Page 90 of From Rivals to I Do

Even after they’ve finished eating, they remain silent, as though I’m invisible. This silence, born out of my refusal to grant a simple request, gnaws at my conscience like a persistent itch I can’t ignore. I can’t focus on my work with this guilt hanging over me, and a sense of discomfort settles in the pit of my stomach.

So, I clear my throat, the sound echoing loudly in the confined space of the plane, and call out to the woman. She turns toward me, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. Her tanned skin glows subtly under the soft cabin lights, and her brown hair frames her face in loose waves.

I gather my thoughts and offer a sincere apology. “I’m sorry for earlier. I sincerely apologize.”

Her response is a nod, and I can sense her apprehension, like a delicate fragrance in the air, lingering but not overpowering. I lean into my seat and take up my tablet to continue what I was doing. I immediately turn the tablet off, as I feel compelled to apologize again, not wanting any tension to linger between us.

As our eyes meet, I notice the subtle flecks of amber in her hazel eyes. She’s a striking woman, I realize, with an artsy look about her that’s both intriguing and inviting. Her lips curve into a hesitant smile, and I find myself drawn to her kindness, like a moth to a gentle flame.

“I mean it,” I continue, my tone earnest. “I shouldn’t have reacted like that. I was being insensitive.”

She hesitates, her eyes searching mine for sincerity. I can see that she’s considering whether to accept my apology or dismiss it. After a few moments, she finally concedes with a subtle nod.

I relax a bit, relieved that she’s not holding it against me. I return to my tablet briefly but soon put it aside again. Something inside me urges me to reach out, to try to bridge the gap. I call out to her once more, my voice soft but determined. “Would you mind if we start over? I feel like we got off on the wrong foot.”

Amber turns to me again, her eyebrows slightly raised, waiting. I muster up the courage to continue. Her hesitation lingers, but I can see she’s open to the idea. She replies with a hint of a smile. “Sure, I’d appreciate that.”

I extend my hand toward her, a gesture of goodwill. “I’m Derrick,” I introduce myself, hoping this will be a fresh beginning.

She takes my hand, and a hint of relief washes over her face as she tells me her name. “I’m Amber.”

As we continue chatting, I can’t help but admire her even more. She’s a kind-hearted person, and I can see the love she has for Alex in her eyes. The little boy, who had retreated into his own world, occasionally glances in our direction, curious about our conversation.

I seize this opportunity and decide to keep the conversation flowing. “Nice to meet you, Amber,” I reply, genuinely pleased that she’s willing to engage. “And your son is wonderful. I hope I can make it up to him.”

Amber shakes her head gently. “No, he’s my nephew. I’m his guardian now.”

I nod, sensing there’s more to the story, but I don’t want to pry. “You’re doing a great job with him,” I comment sincerely, gesturing toward Alex.

A faint smile tugs at the corners of Amber’s lips. “Thank you, Derrick. It hasn’t been easy, but we manage.”

Chapter nine

Chapter Nine

As we cruise through the clouds, a feeling of warmth slowly replaces the initial chill between Derrick and me. I can’t help but let go of my guard. Alex is sound asleep, cocooned in his dreams, and the cabin is now quieter, allowing us to converse without waking him.

Derrick’s apology still lingers in the air, and I decide to accept it. I mean, what harm could it do? He mustered the courage to say sorry, and I’ve always believed in giving people a second chance. “It’s okay,” I say softly, offering a small, forgiving smile.

Derrick seems relieved by my response, and he genuinely smiles back. It’s amazing how a simple apology can transform an atmosphere from icy to friendly.

“So,” he begins, his voice tentative but warm, “is this your first time visiting Japan?”

I nod, feeling a spark of excitement. “Yes, it is. I’ve heard so much about it, and I’ve always wanted to come. Now, I’m finally getting the chance.”

Derrick listens attentively, and I can sense his genuine interest in our conversation. “That’s wonderful. What brings you to Japan?”

I lean back in my seat, resting my head against the cushioned headrest. “Work, mainly. I’m a freelance artist and photographer, and there’s a project in Kyoto I’ve been commissioned for. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I couldn’t say no. But besides that, it’s a permanent move. At least, till whenever.”

Derrick raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “An artist? Wow. That’s impressive. Tell me more about your art. What exactly do you specialize in?”

We continue to chat about my art and photography, his work in marketing, and other casual topics. It’s easy and comfortable, like reconnecting with an old friend.

“How about you?” I ask. “What’s Japan have in store for you?”

“I live there,” Derrick answers and smiles. “I have for a while now.”

As we converse, I can’t help but appreciate the kindness in Derrick’s eyes and the warmth in his smile. He seems like a genuinely good person. And I notice he’s quite handsome, too, though I don’t let my thoughts linger on that too long.

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