Chapter 10: LOSING HER

Seeing Jewel in the arms of another man made him lose control. The fang of jealousy and his emotions gets the best of him. He uttered hurtful and insulting words to the woman he love. Words that should have never been said. He glared at the arms that supported his woman since the start of their encounter.

He watched carefully as Simon thoughtfuly caressed Jewel's hands for assurance. His eyes were like shooting flames when his sight followed them until they reach the resting lounge.

His reasons returned after mingling with other guests. Larry wanted to talk to Jewel again. This time he needs to stay calm and collected.

He was contemplating to go look for Jewel in the female lounge area since he never saw her again after Simon took her there.

He just set his first footstep towards the lounge when he saw Simon enter the lounge, he waited then he saw Simon leading at the back door exit. He remain calm and decided to just follow the two. He was sure that Simon will take Jewel home. He knows where they live. The investigator he hired provided him accurate details including their address here in Australia.

He took his key from the valet and he hurriedly enter his car, fastened his seat belt and immediately stepped on the gas. He was amazed when he reach his destination at the same time that Simon and Jewel stepped out of their car. 

He noticed Jewel pale face, his having second thought of approaching them. He followed secretly. From the corner he watched the two while having intimate conversations. He saw Jewel embrace Simon and how the latter kissed her forehead. He felt something tick inside him. This time its not the rage of jealousy. He felt uneasiness creep inside his stomach to his chest.

His watching the love of his life gently and lovingly smile for another man. The display of affection was genuine. He can't accept it.. Did the investigator made a mistake. The baby in her belly could it be really his or Simon? He turned around and leave. He needs a clear mind before he approach Jewel again.

The next couple of days Larry has been very busy. He reviewed and revised some important contracts. He attended various meetings with new clients and investors that he met during the Hall Arena' event. No matter how busy he was, Jewel still occupied most of his thoughts. He asked the investigator to further check his information between Jewel and Simon. 

After Larry finished all his work he went back at Jewel's place. Instead of waiting for the investigators report he decided to question Jewel and Simon directly. He wants to take Jewel back for sure,regardless of the consequences. 

Although Simon and Jewel is still not legally married, He knows that they were already living together. He was expecting to see the two of them today, its possible since it's Saturday. Simon's definitely not not working today while Jewel was now spending her maternity leave. The thought of them together left a bittersweet smile on his face. 

Larry just went out from the elevator when he saw Jewel carrying some paper bags infront of her Unit door. It seems she went out without Simon and just returned. He was about to step and walk towards her when the door suddenly open. Simon came out smiling and took the shopping bags from Jewel's hand right away. After a second he leaned his head down towards Jewel's face. From Larry's view they were kissing. He stood there frozen, unable to make another step. He just watched until he heard the door shut. 

He stayed standing still for a couple of minutes. He clenched his teeth and cant believe that he was not able to confront them. Pain and anger started to mix and build up inside him. Its unbearable he wants to shout and fly into rage. Before he can commit any mistakes he chose to turn around and leave once again. He knows that next time he needs a proper meeting to talk to her. He entered the elevator, he noticed there's another man standing in the other hidden corner of the hall way, looking in the same direction as he was a while ago. It was a cold and eerie stare. The man suddenly look at him and he made eye contact until the elevator door closed. 

" Care to tell me whats that all about?" Jewel was curious whats running on Simon heads. Why he suddenly acted earlier as if he was kissing her. 

Today Jewel went out shopping with some friends but parted with them early. She knows that today Simon will stay at home since he was dead drunk last night from the company's celebration party. She also bought some take away food for him. She's too lazy to cook for him today. 

When Jewel arrived before she could even punch the number of the door password it opened. Simon smiled after seeing Jewel startled face. 

He took the shopping bags from her and carry it with one hand, he placed his other hands on her chin and leaned his head down towards her. She didn't try to get away, she's well aware that he won't kiss her on the lips. Simon move his head as if they were kissing. A mischievous smile fastened on his face. Their lips almost touching. They stayed on that position for almost a minute then he straightened up and led her inside.

She was standing in the middle of the living room,  both hands on her waist that emphasize more of her protruding belly. She's still waiting for Simon's explanation.

Simon chuckled. 

"What's so funny?" cant hide her annoyance anymore. 

"Thats nothing, I'm just checking if somehow I have a male effect on you." Simon teased. 

In reality when Simon open the door earlier he get a glimpse of Larry. He wanted to teach him a lesson and stop messing with Jewel. It's also a good thing that Jewel did not notice him and his not planning on telling her. 

Jewel looked deeply at him, lately she noticed Simon is being a teased. She sigh and rolled her eyes at him. 

"I bought you some food, I know you haven't eat anything yet." 

"Wow, you know me so well, thank you."

 Jewel took her shopping bag from Simon and hand over the food bag to him. 

"Go.. Prepare it yourself since you seem energetic after an all night drinking session." 

Simon winked at her and took the bag.

"Did you had fun with your friends today?" he loudly asked from the kitchen. 

"Yeah Lisa and Erika was such a darling." 

Simon noticed her sadden voice. He went back and sat next to her. 

"What's wrong? Did something happened? He asked worriedly. 

" No, it's just that i feel guilty lying to them. " Jewel recalled her conversation with her friends earlier. 

" Your so lucky Jewel, You were able to catch an amazing man and now your going to have his baby." Lisa said dreamily. 

