Heartache

TNM by AnimeSmile

Read at Webnovel.com

I sighed. I need to step back or else my argument won't go anywhere.

"Have I sounded petty? Sorry. I only wanted to vent a little. If you may have been in touch with the news the past days, you'll understand." I told them as I tried keeping our chat alive. I mean, it's fine, right? There are already a lot of stressful things around me so I'd rather keep my cool.

"No, no. I'm sorry. I mean, we're both sorry." Liam looked at Gerbera then continued, "I've been rash and foolish. You're right. We are not the only person who suffered." He then said as he furrowed his brows in deep contemplation.

"..."

Another round of silence followed.

Sitting still and waiting for an honest reflection of the past incident, I may only get to freeze to death here or catch flu than hear the sincerest form of apology. I observed Gerbera from the corner of my eyes. Her eyes were staring over the fire with one hand Liam held and the other on her lap.

'Yes, tonight it may seem that I'm destined to freeze. Sigh. Am I too passive? Is that why they're taking me lightly?'

I turned my head up and looked at the dark sky. 'But... the Iris here is honestly kind. Bearing the same name doesn't mean having the same personality... I am me. Just one more...'

Achoo!! A-chooo!!

A maid's sneezing broke my sentiments. The same maid who handed us blankets. She was now bowing her head over to Gerbera while Gerbera's lightly shaking off imaginary dirt on her dress. I did not see it but since the maid was by Gerbera's side, maybe some form of liquid flew on her after the maid sneezed.

This scene lifted my mood.

"My apologies, miss." The maid said again and again. Reaching out her hand to help Gerbera dust off the 'dirt'.

"It's okay." "No, it's fine." The lovers said simultaneously as Gerbera sidestepped to avoid the maid's hand.

The girl retracted her hand that stopped midair and bowed her head in shame after noticing Gerbera's move. "This... I'm sorry..." She repeated as she carefully dusted her palm to her sides.

The corner of my mouth lifted upwards but only for a second. This lady is interesting.

Lifting my upper body straight, "I'm sorry? What happened?" I asked.

"It's nothing," Liam said as he sighed after looking at his girlfriend. His sigh was deep and caught Gerbera's attention. The latter then adjusted her mood and smiled, "Yeah, it's nothing." She said turning her head and bobbed to the maid.

It startled the maid as she stiffly bobbed after Gerbera. It was understandable. Just before, Gerbera was acting like a wealthy, pampered lady in dramas. Those who can't stand dirt and microbes. And now, here she was, looking docile and magnanimous.

"Oh," I said while rubbing lightly my arms.

Thankfully Liam did not disappoint as he suggested, "It's... getting cold. Why don't we head back inside and continue our chat?"

'Dead chat, you mean.' I wanted to say. "Sure." I stand up and about to take my first step.

"Ah, can I stay outside a little more?" Gerbera suddenly asked. Seeing as we stopped "That, I want to practice staying in the cold to prepare for the next shoot. I heard Red Belle will shoot in Russia this winter..." Her voice was getting smaller and smaller.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Liam said as he fixed his loving gaze on her.

Gerbera flushed and smiled "This... I haven't told you yet as we still need to prepare. The company just wanted me to practice for it."

Red Belle, a local magazine that had been gaining attention over the Asian countries. It started small but gained recognition after an actress appeared on the front cover.

At first, the said actress wasn't popular. She was at most an extra, then got a chance of a lifetime after a senior actress had an accident and the role fell on her. No, it wasn't as a female lead but the villainess. The Film gained success and acknowledgement in the industry. It was still one of the top ten classic action movies up to date. And after her three other more actors who wanted to break into the movie industry became a household name. Rumors spread that Red Belle gives luck to whoever graces their cover. "That sounds wonderful," I spoke. It's no wonder she's looking smug. If she played her cards right, she'll be a top model soon.

"Yes, but as I've said... we're still in the middle of discussions." Gerbera answered. Her mouth speaks sweet and shy words but her eyes glimmer.

"I'll head back first", I told them and left. Liam proposed that the maid guide me but I turned it down adding I know my course. He laughed stating, "Yeah, You recognize."

I smiled. He implied that I've been here, so it was natural I am familiar on the path. But, no.

The heck I'm aware with the directions. I don't even have memories of being here and as if, Iris kept a map of the Wang's household in her diary. She wasn't a thief!

... I don't remember the path. But it was too late to go back and have the maid guide me. I picked up a stick and threw it. It landed on the left, so I turned the same way. I arrived near a detached garden room. There was a small pond at the other end with plum trees in bloom and rows of Chinese roses grow. It looked beautiful.

I must have stumbled over their back garden. If I find the path connecting this place and their mansion, I'm saved. I thought and walked closer.

Who knew I'd hear Mike and Luke arguing.

"No! Dad, I won't!" came Lukes growl.

"You! You and your morals! Listen, this was your chance! Our chance!" Mike bellowed.

"No! I'm not doing it, dad."

"Luke! We're at this point already! Just one more push and we'll get it!"

"Stop it, dad! We're not poor for us to climb over and attach ourselves to the Lin's!"