Unluckily Fated With the Billionaire

Encounter 5: Caught

“Huh? Zairiel, is that you?”

I froze in place as I heard that familiar voice I’ve been hearing for years now. The person who spoke from behind was now standing in front of us, and shock was pretty evident on her face.

“What, it really is you, Zai! B-but, what’s happening here?” She exclaimed, doubt and confusion etched in her eyes as she eyed my hands linked onto Liam’s arms.

“Irene!” I exclaimed and immediately went to hug her, which she did as well. Tears and sobs were threatening to come out of me, but I stopped myself, which resulted in my body shaking so much. “Hey, why are you trembling, Za? What happened?” She asked with her voice laced with worry. She went on to caress my hair and pat my back. Even though I couldn’t see what was happening behind me, I could feel that she was staring at the man whom I was clinging to earlier.

“Let’s go inside, alright? I’ll treat you to dinner. And you, mister, will come with us.” She said and ushered me inside with a no choice Liam coming to follow us as well. When we sat down, the atmosphere was quite tense and the two of them were just waiting for me to speak for an explanation.

“F-first, I’d like to thank you, Liam. If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve been found dead in that alleyway now.” After I spoke, I heard Irene gasp beside me and Liam just furrowed his eyebrows.

“So I was right, That man in black was following you.” He said in a serious tone. “You saw him?” I asked. I didn’t know when he saw him, but I’m grateful since I didn’t need to explain more.

“Mmm. But your escape plan was kinda lame, I’ll admit.” He scoffed. I didn’t have time to retort and be angry at him since he saved me, and a very confused and curious person was waiting for me to explain.

“Irene, uh, you see, someone was chasing me in the alleyway at the back of the restaurant earlier, and... this man happened to be there too, taking a call, and I had no time to even think of anything, so I just clung onto him and acted as if he was my b-boyfriend waiting for me to come. It’s shitty, I know, but it kinda got me out of trouble.” I explained, my head hung low as Irene gaped at me. She was silent for a little while, but then hugged me and caressed my back again.

“I’m just glad you’re safe, Zai. That must’ve been traumatizing for you.” She said and went on to comfort me. It really wasn’t and I think I’ll forget about it in a few days since I’m not someone who could be easily traumatized. After a few moments, she let go of me and then went to look at Liam who was sitting in front of us. “And who’s this?” She asked, her tone doubting with her eyebrows raised. Ah, the ever sassy Irene.

“T-that’s Liam Mirren. I’ve been consulting him through my clinic’s hotline.” When I introduced him, Irene evidently froze. Her eyes were blown wide as she tried to mutter something, but nothing could come out of her. “Hey, are you alright?” I asked and put my hand on her shoulder. That seemed to have startled her as she jumped a little from the touch. She had to blink a few times and shake her head before she regained her composure.

“L-Liam Mirren? That CEO of Mirren Group?” She asked, stuttering. At first glance, you’ll think that that’s the reason why she’s shocked, but as her friend for many years now, I could tell that it wasn’t the reason at all. I just couldn’t pinpoint what it really was.

“Well, yeah. Seems like everyone knows me except for this psychologist friend of yours.” Liam spoke, his tone irritating the hell out of me, but I relaxed.

We’re grateful to him. He saved you, so let’s calm down, alright?

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet the famous CEO. I’m Irene Ferrer and I work in the same field as you. My friend here works in a field different from ours, and she kinda doesn’t care about anything that doesn’t concern her line of work, so she probably didn’t know who you were.” She explained. It seemed as if she was defending me but playfully making fun of me at the same time. No offense taken, though. Everything she said was the truth I didn’t intend on hiding.

“It’s nice meeting you too, Miss Irene. Although I’d still like to interrogate your friend here about things she’s involved in and talk with you as well, I really have an important client to meet near here. If you’ll excuse me?” Liam said apologetically. It must’ve been the person he was talking to on the phone earlier. I only nodded and Irene let him be. When he was just about to walk away, Irene asked something.

