Novel Square
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 40
Chapter 40 Chapter 40 “What happened to you, Xander? Getting drunk is never unlike you. Are you ok? Lisa asked for the umpteenth time as she sat beside him on the bed. Xander had just returned from the hospital a few minutes ago. “I’m fine, Lisa, It’s just stress from work,” He groaned tiredly, sitting up on the bed. “We both know that you are lying to me right now, Xander, I mean, what kind of stress would make a grown man get so drunk to the point of being unconscious?” She paused and stood up. “I went through so much stress taking you from that bar last night, so can you please because of that tell me the truth?” Xander was hoping she’d let him off the h o even if it was just for the day as he wasn’t in the mood to talk about what happened, but he knew best that his sister was not the type to give up that easily. Not when she’s determined about something. “I’m telling you the truth, Lisa…” He paused then stood up and rubbed his fingers on his forehead. “Can you make me something for breakfast? I’ll join you in the dining room soon,” He patted her shoulder before leaving for the bathroom. “What is wrong with him?” She mumbled and blinked her eyes confusingly. “Maybe he was really stressed at work, who knows?” Though Lisa knew that was a lie, but decided to hold on to that as she walked out of the room and closed the door gently behind her. “Ugh!” Xander groaned frustratingly as he slammed his hand of the wall for the second time while staring at his reflection in the mirror. He tried to hold back his tears, but he was just too broken to do that, it’s sad that he couldn’t even confront his Mom about this whole da n thing, and that was killing him even more. Just get this off your head for now, Xander. This is not the right thing to do. You need to stay focused’ The aroma coming from the kitchen welcomed him as he descended the staircase minutes later, fully dressed. He found Lisa setting the table when he arrived at the dining room. Arew
“It’s Sunday today. Are you going out?” Lisa raised her eyebrows surprisingly, and he nodded as he pulled out a chair and sat down. “You are still having hangover after drinking your a s s off yesterday. I think you should get some rest at home today. Don’t you think so?” She suggested as she served his food. “I’m fine. I just have to take care of something, Where is Nick?” He looked around before taking his attention back to her. “Nick? Who is that?” Confusion was written all over her face as she looked at him, and he scoffed. “I forgot you haven’t met him yet. I’m referring to my assistant,” She mouthed an ‘oh’ while slowly nodding her head. Although she had been back for a couple of weeks now, but haven’t met this Nick guy all this while since she was always busy and he was barely with Xander. “I haven’t seen him around,” “Hmm… Where is Ella? Is she still sleeping?” He picked up the spoon and dug into the food. “I will go get her,” She got rid of the apron she had been wearing. 11:18 Wed, 12 Jun Chapter 40 *Please get my phone from my room on your way back,” “Alright,” She finally left the dining room. “Daddy!”Ella’s voice disrupted him minutes later, and he looked back to t kto see the little girl running towards him, “I missed you so much,” the little gil whined after she threw herself in his arms, and he smiled, “Where did you go yesterday? I waited for you to come home, but you didn’t. I was so worried about you,” She looked up at him after she pulled away, pouting her lips. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. Daddy had something to take care of yesterday, that’s why. You should stop waiting up for me henceforth, ok?” He stroked her hair gently, and she slowly nodded. “You should always call to let me know whenever you want to sleep out. I would be worried if you leave just like that,” “Alright, sweetie. I will do that henceforth,” He forced a smile.
“Come here,” He picked her up and sat her on his thigh “Do you want Daddy to feed you?” “Daddy, are you ok? Why are your eyes swollen? Did you cry?” She cupped his cheeks in her little palms while looking closely at his face, and he breathed “Now that I think of it, I think Ella is right. Did you cry or something? Your eyes are a bit puffy, Lisa, who had been quiet since she got back, added. “Not really. I’m fine. Why would I cry?” He tickled Ella briefly and she chuckled. “Come on, let’s eat,” He started feeding her “Where’s my phone, Lisa?” He looked at Lisa and demanded. “Over there,” Lisa pointed to the phone which was in front of him on the table. “Hmm,” He dropped the spoon he was using to eat, and reached for the phone. “Daddy, you should eat first before giving your phone attention,” Ella gently took the phone from him and dropped it on the table. bat He “oh Right. I should do that,” nodded briefly and resumed eating with Ella. After they were done eating, Lisa went ahead to clear the table. “You should head back to your room, sweetie. Daddy has to step outside for a moment. I’ll be back shortly,” He squatted in front of Ella and stroked her hair gently, but she frowned and pouted her lips. “I don’t want you to go out, Daddy. Let’s watch movie together today. It’s been a while…” “We can do that later when I get back, ok? I will be home early today, I promise,” He kissed her hair and hugged her briefly. “You promise, right?” “Yes, I promise,” He assured her, but little Ella didn’t seem to believe in his words, “Pinky promise,” She stretched her hand, and he didn’t hesitate to make a pinky promise to her. 2/3 XE
11:18 Wed, 12 Jun r Chapter 40 “I’ll be waiting for you later then. Bye, and take care,” She waved at him before she finally left for upstairs, and he breathed out. “You know anyone would really think that you are her Dad, right?” He stood up and turned to Lisa who had just stepped out of the kitchen. “Why did you invite Summer over to the hotel knowing that I was wasted last night?” He tucked his hands inside his pockets, looking straight at her. “You should be grateful for the opportunity. We both know that you wanted that so badly more than anything else, so quit the pretense and just thank me.” She rolled her eyes. “I found out she didn’t cheat, Lisa. Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?’ He desperately wanted to ask Lisa that question, but he knew better not to try it. She was already mad at him for treating Sumner that way in the past, and getting to know now that it was mere accusation although she trusted Summer before, it’ll really make her lose it. “You are unbelievable,” He shook his head and turned to leave when she spoke up. “You still love Summer, don’t you?” He stopped on his track and slowly clenched his fingers into a tight fist, gazing into space. “That’s not even a question. I know you still do…” She paused then walked over to stand in front of him and continued. “Why don’t you act like a matured man and take responsibility for the mistake you made? You shouldn’t just sit back admiring her from afar. Why don’t you make a move? At least to let her see your sincerity. You can apologize to her although it doesn’t change anything, but who knows,” She shrugged then held his hands and sighed. “Even though you were a jerk, you are still my brother, and I want the best for you. You should own up to your responsibility and do something.” He stared at her wordlessly as memories of last night played in his head. Even though he had been doubting it, after what happened last night, a part of him told him that she still has feelings for him. To him, she wouldn’t have done all that if she still resented him, right? 11:18 Wed, 12 Jun FMaterial © NôvelDrama.Org.