Lahat ng Kabanata ng Vows Written In Silence : Kabanata 91 - Kabanata 95

Elena had been right about one thing. He needed to get out of the house. He had been sitting in his study since morning, the surveillance report open on his desk and Liyana's voice from the night before echoing in his head — "Daddy, u always look sad now." He got dressed. He drove. Michael’s report had come through at nine seventeen. She was at a venue on Sunset. He had been planning to go to Harris’s dinner on the west side. He picked up his phone. He changed the reservation. He told himself it was because he needed air. He did not examine the rest of it. The lounge was the kind of place his circle had frequented for years. Familiar. Loud enough to make thinking difficult. Harris was already there when he arrived, along with Daniel, Sam, and Isaac at the corner table. Eliza stood up and hugged him, saying nothing about the trial, which meant everyone had been briefed to remain silent. The booth went quiet for exactly half a second when Raiyan sat down. Not respectful, quiet.

Faiyaz leaned against the bar with effortless ease. "Just Faiyaz is fine. We've shared enough history for first names." The corner of Raiyan's mouth moved. It wasn't a smile. "You came tonight," Faiyaz said. "I'll admit, I didn't expect that." "It's a small city." "It is." Faiyaz nodded. "Funny how often we end up in the same room." Raiyan said nothing. Faiyaz looked toward the ballroom. "She looks well." His voice stayed light. "Considering everything you've put her through since you came back." "I don't remember asking for your opinion." "You didn't." He rolled the empty glass once beneath his fingertips. "It's hers." A faint smile. "I just happen to carry some of it." Raiyan looked at him. "Interesting." He finally picked up the drink without tasting it. "You're remarkably confident for a man who's spent years waiting for another man's wife." Faiyaz smiled. "So you still call her that." "My wife?" "No." His smile widened almost imperceptibly. "Another man's.