behind her.
" What an inspiration.. " I thought I loud.
Sex as a gift.
Simple. To his tastes. No wrapping involved. Sounded ideal.
This time, I won't flake out.. hmm, I felt a pleasant feeling inside my stomach.. a mix of excitement and something shameful.
I'm going to see him naked.
" Maire? "
" KYAH! .. Oh, hello. "
Asin looked at me with concern.
" Hello? "
I gathered myself quickly and ignored these new sensations I felt.
" Stop ogling and sneaking up. You no ninja either. "
" Pfft .. more than you. " he kissed me. " Let's go and show you some mythical pancakes. "
He ran his fingers along my spine, and it me jump a little.
" Are you .. yeah, you know what I'm not even going to ask. Let's. " he took my hand.
Seeing his back, I thought..
I'm going to see him naked.
——
Ayshe.
~
She was a decent chef.
At least the cookies were good.
" You said you have plenty to say.. I'm listening. "
I took one last look towards the staircase where Oliver disappeared and wished him good luck.
She didn't say anything for 20 seconds, but it felt longer.
Gave me time to check her out better.
She was a good-looking girl. Nice eyelashes. She had those dimples guys liked on girls. That skin looks flawless as well ..
My eyes went to her arms as she put down her cup of tea and saw a long nasty gash running along vertically on the inside of it.
I got a little uncomfortable, fully knowing such scars came from genuine suicide attempts.
She noticed me catching a glimpse.
" Oh these .. yeah. " She ran a finger along the deep line. " After my own parents forced me to accept that deal.. life got hard .. unbearable even. After a few weeks of tortures suffering.. I felt like escaping. "
He eyes were shining with such anger .. such sadness it made me squirm uncomfortably in my seat.
" My brothers saved me. Well, save me might be the wrong phrase. They saved their investment. As long as I breathe, they remain rich. But you know all about that agreement, don't you? Otherwise, why would Oli bring you here? "
She sat back and sipped her tea .. the sadness disappeared from her eyes.
" I know everything, yes. "
" Debatable. " She nodded.
The uncomfortable silence was only broken by the old clock on the wall ticking away.
" Listen, I believe ..
" Have you ever been in love, Ayshe? " She cut me off.
I let out a deep sigh .. I guess we are doing this.
" Yes .. currently. "
She smiled.
" Don't let Desi hear that.. she mad at him now, of course but it won't last now that they see each other. Being deceived by your longtime boyfriend and framing your oldest friend, make her cut all contact with her .. it's pretty cruel coming from a mind of 15 year old don't you think? "
" What are you babble about? " I was beginning to lose my patience.
" Wake up, dear. That boy might have told you about a wicked web of lies purely orchestrated by Aunt Seline and Uncle Yanam, but don't be fooled. Non of this .. not one thing that happened would've happened without his willing participation! "
She spit the last few words, letting her anger take over and muddied the calm collected aura she tried hard to maintain.
" Why would he want his best friend to suffer like that? It makes no sense..
" His best friend was slipping away into oblivion, and in the meantime, he wrote me a speech for our breakup!! "
She couldn't take it and yelled the last bit, standing up.
" Anna!? "
I heard a voice .. Desiree voice, I assume but didn't see her.
Anna closed her eyes and seemed to count.
" 8.9... I'm okay. I'm fine! " She sat down.
I heard the door closing and calmed my beating heart. My phone buzzed, and I saw what my sister recently posted .. it was the definition of perfect timing.
It was time for me to speak.
" Since you seem to got that out of your system, let's stop the personal history lessons and the silly blame game. Let me guess .. you want MY brother in law back .. yes!? "
I noticed her reaction when Oliver slamed her with a single sentence and knew how to get my point across and hurt her at the same time.
" He is NOT ..
" Hush now .. calm down. " I got up and pushed my chair closer. " I understand.. you been hurt, and your friend is angry and feeling vengeful, but it's pointless. For the same reason why you haven't run to him with the truth .. can I tell you why? "
" Go on, enlighten me. " she smiled confidently.
