Chapter 91 - Closer To The Truth 3

The dawn of realization that she could no longer hold back the time from losing Ajie forever hit her hard. She had to act fast and set aside her humiliation and pride. The opportunity presented itself to her and she would be so stupid to let it slip from her grasp. Imagining the glory escaping from her the moment Ajie would proclaim to the world the fulfillment of his dream which she had shared before, hurt her beyond what she could endure. It hurt because in that inauguration where they first dreamed to celebrate together, the original plan would take a complete detour. The announcement of his remarriage would be the highlight instead and she couldn't accept it. Running away for her life had suddenly lost its sense and in a wink of an eye, she wanted to die. She suddenly lost the courage to persevere and she lost the faith. All she wanted at the moment was to die.

Thinking about all these, she forgot that she was not alone and she wailed in pain and bitterness. She folded her knees in a kneeling position and buried her face on the pillow. Ajie and Cherry ran to her side but none of them dared to disturb her.

As her wailing intensified, Cherry hugged her tightly and gestured for Ajie to go out. She cried with her while wondering what were the wounds that Zheena were hiding. All she had known about her was her courage and determination and to see her crumbling like a sandcastle at that moment, surprised her.

It took a long time for Allie to calm down and when she did, she smiled at Cherry and asked her to brew some tea on the kitchen. She wanted something hot on her stomach to ease her up. She then changed her head cover and face veil and prepared herself to come out and join them on the coffee table. She'd decided to strike while the iron was still hot! The calming effect of her tears made her gain the courage to fight back.

Ajie and Cherry were surprised when she came out but no one dared to question her. Ajie quickly stood up to pull a chair for her and soon, they gathered around the coffee table. Cherry broke the silence first as she saw that Ajie got toungue - tied.

"Zheen, I'm very worried about your sadness lately. You're not like this. What's happening? I am willing to listen. We are willing to listen. " Cherry said as he ran her eyes to Adrian, asking him silently to agree. Adrian, likewise, affirmed and encouraged Allie to vent out.

"I also have my painful story just like the two of you. I'm sorry to have eavesdropped on your conversation. I got my quick punishment anyway when suddenly I am reminded of my own pain. " Her voice was hoarse already from so much crying but she was thankful of it. It would give her the favor of talking normally without being afraid of being caught.

"It's okay. " Allie could feel the intense gaze Ajie had on her as she stole a side glance towards him.

"I got married at 21 and had a daughter. During that time, I offended someone from the elite society by exposing his illegal activities. I knew what I did from the start but I wanted an end to his evil deeds which ruined the lives of many. " Allie began, avoiding Ajie's fiery gaze.

"When I learned that I was already exposed and that his men started to hunt down on me, I ran away for my life. I don't want to disappear forever, my family needs me. I just needed to die in their eyes so that they will be spared from my enemy's wrath. I thought I am safe already but unfortunately, I fell on the enemy's lair. "

Cherry's eyes constricted as she got puzzled by her figurative speech. She talked about something dangerous and it scared her. "Zheen, what do you mean? "

"I cannot tell you as of this moment but I promise to tell you everything about it when the right time comes. "

Cherry kept her silence as her eyes were nailed on Allie as she continued her story.

"Che, you know how it hurts to live away from our family especially that I have a child. But it hurts more when you knew that the one who promised you a road to forever was cheating on you from the very start. And it feels like hell to know that after fighting to get out from the lion's den, you'll only hear that your husband is going to marry someone else. "

With this, Allie buried her face with her hands as she began crying again. Since Ajie was the one sitting next to her, he stood up and cradled her in his arms.

Though saddened by her story which in fact made her cry again, Cherry felt that something was odd in the intimate way Ajie hugged her and the way Zheena snuggled into his arms. There was no sense of awkwardness between them and it seemed that the act was very natural.

"Zheen, I already know why you cried so hard when you heard Adrian's story. There's only one thing that made it different, he was not cheating on her wife. "

Hearing Cherry's comment, Zheena reluctantly pulled away from his arms. She missed it and dear heavens, she missed him so much! If only she was not hiding, she would grab the opportunity of staying there forever.

"Che, I think Adrian needs a rest now so let's take a rest for the night first and let's talk more tomorrow. " Allie looked at her in an authoritative way and Cherry understood. She no longer replied to her latest comment.

"Okay, Adrian. I'll accompany you to your hotel. "

"I'll take both of you there since you're not bringing your car along with you. "

"But... "

"No but... "

With this, Allie led the way and the two followed, wondering how she suddenly got back her strength. The trip to the hotel was silent again but Allie broke it the moment they were already on the basement's parking lot.

"Che, I decided to book you a room so that you can guide Adrian in the morning. "

Unfortunately, Cherry couldn't be easily moved from her loyalty and she firmly refused. "No, Zheen. By hook or by crook, I'll stay with you. "

"Okay, then. Both of us will stay. " Allie raised up both of her hands in surrender and Cherry hugged her in happiness. Allie was also moved by her display of loyalty. She was right after all in choosing to trust her. She was a true friend after all.

___

After wishing good night to each other, they parted ways. Ajie went to his room and the women went to the next room Allie had booked.

Due to the stress of the travel and the long day he had spent with the women, Ajie drifted off to sleep quickly after taking a hot shower. But some time before day break, he was awaken by the numbness of his upper arm and a weight over his chest.