Chapter 17: To Be Deserved

"No, marry me."

The words felt new, coming from him. It made her realize getting married to Nolan had really not been his dream but hers– reflecting on her choices. The day she proposed to him played vividly in her mind's eye.

It has always been her taking the first step. But she was blind to it, thanks to her condition. The fact that he never loved her was clear but how come she never saw it? Thinking back on it now, Itzel had always been in the picture– her great reality check she never paid attention to.

But this time, it was different. Though it might just be for show, she felt some sincerity in his voice which made her heart flutter. The way he looks at her is different, unlike Nolan.

"But I didn't prepare anything. " She didn't even realize when the words escaped her lips.

"Then show me,"

At his words, Paige leaned toward him while his hands spread open. But his eyes widened when the former pressed her lips against his– going in for a kiss rather than a hug. Something he wasn't expecting.

Abruptly, she breaks off the kiss but then, realization sinks into her on seeing his reaction coupled with his opened arms. His eyes were stern and lips unsmiling. She gasped, briefly using a hand to cover her mouth.

"W...was that not what you meant?" she stuttered. "Gosh, I'm sorry. I..I just thought..." She fumbles over the words and he scoffs.

Silence nestled between them as he stared into her eyes– awkwardness taking the best of her. Impulsively, he wrapped a hand around her waist– pulling her in while his lips curved into a smile.

"That's...just not enough," he said but before Paige could say anything, he drew her in– their lips meeting once again. She instantly succumbs to the moment as they become more passionate than earlier.

She hesitated but then, allowed her hand to rest on his shoulders while they explored each other.

----

Back in the city, Itzel and Tiffany pull up in the forecourt of pub DEJAVU. As usual, Tiffany finds it uncomfortable with what Itzel is up to.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" she asked as they stepped out of the car– tailing after her while they found their way through the crowd. Her heavy dark shades as her disguise.

A few walked in, and they found a vintage spot just perfect for her plan. Itzel lurked around as they settled down but to her surprise, Clinton was nowhere in sight.

"Do you see him?" Tiffany finds her voice under the heavy music and noise.

"No," Itzel's eyes searched among the crowd. "He is nowhere in sight. I'll ask over the counter," she informs and was on her feet the next minute. She wasn't a new face so almost all the workers knew her. Even with her shades, they could still tell her from others.

Just when she got to the counter, she noticed Dave walking by. "Hey," she smiled, meeting his gaze. Dave returned her smile while he neared her.

Intuitively, she settles on one of the empty chairs. "I don't see Clinton anywhere around," she said, looking beyond Dave who stood across her– still searching among the workers over the counter.

"He is not here," he said amidst a smile– his voice precise. Itzel's gaze averts to him at the information.

"Did he say where he was going?" she inquired.

"No." he highlighted. "If you may excuse me.."

Itzel feigned a smile while Dave walked away. But deep down she felt disappointment surge through her. She had planned to drink herself to stoop to have Clinton take her home as usual but this time, manipulate him to make him own her.

But all seemed to have hit rock bottom now. For the first time, Clinton was out on the streets while his pub was running. And she was sure she knew who he was with. That should have been her. She thought– clenching her first as hatred bottled up in her.

Impulsively, she picked up a glass of whisky that was sitting an arm stretch away from her and gulped it down her throat in a go. Pouring herself another bottle. Tiffany who was watching from their earlier spot rushed over.

"What do you think you're doing?" she held onto the glass the moment she neared her– her eyes searching around if anyone was watching. Allowing her gaze to return to Itzel, she tried to resist her, knowing pretty well a light drinker she was. But Itzel manages to free it and gulp it all down once again.

"Can you slow it down?" she said, almost in a whisper. But Itzel kept going. Just about six glasses and she collapses on the counter.

Tiffany sighs, hating herself for picking this line of job. "I swear I'm going to kill you in the morning." she huffed, balancing Itzel over her shoulders. They had to get out of there before her identity got exposed.

Staggering through the cluster of people, she managed to get Itzel into the car. Hoping in, she sped off.

☆☆☆☆☆

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kelvin said to the voice on the speaker while navigating the steering wheel. His attention was divided between the road and the glove box– trying to fish out a file.

"Why not?" the voice snapped from the other side of the line. Kelvin scoffs– lifting his gaze to the road ahead. It was then that he noticed the young lady crossing the road.

"Oh shit..." his eyes widened, pulling on the brakes.

Kayden on the other hand, didn't see the on-coming car. By the time she realizes it, it is close. At that moment, it pulls to an abrupt halt. Out of panic, she collapses to the floor– dropping the take away bag in her hand.

Kelvin glids down immediately. "Hey, are you okay?" he said, crouching next to her as he laid a hand on her shoulder. With glazing eyes, she looked at him– wanking his hand off while she shot to her full length.

He picks the bag up, jerking to his full length as well. "I'm so sorry," he said, handing the bag back.

Kayden snatches it from him with daggering eyes. Her expression still stern and unyielding. "You better keep your eyes on the road." she muttered, dashing off.

Kelvin watched as she crosses the road to the other side. Her back fading among people walking by as she rounded the corner of the line up stores.

Scratching the back of his head, he hops back into his car and speed off.