Asin.
~
As much as I loved races and parties, spending time with my loved ones, this pregnancy thing kept ruining my mood.
In the back of my mind, there was a tiny but growing voice that told me .. it could be true.
Maya's having a baby. Without a husband? Or maybe did she get married in secret? The old man will die from the shame .. the people of the 9th would ..
" .. We should just stay in a hotel. " Lilly offered.
" My house was fine for you for years? Suddenly, it's not up to par? " Marie took offence.
We were standing outside the airport waiting for the group to decide whether to stay at a hotel or the now vacant Konore family home.
" It's nothing like that precious! " Lilly put her hands up defensively. " .. more like, it's been a few months, and it's probably musty, dusty, and all kinds of nasty in there. "
I hate to agree, but she had a good point. Also, my head started to hurt but couldn't take any more painkillers.. this needs to end.
" We will.. stay at the hotel. " I took my wife's hand and walked ahead towards the cars. " They got room service and free WiFi. "
The others quickly followed us, and we were soon on route.
" Can I help regarding the race? " asked Ayshe.
" You guys be busy as well.. with the publicity that the news will get. Building a hospital is a big deal. " Oliver reminded her.
I leaned on the cold glass window and let it sooth my burning forehead.
" He is right.. you two can't help with the race. Concentrate on the construction and put in some of your own plans before the work begins. "
" I know that Lilly wants to introduce Kol to her parents so she'll be unavailable for some time. " Marie reached over cheking my forehead. " .. it's not a fever yet.. anyway. Ayshe.. tell us our schedule, please. "
As they discussed their .. boring as hell schedule.. I was getting to that sweet spot of almost sleeping as the ride shook me gently.
So of course we arrived at the hotel just then.
This was getting off to a bad start. I need rest up for tomorrow night, but something told me this won't be easy.
~
I sent everyone out to finish their to-do list and decided to get a massage to try and relax ..
Last week conversation with Oliver still gnawed on my conscience.
I was fully prepared for his .. shock and revulsion, but to my surprise, he just agreed without any objections.
That was strange in itself, but it's been days since then, and he hasn't talked to me about it .. not one word. No heart to heart or fights .. or anything.
Was he actually so far removed now that he really doesn't feel anything for her? No anger or resentment? It's surreal. It was Desiree, after all.
Maybe I'm overthinking it. He only agreed to see her from time to time.. Little worse.. work together.
" .. you seem to carry a lot of tension in your back. "
I opened my eyes hearing my masseuse words saw her feet and the white little pinkie ring on her toe.
" Work .. life.. " I slurred as she kneed my back. " Are you married? "
" No, Sir. I was actually engaged once, but I broke it off. " She resonated above.
" Cold feet .. or something else? " I asked.
I didn't want to be personal but might as well chitchat.
" Something else.. " she giggled above. " I saw your wedding online. It was quite a ceremony. "
It felt like it had happened ages ago. Then she tapped my head gently.
" Umm, sir? .. your phone has been devastated by missed calls. Maybe it's an emergency. " She hypothesised.
" Doubtful.. "
I still turned around and took my phone from her. She was kind enough to leave the room, allowing some privacy.
" Oliver.. yes? " I answered the phone.
" Brother listen .. we have a small issue. "
" Alright.. " I said unenthusiastic.
" Well.. Marie, under pressure, agreed to a little celebration tonight at her friend's house. Leyla's cousin.. called Slug. "
I ended the call and called back the masseuse.
" Something bad? " She asked.
" Life .. " I answered.
——
Ayshe.
~
" .. he hung up. "
Oliver put his phone away with a small shrug.
" Nothing? Not even a groan? " I asked.
We were sitting in front of a cafe called the Basement, after a few quick interviews with the local media. It went reasonably well. Most people just wanted to know where Asin was and what the hospital name would be. How's their marriage, etc ...
Oliver turned to me and slowly nodded. Instead of further words, he opted to finish his drink.
