I stood in front of the toaster as I waited for the bread to come out.
I heard a groan as I turned around and watched Xavier coming and sitting in one of the chairs. He buried his face in his hands as he groaned,
"My head." He croaked, "Medicine. Give me a medicine."
I didn't say anything as I sighed and opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water. Then opening one of the cabinets I took hold of an aspirin. I went towards him while slamming both of the things on the table.
He lifted his head up from his hand and looked at the aspirin before looking at me confused,
"Are you trying to break the table?" He asked tired.
I didn't reply to him and turned around to check up on my bread. He was silent for a while as he watched me going. He let out a deep breath before grabbing the water and aspirin. He gulped them down before I could feel his eyes on me,
"I don't have an appetite." He said.
I turned around to look at him dead in the eyes, "These are not for you."
He stared at me before saying, "Are you mad at me?"
I turned my back towards him, "Why would I be mad at you?"
He was silent for a while as I ran my fingers along the counter,
"Did I say something yesterday?" He asked out of nowhere.
My fingers stopped. My breathing stopped. I stared in the front.
I love you.
His words rang in my ears.
He was drunk. I reminded myself. He didn't mean it. Or did he? Even if he did. Even if he meant what he said...can I go back to him after all what he did? Can I go back to him with the uncertainty that he won't break my heart again?
Am I ready yet?
"What do you think?" I asked him as I turned around and stood there with my weight against the counter.
He closed his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose, "I don't know. I am not capable of thinking at all right now." He opened his eyes for a brief moment and looked at me, "But the way you are looking at me...I think I did."
I crossed my arms and looked at him trying to comprehend him. Does he remember what happened yesterday? Does he even remember saying 'I love you' to me? Or better yet, does he think he can talk to me normally after what he said in the cafe?
"My parents would be here any minute now." I stated.
"I am just leaving." He mumbled closing his eyes in pain again.
I shook my head, "You are not going anywhere."
He looked at me puzzled. I pushed myself away from the counter and noticed my bread. I took it out and taking a plate put it on it. Then making my way towards Xavier I stood in front of him,
"You said you don't feel anything for me."
He clenched his jaw tight.
"Don't you think we should just let our parents know?" I continued.
His eyes snapped upto me, "Know what?"
I smirked as I held onto the plate tight, "That we are breaking off our engagement."
He stared at the table. I could feel my legs on the verge of giving up. I wanted to know what was going on in his mind.
But does it matter?
I faced away from him and made my way towards the guest room where Alec was still asleep,
"Where are you going?" Xavier asked from his seat.
I looked at him, "Taking the breakfast to Alec."
He stared at me with a dumb expression. His eyes wide. Suddenly he put his hands on his stomach,
"It is surprising that I am hungry all of a sudden. Can I get that bread?" He asked.
"You don't have an appetite." I repeated his sentence and went to Alec's room.
"If he wants to eat he should come out! Why are you taking it to him in bed?!" He yelled as I ignored him. I heard him groan as he got up from the seat.
I entered the room and found Alec still sleeping soundly. I don't mind him sleeping a little late. The only problem is that he needs to get out before my parents come. Don't know how they'll react once they find out that Alec spent the night...along with Xavier.
I went and put the plate on the bedside before trying to wake him up. I called his name a few times but he didn't even budge.
"He is a heavy sleeper."
I turned towards the door and found Xavier standing there. Without saying anything he came inside and stood near Alec's legs.
I kept silent as I looked back at Alec, "What should-" before I could even complete my sentence, I saw Alec being kicked out of bed.
And the only person capable of doing such a thing was...Xavier Reed.
Alec landed on the ground with a thud,
"What the actual fuck? Is there an earthquake?" I heard Alec croak in his sleepy voice. He rubbed his hands behind his head and the place where the impact took place.
"Do you really think we would be standing here next to you if it was an earthquake?" Xavier muttered rolling his eyes.
Alec was silent for a while before he finally opened his eyes fully and ran his gaze over Xavier before settling on me.
"Good morning." He said in his sleepy voice to me before he stretched his arms out. Then getting up he sat on the bed,
"You really need to change your habit of kicking me out of the bed." Alec muttered as he tried to relieve the shoulder pain Xavier gave him.
"And you really need to get out of here. " Xavier smiled evilly at Alec.
Alec seemed confused for a while as he turned his gaze towards me-- confused.
