Chapter 9 SHE KNOWS

Lia has been my best friend for years—-four years to be exact—yet I never saw that expression on her face before. Behind the thick lenses of her old-fashioned eyeglasses shone a glint of knowingness. Her enigmatic blue eyes pierced straight to my soul, seeing past the facade of a normal life I showed to everyone.

Realization hit me like a sharp bolt of lightning.

She knows the truth.

“I’ve been friends with you for years, Lily–four years to be exact,” Lia began, as if she could read my thoughts. “That span of time is enough for me to know if you're keeping something from me. I once caught you removing your wedding ring when you thought no one was watching after forgetting to take them at home. I also noticed how Mr. Bradford looks at you the way he never looked at anyone else.”

I choked back an exclamation of shock. Trying my best to maintain a straight face, I unblinkingly stared at my best friend. “No, you're mistaken, Lia. Mr. Bradford and I have nothing to do with each other.” I denied in a gentle voice.

“There’s no use denying the truth when I was there when your husband asked for divorce,” Lia spilled, watching my composure diminished. “I happened to be in the same restaurant as you. I’m seated at the table behind you and I heard everything.” She added nonchalantly.

I gasped, loudly this time. The color drained from my face with the revelation.

“I tried pretending dumb all this time, waiting for you to spill the truth, but it wasn't working, Lily. I have to confront you now.” She said after a long moment of pause. I was expecting her to look at me with judging eyes for keeping the truth from her, but when my eyes met hers again after avoiding them, it was understanding I saw shining upon them. Suddenly, I felt like bursting into tears in front of her.

To stop the tears from spilling to my cheeks, I raised my gaze to the ceiling. When I felt myself calm down, I met her eyes again.

“You played me for a fool, Lia,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

“You did the same to me, Lily,” she replied. “We’re even now.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, we found ourselves hilariously grinning at each other.

Shortly, the grin vanished from my face, and I sobered. Lia did the same.

“Is Mr. Bradford the reason you're leaving La Paraiso?” Lia asked. This time, her words sounded more like a statement than a question.

“Do you really need to hear the answer?” I shot back.

“I think no,” Lia replied. “I could visibly see the answer all over your face, Lily.” She added, so sure of herself.

I expelled a weary sigh. She knew me better than I knew myself. I thought to myself, overcome with amazement. With nothing to keep from her anymore, I answered her question. “He was the reason. With the divorce at hand, I have no option but to leave to salvage what’s left of myself. I can’t afford to suffer from the pain, knowing he was in love with another woman, and he will marry her soon.”

Silence descended between us. Lia said nothing as she contemplated my face.

“If you're in my shoes, would you rather stay or run away like a coward like me?” I whispered absentmindedly. Surprised to realize I have spoken my thoughts aloud, my cheeks turned beet red.

“We're different, Lily.” Lia had answered my question, taking it more seriously than I expected. “We usually have the opposite approach in a particular situation. You're the saintly type who will walk away in silence to protect her husband’s name.”

Lia paused and took a deep breath before she continued, “On the other hand, I’m the opposite of you.” An ugly scowl slowly made its way to her temple. Then her fists turned into a tight ball. “Hell hath fury for a woman scorned! If that man happened to be my husband, he'd be dead! I’ll drag him to a lengthy divorce and pour his money down the drain until he goes bankrupt. After I'm satisfied with my revenge, only will I leave.” She exclaimed, seriously pissed off at the notion. She appeared like a woman who could relate as if she herself had undergone that experience.

A sigh emerged from my lips again. “If only I could do the same.” I mumbled to myself wearily.

A knock on the door suddenly interrupted our conversation. Then it opened and one of my co-worker entered inside, announcing the restaurant would open up soon, and we needed to hurry. Then the door closed again, leaving me alone with Lia again.

Placing a comforting hand on my shoulders, Lia spoke. “I won’t stop you from resigning, Lily. Just do what you think is best for you and I will always be here to support you,” she added, and pulled me into a tight hug. Her soft words summoned a tear from the corner of my eyes.

“Thank you, that’s all I wanted to hear,” I replied, wiping the tears that had now fallen on my cheek with the back of my hand.

“Shall we go to the dining area? The guest will be here soon.” Lia smiled, grabbed my hand, and dragged me to the door.