Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 36

I had been glancing at the screen awaiting any message from Alan or Derek but something else caught my eyes.

Why is Aiden doing face time?

He had been to Singapore from past a week but never failed to amaze me with a bouquet, to be precise a huge bouquet every morning adorning my office desk or my bedroom. It was almost my size and every day, a new variety was sent. At first, my heart drenched at the sudden affection but after few days I became habituated to it.

Yesterday, I heard my staff gossiping about this and being jealous and I would be lying if I deny that it actually swelled my chest with pride. I loved it seeing them envy me.

He deserves a thank you at least.

I swiped right and saw Aiden looking like a mess. What happened to him?

When he saw me, his creased-forehead smoothened and beamed at me straightening in his seat. My eyes still wandering on his physic; his eyes were red with dark circles underneath them and I could see him suppressing his yawn now and then.

“Hey, love! How is it going?” He asked seemingly interested and relieved.

“Hey! Thanks for the bouquets Aiden. It really brightened my days by the way, how have you been?” I asked feeling concerned.

He is a workaholic but I haven’t seen him working until now. It was now becoming clear that when I was with him, he took that as a chance to escape his work for a while but now things were different.

He looked surprise with my sincerity and answered giddily.

“Oh, NOW I am feeling great and glad to know that you loved them.” He smiled and there it was again!

The yawn escaped his mouth making me pity him.

“Aren’t you sleeping well Aiden? Please answer truthfully.” I gave him a dejected look.

“Um… A little but trust me love, I would be fine once I am back.” He said glancing to his left and nodding his head.

“You won’t compromise with your sleep Aiden.” I scowled at him as he watched me with astonishment.

“Go and have a sleep first and mind you… a proper sleep!” I huffed as his eyes widened.

“I can’t love… I am sitting with my clients.” He switched the camera as it surprised me.

How could he just call me in the mid of a meeting?

“I-I… (clearing my throat) I don’t give a damn about it and at the count of three, I want you to sleep.” I glared at him as he contemplated before sighing loudly.

“Okay, love.”

We hung up while I chuckled to myself. If he dared call me in front of them then I would love to watch their expressions to give that ‘Have you lost your brain?’ look to him.

Riya (Derek’s secretary) knocked on the door before heading in. She smiled at me and passed me the financial ledger to review it.

“Iris, do you need your coffee?” She asked and I relaxed.

Of course this was what I was missing. Nodding my head eagerly she laughed as she passed me the mug.

“Riya, do you mind if I ask you something?” My attention was solely on the mug’s rim while the contents released vapors.

“You needn’t ask Iris, what is it?” She asked.

“Was there any woman in Derek’s life till today?” I couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

She gasped before composing herself grabbing my attention.

What is that supposed to mean?

“No…” Her sharp voice made me c**k an eyebrow.

“Do you like him?” I asked scrutinizing her.

She was a true definition of beauty with toned legs and complexion with emerald eyes. Her dark hair viciously spread on her back.

“N-No…” She lowered her eyes clearly uncomfortable with the topic.

“Never mind, I asked because the balance and the data don’t match. It is covered up and none can dare else than Derek himself. But then again, as far as I know; he doesn’t spend lavishly then where is the money going? Is he making hidden investments?” I leaned on the desk giving her a lazy look.

“As per my knowledge, boss isn't investing in anything new and there isn't any woman in his life so that’s mysterious. I don’t even think that he would allow such thing, there must be someone else.” She responded with that serious look which makes me wonder how Derek can’t get infatuated by her.

“Someone else…?” that word caught me wondering.

“I can ask boss directly—” She tried to offer but I declined it.

“No Riya, don’t inform him anything about this. Let me handle it first because if this can happen right under his nose that means it’s someone who knows each details of the management.” I explained to which she nodded.

“Well, if that’s what you want.” She smiled and headed out.

I received a quick text from Alan who explained that he wasn’t allowed to see Mr. Brian which made me huff.

I waited agitated for them to be back but it was evening and none arrived.

“What had kept them?” I mumbled to myself and then walked out to dismiss Riya. She was a good company but right now I have something else on my mind.

I had been waiting for long when I drifted to sleep unaware. Slight touches ignited my soul. I thought I was dreaming where the touches were soft and tender like someone being afraid to hurt me. Suddenly I felt like being lifted up in the air before cozy warmth enveloped me. I snuggled closer drifting back again.