"My parents will be back any minute now. So, you need to leave before they see you." I tried to explain it to him, "But don't worry, I brought you breakfast! You can have this before you leave."
His gaze turned towards the bread on the side table as a warm smile made it's way onto his way, "Thanks, Princess."
I couldn't help but blush as I smiled softly at him.
"Don't be too happy." Xavier grumbled, "She gave it to you because I refused to eat."
We both ignored him. Yes, it was better to ignore him when he had a hangover.
°°°
I walked Alec outside. He smiled at me as he walked beside me,
"Thank you." Alec smiled genuinely.
I smiled back as I nodded my head at him, "I am just glad I had you, Alec. It was so much easier for me."
He stopped before turning towards me and taking my hands in his he said, "I am always here for you."
I tried to reassure him back, "I know." I smiled.
"Alec?"
I snatched my hands away as soon as possible and looked at the entrance to find mom and dad standing there looking at the both of us with confusion.
"What is going on?" They asked coming near us.
I wanted to tell them the truth. But at the same time I didn't want them to know.
I opened my mouth to answer when Alec beat me to it,
"Mr and Mrs Kapur. I was just here to take notes from Liya." He answered trying to cover up.
Mom and dad nodded their heads at the both of us slowly but still looked skeptical,
"Early in the morning?" Mom asked narrowing her eyes.
Alec tried to smile as it faltered, "Of course! Time shouldn't stop you from doing what you want!"
"Borrowing notes?"
Alec tried to keep the smile on, "Y-yes, right Liya?" He turned towards me.
I stared at him before I saw him gesturing me frantically to say something, "Ah, yes. Yes. Borrow the notes."
Dad looked at the both of us before pointing towards Alec's empty hands, "Where are they?"
Alec looked alarmed as he asked, "What?"
"The notes. Where are they? You came to take the notes and you are leaving empty handed. So where are the notes?" Dad asked.
Alec gulped as he tried to laugh, "Oh. Yes. The notes." His eyes met mine, "Yes. The notes. Liya, where are the notes?" He asked tilting his head to one side.
My eyes widened as I looked at him. Jerk turned it on me. I looked back at my parents,
"The notes?" The both of them looked at me expectantly, "The notes. Damnit." I murmured to myself, "Yes!...I don't have them on me. I didn't have the ones Alec wanted."
I nodded my head at them and looked at Alec as he nodded his head along with me.
"Yeah. She didn't have them." He nodded his head.
Mom and dad didn't look satisfied with the answer but nodded their head anyways.
I smiled awkwardly and was about to take Alec out again when the door to the house opened and Xavier came out. He looked at the all of us before coming and standing beside me,
"You didn't leave?" Xavier asked looking at Alec.
I wanted to facepalm myself. Just when I thought the situation was in control, Xavier had to come out. And god knows how this will go.
"He is just going." I smiled and tried to take Alec away.
"Xavier is here too." Mom said looking at Xavier. Xavier smiled at her and gave her a hug and shook hands with dad.
"What are you doing here?" She asked smiling.
Here we go.
Xavier was silent for a while before he opened his mouth. I don't know what he was going to say but I sure as hell assure you that it won't help our current situation,
"He just came with Alec in the morning." I spoke cutting Xavier off. I added 'morning' on purpose hoping that Xavier will understand what was going on.
But Xavier being Xavier looked at me dumb, "No. We were here the whole..."
"You came in the morning with Alec to take notes, Xavier." I gritted my teeth, "Remember?" I emphasized and looked at him hard trying to make him understand.
He was silent for a while before he nodded his head in understanding, "Ohhh. The notes. Yes. The notes." He looked at Alec's hand before faking shock all over his face.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his over dramatic self,
"Alec, where are the notes? Liya gave them to you, right? Did you forget them in the room?" Xavier asked looking at Alec. At this point even I could see Alec mentally wanting to facepalm himself.
I looked back at mom and dad in panic as they looked at the three of us confused,
I waved my hands in the air, "I didn't have the notes you wanted, Xavier."
He turned towards me and looked at me weirdly before sighing, "Of course. Yes. I remember. You didn't have the notes."
The three of us nodded our heads at my parents letting them know that we were done. Mom looked at me a little disappointed,
"Even after attending the school everyday, you don't have the notes. Are you paying attention to your studies?" She asked folding her arms over her chest.
"Of course! I am mom. It was just that subject." I tried to explain. She was very serious when it came to my studies. Just like any parent she wanted me to do good in studies.
