Rena walked into Flys pushing away every other thought overwhelming her. Tonight she solely wanted to concentrate on Herman and explain things clearly. Any other matters at this moment wasn't important.
She spotted him at a table and went over.
He was dressed formally in a tailored suit and pants. He must have arrived shortly after work, he didn't even change his clothing.
Rena felt tepid at the sight.
It was apparent he had forgiven her but the plain frown on his face still shown his anger.
Seeing her appear before him, he spoke coldly.
"You are here."
"Yes..." Rena replied.
She wanted to say more but a waiter arrived, asking for her order.
Rena watched him quietly.
The deliberate distance in his tone made her feel uncomfortable but she didn't complain cause given their current situation it was expected.
She was supposed to pick him up from the airport yesterday but she had gotten there late just after he left.
Yet he had visited her few hours later only to find her engaging intimately with another man.
Anyone in his position would be angry.
As soon as the food was served and settled on the table, she didn't waste anytime, she voiced immediately.
"Herman, last night wasn't as you saw. It really wasn't..."
She felt a want to clear herself but he cut her off rudely.
"What would you say? Did you kiss him or not?" His voice held a sharp edge, not hiding his displease.
Rena went silent, not knowing what to say.
Yes it was indeed a fact that they kissed but it was not of her will.
Eager to explain, she tried to word again but he didn't give her the chance.
"Rena, you need not forget we are dating. Kissing some random man, how cheap could you be? I expected you to pick me up at the airport yesterday but you didn't come. Did you go find him? Did you bring him in to sleep with you?"
"Herman..."
She was shocked to hear him speak so bluntly.
This was the first time he had spoken so harshly to her.
He had always been nice and kind, a man of sweet words, how could he turn to this?
Her baffled look only fueled his anger.
His frown tightened and his eyes even revealed a tint of red.
An image of the stranger crazily devouring her lips flooded his mind, causing him to grab her arm and pinch into it firmly.
"Do you prefer him to me? Did you feel annoyed when I suddenly interrupted your sweet moment?"
His rage was evident.
Rena was appalled, feeling the pain in her arm spread.
She never thought he would hurt her, she didn't believe it not until the pain came.
"What are you doing?" She struggled to leave his grasp, her voice shaken a bit.
"Do you believe am that kind of person? I kissed him yes but it was all forced. If you had stayed a little longer, you would have seen me struggle. Herman, you have no right to accuse me like this. If you think am that fickle, you can as well call off the relationship."
She couldn't help but feel a pounce of anger.
She loved Herman yes but she had her pride also.
Her name was being continually tainted and she was being hurt physically, how could she brush it off?
Besides he didn't let her explain and believed in his own conclusions, meaning he didn't trust her.
Without trust, how could a relationship have its strong hold? How could it last?
A jot of panic crossed his countenance as he hurriedly released her flesh.
"I'm sorry Rena, I didn't mean to." He apologized, his voice sounding deeply rueful.
But she ignored him and slowly ate her dish.
It smelt and tasted great as usual but she didn't have the appetite to appreciate it.
Herman sensed her fury but since he aimed to make amends, he couldn't give up. He asked cautiously.
"That man... Do you know him? Do you need me to investigate or perhaps have the police involved?"
His concern was obvious.
Rena didn't want to reply but she wasn't one to engage in a cold war.
"He is a former classmate of mine." She spoke.
"A former classmate?" He was puzzled.
Rena didn't desire to hide anything. If their relationship was to last, then it would be best to avoid misunderstandings in the future.
"We dated for a while eight years ago. I was in grade twelve then."
"Eight years ago? How was it possible for him to find you now? Are you sure we shouldn't involve the police?"
She paused slightly.
That was what confused her.
How did he find her? Even knew where she lived and her workplace.
It does seem like he was trailing her every moves.
Rena felt a twinge of uneasiness.
She wasn't sure what kind of man he was now — if he would hurt her but being watched and tracked does feel unpleasant.
"If he shows up again, I would call the police." She was serious.
She had told him to stay away from her. If he does defy that, she would have no choice but to have him arrested.
Perhaps that was the only way to restrict him.
Herman went silent, trying hard not to show his irritation.
He knew Rena a little.
If she encounters a hassle, she would make sure to deal with it right away and not wait another time but now she was acting differently.
Was it because of that man? Did she still have feelings for him?
Herman felt a mix of alarm and infuriation but he concealed it all with a smile.
"That's alright. Eat more." He silently watched her eat, his eyes showing affection but his heart was in a subtle turmoil.
Glancing at his face, Rena could tell he had something in mind to say but given his earlier attitude, she was still displeased and didn't care enough to ask.
After she finished eating, he guessed it was the right moment and so cleared his throat softly.
"Rena, I have something to ask you of." He sounded quite solemn.
She was a little confused, wondering if it was about Lester.
Did he have any questions pertaining to him? Does he perhaps think she was lying and didn't believe her words?
She pursed her lips stiffly as she uttered. "What is it?"
"Last night, I came to you for an important matter, that was why when I found you... that way, I couldn't help but be anxious."
Sighing, he left his seat and immediately crouched to the floor, uncovering a boxed ring he had hidden in his pockets.
He inquired.
"Rena, would you marry me?"