Why don't you book a nail date or something? I mean, go out there," she suggested.
I remained silent.
But I needed to keep busy, even if it meant intentionally avoiding her questions.
"The media?" I ventured.
"What about it?" she asked.
"Oh, you don't want to be on the wrong side of it. I'm still not used to all these flashy things and wouldn't want to mess it up. You understand?"
She nodded. I wasn't sure if she did. But if that's all it took to keep the conversation going, I'd continue.
"So, how did you know Ethan?"
She paused almost immediately. "Enough, I would say," she answered.
"How about him?" I asked curiously.
"Erhmm... Let's say," she continued, "Sir Ethan is a puzzle. You can't solve it if you don't know the words."
"Really?" I said quietly.
"I'm sorry, I know he's your husband," she apologized.
"It's fine. I wouldn't agree more."
Seeing that I supported her, she eased and said more.
"A very hard puzzle. You just don't know him enough, but you just got to go with the flow. He's really kind, though. He paid for my mom's funeral last year."
"Oh no, I shouldn't say that."
"Why?" I asked.
"He said I should keep it between us."
I gestured with a hand slipped over my mouth. "My mouth is sealed."
Then she began again, "How did you guys meet? Doesn't strike as one who would get married soonest."
I needed to divert her from asking more questions.
"I worked at his company, so I guess we fell in love."
She nodded, but I could see through her face she wasn't all in for the 'fell in love' part. I hated to lie to Clara; she had been more genuine with me than anyone else. I hoped one day I could tell her many things she wasn't aware of.
She dismissed herself to attend to her duties.
Just then, Ethan rolled in. I looked at my watch—it was 3 p.m.; he was early.
He approached.
"Good day," I greeted. "You're home early?"
Not expecting any response—who knows the mood he's in.
"Yeah, I had an appointment," he looked at his watch, "4 p.m., so I need to refresh and get ready."
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Nothing in particular," I said.
He nodded.
"You don't have to be all bored; you can have piano lessons, ballet, or any leisure activities. Just let me know if you're interested in any," he said.
He left for his room. His words lingered.
I made my way to the bedroom. Something told me not to open the door immediately, but I ignored it. I flung the door open; before me was Ethan, stark naked, his phone in his hand.
I reflexively covered my eyes. "Sorry," I said.
He didn't care. "Why sorry?"
"I came to tell you what I think about what you said."
"Are you free this evening?" he changed the topic.
"Yeah," I said.
"You'll accompany me for an evening flight," he said. "Have you been on a private plane?"
"No."
"You will be today."
I was anxious and excited at the same time.
"What are you waiting for? Go and prepare. I have to run some errands, and the driver will pick you up at 6."
"Okay."
It seemed like my plan to stay away from him was jeopardized. I didn't care if it meant flying private and cruising at that.
I refreshed, carefully soaked myself in water, did some light makeup, and put on the silk green dress that captured my eyes.
The driver arrived and picked me up. Surprisingly, there were no cameras in sight.
Ethan was there; he gestured to me and led me through.
"Is this a surprise?" I asked.
Ethan read the sign almost immediately and interrupted, "Don't mind these; Vivian had them like this."
Vivian—the red lipstick lady? I thought. What was her purpose? Maybe she read through me and wanted to bring us together? I shook the thought off my head.
The pilot announced the plane's takeoff. I was nervous but didn't want Ethan to notice. Just then, a hand gripped mine tightly as the plane took off. It felt so safe that I gripped tightly onto the hand. It was Ethan's.
"It's your first time; most people get scared," he said.
He wasn't wrong, but his hand felt so safe; I wanted to hold it for a few more minutes.
"It's okay now; let go—we're in the air."
"Yes, yes," I said as I let go.
What is going on? I just hoped my heart wouldn't betray me tonight, I thought.
"Ignore the decorations," he said again.
---
As the plane leveled off, Ethan turned to me, his gaze intense.
"There's something I need to tell you," he began.
Before he could continue, the cabin lights flickered, and the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom.
"Sir, we have an unexpected situation. Please come to the cockpit."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Stay here," he instructed, rising swiftly.
I watched him disappear through the cabin door, my heart pounding—not just from the turbulence, but from the unspoken words hanging in the air.
What was he about to say?
---