"Which subject?" She asked.
"History."
"Chemistry."
"Chemistry."
The three of us said at the same time.
I cursed under my breath. Who asked the both of them to speak?! I looked at dad who literally seemed bored right now while mom looked at the three of us with her eyebrows raised,
"Yes." I said trying to make her understand, "They needed notes for chemistry. But I didn't have them. Because I have history." I said slowly.
"Yes!" Xavier and Alec nodded their heads, "We forgot she didn't have chemistry. Our bad." They tried laughing and shrugging their shoulders.
"The three of you are acting weird." Mom said skeptically.
Dad finally couldn't take it anymore, "Okay. Okay. You guys go ahead. I'll take her inside."
He took mom by the shoulders and took her in,
"Mom? Dad?" I called one last time.
They both turned towards me in a questioning way,
I gulped, "I know you must be tired. But Xavier and I need to talk to you."
I could see Xavier snapping his head to me from the corner of my eyes. Mom and dad looked at each other before slowly nodding their heads at us,
"Of course. Whatever you need. We are here only."
I subtly nod at them and look at Xavier to find him lost in his own thoughts. I ignore him as I faced Alec and motioned him to the exit.
He followed me as I waved him off. He waved back as he got into the car and drove away. As soon as he was gone I sighed.
Now, for the worst part. Whatever was waiting for me inside. Finally the time to let it all go. Make myself to let him go and start new.
I turned around and found Xavier already gone inside. I took a deep breath preparing myself before going inside.
As soon as I was inside I couldn't help but notice Xavier sitting there on the sofa in front of my parents. They both looked at each other before their eyes turned to catch me walking towards them. I stopped in my way before staring at everyone. They raised their eyes in a questioning way.
I could see Xavier noticing and looking up in alert at me. I inhaled and went to sit beside him so that we both were facing my parents now.
The both of them looked at us expectantly to know what the heck was going on,
I gulped before I put my hands on my thighs trying to give myself strength.
I can do this. I reminded myself.
"Mom. Dad. We need to talk to you." I started.
"Yes. You made that clear outside. But what is it about?"Dad asked.
I inhaled deeply and looked at my parents in the eyes, "About my engagement with..." I cleared my throat, "Xavier."
They exchanged looks before looking back at me. They seemed clueless but at the same time concerned as they asked, "Is something the matter?"
"I know you planned it all when we were ten. I know you guys expect us to be together. But,"
I stopped before biting my lip and looking down for a moment.
But, I think it is time to call it off. Our engagement. I know you had good intentions when you decided it...but it is really not working. Some things just don't work out. No matter how good they are together.
"But what, Liya?" They asked sitting on the edge of the seats now.
"We would like to continue our relationship."
I bit my tongue accidentally as I snapped my head and stared beside me at Xavier.
What. Did. He. Just. Say?
He wants to...WHAT?!
Xavier didn't even turn his head to look at me as he continued talking to my parents, "I am so glad that you trust me with Liya. Believe me," he turned his head towards me and gazed at me with his hazel eyes, "I would love to grow old and marry her."
I was mesmerized by his eyes. It was like a spell put on me.
I wanted to believe every word he was saying right now. I could feel my heart surrendering.
The only thing stopping me were his words back in the cafe,
"No. I never felt anything towards you."
I stomped up from the sofa and grabbing Xavier by the arm, yanked him out of the house in the open where my parents couldn't hear us.
As soon as we were out I let go of Xavier's hand and stare at him in annoyance. I was about to open my mouth when he came forward and putting his hands under my chin...tried to kiss me.
I was about to close my eyes in bliss before I realized the situation and pushed him away from me,
"What are you doing?" I yelled at him, "You know we are breaking it off. Then why are you trying to kiss me and saying all those things?!"
I was frustrated. Frustrated of him doing everything unexpected.
He grabbed me by my shoulders shaking me a little as he said, "All the things I said back there are true."
I stared at his hazel eyes. I want to believe him. I want to believe him so badly.
But I pushed his hands away from me, "You are lying." I spat.
"I am not lying!" He tried to make me understand.
I glared at him as I pinned him down with my gaze, "Oh yeah? I remember you telling me clearly that you didn't feel anything for me! So what is all this? Why are you doing this? Just when I am trying to move on...let you go...why are you holding onto me!?"