" I agree, you two had a very good relationship in the office so I did expect a little that you two is really an item." Erika added. 

Jewel felt guilty,this two girls has been very kind to her since she arrived and start working with Simon. 

"Lisa and I will definitely miss you when you fly back to West Country." 

"That's true, it will be your due date next month right? Did you schedule your flight already? 

Jewel sip on her juice before answering Lisa's question. As much as possible she dont want to talk about it. She doesn't want to keep repeating the same lie over and over especially with the people closest to her. Simon also paid a great amount of money to get the doctor cooperate with their lies. 

"Well, Simon's mom want me to deliver the baby in West Country, i think Simon booked the tickets but i haven't ask him yet." 

Going back to present she can't help asking Simon.  

"Are you really sure about this? If we get married, you might not be able to find your true self and lost your chance to find the person you might really love."

"Jewel think of it this way, Marrying you would allow me to stop getting confused. I'll just focused on being a father and a husband." Simon learned her head on his shoulder and kissed her forehead. "Don't feel so guilty about it. I'm helping you and your helping me. Besides I do think I'm quite lucky having a beautiful woman next to me." 

She chuckled. 

"You sometimes remind me of my father." Her dad always kissed her forehead and call her beautiful girl as well. 

"What?! You really don't see me as a man do you?" He grimaced. She just continuesly laugh at him. He really knows how to make her feel better. 

"Ding.. Dong.." 

"Who came this early.." 

"Ding.. Dong.." 

She's getting annoyed. She doesn't have a plan for today. As a pregnant woman staying in bed until late afternoon is one of her luxury. She ignore it. She took a pillow and cover her ears. If its something important she will surely receive a call. She was about to close her eyes to go back to sleep when she suddenly remembered. 

" I ordered breakfast for you, it will be delivered soon, you have to get up and eat. The doctor said you have to start walking, its good for easy delivery of the baby " Simon told her before going to work. 

"Why so soon, he just left minutes ago. Never mind I'll just eat and go back to bed." She wore her blazer to cover up her night dress. 

She opened the door and was stunned to see Larry instead of a food delivery man. She wants to shut the door right away but she couldn't. She was frozen still. Deep inside she blamed herself for not checking whose at the door before opening it. Sometimes she tends to forgot about the purpose of the peep hole on the door. She could have pretended no one's at home if she was able to check who's behind the door. Too late for that now. 

" May I come in?" 

Larry break the silence first. Although its very obvious that Jewel was hesitant she still move aside to let him in. After closing the door she gestured him to sit. Without a word Jewel went to the kitchen. When she cameback she's carrying 2 glasses of orange juice. She doesn't need to offer him anything, she just used it as an excuse to gather her thoughts and calm down. She's pregnant has a big belly, he wouldn't do anything to harm her. She convinced herself to that. 

She put the juice in front of him and sat as far away as possible from him and Larry was just watching her the entire time. 

" What.." 

" Look.." They spoke at the same time. 

" Go ahead, you first." Larry suggested. 

" I just want to ask, Why are you here?" She tried to be calm but her voice was cold. 

" I came here to get you." Larry's voice was soft but it's full of confidence. 

Jewel's  eyes widened. He can clearly see the fear in them. She seems to misunderstand his words. 

" If you're still doing this to get back at me, I'm begging you just stop this. I swear to God It was never my intention to fool you."

Jewel start getting emotional. She felt suffocated. She remembered how Larry treated and used her,the last night they were together. The pain he inflicted on her body was long gone but the pain in her heart was just starting to heal and now its open again. 

" What happened on our graduation night, its not something I planned with Cherrie. It just happened... I admit... I let it happen. " Tears started to flow. Her words become sob. She's trembling. 

Larry was speechless, he came not to hurt her. He wants her back. He wants to know if the baby she now carried was his. His gut is telling him otherwise. Her emotional break down, he cant believe how much pain he gave her before he left West Country. He should have look for her right away when he realized the truth. 

He moved to get near her but she stood up trying to get away. Lost for words he also stood up but he stay still so that Jewel won't get scared and move further away from him. He wants to hug her and let her know that everything is okay now, he already know the truth. 

Jewel continued crying. She want to stop but her emotions was out of control. She never cried like this when she left West Country thinking that Larry was done with her. She thought she was able to bury the onesided love for him along time ago. Seeing the father of her unborn baby like this.. Her pain pour all at once. She felt a stab of pain in her lower abdomen. Jewel subconsciously cupped her belly

"Ah.." 

"Jewel, calm down." Finally he was able to talk. His worried eyes look at Jewel. 

"Please Larry just go... I'm trying my best to forget everything that happened between us. You should too, forget Cherrie and just pretend our paths didn't cross." 

Jewel's face turned pale. He had alot to say to her but his afraid to push her to the limit. His gonna back down for now. He also noticed how she cupped her stomach earlier. He was told that stress is not good for a pregnant woman. He needs to be patient. He will know the truth he just need to make sure that she wouldn't marry Simon at all cost. Although he didn't hear her say the baby was his, her reaction today is enough to proved that its impossible for her just to give her heart and body to anyone right after he left. His confident she still love him. He will not lose her. 

When Larry left he called Simon to check on Jewel. He waited there until he saw Simon get on the elevator headed to their unit. He stayed in the premise for another 2 hours and when his sure that nothing else happened he drove home.