The New me

And it's him. Wearing a v-neck wool plaid sweater vest over his polo shirt, he greeted us with a smile. On his side was his girlfriend Gerbera and something tells me that her smile was stiff. But that's not all. Instead of two, there were three of them who just arrived.

The third person had his medium black hair styled on top with the sides cut short. He was wearing a cardigan with shawl neck on top of a white shirt with an overcoat. And unlike any of us present in here, his eyes were of a lighter colour with hints of grey. Who else could it be if it wasn't Ellis Yi.

"Oh. It was nothing. I was just messing with Iris. Hi and welcome." Luke said as he went to shake hands with Gerbera and Ellis Yi, Liam's senior and friend.

"I see. You remember Ellis right? Ellis, I'm sure you know my brother and if you remember Ms. Lin…" Liam said introducing us to each other.

"Yes, good evening Mr. Luke Wang, Ms. Iris Lin." Ellis bowed his head to us and we returned the greetings. We made short conversations in order not to get awkward around each other before Cindy and Mike went out to see us.

"Oh! You guys are here. Come in, come in." Cindy had a big smile on her face while guiding us inside the dining hall. Beside her, her husband Mike was looking ever so proud while accompanying his wife.

It was a picture of a harmonious family if only I didn't know of his adultery.

When we went into the dining hall, they already prepared the table. On top were various dishes. There's a spicy honey-garlic-salmon, pommes gratin, masala bhindi, lemon-herb-shrimp broccoli, mushroom sauce with crispy gnocchi and a few more with sliced fruits.

Cindy was a proud chef as she presented and explained her dishes.

We chatted between meals and I can say that there were no dull moments. Cindy catered to our needs. If she noticed that you aren't eating much, she'll ask the maids to change your dish at once. If you finished your juice, she'll have the kitchen staff to make another.

And as I spoke with brother Luke, there was a feeling that I was being watched It was unpleasant. It's like the eyes were following my every move and every opening of my mouth.

Well, there's no guessing. It was Gerbera.

The air she surrounded herself with from the beginning of this dinner wasn't amicable. It wasn't hate either. Just... dislike?

Hmmm... 'I wonder why.'

It's tolerable but there was a need for her to stop. So I adjusted my position and met her eyes all the while I was picking my shrimp. I lifted the corners of my lips up and ate what I picked. I saw her smile back, albeit awkward with only one corner of her mouth curved. After that, the unpleasant feeling vanished.

Mike displayed his natural ability to speak before a crowd as he helped Cindy lighten the atmosphere. Whenever he opens up a conversation, he makes it so that all of us listens and be responsive. There was one moment when he recalled one story about work and Cindy gladly continued the conversation. As it was flowing freely, I just had a slip of the tongue and asked for Jade Tian, Cindy's sister and Mike's lover. Without an ounce of suspicion, Cindy answered my query.

"Oh, Jade is such a workaholic. I've told her many times to forget work when one goes home. Cause, why are we even home if all we think is getting ourselves busy, right? Home equals rest."

"Yes. I agree with you, Aunt Cindy. Honestly, my salvation after a long day of work was the soft touch of my mattress."

I appeared calm but deep inside, I regretted it. Small beads of sweat rolled behind my back, and I felt flushed. I was careless. They might've not noticed a thing but Mike certainly did. Right after my question, he sat straight smiling and let out an 'oh'. Then he waited for Cindy to answer as his eyes probed me. It lasted a good two minutes before his expression returned calmer.

My mind went blank when his eyes were on me. While his expression shows a wide smile, his eyes were preying on me. Waiting for my next slip. He might've noticed something strange that night of his affair. Who wouldn't think it's weird? I f***ing got his necktie and Jade's thong. Thankfully there wasn't any more mistake on my part. When his face became calmer, and he started another topic that's when I knew I am safe.

But one thing I had observed. The Wang's never once talked about the ridiculous controversy involving me, and the lovebirds in front of me. I am not seeking their sorry but I at least want them to acknowledge the damage it gave me. Or yeah, I want their sorry. Liam's apology over the phone is not satisfying. And there was his girlfriend who saved her own with no voice over the matter. Like hell girl, the news came out because of you.

Wait...

Is she awkward and a little displeased with me because of the pictures? It was just me and Liam having lunch. I'm pretty sure small matters like that were relayed to her by Liam right after the meal.

Just in time after the dinner, Liam asked to speak with me and we left brother Luke with Mike chatting. Ellis Yi was with them before but he excused himself because of work-related call. Cindy went upstairs to her room to fix her makeup.

Liam guided me outside their back garden. Taking a few steps on the left, we reached their patio. Seated on one of the wooden chairs and waiting for us was Gerbera. Unlike the first time we saw each other tonight, she now looks friendly and approachable. She was warming up as her hands were extended over the bonfire. With her face and posture, it was like a pictorial.

"Come here and take a sit." She told us as she looked over our direction.

Her voice was like a melody to Liam as he smiled his purest and told me, "Let's go?"

He then walked with large strides as I trailed behind him.