49
“So have you told her yet? What was her reaction?” Darien asked from the other line, his voice filled with nothing but interest and concern.
I sighed, disappointed in myself. “Not yet.”
How could I bring it up to her that I caused her mom's death. I loved her so much and didn't want to lose her.
“What?!” His annoyance echoed through the other line.
“I know, I'll—”
“What do you think you're doing? It's been a week now, do you want to ruin yourself?” His voice came out as a loud whisper so I was sure he was at work.
“I know, I've just been preparing how to break the news to her.”
Though I was also at work, I didn't bother whispering as Eri had headed out for lunch with Dina and Hane.
“You talk like it's easy to let someone know they're the person they've hated for years.” I huffed, not intending to sound so aggravated.
But believe me, when something like this hits you, annoyance would be your companion.
“Well, I still think it doesn't make any sense you're procrastinating things.”
Of course he was right. Very right in fact.
Eri needed to know, and I had to stop all this dramatic procrastination.
“I will tell her.”
“You've been saying those words for a week now but she's still oblivious about the truth.”
“I know and—”
“Trust me when I say she'll not take it to heart too long if you talk to her about it, but bro if she finds out elsewhere, things won't end up so nice.”
I sighed, not sure how to reply to that.
“I'll tell her tonight.” That was my reply. “I plan on doing a special and romantic dinner for her tonight so I'll let her know then.”
It was the only sensible way to let her know.
A way that she wouldn't be too mad for long because of how many apologies I'd offer before and after the confession.
“You must do it, okay?”
“Yes, I will.”
Now was not the time to contemplate and all.
Each second that passed of me not telling her, was only worsening how she'd react.
The knock from the office door startled me, my mind racing in millions of directions.
Was it Eri? Had she heard me? What would she think? Was she mad? Had I lost her forever.
I dismissed that thought, remembering that Eri never knocked on the door. She'd just walk in because she knew she owned the place just as much as I did.
“Come in.”
The door opened and Hane sauntered in, head bowed.
“Do you need something?” The thought that she might've heard what I was saying irritated me and made me feel twitchy.
“I apologize if I'm disturbing you, but Eri asked me to get something in her office.”
I furrowed my brows, still annoyed. “Yeah okay.”
She scurried towards Eri's office, entering it.
“What's up?” It was only when Darien spoke that I recalled he was still on the other line.
“Nothing much. I'll call you back.”
“Sure, remember to tell her tonight, okay?”
“Yeah yeah, goodbye.” Before I hung up, I heard Rose's voice (not like that mattered much).
Hane walked out later with a blue bag, gave me a quick bow before sauntering out of the office.
I just had to hope she hadn't heard a thing.
If she was to tell it to Eri, then chances of me being forgiven was as slim as a broomstick.
Tonight had to be the night.
Eri was going to know.
No more delays, it's time to do the right thing.
Since Eri had gone with Hane to Suzy's place, it had given me enough time to decorate the entire place.
The parlor was decorated in red and white.
Beautiful red roses lay everywhere, with balloons dancing everywhere. On the floor, couch and every other place.
It was something I was sure Eri would like, but then what if it wasn't enough.
As I paced back and forth, I couldn't help but wonder if all this was going to be convincing enough.
What if she didn't forgive me even after everything? What if she hated me more, claiming I tried using my wealth to woo her into forgiving me.
Oh shit, what if she interpreted all this kind gestures.
How on earth would I live without her?
If she didn't forgive me, how would I live my life?
No Don, only think positive.
You'll tell her in a way she'll forgive you. No female can resist romance, right?
I started practicing what to say and how to say it.
When she comes, I was going to just give her a kiss, draw her to the food area and have a few bites with her.
Then I'd hold her hands and tell her how much I love her and can't do without her.
After that I'd let her know I have a confession to make and that she should please forgive me.
I'd plead with her to promise to not get angry with me forever, reminding her it was a mistake my thirteen year old self made.
I didn't mean it anyway.
Then I'd tell her in the calmest way I've ever talked to someone.
Then apologize, letting her know I'm sorry and she should please forgive me.
Of course she'd be annoyed for a while, but I'd keep on apologizing to her everyday she's still mad at me.
Then she'd forgive me and we'd be happy again, living life happy forever—
The door opened, and oh did my heart threaten to pop out of its ribcage.
This was it.
I stopped in my steps, nervously straightening my shirt.
A maid walked over to the door. “Mrs Jones, Mr Jones is waiting for you.”
The door opened wider and slowly Eri headed in.
I couldn't really see her face, so I had no idea what her reaction to this beautiful surprise was.
As she drew nearer, I managed a romantic smile, but that fell as soon as I registered her expression.
Her cheeks were red, with puffy eyes making it evident she'd been crying.
Wait, she was crying?
When she turned to me, more tears fell, only confusing me.
What was happening?
“Eri.” I was about walking towards her when she stretched a hand, halting my movement.
With the tears still falling down her face, she asked. “Are you Kelvin?”