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The spark we created comes crashing down, and I don’t know why I got in the limo with him, but I don’t want to stay for the meeting. He could have come up with an excuse that I’m sick or fucking dead, for all I care.
I just don’t want to be anywhere near him. I want to go home. Not New York, but Cobeña. A place where I’m loved and cared for, not treated like some pick-me-up tool whenever he feels the need.
But I’m too late. His business associates are here, and nice Leticia gets her just deserts.
“You’re too nice,” Belén once said. “This is why you’re treated the way you are.”
I’ve tried so many times to prove her wrong, but she’s right. Cold-hearted people like Belén and Diego aren’t spoken to the way he spoke to me. I’m trying to get it out of my mind, but I can’t. As great as the last few days have been, there’s no avoiding the truth that he never meant it. Any of it.
I want to ask him if it’s true, if all the time he has been with me, it was really Belén he wanted. I’m no stranger to heartbreak, and I can take it. I really can. Because I’ve been here before.
I nearly trip as the driver opens the door. Luckily, he manages to stop me from falling on the ground. I take a deep breath as I get to the entrance, which blows me away. It’s so beautiful, with a cascading curtain of cherry blossoms in a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
As soon as I am by his side, I’m so upset that I forget my manners and don’t remember to bow until the men and their wives bow to greet us.
I can feel Diego’s eyes on me. I don’t even remember how to speak Spanish, let alone Japanese. It’s as if there’s a huge lump in my throat.
“My wife can stay with yours. She is so fluent in English and Spanish. She speaks a few languages. She’s much better than me,” one of the associates says as he leads the way.
Diego thanks the man for his kindness, then ignores me and starts speaking in Japanese, leaving me outside. The driver encourages me to go inside. I feel like a prisoner. I have nomoney to get out of this situation, as much as I want to. I suck in a deep breath and then follow them in.
The private dining room welcomes us with warm lighting and minimalist decor. Low, sleek tables and floor cushions create an intimate setting, allowing for both business discussions and a relaxed ambiance. The walls are adorned with delicate calligraphy, showcasing the elegance of Japanese artistry.
The four associates wear finely tailored suits in shades of charcoal and navy, a subtle nod to formal business attire. Their wives complement the atmosphere with grace, dressed in sophisticated kimonos and contemporary evening wear that seamlessly merges cultural reverence with modern fashion.
I want to know where I should sit and hope it’s as far away from Diego as possible. It’s the only thing that I’m thinking about right now. I don’t even remember how long we have to be here. If it’s an hour or two, I can tolerate that. I’ll just smile and nod like the other wives are doing.
“Leticia, you don’t have to be nervous,” the lady next to me says as she takes my hand. “My name is Hana. I’m Aoto’s wife.” She points at the man who keeps talking to Diego.
“Konn …” I stutter, struggling to even say hello.
“No one is expecting you to speak Japanese. That would be cruel.”
I smile at Hana, but then my heart beats out of control. She thinks it’s cruel for me to attempt to speak their language, but my so-called husband expected it of me within two weeks.
“Besides, you two should be on your honeymoon. I hear you’re newlyweds.”
Newly divorced, Hana means.
I smile. “Yes.”
“You poor thing. Don’t worry. The meal won’t take long. Our husbands will drink and compliment each other, and then it will all be over.”
Before I can utter another word, another lady beside her pops her head forward and says, “Then we can go out dancing. You’re Spanish. You love to dance.”
What, they all speak English?
“My name is Yuki.”
Yuki can probably see the confusion on my face. “We’re not lazy like our husbands. We can speak English. Or some words. Anyway, you don’t have to worry about us. You’ll be in good hands, and I take you back to the hotel in good time.”
Yuki winks. “So you can continue your honeymoon.”
“What did you mean about it will all be over soon?”
Hana says, “The contract. They signed it yesterday. This is to just … I can’t remember the word in English. Like celebrate the joining of the companies.”
Yesterday!