" Because the end won't change. Asin is in love with my sister. But let's forget her .. let's say he is alone. What are the chances he will ever look at you even after learning the truth? I mean, you did say that speech Oliver wrote ..
" Shut up .. " she growled.
" .. you accepted that deal. You broke his heart and been receiving monthly payments for it, and now.. "
I turned and showed her my screen.
" You are long forgotten.. " I said quietly.
A very much in love Asin and Marie having pancakes on some island. Their kissing on the next picture was the cherry on top.
" No .. nono.. SHUT UP!! SHUT UP! SHUT UP .. "
Anna Lambert was beautiful but also broken.. and with everything I saw, it was all too easy to rile her up.
Asin .. Asin .. Asin.
Soon, the door upstairs opened, and Oliver ran down. Took one look at the raging lunatic destroying the interior one antique at the time, and smiled at me.
I was distracted and noticed late how a girl with long black hair ran down after him and didn't even spare a glance at us.
" A-anna darling? .. okayokayokay.. calm down. Im here.. " She hugged her, patting her red hair.
" Itsnotmyfault,itsnotmyfault,itsnotmyfault. "
Oliver took one more amused look at the suffering pair and took my hand.
" .. don't worry about the Suirless.. I'll have them send the bill about the damages to me. " He turned around.
" Oliver .. don't forget what we agreed upon. "
I looked back and saw Desiree properly for the first time. Hey eyes remained calm if her expression couldn't hide her anger.
" I know you from somewhere ..
Oliver kept eye contact with her for a bit and nodded.
" As long as you keep your end .. I'll keep mine. Let's keep in touch. "
They both ignored my words and Oliver had too drag me out.
" I swear I know her.. "
" What did you do to that creature? " He asked, looking back.
" Just some truths coupled with perfect timing .. what did you promise her? What do they want for their continued silence? "
He didn't answer.. had a feeling it was something that would make us miserable in the future.
——
Asin.
~
" .. "
" .. What? " asked Marie.
I reached over and wiped the whipped cream off the top of her nose.
" Oh .. thanks. Why don't you eat? " She looked at my full plate.
" I don't usually have a big breakfast.. but then again, someone ordered for me. " I reminded her.
She gave an apologetic smile and took my blueberry pancakes.
We were having breakfast inside a nice little place on the man-made island Nuba 20 min from the city. Called Gallo.
" You will make me late.. and fat. " She complained, stuffing her face.
" As in, I forced you out of bed this morning and force feed you those carbohydrate-sugar death pills. "
She waived her fork with a piece of food on it.
" Don't act like you eat healthy.. I'm your wife, you know. We eat together a lot. Oops..sorry. "
As she needed to add dramatic hand gestures to teach me, she whipped some juice on my shirt.
" That's fine .. " I signalled to a waiter.
She came over handed a hot towel over, which I used as an intended and handy tool to clean my shirt.
The girl didn't leave.. I saw Marie sitting back and crossing her arms, her eyes darkened.
" .. yeah, I'm okay..khmm. Thank you, Ms. Waitress. " I even saluted, and she left.
" Tchtch.. can't even wipe yourself without some fancy piece coming up and getting lost watching you. " she clicked her tongue.
" She was trolling for tips.. not going demolish the rest? " I pointed at her.. my plate.
" Lost my appetite.. let's take pictures. " She got up quickly and sat by me.
I couldn't repress my smile .. my love, you are so childish sometimes.
After a few dozen clicks, we were richer with a few selfies which she immediately uploaded.
" .. Look! I'm already getting comments .. the perfect couple... Ahh.. thank you, Mr KellyLivingLarge. Ohoh, Ayshe liked it .. " She read it off.
I amused myself for another minute, my wife reading of the random people's comments about loving our aura and chemistry or whatever and asked for the check.
~
One helicopter ride later.
" I'm over an hour late. "
" Babe, you are their boss. I feel like I'm telling you this at least once a day. "
We were walking inside her work and waived at her employees.
