Meeting an Old Friend

If there is something I'm proud of myself, that is my optimism. Despite the experiences I had when I was younger, being bullied by my classmates and growing up with little guidance from my mom because she had to work, I am still able to find the positive side of things. I always have hope in my heart and I never keep grudges. I always tried to understand other people's behavior and attitude towards me. I used to blame myself for being different, making others notice me easily. But this time, it is a bit different. I'm not that same lady who just accepts insults and pain from others. This time, I have to learn how to stand for myself. I will deal with these things rationally. I will keep that positivity that someday, they will regret taking advantage of me.

The days passed by quickly. I made myself busy with my business and learning cooking from Tess, the old house helper who used to dislike me. We grow fondness to each other and I learned a lot from her.

"The older Mrs. Park is actually not a rich woman before. She was working as a sales clerk from one of the department stores owned by Liberty Group. She was so young and beautiful then and Mr. Park fell in love with her. She used to help us in the kitchen too but it only lasted for a few months. After that, her true colors went out." She then came close to me and whispered, "There was a rumor that Sir Christof is not really Sir Park's son. I guess that's the reason why he didn't receive any inheritance from the late Sir Park. According to the will, he and his mother can stay here as long as they want. But once they leave, they won't receive anything from Sir Geoff anymore. That's why they are still here even Sir Geoff is sometimes rude at them."

"She is sometimes nice with me and sometimes she is very scary." I said.

"Don't mind her. She is like that to everyone. She was also like that to Ma'am Erica before but Ma'am Erica is as evil as her so they became very close."

"What is the rumor about Christof's father?"

"I heard it is one of Mrs. Park's ex boyfriends. Actually she had a lot. She liked partying before. We saw her coming home late at night so drunk many times, especially if the late Mr. Park is on business trip overseas. And when he is here, she looks very innocent and nice. She can manipulate things easily." She said whispering.

I guess every family has its own secret.

Geoff didn't come home for three days now. He said he has a business trip in Singapore and I never asked the details about his trip. For all I know, he is just spending his time with Erica. He didn't send me a message nor give me a call since he left. I don't know why but I don't feel that hurt anymore. Maybe because I am used to getting hurt.

Since he's away, I could go out anytime I want. Sometimes, I am tempted to escape and go anywhere but I am scared that someone is following me everywhere I go. I once saw a suspicious man wearing black suit. Maybe it is just paranoia but what if I'm really being followed. I can't take the risk and be caught in the end. I have to patiently wait for the right time and I also need to save much money for me to afford living with my child for at least 2 years.

I was looking around some shoes in a department store when I saw a familiar face.

"Jessica? Wow! It's really you. Do you still remember me?" He asked.

"Of course. Gino, Gino Perez, right?" He is the guy whom I gave my phone number to the night I and Annie went out after I found out about Lance. "You look ... better."

"I was disappointed when you didn't reply to my messages. I thought I made you feel scared, did I?" He asked.

"No, it's not like that. Sorry, I was very busy." What I said is not totally a lie. I got busy before because of the ad campaign I was leading.

"I's okay, I understand. I think every woman would do the same. I am very talkative and I know that behavior makes women feel turned off with me." He looked sad while explaining. It is actually not true, I liked him but I met Geoff that time so my attention was focused on him.

"How are you? What's new with you? Why do you look sick? You're so pale. Have you seen a doctor recently? I think you need to meet one." I can't help but smile. He is still talkative.

"Do I look strange? Haha! Sorry." He then looked at my hand and I'm sure he noticed that I am wearing a ring. "I see. You are now unavailable. Engaged?"

"I'm actually married now."

"For real? I met you maybe 5 or 6 months ago, right? And that time you were still single. Now, you're already married. I guess I'm already late. Ah, sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

I wanted to tell him that it was the worse decision I have ever made. I wanted to tell him that I regret being so naive and allowed myself to be trapped. I wanted to tell him that I'm not actually happy now, that if I can go back to that time, I would choose not to meet anyone.

"Are you okay? Sorry for being talkative and I know it's none of my business but you don't look happy to me."

I wanted to cry that time but I tried my best not to. I don't want to show my weak side to anyone anymore, especially to someone I'm not familiar with.

"You're wrong. I'm super happy. Actually, I'm 10 weeks pregnant, maybe that's the reason why I look pale."

"Oh, I see. I guess that's really the reason. Congratulations! Your husband is such a lucky guy. Anyway, nice meeting you again. Please take care of yourself and your baby. I hope you're really happy."

I felt down the whole day. What if I enjoyed meeting people at that time? Maybe I am not in this mess. I'm happy that I will be a mother soon but thinking that I will be raising my child by myself makes me feel scared and regretful. Maybe, if I get to know Gino more, I would realize that he is a better man than Geoff even though he is not as rich as him.

That night, Geoff came home early and he brought food for the two of us. We were both quiet while having dinner. There's a sense of awkwardness between the two of us. He is usually sweet to me when we are together.

"Where did you go today?" He finally asked.

"I went out to buy something." I said coldly.

"Did you meet anyone?"

"Nope. I was only with Nancy?"

"Who was the guy you talked to then?"

"How did you know that I met a guy today?" I suddenly felt nervous. Jeffery stayed in the parking area and he usually doesn't follow me and Nancy when we are outside. I was with Nancy the whole day and I never saw her sending a message or talking to someone on the phone. Besides, we already had an agreement that they will only tell Geoff about simple details of where I go and what I do. Is someone really following me?

"You know I can find out everything about you. Just make sure you're not cheating on me. You won't like it when I get angry."

"I just bumped into him. I never even had a chat with him for a long time. And I only met him once before. I don't even know him that much."

"Stop explaining then." He then looked at me and smiled. I feel more scared now. He knows everything that I do and all the places I go to. How can I escape from him with all his connections and his money? Is escaping from him now impossible for me?