Second Chance with the Billionaire

10. His Words

“HE’S NOT HAPPY WITH YOU being constantly around.”

I didn’t waste any more time to spill what was exactly on my brother’s mind. I knew RJ was just being mindful of his words when he was talking with me earlier, but I know well that having Ezekiel around me and my daughter does not make him at all. It was just like before when he found out the growing feelings I have.

He took a deep breath, putting both of his hands on each of his pants’ pockets. He stares far away, obviously thinking deeply.

Silence filled the two of us as the only noise that could be heard was the water splashing of the pool right in front of us. I didn’t dare to say anything at all nor suggest it because it is between him and my brother already. Just like then, it is always about their friendship… and it will always be that.

“What did he tell you?” He carefully questions, not facing me.

“He was worried that Gael might find out how close you have gotten to his child.” I pointed out, releasing a sigh. “But he wasn’t wrong. No father would be happy to watch their child get close to another man and trust them more than their own father. You know that Gael is not that fond of having you around us as well.”

He forms a smirk, shaking his head in return. “That jerk never liked me, and I don’t care about it.” He confirms, looking down at me this time. “Besides, I am not doing something bad here, Gabriela. I was just taking care of your child on your behalf just so you wouldn’t be so burdened with everything you had to do.”

“I appreciate what you are doing, I really do. And, if it was me, I won’t have any problem with it at all because my daughter is happy as well. But…” I took a deep breath and sigh once more. “My brother doesn’t know how much of a jerk the person he was trying to look out for is why he was concerned of what he will feel like.”

“Which is more of a reason for you to let him know already.” He suddenly pointed out, making me look at him in disbelief. “Don’t you think you are stalling too much and hurting others more, Kenny?”

“What are you talking about?” I questioned his judgment.

Instead of giving me a direct answer, he just kept his mouth shut, making me wonder what it is that he meant. I waited, but nothing came out from him. He only had his brows furrowed, evidently frustrated about something he cannot say at all. I wanted to ask him, but.. I was afraid I would get a different answer.

Suddenly, I could feel there was a gap between us. His silence was unusual and I could feel him wanting to just walk away. I didn’t dare to say anything at all despite being curious and confused about what this is all about, but I can’t just stay silent as well.

“Look, as my brother’s concerned friend, I understand that you are not happy with me not telling my family about my husband’s affair and my plan to divorce him. But, you can’t force me to rush into things without considering many possibilities, Ezekiel. Divorcing someone after being married to them with the thought that everything will only be well was never easy to begin with. So you can’t… you can’t force me to just spill it all out without any worries.” I pointed out.

It wasn’t about invalidating how concerned he is, and I do appreciate how much willing he is to help to free me from such a cheating husband. However, he can’t force me to just tell everything to my family when it was… it was who was having a hard time still to accept that everything went downhill.

It wasn’t my fault, I knew that. I wasn’t the one who cheated nor who made the mistake. I wasn’t the one who ruined my marriage to begin with. However, it was me who wanted to end the marriage and divorce the man whom I thought will be my partner for the rest of my life—to separate with the one I ended up choosing.

If I were to think of my daughter’s sake, I feel guilty about my decision indeed. After the divorce, she will have to grow up with her parents living separately and she will have to divide her attention to both sides separately as well. I wouldn’t know how that feels, but it surely is something I know my child would find hard to understand for now. But, this is also for her own sake.

I may be selfish for wanting a divorce, but I see it as the only way to solve the problem in order to prevent myself and my child from getting hurt further… and no one will understand the pain, the hardship in making decision, and the guilt it has until they know how it really feels.

“And just to let you know, my mother already knows about what happened.” He turns his head and looks at me in shock, making me smile bitterly. “She accidentally heard me and Gael talking over the phone the other day, so I had no choice but to tell her about it. I mean, if she didn’t hear the whole thing, I would still prefer to find an excuse that we were just arguing about something, but… she heard me talking about the divorce so I had no choice.”

“How did she react?” He questions, worriedly.

I look up to him and the heaviness in my chest fills in. “She was… fine… and calm.” I gulped down hard, controlling my emotions while he kept his silence in return. “You know? It was so hard to tell her about it even though I know that she will be the last one who will judge me for doing what I had to do.”

I took a deep breath so I can explain this properly. “Even though she doesn’t say it, I know that she was… sad… and disappointed in what happened.” I look at him once again and form a timid smile. “You know, she told me that she can’t dictate what decision I will make with my marriage. It was heartwarming to hear her say that because it makes me feel that I had her support. But then again, I know she was disappointed because this is how things ended up with my marriage. I just disappointed her.”

Instead of saying anything, he didn’t hesitate to pull me to his chest and wrap his arms around me, initiating a warm hug. I was frozen for a moment, surprised by what she did until the thought of my brother seeing this suddenly brings me back to my senses. I tried to push him away, but he only held me in his arms more tightly than he already does.

“Stop pushing me away, Kenny.” He says in such a soft voice, making me stop. I couldn’t do anything at all.

I was… hypnotized.

I could feel his strong perfume that lingers in my nose. His strong arms that cage me in it and make me feel the warmth that I need. His comforting presence helps ease the heaviness of my chest. He… makes me feel safe… and secure.

This is wrong.

“Maybe you were indeed the one who initiated the divorce, but you need to remember that it wouldn’t be enough to make Auntie disappointed of you. Rather, she is probably very proud because she raised a brave daughter who can make the right decision for her and her child.” He tried to convince me.

“You think so?” He nodded his head and made me face him.

“I know so,” He smiles softly and caresses my cheeks gently. “Because it is exactly what I feel as well.”