" Hush you! .. Great job, Asin. I think they heard us." She looked back nervously.
Nothing, I said, sticking.
" Look at me .. " she turned my head. " Tell me your greatest dream. "
She was getting more random by the day.
" Umm.. World peace? "
" Nah .. next. "
Too big.
" .. I love those strawberry ice cream cakes..
" Nah! ..NEXT. " She cupped my face.
Too small, apparently.
I looked around as much as her grip allowed me since she stopped me in the middle of the main floor, but the people were at least smart enough to pretend not to listen to everything.
" Okay .. is it sexy underwear? " I leaned in and whispered.
" Is it? " She asked gleefully.
" My love, this started out okay, but now can you just give me the answer? " I asked.
She rolled her eyes and dragged me inside her office.. She does remember I don't work here, right?
I ended up on the couch as she put her stuff on the table. " I'm serious here. Isn't there anything you always wanted? "
" I don't know what to tell you. Whatever I want, I just get for myself. I mean .. ye nothing, seriously. "
She sat next to me, putting her head on my shoulders. " I already have my gift .. don't get me wrong. I'm asking for your mother. She really wants to nail it this year. "
Last year, they named a moonbase after me.
The thing won't even be completed this decade. Is there anything more useless? I bag of hugs would've been better.
" Let the good Lord help her. What did you get for me? " I nudged her head.
She sounded confident, so it got me curious.
" It's a secret.. for now, keep thinking of something, please? It's important for me to help her. " she asked nicely.
She let her hand slide up my shirt .. she had the worst timings and no awareness.
" Fine .. stop touching me. " I got up shaking myself a little. " By the way.. tonight I'll take you somewhere nice. "
She liked that.
" Ohh .. fancy or comfortable? " She stood up.
" Comfortable. "
" Nice .. Dinner before or after? " She pulled me closer.
" Definitely after. "
She tiptoed a little to nuzzle my nose with hers coupled with a quick kiss.
" You pick me up? " She asked between kisses.
" Spoiled. " I smiled.
She could be super sexy when she wanted to.
" You done this to me .. take responsibility. "
As I was about to forget where we were when noticed the eyes of the woman looking at this through the glass.. like watching some softcore.
" You need a new office .. "
" I solve it soon. " She promised.
——
Oliver
~
Desiree wanted to meet Asin alone.
Just him. What for? She could only promise that its not to share the secret.
" What will you do? " Ayshe asked.
" Have no choice, I set up a meeting without him knowing and hope she has some common sense. Maybe you can help. "
" Just ask .. but what could your ex want to talk to Asin for if not .. that? "
Her question was valid and weighed heavily on my mind. The more I thought about the more my head hurt.
Aslo they wanted something else.
" .. more money? Seriously!? " asked Ayshe.
" That couldn't be from them but it buys us time. "
We were on our way back to the city, and just past the dinner we ate.
" But why ask for more .. I thought she and her family received money from both you and his parents. " she looked at me.
" It's going for Anna on paper .. but her parents are especially disgusting creatures. Her brothers are no better. I doubt much left for her, but it won't matter. Money was never an issue. "
As long as I can avoid alone time with her..
She chose the room we .. were first together. Smiled the same.. talked the same.. I was back in time after a few minutes.
After 4 years, I was still affected.. I wonder how you feel, brother? Would your heart skip a beat seeing Anna?
The last thing we need is .. confusion.
She told me plain and simple after some chat about our past in that room..she wanted to meet him and to renegotiate for more money. Another separate sum for Desiree..
In exchange, they will all continue to keep the secret.
As in, I would ever believe it's that easy.
Anna change was only on the outside. She was more obsessive than ever. I always saw traces of it back in the day .. but we were children in love.
If it was only money, they could've sent an email. She found me and played games. Her eyes were filled with resentment.
Not that I didn't feel guilty about all the lies.
For over a year, I fed her those false information and encouraged her to shun Anna like everyone did. Made it all the easier when they packed up and left the country.
