Chapter 296: What Are You Planning?
Lisa made her way into the Lee building with less confidence than ever before. Although the news did not last long, a photo of Ian had been circulating in the tabloids for a few days. Even after it had been taken down, those who had seen it continued to talk about it, and Lisa felt like anytime she was in a crowd, people were staring at her.
Even Shai had called her, not to gloat, but to check in on her. He wanted to make sure she did not need him, and Lisa had a much more difficult time saying no then she used to. She did not dislike Shai, she just loved Ian. Whatever crisis he was going through, she would stick by him until he figured it out.
Lisa knocked on Ian's office door before she entered; something she rarely did, but seeing as though he was indulging in other women, she did not want to catch him in the act. However, all her worries melted when she saw him concentrating on work. He looked a little tired, but he was still the most handsome man she knew, and she believed he was still mostly hers.
"Li Lee, what brings you around?" Ian said. He spoke casually, as if there were not people within their circle discussing his private life.
"I- there was a photo-"
"Oh, that? No need to worry yourself over it." Lisa could not believe how nonchalant Ian was. How could she not worry? The man she wanted to marry was photographed bringing another woman into a hotel. Worse, that woman was not Mina, who Lisa had believed was trying to steal Ian from her. Even worse still, Ian refused to touch her.
Not wanting to back down from the challenge of yet another woman threatening her position, Lisa made her way around Ian's desk and sat on his lap. She leaned in for a kiss but when she saw a slight frown crease on Ian's face she stopped.
"Should I really not be worried?" She asked.
When Lisa received no reply, she leaned all the way in, and pressed their mouths together. Ian's lips were warm against hers, and she loved how soft they felt, but he did not kiss her back; he did not even react.
"Lisa, I have a lot of work to do." Ian said. He did not want to push her away too harshly, as he did not want her to threaten him with her life again, but he also did not want to give her false hope.
----
Luna had not spoken to her brother in days. His name had been wrapped in a rumor that was back by photographic proof. Had it not been for her actions, the image of Ian and the unknown woman would have still been in circulation.
Everything that had been going on made Luna wonder if her brother was having some sort of breakdown. She had called him several times, but he responded to every call with a text; always the same message; 'busy.'
----
Mina felt lonely without Olivia next to her, but she was glad that the woman had been fetched. Mina did not speak her concerns, but Dom and Olivia were becoming too close for her liking. Mina knew from Dom's own mouth that he was not ready to commit to anyone, while the complete opposite was true for Olivia who wanted to get married as soon as possible.
Olivia had even given up on the prospect of love because of Dom. She was now willing to settle for anyone who would respect her and their relationship. Mina could tell Olivia was hoping Dom would be willing to fill that role, and sadly, Mina knew he was not.
Even though Mina missed Olivia's company, it did not take her long to get comfortable. She still was unable to lock her bedroom door, but she found that if she left the door open, she thought less about being locked in the apartment.
As Mina laid in bed, she could hear Emma giggling while talking to someone, likely Jay, on her phone. Since the woman had moved in, Jay had been calling to check in regularly. The small act of affection reminded Mina of her own sister, who she missed dearly and triggered Mina to dream about her family.
----
It was early when Mina was awakened by the smell of breakfast. Usually, she was the one to cook, as she was the first awake, and she was surprised Emma had beat her to it.
Mina cautiously made her way into the kitchen area where she saw James gazing at Emma with infatuation in his eyes. The man had not even noticed Mina although she was in his direct line of sight.
"Good morning," Mina said. She wanted to let the couple know of her presence.
"Good Morning," Emma replied, polite as ever, and James gave a quick and disappointed nod.
Sensing that she was not invited to the party, Mina grabbed a yogurt and granola from the fridge. She was fine going one day without a cooked breakfast, especially since she had not been working out or even moving around much. She had noticed a bit of weight gain that she feared would not let her get as far as she was accustomed if she needed to run.
"Hey James, do you think we can go to the gym?" Mina asked before she walked away.
"What time?"
"After Emma goes to work," Mina stated and James agreed. Mina knowingly left the man and woman alone. Although Emma had asked her to stay, Mina could tell by James' face that he wanted space, which she gladly gave him.
Back in her room, Mina wondered why she had never seen Paul as a viable option for a husband or even a boyfriend. He was only a year or two older than her. He was also caring, sweet, relatively smart, and handsome. Paul's gentle personality had always appealed to Mina, but for some reason, she never saw him as anything other than a friend.
The more time Mina spent around James, the more she thought of Paul. The more she thought of Paul, the more she missed him. The saddest part of it all was that she had lost her chance. Paul was engaged to Miss Maggie no less, and even though Mina believed she was smarter than the woman, Maggie was a much better option for a man of Paul's standing.
Mina thought back on all the time she had spent with Paul. She reminisced about all the smiles and laughter they shared and for her that was enough, in fact, it had to be. Mina would hold on to those memories, cherish them even. She told herself that if ever she were lucky enough to meet another man like Paul, she would make him hers.
----
James noticed that Mina was unusually quiet while completing the routine he made her. He doubted it was because she was unfamiliar with the two other guards, who were at the gym to log their hours, and he wondered what it could be that was bothering her.
James had even tried to coax a reaction out of Mina by asking her to leg curl more than she was accustomed, but there was nothing. She just sat and complied with instructions. She did not even protest when it was clear she was struggling.
James began to worry; the last time Mina had become quiet and withdrawn was the day she had run from Dom. They had all been briefed on the warning signs to look out for, and although James had not experienced Mina's mood swings before, he was certain he was experiencing one now.
"What are you planning?" James asked.