CHAPTER 103: PUZZLING EMOTIONS

"You can tell me if there’s a painting that interests you, and I’ll be sure to win it for you," Daniel said before he gave my hand a squeeze.

"You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not looking forward to bidding on anything," I replied as I tried to slip my hand away from Daniel’s arm.

Daniel laid his hand over mine to keep it in place before showing me a warm smile. The way he was treating me was so gentle yet with a subtle hint of persistence.

"The orchestra is about to start performing. Let’s head over to our seats," Rosabella said invitingly as she tugged on Raphael’s arm. I followed after them with Daniel sticking right by my side.

By that time, I had already figured that nothing about our double date catered to my preferences. From the paintings that I knew nothing about and couldn’t afford, to the orchestra that played only classical music, which did not suit my taste, everything only made me feel like I didn’t belong. I had no idea why so many people were there at the event, but the venue was quite packed, and that only added to the suffocating feeling that I felt. It didn’t take long for me to pray for the performance to end so that I could excuse myself to get some fresh air and much-deserved privacy.

"Are you enjoying the performance?" Daniel whispered to me softly.

I only turned to offer him a smile because I didn’t want to lie and say that I was enjoying the performance when I wasn’t. Just like Daniel was trying to strike up a conversation with me in the middle of the performance, Rosabella seemed to be doing the same with Raphael. The only difference was that it seemed like Raphael was enjoying her company. For some strange reason, he was no longer giving her the cold shoulder like before. The two of them seemed to be conversing easily until they were giggling about something that only the two of them knew about. Suddenly, I felt like the beautiful melody flowing through the air simply faded away into silence as I watched the two of them engage in conversation.

"Where are you going?" Daniel asked with a slightly confused look on his face when I suddenly stood up from my seat.

That was when I realized that I had stood up without a destination in mind. It felt like I could no longer maintain my composure and remain in the venue. I needed to get away and as fast as possible. Even though I knew that it wasn’t customary to walk out in the middle of a performance, we couldn’t really control when nature calls.

"I’m just going to head to the toilet real quick," I replied before carefully making my way out.

Thankfully, Daniel had the decency not to follow me to the girls’ bathroom.

Since I figured that the three of them seemed to be enjoying the performance and each other’s company very well, there was no need for me to be there. I should have known that coming on this date was going to be a painful disaster for me, and perhaps that was why I was paying the price very dearly. Instead of making my way to the bathroom, I quietly made my way out of the venue instead. Stepping outside made me feel immediately better because I could get away from the crowd and the pressure and expectations that came along with it.

"Abigail," I heard my name being called, and I recognized the owner of the voice right away. Despite that, I still found myself feeling slightly surprised when I turned around to see Raphael standing very close behind me.

"Why are you out here?" I asked the first question that came to mind.

"I came looking for you, why else?" he replied as if it was supposed to be obvious.

"There’s no need for you to come looking for me. It’s not like I’m lost," I replied, my tone more clipped than I had intended.

"It’s good that you’re not lost, but try to stay where I can see you," Raphael advised very sternly. There was something about his tone that made me believe he was concerned for me, and although he hadn’t done anything wrong, something inside of me kind of just snapped.

"I assure you that there’s nothing for you to worry about," I said as I tried to walk right past him.

"Where are you going?" he asked. Before I could evade his grip, Raphael grabbed me by the elbow to halt my departure.

"Shouldn’t you head back inside? I’m sure you’re missing out on some spectacular auction right now," I said, not hiding my sarcasm. The memories of seeing Raphael and Rosabella enjoying the evening together as they watched the opera brought a tight sensation to my chest that I couldn’t ignore.

"Why do you sound like you’re quite unhappy that I’m having a good time?" Raphael asked as a corner of his lips curled up into a mocking smile.

"Of course, there’s no way that I would think like that. If you’re happy, then I’m happy for you," I retorted as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

I wasn’t sure what we were arguing about, but it sounded like an argument had broken out between us.

"You seem to be having a good time with Daniel as well. Have you started falling for him?" Raphael asked without beating around the bush. Although he was asking me about it, something about the air around him told me that he didn’t really care.

"I like Daniel just as much as you like Rosabella," I replied before glaring at him.

"Well, that’s confusing. Now I don’t know whether you like him a lot or a little, or perhaps not at all," Raphael said with a careless shrug of his shoulders as if my words didn’t bother him at all. I could feel raw anger bubbling up inside of me.

"I guess your feelings for Rosabella change or switch on and off all the time," I muttered darkly.

–To be continued...