Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Chapter 18:

Bryan was engrossed in conversation within the pavilion, surrounded by friends—a setting where Eileen typically remained at his beck and call. But today, Eileen decided to keep her distance and settled herself at a spot near the pavilion.

After the grilling was done, she gathered a plateful of food and approached the pavilion, offering it to Bryan and his companions. Jacob caught sight of her and gestured invitingly. “Miss Curtis, come join us. It’s rather dull without you; we could use the company,” he said.

Eileen offered a polite smile in return. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll just eat something with my colleagues later.”

No sooner had she declined than Vivian approached, gently tugging her into a seat beside Jacob. With Jacob to her left, Kian to her right, and Bryan directly in front of her, Eileen felt ensnared, unsure of what to say.

“Kian, it just hit me! That game you love was crafted by Eileen’s boyfriend,” Vivian announced, steering the focus onto Eileen. “On our way here, we overheard her chatting with him. He’s the kind who’s liberal with gifts in the game, indicative of a thoughtful nature. Maybe not as wealthy as you, but he’s certainly considerate.”

Seated there, Eileen was on edge, feeling Bryan’s intense stare as if it were a tangible force. If it weren’t for the earlier incident with the hickey, she would have explained that Huey was her boyfriend.

Jacob retrieved his phone. “Are you talking about this game?” he inquired.

With a glance, Eileen responded, “That’s the one.”

Jacob, in a light-hearted manner, said, “Well then, I must meet your boyfriend. I enjoy the game. Don’t worry; I have no interest in whisking him away. I’d just like to chat about the game with him.”

Uncover your next story on g Ɐ lnσ ν𝒆 𝓁s, com Eileen just smiled. “Jacob, you’re jesting. He’s younger and doesn’t share your wealth. You’d be at odds. There’s no need for you two to meet.”

Jacob couldn’t resist a tease. “Seems you’re quick to shield him. It’s amusing how a mere mention of your boyfriend stirs you up. You’re like Vivian.”

Eileen’s smile was her only retort, polite yet firm in her stance.

But Jacob continued talking, changing the subject to Bryan. “This is the game we got hooked on years back. We were pretty good until it became mainstream. Given Eileen’s boyfriend developed it, why not let her introduce him to us? Perhaps we’ll start playing regularly again. How about it?”

Bryan reclined in his seat, a picture of nonchalance, his gaze briefly touching Eileen. “That’s up to Eileen,” he said.

Eileen recognized her predicament. Having offended Bryan was her mistake. Despite his unilateral decision to block Huey, he still tried to make things difficult for her now.

A subtle smile graced her lips as Eileen retrieved her phone and unblocked Huey, promptly sharing his contact with Jacob. Her actions were swift. Bryan lifted his brow in a muted reaction, his gaze veiling whatever thoughts lingered behind.

Jacob, busy with his phone, announced to Kian and Bryan, “Once he’s added me, I’ll start a group chat. It’ll be interesting to see his skill in the game as the game’s inventor.”

Eileen eyed Bryan, curious if he was irked by the unfolding events, but her phone suddenly rang. With a courteous nod to the group, she excused herself. “You guys continue without me; I need to take this.”

Turning and walking away, she answered the call. Huey’s barrage of questions flooded in, his voice laced with confusion and frustration. “Why was I blocked? What’s the issue? You haven’t even met me, and you’ve decided already? This feels like a slap in the face! And now, out of the blue, you unblock me? Have you had a change of heart about my worth?”

Eileen remained silent, the phone pressing into her pale fingers, her mind racing. With a polite gesture to some colleagues, she found a private spot. “It was to save you some money,” she managed to say at last.

“There’s no need for that,” Huey retorted with an air of superiority. “Didn’t someone just add me on WhatsApp? He said he was a loyal fan of my game. The gifts from me can also help you with your popularity among colleagues, right?”

“That person is an acquaintance of my boss. He’s quite wealthy. He doesn’t need your gifts,” Eileen countered.

She knew well that Jacob and the others were indifferent to Huey’s virtual offerings, capable of purchasing an array of his games without a second thought.

“Then I embarrass you in front of them,” insisted Huey, pride swelling in his words. His speech was cut short by an interruption from his side. “The place is swarming with guests, and you’re on your phone! Come and lend a hand!”

