FIFTEEN: MISUNDERSTANDING II

[Shaira’s POINT OF VIEW]

I arched my left eyebrow. Is he defending her? or am I just jealous of Aeriad?

I let my eyebrows sway as I uttered, "Well, I can be your secretary. Just like the old-time, yah know."

I was once his secretary before we tied the knot. Now, I'm just a boring housewife. It's not a bad idea to bring back my old job, right?

"Listen to me. How many times do I need to remind you that I don't want you to do other things aside from taking care of our family," he replied.

Instead of engaging in worthless arguments, I chose to shut my mouth, and replied, "I'll get us some coffee and a snack. Tamra, stay here. I'll be back."

"I'll just book our food. Honey, stay here," says Jhotam without throwing a glance at me.

"I insist," I replied. Without hearing his side comment, I left to grab some air. I admit I think of wanting to do something in my life, not just be a mere housewife. However, every time I open up on this topic, his mood always falls on the bad side of the shade.

I saw a milk tea shop nearby where C&I was situated. I think it's just a ten minutes walk. I went to the counter and ordered a hazelnut, chocolate, and tiramisu; medium size for each flavor.

"Kindly wait for a couple of minutes. Here's your buzzer, Ma'am."

I spotted an empty seat beside the table. I sat there and threw a blank stare outside the shop.

"Shaira? We met again," says a guy from nowhere.

I lifted my face only to see the guy was no other than Ryan, my former boyfriend, and now my son's professor.

"Oww, yeah, we've met again," I replied and smiled awkwardly. It was pretty obvious; I found this situation uncomfortable.

"What are you doing here alone?" Ryan asked.

"Nothing, just grabbing food for my boys," I replied as I threw an awkward smile.

"Fancy meeting you here out of all places," says Ryan.

I excused myself by showing my buzzer. "Got to go. Goodbye, and see you around."

I headed back to the counter to claim my order. Meanwhile, Ryan occupied one of the seats where I used to sit.

A long sigh of relief escaped from my mouth as I marked myself far from the cafe where I met Ryan coincidentally.

"What's taking you so long?" Jhotam asked.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him standing right next to my sight before I could blink my eyes. Luckily, I was already outside the cafe's premises. I hope he had not noticed Ryan's existence, or else, he might have misunderstood me. I have not discussed Ryan's sudden appearance in our life yet, but one of these days, I'll tell him he was Tamra's teacher.

The only thing my husband was aware of was that Ryan and I had a bitter past. Also, we don't have closure. It's not been so long since Ryan appeared again, and it was a coincidence.

"Who's that guy talking to you on the counter?" Jhotam asked.

"He's asking me what flavor I could recommend," I replied as I dragged him off the cafe

At least Jhotam didn't catch us talking a while ago on the table beside the window and a vintage wall.

"Don't mind it, just a total weird stranger. By the way, where's our son?"

"He's talking to Hyunra on his phone," Jhotam replied.

From my peripheral view, I could see his serious face, and he seemed to be in deep thought, but I was sort of relieved since the conversation did not include Ryan.

"Are you sure he's a stranger?" Jhotam suddenly asked.

I thought twice before I came up with this answer, "Yes, why?" I have not heard any response. He's just holding my hand as we head back to his office.

I can't seem to reveal that I might be seeing my former lover more often... maybe I'm just afraid to see what my husband's reaction would be. Also, I don't want him to get mad.

Who knows how such a trivial encounter could ruin one's marriage... I simply don't want to give him a reason to overthink.

Our marriage it’s near perfect, but I cannot comprehend why I am feeling uneasy. It feels like there is something big that will happen...