" Ughh.. his been so grumpy lately. " Marie said a little frustrated. " I never should've said anything. "
" Don't worry. He obviously attends, but I agree. You should've kept your trap shut. " Lilly nodded thoughtfully.
Before Marie unleashed her fury on our friend, a small voice cut the silence.
" .. he sounds like a cool guy. "
We all turned towards Slug the originator of tonights party. He stood our pitying looks.
" I'm just saying an impossible catch .. nice one, Marie. " he gave props to my sister.
" Ughh.. " Marie groaned.
As much as they thought it was the Maya news that pushed him over the edge, I knew better. It was a combination of things.
With Desiree's return, he probably bombarded with nostalgia and unwanted questions. Add the race and his older sister mystery to the mix, and it's understandable his unenthusiastic response to some garden party.
In the next 20 minutes, Slug interrogated us about party ideas for tonight. He really wanted to impress the Martell heir.
Soon, we finished and said our goodbyes headed towards the hotel we stayed.
" You okay? " I asked the suspiciously quiet Oliver.
His thoughts immediately cleared along with his facial expression and gave a half-hearted smile nodding his head.
Unfortunately, in the car, I couldn't say more and how the day will go. We won't be having any significant alone time either.
After all, he was extremely busy with preparations and had to perform with a lot on his mind as well.
We had our own room, but I entered alone since he wanted to find Asin first.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, I got a call from reception.
" Ms Konore. Mr Stuart Bloome is waiting for you downstairs. "
For a second, I almost hung up without a word following my brother in laws lead but my sanity won out and told the lady, I'll be there soon.
On my way out, I quickly called Oliver to avoid any cliché developments. I doubt he would react bad anyway, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
~
Stuart waited at the bar and noticed me walking in immediately.
I haven't seen the guy for months.. and I felt a little guilty seeing his happy smile from a far.
The way his been ghosted was almost cruel in a way.
" Ayshe! "
I avoided his hug and offered my hand quickly. It better to rip the band aid off.. if he still had some hope left.
" Stuart.. nice to see you. "
He shook my hand a little, dejected, and offered a seat at his table. " Please. Have a coffee. "
I didn't want to be rude and accepted his offer. I began my apology.
" First off.. I'm sorry about how I treated you. " I started after taking a seat. " .. it was wrong. I should've told you about Oliver straight away. "
He nodded slowly. " I figured.. but don't worry. I just wanted you to be happy. "
His smile was so sincere that it made the guilt in my stomach flair up. Felt even more guilty about the sudden feeling of relief. I half expected him shouting or crying about what happened. Blaming me, calling me names.
My coffee arrived and I checked my phone. Oliver texted me to be careful and to call immediately if I needed him.
" Worried boyfriend? " Stuart asked a little tense.
I put the phone away with a small smile. " Yeah.. he is a good guy in real life. "
" Hmm .. go on, have your drink. " he nudged.
When I was about to take a sip, my hand was stopped.
I looked up, and it was Asin in a black suit he probably chose for the party.
I was about to ask what he was doing when he grabbed Stuart by the throat.
" What are you doing!? " he effortlessly pulled him closer, their nose almost touching. " How dare you spike her drink!? "
Stuart was struggling against his grip, but it was useless. The hotel staff noticed what was going on, and I saw the security closing in.
My mind kept repeating the word .. ?.. spiked? Spiked.. spiked!?
I slowly looked at my cup as the horrific realisation set in. He wanted to kill me? Poison me? Take me away? What..!?
The way Stuart eyes went back and forth between my cup and me, the fear in his eyes .. it was true.
" Sir .. please put that customer down! "
A large body guard was about to grab Asin's shoulder, when out of nowhere a dozen armed security of his own closed in, the sounds of their guns was the loudest noise in the bar.
The team was led by Ovuz, who held his gun directly at the poor security guys temple.
" I wouldn't. "
Asin was not bothered by the situation around him and put a gasping Stuart down on his seat. He started going through his pocket until he pulled a tiny and empty vial out his left side pocket.
