I welcomed Ralph with a broad smile into my apartment. Even though Ralph was tired, he tried to survey the surroundings. My flat has three bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a wider hall. Carpets at the right place in the hall, paintings, and my family pictures just to fill the walls. I purchased my humble flat by spending a few million and decorated it just how I wanted, which I am very proud of.
When Ralph was done observing, there was an approving nod on his face, and suddenly I felt like patting my chest in appraisal. "Your flat is good; I like it." That's all I wanted in return for my hard work. I should have invited him long before, I guess. "Thanks. It took time, but I was able to afford it." "What about your mom? She is not staying with you?" I sighed in return. "She is too attached to our old apartment, and I stop bugging her to move in with me." "Oh, that's good to hear. She is cherishing something." Did I feel bitterness in his voice? For God's sake, what good is cherishing the old apartment except for haunting old memories? Ralph and my mom are a deadly combination and should never be friends in this life for my sake at least.
I guided Ralph to one of the guest rooms, which I turned to his taste when I planned everything. There was once again an approving nod from him. All three rooms were of the same size, and I instructed this guest room to give a blue coating, a king-size bed in the middle, a table as I know soon he will be starting to attend to his company matters, and vases, wherever required with fresh flowers, would be filled by my maid every morning, the large window just to get more sunlight covered with gray curtains and an attached bathroom. It's nothing considering his status, but I can assure myself he would be happy and satisfied. As I said, impressing him was always easy-peasy; he doesn't expect lavish things, and simple things always bring a bright smile to his face.
After scrutinizing the room, Ralph stood near the window by drawing the curtain aside. I leaned on the doorframe with a smile and did not get the reason for this warmness. He is not going to stay forever; my heart was swelling at that, but one could dream on. My mind was consoling, and in unison, they both reminded me that I am the worst when it comes to turning my dream into reality. In time, slow and steady steps will be taken; for now, things will get crazier in the coming days.
Ralph turned to face me, and I immediately wiped the smile that was flaunting at that second. "Why did you never take me to your old apartment? I know we dated only for a few months still." That caught me off guard, and even I don't have an answer to this question. Why? I never even thought of taking him. It was an old flat that could suffice, right? I mean, it was old; maybe that's why. "It's an old flat; the topic really didn't come up, and it's been only a few months since our dating. taking you would be too much, I guess." I cleared my throat too many times to get my posture study. I was fumbling with words, hoping he didn't catch it. I really hate confrontation; I needed a little heads-up.
Leisurely he leaned on the wall with his hands in their respective pockets. He chuckled after hearing the nonsense that I sprouted. "Good try, but you could come up with a better response, don't you think? You didn't know what you wanted, or maybe you concluded things were not going to last forever, so you never made any attempt that better suffices as an answer."
I averted my eyes. It wasn't like that, but the words were threatening to flow. Oh god, he is going to get me back for everything, but hey, I am not only the bad guy over here, right? Did he change the target by any chance? Should I remind him to direct everything to that bastard rather than concentrate on me? We are under the same roof, which doesn't give him any right to target me, and not to forget, it's been only a damn few minutes or an hour, approximately.
"Your interpretation is wrong about me and other things." "Oh, really." Clearly mocking, can't he take a bloody break for the day? So badly I wanted to snap only if I had enough courage to do so. "Can't you take rest, get fully recharged, and lash out however you want? Hey, I won't complain; trust me. This is something that I invited with open arms, so yeah, rest assured, don't worry, rest for now." Damn, every word came so calmly. Wow, I am impressed. "Get out." I never loved this word till today, irrespective of coming harshly. I promptly exited his room without even glancing back for a second. Uff, I am going to see hell in the coming days.
I entered my room, which had the same features as Ralph's room but with a white painting and the same color curtain. I relaxed for a few minutes and was drawn to my conversation with Ralph. This shouldn't be a one-sided conversation. I wanted things to be discussed, but at the same time, I didn't want to retaliate. He is right, and at the same time, he is wrong. I wanted to defend myself, but it wasn't the perfect time to prove anything. He is dealing with so much, and I should give him time to recover from everything. If it's possible, by God's grace, I want him to get over things that relate to Asher. Only my wishful thinking so badly I wanted to come true.
I sighed. I will get an answer for everything in the coming days; till then, I can only hope. I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up.
"That smells good. What are you preparing?" I turned toward Ralph, who was also showered, looking as fresh as a flower; only I could inhale his scent just for a second—another wishful thinking. One step at a time, no dick business this time, nope, never. "Nutritious food for your recovery." In response, he rolled his eyes. "Whatever." By saying that, he occupied the chair near the dining table. "Did you take tablets?" "Don't treat me as a child." I huffed.
I placed the food in front of Ralph and joined him. We started having in silence. I wanted to open my mouth, but I was terrified as I was his target at present, so wisely I shut my mouth and opened it only to gulp and chew the food.