I never found the courage to answer to my mother's subtle disrespect but somehow I did that day and her reaction was just like mine.
My stance left her confused and even angry. She frowned her forehead, "I am telling you to forgive him because I want nothing but a happy life for you and I don't want you all…"
I intervened before she could continue, whatever effect happened to me earlier to give me the courage to tell her off now had dissolved, "I know mother. I am sorry, I am just very frustrated. That's why I left for a few days. I needed a break." I said and that wasn't completely a lie although not even the naked truth.
"I agree about this. You do need a break. This work and career made you already sacrifice the person of your life you can't even sacrifice your mental health."
I sighed under my breath, she didn't understand anything of what I said and I was already too stressed to repeat what I said. Was it even worth it? Maybe she will never understand my point of view.
"Thank you for your concern," I cut it short and I faked a smile pacifying my inner nervousness.
She stood up sighing understanding that was my sign that the conversation was over, "have a good night, and please call your sister, Evelyn. She was worried too." She said waiting for my nod of consent, when I finally gave her she kissed me on a cheek and then left.
I went back to my computer and I finished some old work I had to complete.
When it was finally lunchtime, I decided I had to do the right thing and text my sister. She deserved to know I was right even if our relationship wasn't the best relationship two sisters had.
I cared a lot about her and we always were there for each other when we needed help but besides that, there was no special bond, no secret we only knew about the other, no special memento we had together.
' I am sorry I disappeared, mom told me you were worried and I wanted to let you know I am fine.'
I typed and then send.
As I searched her contact my finger paused to scroll when I read Cameron's name, only reading his name made my heart pound in my chest and double over.
I missed him.
Damn.
I hadn't seen him in a day and I already missed him.
Earth to Lily, what's going on!? Get it together.
I sent a message to my sister and then left the phone on the table as I grabbed my sandwich.
I took a few bites then headed to the coffee machine, as I waited for my latte to be prepared I leaned slightly forward when I noticed something worthy to catch my attention.
Two of the coworkers were talking to each other very animatedly, and with talking, I meant almost kissing.
They both had families and husbands, my stomach turned in disgust as I remembered that may have been me if Carl didn't confess.
Lucia lifted her head and met my gaze, she became pale and froze immediately departing from the kiss.
That's when Matthew also saw me, following the direction of her gaze.
I didn't say anything, I only grabbed the coffee and turned around to grab my sandwich, and head back to the office.
I didn't know Lucia and Matthew very well, but it was so weird I never saw their so-called connection.
Lucia knocked on the door of my office and I gestured at her to come in.
"Hello, Lily. Look…" she paused not knowing what to say nor how to justify herself, maybe she should have made up an excuse before walking to my office. Wasn't that the praxis?
"Look… Our marriages are in crisis and we are on the verge of divorcing. Matthew and I are seeing each other for two months but we love each other."
Two months of a clandestine relationship to ruin a divorce.
I wrapped my sandwich and put it back in my glass container, then I looked up at her. Her face was full of concern but no regret, that expression so familiar. The same Carl had at the altar.
"I am not the one you have to explain or apologize to. I give you both the rest of the day off, go home and give your significant other a better apologize." I said, almost forceful.
"No… we … need time…" she stuttered shaking her head. Time? I swallowed the nervous chuckle imminent in the back of my throat.
"You don't need time but respect for the person you married and promised to be loyal to for the rest of your life. I won't repeat myself, Lucia. Tell Matthew my suggestion and enjoy the rest of your day." I faked a smile and pointed at the door.
I could feel the blood boiling in my veins.
She opened her mouth to oppose but when I frowned my forehead she immediately closed it changing her mind, she turned around and marched to Matthew.
His office was too far to allow my sight but I truly wanted to see his reaction, so I decided to walk out of my office as well and head back to the vending coffee machine to have an excuse to admire his reaction.
Lucia walked in and he immediately threw his arms around her leaning closer for a kiss. She shook her head and began to speak. The more she spoke the more Matthew's eyes widened and then he threw his hands on his head as if he was desperate.
Maybe his marriage wasn't so in crisis.
Lucia folded her arms, I wasn't the only one surprised, his reaction also shook her.
I wish I could hear what she told him right now because I saw him joining his hands together in a beg and assuming a pleading expression.
I walked back to my room satisfied by the show.
I pretended to type on my keyboards when from the corner of my eye I saw Matthew walk toward my office…