" Stuart!! .. W-why? " I asked.
He didn't say a word and started covering his ears, his expression alien to me. Full of rage, his eyes filled with a mad glint.
Asin started to knock on his head with the vial before he put it away.
" Don't you worry, sweetheart. " he grabbed his mouth. " Soon you will tell me everything. I assure you.. Ovuz! "
" Yes, Sir? "
His man got rid of the unfortunate security still sweating not far from us, as the rest of the man formed a solid wall around the scene.
" Take this little criminal genius to the outskirts.. I'll be there soon. "
Ovuz wasted no time and carried a struggling Stuart away as the hotel bystanders were in shock, some filming others calling.
" Arrghh! ST..OP!! AYSHE!!! ... AYEhhh."
Stuart desperate screaming echoed for a while until an almost perfect silence enveloped the place.
I sat back down my seat, pushing the poisoned cup further away.
Asin made a call, which I thought went to Oliver, but instead, a small army of black suits arrived in under a minute. They were starting to collect others' phones and gather them in one place.
Asin was talking to a nervous little man who wore the unfortunate title of manager.
I was about to call Oliver myself when he arrived and stopped my hand for the second time.
" I'll take that for now. " He put my phone on the bar in front of us. " Are you okay? "
I nodded slowly, my heart and mind still racing, and I felt my hands shake.
Asin saw my state and gave a supportive pat on the head. " Take is easy. I deal with the guy. "
" Why .. we not calling anyone? " I asked, looking around. " .. and what the hell is going on there!? "
The man began to hand out people's phones whose compliance was assured by the still visible guns, not to mention the fact some guy was just dragged away unwillingly.
" They.. cleaning up, so to speak. Make sure the police know it was prank calls .. videos and pictures deleted etc etc.. " he waived it away. " That's not what's important, what is important.. is how much you like that guy? "
I couldn't begin to understand what he was talking about, and after a few seconds, he went on to explain .
" Look.. if Oliver finds out about this.. he will die by his hand. " he stated it simply. " However.. if you want him to live, then keep this a secret from him, and I'll handle it. "
Just the words he said were insane.. but also made sense in a horrific way. Before I answered, the hotel manager tiptoed over hiding behind a large and scary looking man in identical suit as the others.
" Mr Martell. We disposed of the .. materials you requested. The people agreed for the usual sum. It's done, sir. "
He tapped his shoulder, reaching up .. it looked comical.
" Thanks, Beltrane.. umm.. get a massage with the boys on me . It's great here. "
The man didn't understand his sincere look or the request but nodded anyway. The manager apologised bowing deeply and left quickly.
As they left, the bar emptied, leaving just the two of us. It was impressive how fast this all got resolved.
Asin was still waiting for my answer.
I was.. torn.
On the one hand .. he could've killed me now or something worse. I mean, who knows what his intentions were.Whaf if Asin didn't walk by and saw him? It was a terrifying thought ..
On the other hand .. I remembered the sweet geek of a guy who was always nice and deeply caring to me for years. He also heads a family.. who would probably die hearing what happened.
What happened to him in such a short amount of time?
Asin was patient enough and waited until his phone buzzed after cheking he looked at me. " It's time for me to leave .. what did you decide? "
I thought for another few seconds before my inevitable answer.
——
Marie.
~
Asin was an enigma.
After the call Oliver had with him, I thought we would have to drag him there, but there he was, wearing a crisp black suit and t-shirt ready to leave.
In fact, he got bored waiting and left for the bar to have a drink.
Me and the girls put on something incredible and headed down the bar ourselves. For some reason, our security looked extra cautious walking behind us.
We ran into Ayshe on the way, looking a little pale, nursing a bottle of water, and asked if she saw him.
" Asin? .. yeah, he will meet us at Slug's house. I'll run into him. I'll go change and check in on Oliver. "
She walked past us without waiting for an answer. Couldn't even ask what caused her to lose colour or why she needed to change again.
