JHARIED's POV
I watched the video Roy had sent me on Messenger intently. Distinctly, I could see how they had ganged up on Filia in the garden a while earlier. My fists clenched—I really thought Samantha was trying to be friends with Filia. but I was wrong. It was all an act. It was all a deception.
I looked toward the comfort room as the door opened. She had cleaned up and was quietly sitting on the sofa, preoccupied with her cellphone. I saw the scratches on her hands, the bruise on the side of her lip—and I couldn't help clenching my jaw again. I didn't know if I was angrier at them. or at myself, for believing she could truly reconcile with Samantha.
I got up from my chair and walked over to her. She did not even realize I was standing beside her, she was so intent on that screen.
I grasped her chin, and she immediately looked up to me. I saw how her eyes widened then went back to normal. I gently stroked the bruise near her lip. She winced, and I swallowed hard involuntarily, especially when I looked at her lips, which were very red after crying.
"W-why?" she asked, stammering.
I didn't reply. I just stared at her. Only now did I really notice how lovely her eyes were, slightly slanted, but elongated by her lashes. I didn't know why this was suddenly so clear to me.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, and she was about to pull my hand away from her chin—
I immediately covered her mouth with mine in a kiss.
She was shocked. I felt her body go taut in surprise. I was surprised at myself, but couldn't stop. It was quick, but for a moment, the air thickened between us.
Slowly, I retracted my lips from hers. She stared at me, immobile. I looked away, lest I be tempted to kiss her again.
"Pack your things. We're going home," I said, forcing myself to remain calm.
She didn't respond. She just arranged her things while I closed my laptop and placed it in my bag. Yet, I could feel my heartbeat still pounding and refusing to subside.
The door opened, and Samantha walked in. Her eyes went straight to Filia, who sat on the sofa.
"Jharied, can you come with me to the market? I ran out of stock at my condo," she said, smiling as she entered. She even held onto my arm, acting as if nothing had happened earlier.
"I'm busy. Roy and I have plans later. Ask Nancye to go with you," I replied coldly, pulling her hand off my arm.
"Please? Nancye and the rest are busy too, so you were the first person I thought of," she insisted, and Filia's expression darkened.
"I will get going, then. It seems that you two have plans. I will just ride with Nicole and the others, since I have a lot of homework," Filia announced, reaching for her bag.
"No. You're riding with me. We're going home together," I said quickly, stopping her.
But she didn't seem to hear me. She continued walking out of the office. I felt my annoyance flare up instantly.
"Filia already agreed, so please accompany me first," Samantha said again.
"Fine. But only as far as the market," I replied coldly in my effort to get her to shut up. Without Filia in the equation, I really wouldn't have bothered to accompany her. She acted as though she had done nothing wrong.
She smiled immediately, acting like no drama had ever occurred on her part. She threaded her arm through mine once more as I retrieved my bag. I silently walked in the direction of the parking lot.
When we arrived—
I saw Filia.
And she was with a man.
I furrowed my brow as I recognized him-the same guy I saw earlier. He even ruffled Filia's hair, and she laughed. She LAUGHED. And her laugh-it wasn't forced; it wasn't fake. It was genuine.
Goddammit.
"That's Filia, right? Who is that man she's talking to?" Samantha asked.
I didn't answer her, but instead opened the car door for her and gestured for her to get in. I slammed the door shut.
I thought she was riding with Nicole? Why is that guy with her now? Why do they seem so close? Why do they look so comfortable with each other?
I drove in silence. But I couldn't get her smile out of my head. Her laughter. The way she looked at that man.
"Your wife is quite the flirt. She talks to just any man," Samantha said suddenly, shaking her head.
My vision suddenly dimmed. Who was the bigger flirt among us? She knew I had a wife, but she would simply not leave me alone.
I pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the car. I could feel her looking at me in confusion.
"Get out," I ordered curtly. She was better off getting out if all she was going to do was badmouth Filia.
"Why? I thought you were taking me to the market? Now you're telling me to get out?" she complained, irritation audible in her voice.
"I said get out," I repeated, my voice ice cold.
I clearly saw her face darken as she slammed the door and stormed out of the car. As the door shut, I sped away quickly.
I did not know where I was going. I did not know why my chest felt so heavy. But I knew one thing-
I couldn't stand her laughing with someone else; that laugh should be for me only, yet I have never seen her laugh like that with me!
I couldn't stand seeing somebody else treat her this comfortably; that should only be me!
And most of all, I couldn't handle the idea that Filia might be developing feelings for that man.
No. That can't happen.
She cannot get near that man again.
I don't allow it.
And yes, as corny as it may sound—
Goddammit.
I'm jealous. It's just so unfair! Why is it just me who's jealous?! While she's happy with that man!!
Fuck!!
When I got home, she still wasn't there. Where did that woman go? She used to get home before me, but now-because of that guy?
That leech is really annoying, hanging on to Filia like that! Darn!
Why am I so incredibly annoyed! Cool down, Jharied. Do not let that woman beat you.
I'm telling myself, shit.
To be continued.