Chapter 31 - Shopping Time (1/2)

Life seems like a ocean waves— sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small. But it is hard to find out which one is going to be big and which one small.

Here I am sitting alone all by myself drinking and talking to this random guy whom I know for one day. At this moment I need someone to express my emotions but sadly I got none. I'm sure that I have the biggest waves coming at me.

I pulled out my phone from my pocket to check on the time. It had twenty four missed calls and a text message. They were all from Stella. 'Fuck' I was grinding my teeth in frustration.

Without any delay I opened the text and read it.

*Where are you? Are you okay? Call me when you get this text.*

It was sent ten minutes ago still not too late. I really wanted to call her and tell her that I'm fine but if she hears my voice she will know that I am drunk.

I don't want her to be worried so, I texted her back instead

*sorry I'm stuck with some work I'm at office I'll come home late so don't wait for me.*

I hope that it won't sound rude to her. I instantly got her reply

*okay take care*

After reading that text I felt relieved. I want to go home but at the same time I don't want her to see me like this— the wreck version of me. My pride and ego was creating a wall which I can feel clearly. A wall that is trying to separate me from getting close to her. Maybe I just want to maintain my alpha male image and want her to rely on me. She has always been a great mentor to encourage me and fill me up with positive vibes. I want to be her mental support also.

My mood was off. There's no need for me to drink any longer. The alcohol in my system still hasn't processed to work. I was sober enough to drive back home. After parking my car I went to the door. I had a spare key for my self. I used it and tried to go back to my room without making a single sound. As I locked my door I let out a deep sigh.

This whole thing made me feel like I was a thief— breaking into someone's house. Stella didn't came to my room so, I guess she's sleeping.

Next morning I got up and my head was aching. Looks like the alcohol had done his job after all. I went to the bathroom and took a cold shower. My body was calmed down by the chilling water. After getting ready I went downstairs and sat on the table.

Stella came to the dining table holding a plate ” Good morning.” She put the plate down in front of me ” When did you came back?”

I lifted my head to answer her ” Around 11.30 or something.”

” I got worried when you didn't picked up the phone.”

” It was in silent mode and I was busy checking out the files. Sorry for worrying you.” I apologised to her and hope that she will except it.

” It's fine. Anyway my parents are having a party for their anniversary. Dad called me and asked us to be there tomorrow evening.”

” Sure no problem. I'll be here in time.” Stella looked excited for this. She sat down on her chair and began to eat.

” Oh, and dad might call you also to invite you personally.”

” That's wasn't needed.” There was no need for them to be this formal. Since it's their anniversary I should gift them both. Perhaps a watch for Mr. Carlton and a diamond necklace for Mrs. Carlton. But it would be better if I ask for suggestions from Stella. After all they are her parents. She will know better.

” What should we get for them?”

” Any thing is fine. You don't have to overthink about it.” I noticed that Stella was being quite. She would be chatty most of the time but today she seems a little down.

Is it because of me?

I wonder to myself. What if she's sad that I didn't come home for dinner? No that can't be. I mean I can have extra work sometimes since I'm responsible for looking after the company. Should I ask her? No, that will look awkward.