"CAN'T YOU SEE!" He yelled frustratedly as he ran his hands through his hair, "Don't you see what it is doing to me? I am not...me. I want you. No. I NEED you."
"You shouldn't have said that then!" I yelled back referring to his words back then.
"I was an asshole! Okay? But I was right! Right in so many ways that you can't imagine!"
"Then what is making you change your mind now!" I screeched.
"MY SELFISHNESS FOR YOU!" He turned away from me and punched the wall behind him. Hard. I wanted to coil myself away from this. From him. But I held onto myself.
There was silence for a while as we both took deep breaths. I didn't know what was going on. If it was all the truth. If Xavier was actually standing here in front of me and telling me the truth.
It was me who broke the silence first,
"So do you feel anything for me?" I repeated my question from that day.
He took his hand away from the wall and slowly faced me and looked at me with vulnerability, "I do. I do enough to make me selfish for you. Selfish enough to not let you go. No matter what anyone says anymore."
When I said I didn't hate Xavier...I meant it. And when I said I don't know if I can trust Xavier with my feelings anymore...I meant that too.
"Why did you deny it then?" I asked him softly.
"I never gave you anything but tears. Painful memories of me to remember. I never didn't hurt you." The corner of his eyes turned down as he looked at me with all the insecurity and vulnerability he felt, "I never made you happy. Letting you go seemed the chance for me to actually see you happy....And I guess everyone believed it too."
I couldn't help but stare at him dumbfounded. Am I supposed to be touched? Because I sure as hell don't feel touched by this...bullcrap.
"You lied to me to make sure that I move on and stay happier without you?" I raised my eyebrows unsure.
He nodded his head at me softly.
I don't know what he was expecting my reaction to be. To know that he lied to me to make me let him go and live happily without him...but he sure as hell didn't expect it when I stepped forward towards him and with all my might slapped him hard across his face.
I could see him clenching his jaw tight as he tried to not move. He seemed surprised but he tried to hide it. I pointed my finger at his chest and poked him,
"If that was your reason for lying to me and breaking my heart....then you are the dumbest person alive on this planet." I looked at him unbelievably, "You literally put me, no scratch that, the both of us through shit just because you wanted me to be happier?" I made a face at the end.
I looked at him hurt as I stepped away from him, "Do you really think I went through all the bullcrap you put me through just to make you lie to me in the end? Why? Just because you wanted me to be happier." I mocked him.
"Do you really think I would have held onto you if I didn't believe that I will be the happiest with you? Cause I knew that all the pain I was going through at that point was worth it. Worth the love I was going to get. Because I know for a fact that when Xavier Reed loves someone he is ready to do anything for them."
He stared at me without any expression on his face. I could tell that he was surprised.
"I am angry at you." I clenched my jaw, "I am mad at you. I want you to feel all the pain I went through back there in the cafe. Just because of some stupid reason."
"It didn't seem stupid back then." He muttered looking down.
"Go away." I stated as I exhaled.
"Liya." He whispered as he tried to take a step towards me.
I held my hand out in front of me making him stop. I didn't look him in the eyes as I repeated myself,
"Go away, Xavier."
"I told you the truth. I am sorry...And I am willing to do anything...please Liya." He begged me.
I closed my eyes as I turned away from him, "It doesn't matter, does it? You did break what you shouldn't have that day. And it's not that easy to mend it."
"It's my fault, pancake. And I am ready to do whatever it takes...just let me know that you still have feeling for me." He softly added.
I love you. His words again rang in my ear.
"Why don't you look around? There are other guys." Alec's voice said in my ear.
"I don't know." I answered him, "I feel all these feelings right now. I am not sure I trust you yet Xavier."
"Don't say that." He shook his head.
"I can't help it. Just because you lied you can't change the fact that you put me through hell for these last ten days. Do you know the endless nights I cried because of you."
He snapped his eyes to me, "They weren't pleasant for me either."
"Because of you and your stupid reason. And thinking about it makes me all the more mad. So just leave, Xavier. Give me time."
He slowly took a step backwards, "I'll make sure," He said slowly, "to win over your heart again. I am not giving up on you this time. And I don't care what others say...I am too stubborn now to ever let you go."
___
Hey guys,
I hope you enjoyed today's chapter:)
We are sooooo close to the ending of this book now!!...Can't believe it! Can you?? Ahhh...I am literally screaming out of joy rn. What a journey it has been!...Will you miss them?
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Love youuu<3