60: Chapter 60 – Devin’s discomfort

Chapter 60 – Devin’s discomfort

At the sound of the familiar voice, Matilda turned around to face Sabrina. Tears were flooding down her face, as she run towards her best friend with a spatula in her hand which she had forgotten to put down. The excitement of seeing Sabrina again was just exhilarating. Even when she was not in captivity, she could not see Sabrina because of Robin. Sabrina was so obsessed with being a good wife, she cut everyone off.1

"Thank you, Brina, thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me," Matilda cried. Sabrina's work clothes were already wet from Matilda's tears but Matilda's casual dress was equally wet from Sabrina's tears in the emotional exchange whiles Devin looked on like an outsider. Maybe that was his reason for driving so slowly.

"Shoooo, I wasn't a good friend in the beginning and I want to make things right but this would not have been possible without my brother and his best friend."

"Martin?" Matilda pulled away and asked, looking surprised. Devin frowned a little and walked towards the oven where the chicken was being grilled.

"Yes. How did you know him?" Sabrina asked, surprised that Matilda knew Martin from before when she didn't. Matilda was also surprised that Sabrina never noticed that guy who was always with Devin, yet was always watching Sabrina from a distance. Maybe it was because Robin had filled Sabrina's mind so much.

"You don't know Martin? We…"

"Is the food ready yet? I'm hungry," Devin interrupted their conversation. He did not want Sabrina to know about how obsessed Martin has been with her from time past. Things were slowly picking up between the pair and he wanted it to remain that way. Matilda's attention was taken by the sound of Devin's voice and gratitude welled up in her heart.

"Devin, nice to meet you again. Thank you very much."

"I'm glad to see you in one piece. No bruises at least," Devin observed and smiled. It was quite a relief that Sabrina would not be worked up on the fact that her best friend had been abused so much. Maybe her father was not the monster they thought him to be.

"No, I wasn't abused. Only my freedom was taken away," Matilda explained with gratitude. Devin wore an oven glove and brought out the grilled chicken from the oven. Slicing through and tasting a bite size, he nodded his head and said,

"You cook well."

Matilda's cheeks reddened at the compliment since she had not cooked for years and never had anyone compliment her cooking before, except Sabrina. "Sabrina and I used to cook together in school. I miss those days."

"So, did you finish eating all the food I sent?" Devin asked, as he wondered her reason for cooking again after sending over so much food enough for five people.

"No. It's in the refrigerator. When I saw all the ingredients lying there untouched, I could not resist. I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries. You can give me your rules," Matilda lowered her head and spoke. 

She did not know why she felt so comfortable in Devin's house and invaded his kitchen without his permission. It was boredom but she did not want to say it, after experiencing it for years.

Devin stared at her and shook his head. He thought she looked attractive when her cheek reddened previously. In times past, he never gave Matilda any form of attention but always knew that she was a good girl. 

"Of course, you have to follow some rules and that is the same one I give my sisters. Treat this house as if it was yours and we are good," Devin patted her on the shoulder. Matilda smiled and sighed, as relief washed her. For a moment, she thought she was going to be bombarded with so many rules as her father gave her in the mansion where she was confined to her room at most times.

"Thank you. You two must be tired. Please sit. I will bring the food over."

"I'm here now so I'll help," Devin began to pick the plates and cutleries whiles he spoke.

"Me too," Sabrina agreed and went to check on the steamed rice before seeing the already prepared salad in the fridge. She was dying to have a taste of everything Matilda had made. 

She also wondered if Matilda still had her dream of owning a restaurant one day in mind. But that would mean she would have to take advance culinary classes. Well, that subject would have to be left for later.

Whiles eating, Devin revealed, "So Matilda, the thing is, you are not a prisoner here but right now, your father is still searching for you so it won't be wise for you to move out freely."

"I understand but over here, I know that it would be for just a short time," Matilda responded with a bitter smile, wondering how her father would feel when he realizes that everything, they said about her was false.

"Yeah, just for us to get the necessary proof. It's been quite a long time so it's difficult getting the evidence to prove you innocent," Devin hinted, not wanting to raise her hopes and crash it later.

"I get it," Matilda nodded her head and ate slowly. 

"When you are ready, I will show you to your room," Devin said when everyone was engrossed in their food and only the sound of cutleries was heard but Sabrina refused this time,

"No, she would share my room. We have a lot to catch up on."

Devin was slightly dismayed because he had wanted to use the opportunity to have a little chat with Matilda. The rule he gave her before, was not it. "So, you are neglecting me because she's here," Devin stated with slight envy. Sabrina chuckled at his sorry face and teased him,

"Don't be a big baby. Have a good rest since you have work tomorrow."

"So do you, and in your condition, you should be the one resting," Devin pointed out but was finding it hard to leave them alone since he wanted to prevent Tilda from spewing nonsense about Martin. The guy has come too far for doubts to be created on Sabrina's mind. Gathering his courage, he asked,

"Tilda, can I have a word with you?"

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