The CEO’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape

To Love You Again, My Husband

Chapter 22: Thinking About You

Wendy instantly paused; it was clear that the mother-daughter pair came to a halt as soon as Airina’s words fell in the air. Airina gulped. It was wrong to offer that to her however as her father seemed to be dearly missing Wendy’s appearance, Airina had a prospect that Kevin would be better as soon as he saw his face. It is not guaranteed but his eyes contained that hidden yearning which only Airina noticed – only she did.

After a long silence, Wendy interjected with a sigh.

[“I don’t think I can do that, Rina”], She leaned her head on the bed, glancing at her husband, Felix, who overheard their conversation. [“Ahem, I can’t face him calmly, as well as… Felix.”]

Airina’s eyes flickered in both disappointment and relief. Disappointed that she didn’t agree and relieved that she hadn’t forgiven her father yet due to the long torment he put her through. Airina licked her lower lip, faintly smiling.

“Papa is very challenged this time. I won’t force you but if you can visit with stepfather, it wouldn’t be that bad.”

Wendy nodded her head in comprehension. [“I understand, I will discuss it with Felix, alright?”]

She held Felix’s hand as if conveying that she didn’t want to decline the request of her daughter, but it didn’t mean they should go if they were both uncomfortable about it. Airina heaved a deep exhale.

“Of course. Then, I won’t disturb you any longer. I will call you when he’s better, what do you think?”

[“That would be fine”], she smiled at Felix, [“Right, Felix?”]

Airina covered her mouth in surprise when she heard her mother ask her husband. She didn’t know where and who was with her mother, so she randomly asked that without regard for the possibilities. She felt ashamed and could only close her eyes. It would come off unintentionally upsetting if she asked for forgiveness. Her proposal wasn’t harmful to both parties, but it could affect their mental health, so she didn’t want to make things bigger. Airina didn’t assume much of having Felix beside her mother since she was usually alone when they were on calls. She was ashamed.

Felix softly mumbled, [“Yes, let us do that.”]

Airina belatedly nodded her head, cautiously saying. “I… am not forcing you if you don’t want to. Well then… I shall call you the other time.”

[“Thank you dear and be safe. We’ll be waiting for you.”]

***

The doctor placed his stethoscope inside his deep-brown bag after listening to the heartbeat of Kevin with a gentle smile on his face. Unlike his first check-up where his heartbeat was unstable and erratic, this time was calmer and steady. The doctor beamed at Airina and Evan.

“Your father is well. I recommend that you reduce your stress – thus avoiding what could trigger your stress. If you’re into drinking caffeine, then please avoid it for some time. Lastly, don’t use illegal drinks which could worsen your state. Overall, you’re back to normal.”

Kevin smiled, “Thank you, doctor.”

Airina’s problem vanished right after hearing the doctor and she could finally sleep peacefully without worrying. No, rather, her stress was reduced greatly.

Evan shook hands with the doctor, who was carrying his bag. “Thank you for your check-up, doc.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I’m just doing my duty. Then, I shall take my leave.”

Airina spoke in gratefulness, “Thank you, and be safe on the way. It took you a long time.”

The doctor dismissed it with a reassuring smile. “Not to worry about, I’ve checked-up people in a much faraway land. I’ll see you next time.”

Everyone in the room nodded their head in unison then Airina turned to her father with a wide grin. “Thankfully you’re good now, Papa. What do you want to eat?”

Kevin chuckled in amusement. “I want to eat abalone now. What do you think?”

“Of course, then I shall call for a takeout. Would that be fine?”

“Of course.”

Airina looked at Evan, “Then, have Evan serve you some fruits first. We purchased them earlier in the grocery store and they have just picked it up in dawn.”

“As you said, the fruits will taste delicious and fresh.”

Airina enthusiastically nodded her head, her smile didn’t vanish the entire time, “Yes, I tasted it earlier and it was savory.”

