"And why should I accept your money? You earn it from being someone's mistress! Have some shame on your skin!" George growled at me.
Although he appeared to smile, it was only a façade to avoid attracting attention from other shoppers. And I am exhausted from constantly dealing with his harsh words.
"George, I honestly did nothing. Florian and I have no relationship. We were complete strangers to each other. Did you see how he ignored me? It's all because I'm not his mistress, which makes your assumption wrong!"
"Stop giving me your bullshit! Did you think I would believe you? Now tell me what Florian had promised you after he divorce Stella?"
"How would I know? We never spoke even once!" I braced myself and maintained my composure, but this crazy guy kept measuring my tolerance for his terrible treatment of me.
George is seething with anger, but the phone in his hands keeps ringing.
"Hello!" His voice is full of hostility. But after recognizing the person in the other line, he spoke politely. "Er… Mom…"
I let out a long sigh of relief when Crazy George left to keep a distance from me while he answered the call, which clearly I heard him address the person from the other line as "mom."
I want to thank her for saving me from my frustration! Indeed. Crazy George got on my nerves!
'Finally, I could have some peace!'
~
ROWAN'S POV
My brother…
I don't know what was running through his head, and he was wearing a resentful look in front of Krishna.
Good thing that Stella is immersed in her feelings for her husband, and she often overlooks George's aggravation toward a particular person—the third party of her marriage.
On the other hand, I could not discern what he truly wanted.
After he discovered Florian had a mistress, I thought he would expose it to the media so that Stella would find it out sooner.
I even had the scenario in my head that George would do everything so Florian would lose his position in the family and, finally, Stella would divorce him.
Yet, what is he doing instead?
He did not chase Krishna out, but he even kept her around. Is he planning to torture her?
I wonder what George would earn by doing so. He is only wasting time and energy.
If he wanted to win Stella's love, this was the perfect chance he was waiting for. He should reveal Florian's affair to Stella sooner.
And whatever happens to Florian and Krishna, one thing I would know…
Florian stood to lose a lot. Even if he could bring the mistress to the Graham family, still, it would not have a pleasant reputation to display in the noble society. Krishna will always be the subject of gossip and backlash.
Therefore, Florian's most viable solution would be to isolate Krishna from society. Unless the two had such thick faces and swallowed everyone's mocking stare and harsh opinion.
On the contrary, I was skeptical regarding Krishna's character. I have this inexplicable feeling about her. She is too mysterious for me.
Thus, I am figuring out whether she's a hypocritical person, someone with thick skin to claim to be a legal wife after Florian divorced Stella.
Even though it was a norm in noble families that mistresses earn a place to socialize, there will be a lashing since Florian will lose his position in the company and our family.
Florian loves Krishna so much that he is willing to give up everything. It was my conclusion. I witnessed his determination to divorce Stella even though he knew he would lose too much.
As for Stella, I wonder if she would fall in love with George after that.
If I am to share my opinion, I want them to be together. Then, George would finally be happy, and Stella will have someone who genuinely loves her.
Stella and George are the ones who were really close. But she falls in love with Florian.
So I prayed Stella could teach her heart to choose the one who gives her affection.
Women, not all, but many tend to fall in love with someone very kind to them and show sincerity and devotion, especially to a person they can rely on and trust when they are vulnerable.
These thoughts also made me wonder what made Krishna fall in love with Florian.
What is their love story?
It made me curious.
"Rowan?"
"Huh?" I turned around and stared at the person who tapped my shoulder.
"What makes you in a trance? I've called you, but you did not respond. Have you thought about someone? Tell me, is it the girl you like, huh?"
Stella sounded teasing. She had a broad smile on her face. Seeing how sweet it was, my conscience was giving me a heavy blow to my stomach. Guilt was eating me because I knew Florian's betrayal.
However, I kept my mouth shut and tolerated my cousin's doing by not revealing anything when his mistress was with us.
In fact, I am even confused why he let his wife and mistress get close. Is he thinking of them to be like best friends? How heartless of him! How could he hurt Stella like this?
"Ah, Stella… I'm thinking of no one." It was a lie because Stella was actually correct. I'm thinking about someone whom I am forbidden to covet.
"Don't lie to me. Have you forgotten that we grow up together?"
I let out a chuckle.
Stella was correct. I must follow many rules. My first days, months, and years in the Graham family are full of adjustments. It changed everything after George included me in his business engagements.
I'm glad his parents agreed after he reasoned with them; he was preparing me for the future. And that future is now.
Well, I do not complain. I become his errand, especially for his personal affairs. I've become someone who takes care of many things for George.
And while Florian, Stella, and George race for the end of the rope, I should remain on the sideline, alone, because I should not get involved with someone who somebody already owns her.
"I'm telling the truth, Stella. I want to focus on my training, so love life is not included on the list."
"Hmm... I should scold George for giving you so much work. Where is he, by the way?"
"He..." George was having a conversation with Krishna. Are they done talking now? I wondered.
"Oh! Well, we should not spoil their time together."
Stella spotted Krishna and George. George is tall and with his body frame; who would not notice him that instant?
"Come, Rowan, help me pick some clothes!"
Stella dragged me to the other side of the store. I turned my head and glanced in Krishna's direction. My eyes lingered on her face, and I think she was upset.
Knowing my brother… George must throw insults at her again.
'Poor Krishna... If only you were not coveting someone's husband, I would definitely pursue you.'
~
Extra Scene:
"Rowan…"
"George? What's the matter?"
"We have a problem."
"What is it?" I was curious when George had that unsettling expression on his face.
"Melinda is here."
"What?"
"This is all Grandma's fault. She encouraged Melinda to come here and told me she would stay in my place. So I told Grandma that I booked a suite for her."
"And? Don't tell me you gave Krishna's suite number instead?" I queried George, and he nodded. "What is your plan now?"
"How about you help me get rid of her?"
"By how? She finally knew you were living here. How could you avoid her now?" Again, I have to work on George's affairs. I exhaled.
"I don't know…." George replied, shrugging both of his shoulders. "I'll go hide. Please watch Stella because I know Florian would only abandon her. I will call you later."
"Hey! What about Krishna?"
"I will bring her with me."
"Huh? Why? What are you planning, George?"