As the voice drew nearer, Eileen heard Huey’s attempts at hushing him, to no avail. “Need to go, my mom’s calling,” he hastily told Eileen before ending the call.

A soft laugh escaped Eileen. She was about to leave when she noticed Kian guiding Vivian her way. From her secluded spot, Eileen watched as an invisible observer to the siblings’ earnest conversation about Vivian’s bold move regarding her sharing a room with Bryan.

Kian’s words carried a note of caution, his face etched with concern. “Vivian, remember you’re still navigating these waters. Play it cool, or he might take you for granted.”

Vivian’s voice was tinged with uncertainty as she clutched Kian’s shirt. “Didn’t I remind him when he used to hold me in high regard? Now, I feel there’s this gap between us. If I don’t bridge it, who will?”

Kian attempted to interject. “I’ve grown up, fully capable of making my own choices. You needn’t fret over me.”

Vivian cut him off, her stance resolute. Kian looked at Vivian, his expression softening. He comforted her with a gentle pat on the head but remained silent.

Eileen, unintentionally caught in their private moment, had no desire to intrude. Yet their proximity left her with no choice but to wait in the shadows. When they finally parted ways, she stepped out, only to encounter Kian, leaning on a column and casually smoking.

He caught her eye without a hint of surprise, apparently having noticed her presence long ago. “Ms. Curtis, I didn’t expect you to have a habit of eavesdropping,” he said.

Eileen countered, “Mr. Kian, I assure you I had no such intention. I was here first, and it was just that your positioning barred my exit.” Around Kian, Eileen often felt uneasy; his demeanor was unpredictable.

With a probing look, Kian narrowed his gaze. “You have a boyfriend now. Should I expect wedding bells soon? When will you two get married?”

Eileen was startled by Kian’s abrupt question, which seemed out of place given their distant relationship. Kian continued, “Age isn’t on your side. It’s wise to consider marriage. Your boyfriend’s a game developer; he’s got potential, and you should seize this opportunity. Otherwise, you might look back on your life with regret.”

Kian’s unexpected advice left Eileen cautious. “Thanks for the advice; I should be going,” she said. She was aware of Kian’s protective nature toward Vivian, yet his motives remained a mystery to her.

As Eileen walked back, she noted that Vivian had reappeared at the pavilion; only Bryan and Jacob were present there. Opting not to approach, Eileen settled among her colleagues.

Unbeknownst to her, Bryan was watching her every move with keen interest. Eyebrow arched, he observed her merge with the crowd and then questioned Jacob, “Has that person added you?”

Jacob nodded, typing out a message to Huey. With no immediate response and his patience waning, he pocketed his phone. He lifted his gaze, catching Bryan’s thoughtful stare fixed on Eileen. “Bryan, Eileen has the makings of more than just an assistant. She managed the surprise with Vivian and even the room arrangement for you two. That’s beyond thoughtful. You should keep her by your side,” he said.

Jacob was a playboy and didn’t care much about loyalty in relationships. He continued, “Just remember to keep this under wraps from the Warrens. We don’t want any drama.” He stood up, his demeanor shifting as he put his hand on Bryan’s shoulder. “Look, when you and Vivian were a thing, I warned you about getting too involved with the Warren family’s golden girl. You went after her anyway and won her over; she was spoiled by her family’s wealth and left, leaving you the butt of jokes back home. And now that she’s back, you’re just going to let her walk right back into your life?”

Jacob had never been fond of Vivian, finding her a bit too much for his taste. In contrast, Eileen struck him as more genuine. However, he knew it was not his place to meddle in another’s relationship.

His comment drew a piercing gaze from Bryan, prompting Jacob to swiftly shift gears. “Okay, enough of that. How about a gaming session? Let’s see if I still have the edge or if Eileen’s beau has outdone me with his creation. He may have made the game, but can he beat me? I doubt it.”

After a brief contemplation, Bryan retrieved his phone and engaged in the game with Jacob.

As night fell, the group wrapped up their picnic. Under Eileen’s direction, they made their way back to the hotel. Amid the cleanup, Eileen’s spirits dipped, her attention often drifting to Bryan and Vivian.

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