When she went out of the house, she called for a takeout. It was fortunate that there were still online stores that delivered in this long way. As she was successful, she ended the call and suddenly remembered Jackson. It had been two days since she saw his face.

Previously, he was clingy and acted like he hadn’t done anything wrong. Moreover, he was also full of smiles, as if happy that he was beside the love of his life. Airina glanced at her phone and debated for a while. Up until now, she still recalled his number since when they were married, she was so attached to him that she memorized these trivial things.

She must say it was quite helpful. The only problem now was if he’d picked up and answered his phone since she had changed her phone – it would come off as a stranger in his eyes.

She heavily sighed and pressed his numbers continuously until she called him. Her phone rang for a while and at that moment, her heart was dramatically beating – it was furious. She clutched her grey skirt, pacing back and forth while waiting for his answer.

Upon the call was responded, she gasped and smiled in relief.

[“Hello, who is this?”]

It was his voice that sounded… cold yet gentle. She blinked her eyes in anxiousness and quietly breathed out. Why was she so nervous when she only gave him a call to inform him of her father’s better condition? It doesn’t mean anything than this. Nothing at all.

“… Hi, it’s me.” She nibbled on her lower lip faintly as she heard some of the documents clattered on the floor. “Oh my, are you alright?”

[“I-I am fine… Why did you call, no, how did you get my number?”] Somehow, he was in a frenzy.

Both of them were in the same situation as if what they were doing was worth their panicky reaction.

Airina couldn’t say that she still knew his number, so she told a lie, “I asked Matthew…”

Jackson frowned since he had never given his personal number to Matthew but chose to believe her since she was Airina and not anyone else.

[“I see”], he cleared his throat. He wasn’t prepared for this uninformed call hence he was unusually nervous. [“Why did you call me then? I supposed it must be because of some urgency…  or?”]

Airina smiled, “I just want to inform you that my father is better now. You helped us… the first night so I didn’t want to keep you in the dark.”

Jackson blinked his eyes, recalling what her father had told her. He couldn’t help but ask, [“Did father tell you to do that?”]

“No, why would he?”

[“No, right? He wouldn’t.”] He chuckled, discovering that she called him on her own accord. He was happy about it.

Suddenly, Airina felt giddy, hearing him chuckle. “T-then, that’s all.”

[“Have you eaten?”]

“Pardon?” Airina slightly widened her eyes at his unexpected question.

[“I asked if you have eaten.”]

Airina looked at her right palm, unconsciously focusing her gaze to where her wedding ring had settled before. “I am yet to eat.”

[“…  I see. Do you have time for dinner, then?”]

She frowned, “What do you mean?”

Jackson, whose eyes lingered on his assistant frowned. He motioned him to leave his office and smiled after being left alone. He leisurely leaned his head on his swivel chair, tapping the table with his index finger. He oddly had a soft expression on his face – a stark difference from how he usually was.

[“I.. wanted to celebrate your father’s recovery.”]

She shook her head, “No. That is not needed.”

He suddenly felt awkward, lifting his head, and looking at the ceiling with chandeliers above.

[“… If you have time in the future, may I ask you out for dinner?”]

Airina’s lips unknowingly arched upwards, “I’ll think about it.”

[“Ok, that’s settled then.”]

“I didn’t even agree.”

His smile turned to a grin, [“That would change to a yes.”]

She defended, “That depends on my schedule and if I want to.”

He smoothly nodded his head, swirling using his swivel chair, [“I am very aware.”]

“That’s good, I don’t need an excuse if you asked me out for dinner.”

While staring at his spinning world, he closed his eyes and spoke, [“I’ve been thinking about you ever since I left.”]

“… What?”

[“… No, nothing. I shall resume my work.”]

Airina was shocked, “But I-”

[“Ahem, have a good night.”]

Before she could even stop him, he had already ended the call in a haste and she could only stomp her feet in annoyance.

She mumbled, “How rude!”