What's even stranger? How Asin didn't pick up his phone when I tried to find out where he went.
The bar was nearly empty, another strange thing considering the time of day and the popularity of the hotel. The girls noticed it as well.
" .. Where is everyone? " Henny asked the bartender.
He looked a little fidgety, but a happy smile spread oh his face getting a notification on his phone.
" .. Can't say. What do you have? " He went straight to business.
After we gave our orders , he turned to work, humming the song and playing over the speakers.
" This is weird.. " I mentioned looking around. " Us three alone on a Saturday night? "
My phone buzzed, and I saw a text from Asin.
* Busy with prep work. I see you at the snails house. *
I sighed, seeing how utterly empty of reason the text was and replied.
* After your birthday, you won't be doing stuff like that. I'll promise you that. Don't be late.. *
" Asin? " asked Lilly.
" Hmm.. talked to Slug, right? " I turned to Henny.
" He make sure to dial down the fan boy stuff around my husband? Keep the party low-key? "
" Honey .. " she gave me a pitying look. " The man probably invited the entire town in the last hour alone. "
Didn't even have the energy to groan.
~
On route, I finally asked my sister what happened to make her look so .. fish out of water.
" .. I actually meet Stuart. " She said it quietly.
Oliver stubbornly looked outside the car as we passed by the houses leading towards Slug's. She probably told him earlier, and he is a little annoyed.
" Oh .. I see. " I nodded. " How is he? "
" Good .. We barely talked for about 5 minutes before he had to go. "
I could tell she didn't wanna talk about it.. plus, I didn't want Oliver to merge with the car window.
When we arrived, we were greeted by the entire Konore high school and all their friends and probably some relatives of those friends as well.
The crowd was suffocating, considering the size of Slugs home.
I was swarmed with friends and old enemies alike all wishing me good luck or want to see my ring, complementing my outfit or handbag.. asked about Asin constantly.
I promised he'll make an appearance, and that did thin the crowd around me quite a bit.
After 20 minutes of the same, the only one who stayed near me was my Henny. Ayshe and Oliver were a little away dancing, and Lilly took her new boyfriend around and introduced him to whoever listened.
" Here, drink this. " Henny was ready with a can of soda.
" Thanks. " I took it gratefully. " I thought they never left. "
Henny closed her eyes, nodding with understanding.
" Forgive them. Your wedding and now arrival is the biggest event of their summer. " She leaned in closer. " Not to mention the race.. "
" Right .. talk about idiotic things and those who do them. Where are you? "
I took out my phone calling Asin, but there was nothing but dial noise.
My worries almost took hold on me until there was some commotion at the entry. Seeing one of the SUVs we used, I let out a relived sigh.
I don't know why or where that worry came from, but after he stepped outside the car, it all went away.
With the real celebrity arrived, he was surrounded immediately. I was afraid Ovuz and his men would interfere, but luckily, they just stood still, probably deemed the people no threat.
After a few polite smiles and handshakes, he made his way towards us. I noticed a bunch of unwanted eyes on him.. But pushed my jealousy away .. for now.
He wore different clothes. I wanted to ask why.. but his kiss in front of hundreds of people sure cleared my mind.
I was only vaguely aware of the cheers around us as if we were the protagonists of some movie.
After separating, I hid my embarrassed expression in his neck. " You are late .. and crass. "
" Hmm .. say crass again. " He teased me.
I looked up and saw the shadows under his eyes disappeared. In fact, the very air around him changed. He wasn't gloomy or distracted anymore.
" You look happy. " I played with his lazy lock of hair.
" I'm a lucky man. " He pulled me closer and started moving to the sound of the rhythm. " You are breathtaking, by the way .. "
It was easy to forget everyone around us when he said sweet things like that. I locked my hands around his neck and rested my forehead on his.
" Promise me something? " He asked.
" Anything. "
" You shield me from your town, folk? "
I smiled devilishly. " With my very own body if I have to. "