Chapter 150 - I Changed My Mind

Their eyes locked for a moment and a complicated emotion wrapped her whole being. Andrew wore a smile as he stared at her but it didn't conceal the sadness reflected in his eyes. Watching both their reactions, Hayri understood that he was the man she just told him about especially that he was introduced as the man behind the keys. To support her current emotional state, especially against the man who crashed her world apart, he placed an arm around her shoulder and drew her forward, making Andrew look away. He held her as if he was a romantic lover until Andrew made a slight bow before the crowd prior to his exit.

"Sir, excuse me.  I want to go to my room, " Cherry said, her shallow breathing was already showing.

"Then let's go together,"  Hayri replied.

Hayri stood up and threw a glance at Allie. Allie met his gaze and sadness gripped her heart. He was avoiding her and she understood that it was not because he hated her but because he was hurting. This was the last thing she ever wanted, she didn't want to cause him pain.

"Hayri, can I have a moment with you, first?" said Allie with begging eyes.

Hayri made a sigh as he looked at her helpless state and after a few seconds, he nodded. Allie sprang up to her feet and led Hayri on the corner far from anybody to see.

"Hayri, I'm very sorry. It hurts me to see you like that," she begged and tugged his forearm like a child begging for a piece of cake.

Hayri's expression softened as he watched the teary-eyed creature he loved so much, pleading before her. He knew she was worrying for him. He patted her head and smiled. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm really fine."

"I know you like the palm of my hands. You better stop pretending," she hissed and it sent a peal of laughter out of him.

Hayri took a deep sigh again as he conceded against her persistence. She was right. She knew him inside out. "Alright, I have to admit. I still can't accept everything yet but soon I will."

Delighted by his answer, Allie threw herself at him and Hayri hugged her close to him. He kissed her forehead and murmured, "Someday soon, everything will be alright. Just always take care of yourself. I want you to be happy."

"And so do I. Take care of yourself also. I wish someday soon,  you'll find the right one for you."

They remained in each other's arm for who knew how long until Allie remembered Cherry. She broke free from him and urged him to go back to where they left her. To their relief, they were still there on their seats with Mr. Tan taking the lead in the conversation. They noticed that he was really good at manipulating that he was able to distract Cherry away from Andrew.

They also saw Andrew by the stage, stealing glances at them but somehow, with Mr. Tan around, he never dared to approach them.

"Che, I may accompany you now to your room, " Hayri offered and with a glance at Mr.Tan, the latter got his message.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll be sure to take Miss Zheena to her room safely."

Understanding the silent communication between the two men, she interrupted them. "No need to bother yourself, Mr. Tan. I can go by myself."

"Call me Ryan, Miss Zheen. No need of formalities," Mr. Tan offered, his captivating smile took ace in the situation again.

Such charm,  Allie could not argue. "Call me by my name as well. Zheena or Allie, whatever is comfortable with you."

"That's better. I'm looking forward to a long term partnership so let's better build it first on friendship."

"Then call us by our names also," Hayri butted in before he made his exit together with Cherry.

Allie found herself getting comfortable easily with Ryan. His easygoing attitude and his enthusiasm in carrying out a conversation made him an interesting person to be around with. It took them long to reach Allie's room because of they made too many stops along the way due to their somewhat endless chatting.

"Zheen, may we and Adrian discuss about some business matters tomorrow morning over coffee?" Ryan said as Allie was about to get inside their room.

"Sure, I will tell Adrian about that."The door suddenly opened and Ajie came out of the door. "What is it all about, my love?"

Allie was startled but was quick enough to return to her senses. "Ryan wants us to talk about..."

Ryan cut her words when he interrupted. "I am asking Zheena if we could discuss some business ideas over coffee tomorrow, Adrian?"

"Sure, see you then tomorrow." He clawed an arm around Allie's neck,  pulling her to a near kiss, so Ryan was forced to walk away.

The moment Ajie closed the door, Ajie did not delay in expressing his distrust. "My dear, I'm not comfortable with Mr. Tan. Please don't put your trust in him too much and don't make decisions related to him or his businesses without me.

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Meanwhile, Cherry and Hayri took a separate route leading to Allie's suite room.

"He has left already," Cherry whispered.

"I see."

"Sir, why?" Cherry gave her a confused look.

"I just don't trust him. I want to observe him at a distance."

"Does it mean you're going with us all throughout the cruise?" Cherry confirmed, her eyes unbelieving.

"Of course, I change my mind."

When Hayri left the moment they reached outside her door, she went to the deck to take in a strong gush of air. She wanted to be alone with nature to be able to fathom the depths of her emotion. Why was her meeting with Andrew still disturbed her? Was it because of what he did? Or was it because her anger and hatred towards her mom was reawakened? Or was it because the memories were too poignant to ever give her peace?

Just as she drifted into the depth of her thoughts, a pair of arms hugged her from behind. She wriggled and made an abrupt turn, only to find the face of her greatest nightmare, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Get lost!"