Suffer for One Month

Violet decided to part with Ryan after spending time watching a movie with him. She cooperated with Ryan to make up a story about their first date, knowing that their family was going to ask them about it later.

Then, Ryan dropped off Violet at Sarah's studio before he finally drove away. Ryan headed to the hospital using his work as his excuse to leave their date early.

When Violet walked into the studio, Sarah was seen practicing her dance in front of the large mirror with a few other trainees. 

Her body swayed with the music. The movement was fast and difficult. 

Violet was amazed at Sarah's move. This girl surely could dance.

Seeing her cousin working so hard, Violet decided to sit in the corner and wait for Sarah.

Half an hour later, Sarah walked over with her sweat dripping down her face.

"You're here." Sarah eyed her cousin. "When did you get here?"

"Not long ago."

The corner of Sarah's lips turned to a smile. Before Sarah got to ask the question she wanted to ask, Violet raised her hand, motioning her not to say a word.

"You stink." Violet crinkled her nose. "Why don't you go and change first? Then, we can talk."

Sarah clicked her tongue. She was anxious to know more about Violet's first date with Ryan. However, she had to agree that her sweat was making her uncomfortable.

"Then, you wait for me." Sarah glanced at the clock on the wall. "I will be back as soon as possible."

"Mhmmm..." Violet nodded. "Take your time."

Sarah grabbed her knapsack and ran off to the changing room.

Meanwhile, Violet walked around the area while waiting for her cousin. Noticing the vending machine at the corner, Violet decided to purchase something for her cousin.

Half an hour later, Sarah returned to Violet's side with her chest heaving.

"I'm sorry," Sarah said as she tried to catch her breath. "I met one of the instructors earlier."

"Is everything alright?" Violet asked.

"It's fine." Sarah waved a hand to dismiss the conversation. "Let's talk about something else."

Violet passed Sarah the drink she purchased from the vending machine. "Here you go. You should be thirsty after all that dancing."

Sarah took the can of drink with delight. She emptied half of the contents and heaved a long, satisfied sigh. "That hits the spot." A cold drink after practicing her dance was very satisfying.

The cousins walked out of the studio together. Then, Sarah turned to Violet with a teasing smile on her face. "And? How was your first date with Ryan?"

"Ugh." Violet pulled a face. "That person is too annoying."

Sarah laughed. "Well, tell me about it." She stared at Violet with a look that said that she was ready for the gossip.

"I really cannot understand why my dad liked Ryan so much," Violet said with a sigh. She pointed at her head and continued, "He's a little unwell in the head."

Violet ended up telling her cousin everything about her date with Ryan.

Sarah was speechless when she heard that there was a possibility that their parents might be keeping their eyes on their date.

Hearing what Ryan had said and done made Sarah laugh. "You are right. He's a bit eccentric." 

"A narcissist," Violet pointed out.

"Honey, you are going to suffer during this one month."

Violet heaved a long, heavy sigh. "Fortunately, this dating phase is going to last for a month. Then, we are going to tell our parents that we are not suitable and part ways. I can't imagine having to spend more time with this lunatic. If my father liked him so much, he could marry Ryan himself."

Sarah laughed. She could see how much Violet loath having to spend her time with Ryan.

"Right. Valentine's Day is coming soon," Sarah pointed out. "Maybe your parents are going to make you go on another date with him."

Violet snickered. "Even so, I won't be able to go. I will be busy with my cupcake cafe, remember?"

It was then that Sarah remembered that Violet had advertised some promotion at the cupcake shop for Valentine's Day. Violet will definitely be too busy for a date.

"Besides..." Violet continued. "I've talked to Ryan about this and he too will be busy on that day. I heard that he had a few scheduled surgeries."

Sarah gave Violet two thumbs up. It seemed that Violet was well prepared to decline to go on a date with Ryan.

Both of them will be busy with work. Their parents won't be able to say anything much.

The girls were still chatting about this and that was when the ringtone from Violet's phone was heard.

Violet pulled out her phone and saw her elder brother's name on the caller ID. "It's Jace." She slid her finger on the screen and pressed the phone to her ear.

"Violet?" Jace's voice was heard on the other line. "What are you up to?"

"I'm supposed to be on a date with Ryan," Violet said. "But I'm spending time with Sarah instead."

"Our parents made you go on a date with that brat?" Jace did not sound happy. 

Violet laughed. She liked to hear her elder brother scolding Ryan, especially when she was in a bad mood due to a certain someone.

"Well, that is what I promised. Don't worry about it. It will only be for a month. Besides, I escaped early to hang out with Sarah."

There was a brief silence on Jace's side.

Violet knew that her elder brother was still angry at what their parents had decided.

"Let's not talk about that. Where are you? Are you back in L City?"

Last week, Jace packed his bag for a trip to another country. His job requires him to travel a lot and Violet was jealous that her elder brother had visited a lot of beautiful places.

"My flight just arrived," Jace said. "I called to ask if you can come over and pick me up at the airport."