If Only He Knew novel Chapter 15

Mia's Pov:

I was devastated. No, that shit was not happening with me. His company was way more precious to me than my own feelings, which he had been crushing since the day I met him.

I quickly told dad I would call him later and cut the line.

Ignoring my own pain, I ran towards Jake, grabbing his hands which were red from the hot coffee which was spilt over them just minutes ago. I blew air on his burning hand, making sure not to touch it when he pushed me not-so-gently.

"Don't touch me! I don't want anyone's help!" he growled at me, prying me off even far away from him. I stared at him, my eyes welling with tears. I quickly wiped them off with the back of my palm.

What did I do to deserve such a life?

"Jake, that's totally ridiculo-" I started, only to be cut off by his sharp intake of breath. He raised his palm at me, his bangs covering his forehead and eyes.

"No, don't say anything. Let me complete my question first! So you're marrying Theo James, the one who stalked and was so infatuated with you that he stole even your shorts?!" he said and shook his head. He walked past me, standing near the railing of the balcony and turned over to me. I could clearly see his eyes which had many emotions present in them, pain, anger and hurt more evident.

Then he spoke again.

"Oh, Mia. I thought so much better of you and your freakish brain!" he said, his anger evident in his eyes. He took one step towards me making me take another of my own.

"No, Jake that's totally wrong! Please, listen-"

"Well, why the hell are you explaining to me? Who am I to ask such questions?! I never was worthy enough for your company Mia, let alone for your answers, " he barked at me.

"Jake, at least let me-"

"Congratulations on getting married, " he said with heavy sarcasm. "I would make sure to drop by your wedding if I had the time off with my work. See you around then, " he said conclusively before he walked out leaving me still in a daze.

That's so not good, I need to talk to Emily soon.

I met Jake in high school when my parents changed the neighbourhood. They were never actually around except for times when I was sick or I had to submit my school report.

My father is the shareholder of the Shipbuilding industry, always busy in his work. I never saw him much, not even for my birthdays. When I had first developed a crush on Jake, I was horrified to death because he was a playboy. It didn't matter that he himself came from a rich family.

His father is the CEO of the Automobiles industry, the reason he changes his vehicle each week. He had got his cocky personality from his father but a kind heart always comes from a mother. His parents used to me well as 'Chipmunk' when I visited them once to correct my innocent name.

They actually know my feelings for Jake as his mom once visited me to offer me gifts on Christmas and when I went to make her some coffee, leaving my unprotected feelings on the table, she made no attempt to leave it unrevealed.

I had thought that all was over, I would have to break my friendship from Jake.

But the reaction I got was opposite one, she was rather happy and collected after reading my feelings saying me to keep it with me for years until he'd propose to me. I laughed and waved at her comment, saying I wasn't that lucky in love knowing very well about the heap of love letters lying on my cupboard.

But I wanted only one person, the one who didn't love me back. I sighed. Our classmates were almost all married; I had attended the wedding of some whom I still have connections left with, the rest I just received information from Rose.

With my heart aching, I decided to sleep to stop my haywire thoughts.

We didn't talk to each other for the next four days, not even glancing at the other. That was the first time in the history of our friendship!

I missed him so much but I controlled my heart for the single drop of dignity that I had left in my veins. I would not even dare to cross his path until I had my thoughts assorted. I had majored in MBA, my father was willing to let me go to States and like a good daughter, I would do that. I made myself coffee when I heard a doorbell rang. It was a courier boy.

I was confused. I didn't order anything!

"Ma'am, Mr James wanted me to deliver this to you. Congratulations and thank you for choosing us for your hospitality, " a man with a burly look said, bowing at me little lower than usual.

I stared at the box which was wrapped in red colour, striped with white ribbons. I pawed at the box, opening it with my hands and my mouth hung open to see a beautiful wedding dress, a white gown embellished with tulle, curling down at the end.

I lifted the dress up to see its floor length and a veil with tiara embedded with pearls! I was mesmerised by its white reflection, my mind already imagining myself in the dress.

How much happy I would be if it weren't sent by some devil!

I packed it back up, sliding it under my bed carelessly. My phone rang and I saw the caller ID. I checked it and saw my dad's face. I knew why he was calling. I put it on vibrate and when my phone buzzed for the 10th time, I picked it up, it was my mom. I was happy to talk to her finally.

We both have been busy lately that we haven't talked to each other for almost a year. I missed her so much. But my expectations were forced into the gutter when she showed enthusiasm in my forced marriage.

I tried to talk to her into it but she waved me off saying how much she waited to see me in a wedding dress and scolding me for hanging on to my feelings for Jake so long, threatening to snap his neck off next time she meets him.

I nodded meekly, my soul flowing out of my body. I went heavy-hearted to bed that day, thinking about what else was left to happen with my crushed life now.