“H-how’s your brother doing?” She hesitantly asked. Does she know Link Aiden Mirren personally?

“Hmm, my brother? He’s still abroad, handling our branch there. Do you know him, Miss Irene?” Liam asked, probably curious about the question my friend asked him out of the blue. “Oh, not really. I was just curious about the Mirrens since, you know, you guys are at the top of the industry I’m working in.” Irene smiled and Liam just nodded before waving off his goodbye. We stayed silent and watched him strut through the door.

“You know I could see through you, right?” I immediately asked, and she seemed startled.

“Nah, it’s true. By the way, are you really alright? Do we have to report to the police?” She asked, worry evident in her voice. It was obvious that she was trying to divert the topic, so I decided not to pry anymore.

“I’m thinking about it, but it might be futile. I’m sure there were no CCTV cameras installed in the alleyway, and I wasn’t able to take in the man’s appearance except for his clothes since, you know, I was panicking. I just have to remind myself not to walk in alleyways again. Besides, I know self-defense enough.” I explained. It had to be long and precise so that Irene wouldn’t turn into a mother hen again. It’s good to know that she’s concerned about my safety, but I’m really fine.

“But what really bothers me is that he didn’t even try to harm me? I mean, if I was him, I would’ve already grabbed my victim since it’s obvious that he’s fast and could surpass my strength. But he did nothing except chase after me.”

“Hmm, maybe he can’t find the right chance? But like you said, he’s fast and can be strong. Maybe he’s just spying and trying to dig some dirt on you? Or maybe it just isn’t time for him to harm you.”

“Well, that’s plausible. But why would someone try to harm me?” I asked. It’s true. It’s not like I make enemies. I’m kind of a friendly person and I am always careful with the way I speak. The only enemy I have as of now is Liam Mirren. “Knowing you, you don’t have enemies. Are you sure you didn’t maybe irritate a patient of yours and fought with them?” She asked, a little doubt on her last sentence.

“Irene, my patients are always satisfied with my service. You know I always receive recognition and thank you letters and gifts, right? I ain’t one of the best psychologists in the country for nothing.” I don’t mean to brag, but it’s true. It’s one of the reasons why I have a lot of patients. I’ve also appeared on numerous shows on television and was recognized as one of the top psychiatrists in the country for my skills, not to mention, me topping the board exams.

“That’s it! You’re on the top of your game, and if I was a fellow psychologist like you, I'd be envious, too!” She suddenly exclaimed. I had to process her words for a little while before I could respond. “Are you implying that someone from the same line of my work is envious of me and is trying to take me down by harming me or digging dirt on me?”

“Well, yes. You have no enemies. You don’t do that much outside of your work and don’t really care about anything, so it could be the only plausible reason!” What she said was true, but I didn’t try to entertain it. “Oh, wait. Did you publicize your engagement with Lucas?” She asked out of the blue.

“Not really. But news travels fast. I think some people already know about it, and some were also anticipating it since they’re aware that I’ve been with him for five years now.”

“Do you think, maybe someone’s jealous and angry with you because of your relationship or engagement with Lucas, that’s why they’re doing this?”

“I doubt that. It’s a possibility, but I’m not really sure.” I shook my head in disagreement. There are still tons of reasons why, and I don’t plan on thinking about them anymore.

“Oh, s**t. If that man was trying to spy on you, he probably saw you clinging onto Liam and calling him your boyfriend! What if he spreads it and it affects both you and Lucas?”

“Speaking of Lucas, do you plan on telling him about what happened today?” I froze at her question. I’ve never really thought of it. There’s also that part where I initiated and called Liam ‘babe’ and acted like his girlfriend. I’m not scared to tell him that because I did it for a cause and there’s nothing wrong with it, but Lucas really tends to be very jealous and possessive sometimes.

“I-I’m not sure, but I’ll handle it, don’t worry.”