Warm breathe fanned my forehead followed by a kiss.

“I don’t know what I should do with you Iris.”

My eyes shot open as I stared at Derek who looked vulnerable right in front of me. His face looked so much in pain as his eyes were glistening with tears. They were red and puffy like he had been crying.

“Hey?” I asked being concerned for him.

He never cried unless that one time where I lost my first pet kitten. I was heartbroken and cried for almost three days which made him restless. He cried for his failure to make me laugh and just for his sake, I gave up sulking.

“Did I wake you up?” he sat straight and it was only now when I realized I was at home.

However, it wasn’t my room but his. There was that painting which I gifted him last year on his birthday. It was a sketch of us which I made but was ruined a little when the black color smeared on the Eiffel tower but he was pleased and framed it anyways.

 “No… I am hungry anyways but are you okay?” I asked crossing my legs turning to face him.

He sighed glancing away.

“Can I ask you something?” I could tell from his shaky voice that he indeed was afraid about something.

I squeezed his hand urging him to go on.

“If you find that you doesn’t belong to a place which had been your home ever since you’ve known then would you like to find about your real family?” His breath hitched awaiting my answer.

I was speechless. What kind of question is that and how was I supposed to answer it? I’ve never been in such situation before so… Wait a minute!

Is it related to him?

I studied him and he was affected by something but something in my mind said it was related to him only.

“I-I don’t think I am the correct person you should ask this but according to me, I would really want to know about my family just for once and the reason why we weren’t together.” I smiled but his face fell making me scrunch my face.

“And what if they want you back and you don’t feel connected with your recent family anymore? Will you go?” He asked with a pleading look.

My mouth opened and closed several times, I ain't sure what he wanted but his eyes were screaming to me like they want me to read him for once.

“It depends…” I averted my gaze.

It was hard to look at his shattered face. What has got him so worried? It even made me forget about my revenge on him.

“Let’s eat something.” He said walking out and it surprised me.

He didn’t budge me about it, he just announced and left like he wants to have his distance and it… hurt me.

The dinner was silent business and I was about to get up but he held my wrist making me stop. For a moment I was glad…

“We need to talk.” He said without glancing at him.

It made me cringe because his voice and face were devoid of any emotions. It appeared like he was someone else, more like the one who stabbed me but the difference? That Derek still had some emotions in him.

I sat without wasting anytime. It was obvious something was eating him up.

“You aren’t a Reider but Hamilton, Iris.”

The words bounced on my head. I felt like his lips moved but there were no words out from it. I even failed to notice him call me ‘Iris’ and the declaration in the tone. I expected him to laugh but the grave expressions only made my heart sank to the stomach.

“What?” I whispered.

“Mr. Brian Hamilton is your father and you aren’t even adopted by uncle and aunt. Here…” he passed me a folder as I took them urgently and read them.

Surely this must be a joke! Some sick jock.

I laughed bitterly.

“So, you grew tired of me and decided to get rid of me like this? I thought you were better than this Derek. Be a man and let it out—” His loud voice interrupted me.

“Shut Up!!! It is the reality and I thought you were far better than hiding behind a fake personality Iris.” The hatred clear in his voice made me numb.

How did he know?

“I craved for you; you made me crazy and only god know how I had spent my days without you Iris. It was hell without you making me lose my senses but you on the other hand… you thought it was okay to face me with another identity? Have you any idea what I felt every time I saw you in front of me? I agree I was the worst person to kill the one I loved but trust me baby… trust me that it wasn’t my intention. I am so sorry… I-I literally am sorry.” His shoulder shook as he cried like a child in front of me.

My head was in a concussion not accepting anything right now. Every word, every f*****g word pierced my heart like a knife. He might be sorry but he already done the damage which I don’t think could be reversible but then why this traitorous heart pinched to see him broken? He must be playing a trick again wanting to make sure that this time I end up gone for good.

Stop it Iris. He really does love you!

I shook my head and tears fell on my arms which I quickly wiped. I don’t care if he is broken or needs me but I ain't going to let it go easily! I can’t see him this way at least for the lost times.

My hand rested on his shoulder as I pulled him into a tight hug. His hands sneaked around my waist holding me tight as he drenched my shirt wet from his tears. I patted his back, combing his hair through my fingers as I laid a kiss on his temples. It was obvious for me to cry with him because I needed this release… I was strong but I was still a human.

“It’s okay…” I chanted it more like to myself than him.