Nothing good about goodbye

Chapter 5

Maria dropped the blouse she was putting into a hanger and walked barefoot towards the door, dreading each step she took.

“I’m coming.” She frowned because nobody knew her address yet and she didn't think the neighbors in fancy apartments would greet a new tenant.

She cautiously opened the door and her eyes gawked at the sight of her visitor.

“Welcome to the nei~” her visitor's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “Maria?” He reached out for her in a hug.

“Andrès, you live here?” She returned the hug since she was delighted to have him living close by.

“I'm just next door,” He replied joyously. “Let me help you set up.”

She nodded and stepped back so he could come in. Maria brightened up, with music blasting through her speakers, she unboxed her belongings while they arranged her new home. It’s quite amusing how their laughter echoed due to her lack of furniture in the new residential space.

Meanwhile, Jason and Amanda were preparing for an opening gala.

Jason stood in front of his wardrobe, contemplating what to wear. His wardrobe was lined with shirts and suits of different styles and colors but he couldn't make a decision.

This made him think about Maria. She had always wanted him to focus on work and she made it her duty to pick out clothes and design mind-blowing accessories for him that always made him stand out.

At one of the events he had attended, a blogger asked where he got his brooch and cuff links from, and he remembered confidently replying, “It's custom made, designed only just for me.”

The times that she always had his outfits for the week carefully prepared, which she had already picked out for the week ahead before she left, he had worn them all. At this point, he was beyond irritated with his painful memories, so he picked out whatever got into his hands first.

“After all, they're all designer outfits,” he grumbled to himself.

Upon arriving at the site, the extravagant way in which the other guests dressed made him look at himself again. Jason realized too late that his shirt was wrinkled, his watch’s style was too corporate, and missing the flair that always made him stand out. He now was aware that what he was wearing wasn’t good enough.

For the first time he got on the red carpet, no one bothered complimenting him. Instead, he got awkward stares that made him feel uncomfortable and his friends weren't even helping matters.

“What happened, man?” Brandon inquired while trying to brush Jason’s suit, hoping his pal’s outfit would look somewhat presentable.”You don’t usually look as shabby as this.”

“Where’s your brooch? Don’t you always wear one?” Martins chimed in, pointing towards his empty lapel.

“Man, you didn't even tried to put in any effort to look good,” another added.

“Those cufflinks are so last season. Why did you wear them?”

Every comment they all uttered only made him think about only one person…

Maria.

She always made sure he emerged the best dressed at events like this. Jason’s outfits always ended up being a topic amongst bloggers and fashion critics for how well designed and thought out his overall look was.

Amanda tried to ease the awkwardness with a playful laugh. “You look too plain. Next time, I'll be the one to pick out your attire,” she teased with a smirk.

Although Amanda’s offer only increased his irritation since she should have done so without him asking. He mumbled an excuse and headed straight to the restroom, ignoring the questioning glances he got from the people around him.

Jason got to the men’s room and stared into the mirror in front of the sinks. He noticed how tired he looked. His hair was a mess, he had grown a stubble and worse, his eyebags were deeper and more obvious than ever.

“When the hell did I start looking so haggard?” He mumbled to himself.

To Jason’s chagrin, the unwanted memories came rushing back: her gentle reminders to wear the pieces she would lay out on the bed, the way she’d brush his hair and add gel so it could stay in place. The cute moments she would steal a kiss just before he went out. He had taken it all for granted…

He had taken HER for granted.

The usually composed handsome socialite leaned against the marble sink, tears threatening to fall out of his eyes but he forced them back in by blinking repeatedly. Jason now knew why he was like this and he wanted her back.

He grabbed his phone, scrolling through his contacts. Maybe she was just waiting for him to reach out.

Remembering she blocked him, he decided to reach out through her i********:. He typed quickly, tapping send before he had a chance to rethink what he had decided to do.

A red error popped up on the screen, and he noticed he couldn't access her profile, meaning one thing.

He had been blocked even through her social media accounts!.

His heart pounded heavily in his chest as Jason quickly refreshed the page and tried again. The same message popped up.

He logged out of the account and logged into his backup. The same thing still.

His heart was filled with emptiness. He gripped the edge of the sink. Just a week ago, she was by his side tending to his needs. Now, she had left him and it seemed for good this time.

If this was how she wanted them to end then so be it.

He stormed out of the restroom, his anger masked by the calm composure his face expressed as he walked back to his friends.

“...Blocked. She had blocked me too.” Martins expressed as if reading Jason’s thoughts..

He noticed how they were all checking their phones and affirming that Maria had blocked all of them, as well.

Amanda laughed bitterly, swirling her glass of champagne. “Looks like she has stepped down in favor of the better woman taking her place.”

Jason, though pained, scoffed. “Good. Then I suggest that let's all act like she never existed.”

He made failed attempts to concentrate on enjoying the evening but all he could think about was Maria.

Was she happy? And who was she with?

Speaking of her…

Maria had just finished putting her new apartment in order with the help of Andrès. They spent their remaining time talking and joking around while they tidied up.

“Let me treat you to dinner, as my thank you for the help,” she offered with a smile as she escorted him down the hallway to his apartment.

“Sure, I'll see you in 30 minutes,” her former mentor agreed as he closed the door behind him, and she stood there smiling before heading back to her place.

For the first time in years, she felt genuine happiness.

She showered and opted for a white sleeveless short gown that stopped mid-thigh and paired it with black heeled sandals. She applied minimal make-up to highlight her already perfect features.

She picked up her black purse and locked her door then directly went to Andrès’ door.

Coincidentally, he was dressed in a white button-down shirt and a pair of black slacks. He left the top buttons of his shirt undone, showing off his muscular chest.

Funnily, they looked like a pair with matching couple outfits. As if to make it look official, Andres held out a single long-stemmed white rose to her. She smiled sweetly as she took it.

“I don't mind changing, by the way,” Maria offered as she looked down at her look, suddenly remembering how Jason never liked them to match with their garments whenever they went out.

Andrès lifted her chin and smiled at her, taking her hands in his and kissing it lightly “No need. You look perfect,” he complimented her.

They got to the Italian restaurant where Maria had made a reservation. They talked animatedly about everything and anything over their meal.

Meanwhile, Lana, Jason's cousin, entered the same restaurant with her colleagues to grab dinner. But as soon as they settled in, someone a few tables away, caught her attention.

There, sitting by the window, was Maria laughing, her eyes bright and looking carefree as she leaned closer to the man across from her. Soon, they were whispering together with wide grins on both their faces.

Lana got out her phone and took several pictures. Choosing one, where Maria and Andrès were sitting so close that you would think they were kissing, she then sent it to Jason.

Back at the gala, Jason's phone buzzed repeatedly since it was on silent. He glanced down, his eyes narrowing as he opened the message.

His screen lit up with a picture of Maria laughing. His heart missed a beat as he observed the picture, zooming in on her glowing visage.

He read the message that accompanied the picture and felt his chest twist painfully:“She looks happier without you, cousin.”