Just for Tonight

Chapter.three

Marietta turned at the sound of the alarm. She knew it was morning already but she wasn't just interested in going anywhere.

How could that bastard spit those words out of his mouth?.Could her life had really been a joke all this while?.

A tap on her shoulder and she jerked up. She knew who it was by that touch.

"Rietta,is there anything you aren't telling your mother?."Mrs Davis asked.

Marie sighed. Her mum only called her that name when the conversation between them is meant to get deeper than she expected.

Her mum got a lot on her plates. She mustn't add hers to it again.

"Mum,I am fine. I just need to rest. Tell anyone who asks of me that I am not around. I just want to rest, alright?." She managed a smile.

"If this is about your father's debtors,we will settle that sooner. We are working on that."

At that talk,Marie sat up."Mum, I don't want to know about anything that has to do with those thugs or even Dad. Do you know what he had even done?. Placing every of our lives at risk for just what?!. Mum,I need rest. I don't want to talk about anything."

She looked away. This kind of discussion wasn't just good for her at this moment.

"Alright. I will let you be for now. If you need to get your breakfast,it's downstairs already."

With a slight kiss on her forehead,Mrs Davis left the room.

Marietta tightened her fists around the pillows she held and blinked away tears from her eyes.

*

Daniel walked in with a huge pile of files in his hands.He could see his friend lost in thoughts again.

He banged the table hard.

"I thought you just had a meeting with the Santiago's. Do you still have that luxury of time to get into deep thoughts as well?"

Delson threw him a glare."What's this all about?. Why are you even here?. I thought you wanted to spend the month with Grandma."

Daniel let out a chuckle."I wanted to but my heart couldn't just leave you like that. I wasn't sure you would be safe if I left you. You just don't know how..."

Delson threw his pen at him."Stop being creepy,okay?. Welcome back but please stay on your lane."

He pulled out a chair and sat."So talk to me,what's going on with you?. Mum had been complaining over the phone."

"She called you too?. I just want everyone to let me be for once. I think I need to leave everything behind."

"And run?. You think that's the best option right now?."Daniel scoffed.

He had known him for that attitude. Always hiding as an escape route for his problems but that had just never helped him.

"Daniel,don't join them. Let me be."

"If this is about what mum wants, then why don't you give it to her then?."

"Daniel,you and I know that can never be possible. You should understand me better."

"I should understand you?. Marie leaving you isn't the end of the world!. You should have gotten this straightened out. It's been five years,Delson. Five good years. You got to be kidding me."

Daniel could see his changed expression. Ever since Marie had left,he knew it was a major part of him leaving but doesn't Time heals all wounds. Maybe he was the one who was just adamant to heal.

"Dan,I would rather that we don't talk about this."

"Then,let me arrange someone for you at least. Claire is deeply worried about you. Can't you get it that you are adding others to your pain as well?."

"I am not adding anyone to this pain of mine. Besides,I can make decisions myself. I am not just interested that's it. Nothing more... nothing less."

"Alright. I have heard you. I know what to do with you. I should have done this a long time but I wanted you to grieve Marie enough."

Delson folded his hands as his cold gaze returned."Dan, don't try anything on me because I am done and that's final."

"I never argued about that. Anyway,the trip to the Philippines had been approved by the board but the only thing is..."

"Just tell them what you know that they need to hear."

Daniel laughed out. He knew Delson would never approve of that if he had known earlier on."I am surprised that you knew about it too."

"Rosa sent to the requirements to me. It's a business meeting and not a couple's night. Why the partner?."

"You and I know that's how the Santiago's do their own business. What's the use of a meeting without a little bit of elegance and fun?. Don't try to make me represent you because I have a trip booked up to China early tomorrow morning."

"Dan,are you ditching me now?."

Daniel smiled."Does it look like that?. You know I will never. Make sure you get a partner or you can ask for my services on that. You and I know how good I am in matchmaking. I can't wait to see how the trip would turn out."

He stood up to leave.

"Daniel,are you in this with my mother as well?."

He let out a laugh again."I told you to stop calling her personally like that. She is my mother as well. Enjoy your trip because you've got to." He gave him a playful pat in a hurry and left.

"Daniel...Daniel...Dan!"

Delson clenched his fists as he puts his head on the table.

*

Alex grabbed the envelope from him. He checked the contents and nodded to confirm it was complete.

"Make sure she doesn't find any traces at all. The Boss wants her and he must."

Alex gulped hard. This had to be the price for ditching her at first."Theo,why do you think the Boss wants her?. You and I know how much I love her. I can't..."

"Man,keep quiet already!. Do you want to die?!.You had better get out of here while I am being nice. To hell with that stupid love of yours. You've done your part so get out already!." Theo walked forward but Alex held him back.

"Do you think I am a fool for being part of you all these years?!. I finally got someone who gets to make me happy and you all had to cut that short with what?!. I will make sure I get to rescue her from all your claws. Just watch me."

Alex pushed him off and made to turn away when he felt a sharp stab at the side of his belly.

Theo laughed."You can tell her that crap in the grave!."

With his eyes half closed already,Alex mumbled a word silently.