Chapter 41

I have a perverse desire to find out as much information as I can. I don't dare lose sight of my target, Ryan's father. As they put down the body to the ground it is the first time I saw him break down. I can only understand the insufferable pain he was feeling. The loss of the love of his life, knowing he would never wake up next to her. No one deserved that especially him, he was too kind. He finally walks towards the parking spot after he bids the priest goodbye. He looks worn out by life. I come from my hiding spot into his sight. His expression is indifferent to my presence. He sighs, "Cara..." I am surprised he remembers my name. "I am sorry for your loss. I hope you find equanimity." I console. He finally decides to take few steps towards me. My presence had stopped him abruptly. "I presume you are here for answers. " he is direct. I nod. "Before my wife's murder, she told me who you are." He speaks. I am shocked but don't show it, "Did you tell anyone else?" He shakes his head, "My wife won't appreciate doing so." He says. I stare at him for a while, the likeness he shares with his son, his green eyes, the pronounced front teeth. He is not a tall man, however, Ryan is. "She told me they're falling out with my mother. Are you the man that they fought over?" I ask. He tries to smile but the acts seem too painful to even try. "Your mother was a beautiful woman, unfortunately, I had eyes for my wife since we were in high school." "So it isn't you?" I ask for confirmation. "No, child." "Do you know the man?" I ask. His face contours with anger. Seems like I awoke a memory he hates. "You are not familiar with the late 80's tabloids, are you?" I shake my head confused about what that has to do with anything. "Then you would have known, the greatest love story of that time gone sour. Your mother was dating Andrew Waynes senior. It was a kingdom come affair, A heir and heiress to multi-billion empires." I feel the ground move beneath my feet, it can't be, can it? "Wh-e-n you say An-A- Andrew Waynes you Mean Andre Wayne's father?" I ask to confirm. "Yes." He's certain. Did I feel an earthquake? I feel my feet losing balance. "There's a diary my wife had that belonged to your mother. She would have loved you to have it although it got lost after her murder. He says. I can hear what he is saying but I am beyond shocked. I can even speak. " I will have it checked and brought to you." He says again. I need to sit down. I don't catch the last words as Ryan's father leaves. At that particular moment, I am going through a dizzying array of thoughts and emotions. I feel a profound destabilization, the foundation giving way to an abyss. Did Andre know this? What about his mother? Did they intentionally keep that away from me? Such revelation adds more pain without increasing my understanding or giving out any answers. ***** Get away from my thoughts. I fight to stay calm. "The only off thing about Bridgerton is the incorporation of modern sounds and songs," Kelly says. "Mmh..." I agree. "They say history repeats itself, I don't see this history repeating itself especially though outrageous dresses." She adds. I nod absent-mindedly. I am supposed to have dinner with Andre's family this weekend. I am burning with questions. "I saw the photos of you and Quinn at the funeral. You two are always drawn together." Kelly changes the topic when she senses my disinterest. "More like the universe is set to ruin us," I answer. She rolls her eyes, "please! I have seen the wordless, yet meaningful look you two share when you think no one is watching." She passes me her phone. "Look how is looking at you with pure adoration and hope." I don't just see it. "Have you met Quinn? He is the most hardened cynic in the world." "And he is your cynic." She slaps my arm. I smile as we fall into a comfortable silence that is interrupted by the doorbell. Kelly opens the door and Courtney and Roxanna walk in. I put my chips away. I once shared this tradition with Roxanna. Quickly how friends turn foes. The two heiresses inspect my apartment, disgust is what they project. "You told my parents about me and Chad?" Rosanna speaks, no pleasantries. "I am trying to help you," I say. "We are no longer friends, stay away from my affairs." She warns. "He is an abuser, you don't need him." "My child needs him," she places her hand over her flat tummy. "You are pregnant!" My tone comes out as condemnation. "We didn't come here for chit-chat." Courtney finally speaks. " I am here to confirm if you reconsidered my offer." "I am not trying to steal your husband." I sit comfortably. "You already did." She says. "You just don't understand what is at stake. He divorces me and the Nickel empire together with that tower you work at comes crumbling down and puff your job goes." She adds. What does that mean? How are my father's businesses connected to the Emmerson family? And does she know who I am? "I can still find another job." I try to see if she knows who I am. "And the livelihoods that will be lost will be all because of you." She answers. She doesn't know! I am left speechless for the second time today. What did I miss? "Think about that." She says as leaves. I am dumbfounded. Nothing adds up. "Wow!" Kelly says once she locks the door. "Ever been betrayed?" I ask. She starts to fidget and pats her head. "There's something I have been meaning to tell you," Kelly says. I don't think I can take another blow. I stand up. "Jackand I have been seeing each other and we meant to tell you." She speaks fast. I let the information sink in. Peter was my first boyfriend that I dated for less than a day. It is not that bad. He was a nice guy and I am a terrible person. "Okay. I am glad you told me." I say. "Phew! You are not mad?" She asks. "Why? If you are happy. I am happy for you." I say. "You have no idea how relieved I am. I have to pee I have been holding it just didn't know where to start." She confesses. I smile as she rushes to the bathroom. I text Andre to remind him of our dinner. I will get answers this time.