What would you do if you find your lover, or spouse cheating on you? Would you forgive him, leave him forever, or get revenge?
The thought kept Izzy restless for a while. Scarlett and her brother Sebastian were kind enough to drop Izzy at her place. In the car, they talked about many things, most of them were irrelevant. When Scarlett asked about Izzy's family, Izzy found herself compelled to speak more than she had wanted to.
"I live with my partner, Mike. My parents live on the outskirts of the city. My dad was a lawyer, and my mom was a doctor. I was supposed to study law, but I ended up studying business. I work in Softech Global. Have you heard of the company?"
"I have," Sebastian said. "My company has signed a contract with Softech Global last month. For an upcoming project, we will be working together."
"Are you talking about Bastins?" Izzy felt excited. If that was the case, then she would probably see more of Sebastian. She might even discover more about Mike and the other woman in his life.
"Seb is the CEO of Bastins," Scralett announced proudly. "I work there too."
"Do you know Mike Willowby by any chance? He is the--"
Before she could finish, Sebastian replied, "He is in my team. Is he the Mike you live with?"
Izzy nodded. Her heart sank. That was the same Mike who promised to be by her side forever, and went on meeting somebody else, while blatantly lying to her about it.
"But wasn't he dating Samantha Carlisle? Everybody knows about it in the office."
Izzy's head felt light. Samantha Carlisle, more commonly known as Sammy, was one of the prettiest girls in the university. She came from old money. Her etiquette, politeness, and even the perfumes she used screamed elegance. People would call her Princess Sammy behind her back, although Izzy had a feeling that Sammy was aware of it.
Sammy was also one of her closest friends. She still was. Every week at least for once they would meet for lunch and share what had been happening in their lives.
"How long they had been dating?" Izzy asked Scarlett with a trembling voice.
"It's been almost six months now." Scarlett suddenly realized it. Her eyes widened immediately. "Wait, are you telling me that your Mike is this same man? Does that mean he's two-timing?"
Izzy glanced at Sebastian, who was focused on driving. Even if he heard everything, he didn't show it. She looked out to hide her tears. She remembered how six months ago, Sammy shared about finding a new man in her office. She was giddy in excitement. When she shared that with Mike, he was least interested.
Izzy didn't know what came over her. She asked Scarlett, "Do they look happy with each other?"
She heard Sebastian clearing his throat. Scarlett glanced at her brother and shrugged. "It's all just a rumor. They have good chemistry at work, and they are very well-coordinated. You know how people love to gossip."
"Right," Izzy said. She remained silent until they reached her place.
When she stood out of the car, looking at her apartment building, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned and found Sebastian.
"I know it will sound too forward, but would you like to go out for a coffee with me?"
Izzy stared at him for a while in disbelief. They have just met, in a condition one would call grossly inappropriate. "Are you asking me out?"
"Well, it's not what it sounds like. There is something I would like to discuss with you. I'd appreciate it if you could make some time and meet me."
Izzy bit her lip and thought about it. There is no harm in meeting a person, right? "Okay, let's meet."
Sebastian extended his business card. "I have written down my personal number behind it. Call me whenever you are ready, we will decide the place and time then."
It was forward. Truth to be told, it made Izzy's heart tremble. Sebastian was the kind of handsome that you wouldn't find easily, even in the most charming crowd. He had an air of nobility about him. In the short time when Izzy was getting acquainted with him, she could feel his attention towards her. Without being too verbose, he maintained his focus on what she was saying. He even had the courtesy to stop the discussion when it went to an unwanted and embarrassing direction.
The next day, she called his number. With a knot in her stomach, she waited for the ringtone to stop. Surprisingly, Sebastian responded himself.
"Hi, this is Izzy. We met yesterday?" Izzy tried to introduce herself nervously. She had started to sweat profusely by then.
"I remember, Ismelda, right?" Sebastian's voice sounded deep and very masculine, something Mike lacked. He also sounded happy. "Since you have called, I believe you have already decided to meet me?"
"Umm... yes. I am free this evening."
"Great," Sebastian said. "Does 6:30 sound good to you?"
"Sure. Where will we meet?"
"Do you know Olive's?" Sebastian asked. Izzy knew the place. It was one of the best restaurants in the town. Neither too pricey nor too cheap, perfect for the people who work in the business center nearby. She agreed to meet him.
Izzy still didn't know what was waiting for her in that meeting. She dressed up nicely in an A-line dress; her hair tied in a bun over her head, minimal accessories and a mild perfume completed her look. She was happy to have an outing with a handsome man. Not that she was looking for the same thing as Mike; she would never cheat on the man she loved. Meeting Sebastian was something completely unexpected and she wanted to know more about him.
Sebastian greeted her heartily, like an old friend rather than a newly met individual. Izzy, surprised by the warm attention, noticed that he was wearing a silk button-down shirt and trousers, all black and casual. If staring was not considered to be rude, she would have stared at him for a couple of minutes more, and taken in his masculine aura as her rejuvenation tonic.
"I thought you will bail on me," he said as he pulled the chair for her.
"Of course not. I promised you this time, if I hadn't showed up that would have been disrespectful," Izzy said.
Sebastian stared at her for a second before flashing her a grin. "You look beautiful."
Izzy felt shy under his watchful gaze. The man, it seemed, observing every movement she made. He ordered for himself and pushed the menu card towards her, another trait Mike lacked. Izzy had become habituated to eating whatever Mike ordered.
It was a perfect evening. Almost textbook perfect. It also ended with a marriage proposal. "Ismelda Cliffords, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
When Izzy came back, all she could think of was the marriage proposal made by Sebastian Bishop.
And the questions were eating her alive -- would you go for revenge, or forgive him? Would you break-up quietly and leave, or teach him a lesson?