Secret Designs(48)

Apprehension rained on him. Was he that unimportant to Ari? Was that why she could handle not seeing or talking to him, while he was going out of his mind from not being with her? Perhaps he had exaggerated Ari's feelings for him from wishful thinking?

His heart grew heavy as sadness saddled it.

"I'm really curious about this surprise to Ari you mentioned over the phone, Jasmine," Sylvie said as she motioned for them to take a seat. "Well, curious is probably too tame a word. I'm actually dying to know."

"I think I'll let Dylan talk about it," Jasmine said with a glance at him.

He nodded and forced a smile to his lips.

"Okay, I can't wait," Sylvie replied, looking intrigued. "But first, can I offer you tea or coffee?"





*******



"We were wondering, would you and Kenny like to take a trip to Sydney as a surprise to Ari for her birthday next week?" Dylan asked Sylvie.

Sylvie gave him an indulgent smile. "That's a nice thought, Dylan. But I'm afraid it's not something I can afford. Things are pretty tough for us at the moment."

"Oh, you don't need to worry about the expenses. I'll take care of them for you. Where is Kenny, by the way?"

"He's at little athletics. I'm picking him up in an hour," Sylvie replied, disbelief frozen in her face. "Did you say you'll take care of our expenses if we travel to Sydney next week for Ari's birthday?"

"Yes."

"Oh...why, may I ask?"

Dylan pressed his lips together as he considered his answer. His mind was whirling and his heart was aching. He had assumed that Sylvie knew that he was Ari's ex-boyfriend. He had intended to divulge to Sylvie that he was planning to get her sister back, and that the Sydney trip and the other offer he hasn't mentioned yet was part of his plan to show Ari how much she meant to him.

But doubts assailed him when he realised Ari had not breathed a word about him to his sister. What if Ari didn't care anymore? Was it fair to drag Sylvie and Kenny to his whole drama if Ari was only going to reject him again? It would merely serve to make Sylvie and Kenny feel bad, to say the least.

He nodded to himself, reaching a decision.

"A friend of mine, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to give away part of his Lotto winnings to some deserving person," he said, glancing at a startled Jasmine. He gave her a look that conveyed 'follow my lead'.

"He asked me for suggestions on whom he could donate the money to," he continued. "I remembered Jasmine mentioning Kenny and his dream of becoming a Paralympic athlete. I thought Kenny would be a deserving recipient of my friend's generosity. Fortunately, my friend thought so, too. He also agreed that you and Ari deserve some of that gift, for your love and dedication to Kenny's future.

Sylvie gaped at him, her mouth forming a perfect O.

He took a deep breath, saying a little prayer that this last-minute fabrication sounded believable enough.

"The main intention is for you to get Kenny the best prosthesis you can get him," he continued. "The trip to Sydney, plus some left-over cash for whatever else you and Ari may need right now, are just little add-ons."

Sylvie remained motionless for long seconds before tears flowed down her face. "I don't think I heard you right."

"I think you did," he chuckled.

"But why? It's so generous," Sylvie whispered, shock etched on her face.

"Hey, why do some people win Lotto?" he replied lightly.

"Are you sure about this, Dylan?"

"One hundred percent."

"What if your friend changes his mind? He doesn't even know us," Sylvie worried.

"He won't. He already gave me the money for safekeeping. It's all yours, Ari's, and Kenny's now."

"Oh my God," Sylvie cried, her shock transforming to excitement. "Does Ari know? She would be so excited."

"She doesn't know yet. You're going to Sydney as a surprise, remember? You can tell her all about it when you're there. But my friend has one stipulation, Sylvie."

"What's that?"

"He is strongly against anyone knowing about his charitable act. It might create jealousy and envy among his circle, you see. Some would question why he chose you, and not others. Since Ari knows me, and she knows that friend, it's best that you don't mention to Ari that I'm involved with this—just so you can protect the identity of my friend."

Sylvie frowned. "Okay, I get that. But Ari is discreet. She won't tell anyone. And I'm sure she would love to thank you and your friend for this."

"I'm sure Ari could be trusted not to tell anyone. But this is what my friend wants. That is his stipulation. In gratitude to him, that's all he asks of you. Keep this to yourself."