Took her best friend from her, but from the looks, they both made a recovery in that front.
" How long will this last? " Ayshe asked, sounded a little worried.
" .. 4 years and counting. I'm not that worried. Telling him would mean a disaster for them as well. Not only for the stuff you told her but for Anna's family. They would end up being dog food done in by much more dangerous people than us. "
Asin's parents.
Who didn't look bad people at first glance. Just another pair of rich people living a life of luxury.
But something happened when Asin got sick.
They prioritised him above everything else, and the rest of the family followed. For them .. Anna was simply not suitable, and her parents were hungry people.
Easily feed from pocket change.
" I hope they are kept in line with the money .. and that monster of a family. I mean, look at this.. they are so happy. "
Ayshe showed me her phone and the newest pictures posted by Mrs Martell.
Asin took her to Gallo.
Probably went with the chooper since it's on an artificial island. They looked like they had been together for years.
Those smiles can't be faked.
" We won't let them lose it. " I reassured her.
She grabbed my hand and put it on her lap.
" I'm rapidly getting used to this high octane lifestyle of yours. Full of dangers, threats and bets and races .. where now? " She laughed out loud.
" We have the whole day, my eternal. Wherever you want.. anywhere. "
——
Marie.
~
" Your sister is a piece of work. "
" Hmm .. "
" I'm pissed off a little myself. "
" Hmm .. "
Henny and Lilly had enough of my one-note answers.
" Maire? .. I'm concerned. Why are you looking for self-help books? "
I quickly shut my screen off and promised to get those tinted screens where others can't see anything.
" I'm learning.. to be a better boss here. I mean, look at my lazy, lazy sister.. Tchtch .. " I changed the subject.
As they went all in on my sister, I was contemplating buying How to satisfy your husband for Dummies edition. I know others might laugh.. but not me.
It will be bought and read! Maybe .. a digital version. Can't face them if someone ever finds it.
" .. Marie? You lost again!? "
" Huh? .. no .. no. It's the air up here. To comfortable of an environment. " I finished my coffee. " Look at those guys with the Frisbee.. that can't be safe, right? "
They shrugged.. I guess it's supposed to me who cares about these things.
Asin was right.. should've got a second assistant to take care of the small stuff. I just didn't wanna offend my sister, but now.. I will ask her to do the interview with the second one.
" By the way .. the ladies inside are fired up about your little show today and last week. " Henny brought her cup and took a sip. " .. Are you getting frisky here before home? "
" Don't be silly. Almost .. If only I had a normal office .. I'm not saying we would. You know.. but could avoid being the office gossip. "
I directly looked at one of the girls named Tasha sitting a table away, and as soon as she made eye contact, she went red as the fake brick inside and turned away.
" Asin been telling you to stop treating everyone as some sort of life long friend. You already have those. "
" Hello.. " Lilly waived hearing Henny.
I smiled at the two. " Thanks .. honestly, I don't know what I would've done if you weren't here. "
" Brother Asin is a generous man. " Henny nodded approvingly.
" Talk about it .. look at our friend eating pancakes costing more than my purse. " Lilly showed her our pictures.
The helicopter was fun if a little terrifying.
Asin almost gave me a heart attack when he said he would fly us. Luckily, the Martell family has full-time pilots so we could come and go as we pleased.
Seeing the eyes of the people exiting a giant helicopter just to eat breakfast.. what can I say?
I was a little narcissistic. Why pretend?
" They were nice.. the carbohydrate-sug..khmm the pancakes I mean. " I smiled.
Next time he eats a burger, I will take the micky out of him for unhealthy eating.
" Yeah ..legends say being made by Michelin star chefs does that to food. " Lilly joked. " .. I need your help, my friend. "
She turned serious on a dime.
" Tell me. " I sat up paying attention.
" Kol ..
Oh no ..
" .. Sanilmaz. I can't see him naturally, and I need to see him for my charms to work. Help me? " She asked with puppy eyes.
What I'm supposed to answer.
I hope Asin is willing to waste a few nights on helping these two getting together.