"Do you care to explain?" Maxwell asked, his gaze so piercing that Elara drew in a deep breath. He obviously hinted at Fred's presence.
"Why didn't you do your usual digging? Fredrick Grant is my brother!" Elara replied, keeping her blue eyes locked on his. "Max, we're not dating. We should never be seen this close. I can't risk anyone's life in the name of dating. So, can we just… avoid such meetings?"
"You're the one who came to my table," he shrugged, his eyes shifting.
"You're the one who came to a grade-two hotel. Anyone would question that," she shot back. "I'll take my leave."
She stood up and walked away without looking back. Fredrick was waiting outside, and darkness was falling almost like a curtain over the evening.
"What was that?" he asked as she approached.
"Umm… you know, since we closed that contract, a lot of business people are trying to establish links with the Orion Group," Elara lied smoothly.
Fredrick looked at her from an angle, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "I know when you're lying, little bunny…"
"I told you not to call me that!" she laughed, shaking her head. She then paused, her eyes clearing. "Sorry, some things are just too complicated."
Fredrick nodded, saying no more. He drove her to her apartment and then headed back.
… At the apartment that night …
Elara walked in, placing the takeaway bag before Madeline, who was absorbed in a business magazine.
"You should eat this before it gets cold," she said, leaning on the desk as she set the bag on the sofa.
"I know you're lazy when it comes to cooking," Madeline said, unpacking the food. "But you didn't tell me you were bringing takeaway. Wait, it's night already, did you have a date?"
"With my brother? Yes," Elara nodded, sitting opposite her.
"Fred was around?" Madeline asked.
"Yeah…" she nodded. "I know, it's long and he dropped by."
"And he didn't think he could drop by and say hi?" Madeline teased.
"He was in a hurry. Came to tell me Suzie is expecting. Three weeks gone!" Elara answered.
"Aww… we should pay them a visit then!" Madeline smiled as she started eating her turkey. "Buy some things… presents."
"Sure thing…" she nodded in agreement.
"I almost thought you went out with your… should I say, boyfriend?" Madeline winked.
"Maddie, stop!" Elara's face fell. Her grip tightened on the chair, the air around her freezing for a moment. Madeline immediately paused and patted her gently on the shoulder.
"What's going on, dear?" she asked, genuinely concerned.
"I don't know… that's the problem. I don't know what's going on!" Elara stood, pacing the living room.
"Hey… you can always talk to me, and I won't judge!" Madeline said, leaning on the table. "Is it about Mr. Ranveer?"
"Yeah…" Elara nodded.
"What happened?"
"Maddie, I'm just afraid of being misunderstood by Max. I don't know if he thinks I'm just… a sex toy, or if there are any feelings attached. I just…"
"You told me he talked about marriage the last time you met?" Madeline reminded her.
"Yeah… but we all know he's into Bianca," Elara said, frustration creeping in.
"And what if he's not? I don't think he would request to marry you if he truly loved her!" Madeline countered.
"And, what if we're overthinking? I mean, probably he just feels guilty for taking my virginity without my consent." She said, then paused.
"El, you're on all negatives always!" Madeline complained.
"That doesn't sit right! He came over when we were talking with Fred, and I just went to clarify that Fred is my brother. Maddie!" Elara stopped, hands on her hips.
"I'm at a crossroads," she admitted.
"You love him, don't you?" Madeline asked gently.
"Unfortunately, I do," Elara said. "Isn't that normal with anyone you lost your virginity to?"
Madeline rubbed her head and went to sit.
"I know, it's stupid!" Elara said, sinking back into her chair. "And… I don't even know I you understand my point…"
"It's not," Madeline sighed. "I don't blame you if the feelings are genuine. Maybe he feels the same!"
"Are you joking?" Elara scoffed. Silence fell as Madeline resumed eating. Elara's face fell.
"Maddie, I just met Max, and suddenly it feels like he's the last piece of my jigsaw puzzle…"
"That's sweet," Madeline said, chewing thoughtfully.
"I'm serious!" Elara glared.
"I know… and I… don't know what to say. But since you two met, you've had so many encounters, I can't help but wonder if it's fate, or what!" Madeline said. "Can you get me a glass of water, please?"
"You're not helping!" Elara stood and went to fetch it.
"Thank you…" Madeline said, taking the glass.
"I wish I could tell you the same," Elara muttered, grabbing the magazine Madeline had been reading. She frowned again.
"What is it this time?" Madeline asked.
"Why is Max almost everywhere I look?" Elara said, slapping the magazine on the table. Madeline burst out laughing, choking slightly on her water.
"That's a business magazine! No magazine prints without his picture. He's a business guru!"
"That helps… I won't have to read business magazines!" Elara scoffed.
"Not serious…" Madeline said as she finished eating. "Maybe if you tell Mr. Ranveer how you really feel, things could be different."
"You don't get it, do you? He's dating my boss' sister!" Elara lamented. "And I have to rest early, I'm sure Bianca will be at the company tomorrow, talking about her new deal, blah… blah… blah."
"I'm booked for the weekend, you know?" Madeline said as she cleared the table.
"You promised to come with me to the party. Who booked you behind my back?" Elara asked, frowning.
Madeline giggled. "You did. We should go to the mall the day after tomorrow to pick some gowns."
"Why not tomorrow?"
"I'm fixed tomorrow. You just said Bianca would be at the company, it's going to be a long, boring day for you!" she laughed.
"Ooh, crap!" Elara groaned.