Her Simple Yet Endearing Dream

||Liliana||

It was the last day of Liliana and Nadia's trip to Seoul. The week they spent there was really fulfilling.

Not only they explored the nearby areas, but they also ventured to other places. They didn't forget to get Nancy some souvenirs from the places they visited.

Liliana enjoyed the Christmas party held by the webtoon company. The event was held at the hotel where Liliana and Nadia stayed.

Most of the attendants were the artists and staff of the publishing house. Their free and likable demeanors allowed Liliana to drop the pretense she often had to put on during gatherings in high society.

That night, Nadia brought Liliana to a rooftop restaurant a few kilometers away from the hotel. The panoramic view of the city being illuminated by neon lights was a feast for the eyes.

Both of them chose to sit inside the glass restaurant instead of the open-air area. The temperature was too freezing for the latter.

"Ah~ I can't believe another year is coming," exclaimed Nadia. She propped her chin over the back of her right hand, her eyes looking at Liliana, "And... you'd start a new life too."

Liliana took a sip of her hot lychee-infused black tea before answering Nadia. A small smile graced her lips, "Yes. A new life for me."

Thinking back, Liliana never expected to divorce the man who occupied the apex of her heart for a decade. Her youthful but naive dream was to stay in the marriage even though Asher didn't treat her like a wife should.

But, the dream was shattered into irreparable pieces.

Liliana unconsciously touched her lower abdomen. It had stopped hurting physically but, sometimes phantom pain crept up from there, reminding Liliana of her losses.

"What do you plan to do, Lili?" Nadia picked up the teapot and poured more tea into her empty cup, "I know that you'd inherit tons of money from the divorce but, is there anything specific that you wanna do?"

Liliana lowered her head. What Nadia had just mentioned reminded her of what would be bestowed to her following the divorce.

Aside from the monthly alimony, the three high-end properties that Liliana got were one penthouse and two buildings. All three of them were in the rich neighborhoods of the capital.

Just collecting rental payments were enough to ensure Liliana continued living without any financial worries. She also would be able to pay for Cassia's treatment if Thomas ever terminated his support.

This divorce brought the best to Liliana, unlike in most cases in high society where the ex-spouses fought over property division. She was so appreciative of Old Madam Shen's thoughtfulness.

"I'm not sure yet," admitted Liliana followed by a faint laugh, "This is too sudden. For sure, I won't go back to the Xin house. I'm still thinking of either living in the penthouse or finding another place."

The penthouse was located at Ventura Suites in the north part of the city. The entire luxurious complex was owned by Shen Corporation. It was nearing the harbor thus, the price of the estates kept on skyrocketing.

Liliana knew a few figures who owned properties in Ventura Suites and nearby places. Most of them were prominent names in high society.

Last two days, Liliana contacted the head housekeeper at her and Asher's matrimonial home. She canceled her plan of visiting the mansion to check on her belongings. The housekeeper was told to just ship everything to the penthouse.

For some reason, Liliana didn't want to step foot in the mansion again.

"Why are you still thinking about it? The maintenance fees?" asked Nadia. She cut through the slice of chocolate cake with a fork, "I think you don't have to worry about it."

Shaking her head, Liliana answered, "The place is too big for me. I'd rather find a small place in a decent neighborhood. And... the complex is under the Shen company."

Before Liliana got married to Asher, she wished to move out of the Xin family home once she reached adulthood. She had some savings that she accumulated from the pocket money she received.

Even though the Xin family was cold to her, they never lack in giving her education and allowance. Of course, the amount was nothing compared to what her half-siblings got.

Liliana's dream was to live in a small apartment.

Somewhere she could hear children's laughter and people's chattering from the streets downstairs. She also planned to have small potted plants by the windows where she could spend her time reading books there.

A life away from the people who looked down on her.

"Then, do that. You're not forced to live in that place, right? Find a good gated community but, with a friendly vibe. I know that's your style."

As Liliana's long-time friend, Nadia understood her well. Despite living in the comfort and luxury of high society for years, Liliana was still not accustomed to such a life.

"I wonder... if my and my mom's old place is still available," murmured Liliana.

The thought had crossed her mind several times but, she only kept it quiet.

"Ah! That's a good idea! Why don't we check it out first?" Nadia was fully on-board with the idea.

Liliana's smile brightened up. She really loved the idea.

Cassia rented a small two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood. Liliana remembered going to the elementary school on foot because it was nearby and safe.

The apartment was just five-story. It was particularly smaller than the rest in the same neighborhood but, Liliana loved its simplicity. In summer, colorful begonia flowers danced along with the wind.

"Yes, I should look into it," Liliana was more adamant about realizing her dream, "I still remember the place. Hopefully, the apartment is still there."

"Call me if you need someone to accompany you. I'm on rest until mid-January."

"Alright."

When the time approached ten, Nadia booked a cab through the e-hailing app. Their flight was at nine tomorrow morning. They needed to be at the airport early in case the traffic was bad on a winter day.

The ladies waited downstairs. Their cab should arrive within a few minutes.

Ring~ Ring~

Liliana fished out her phone out of the sling bag. A familiar name was shown on the screen.

It was Nancy. She was calling Liliana through the messaging app.

"Hello, Nan..."

"Lili!"

Nancy's loud cries startled Liliana. Nadia also could hear it. Both of them exchanged a look before Liliana turned on the loudspeaker. It was clear that Nancy was crying.

"Nancy! Are you okay? What happened?" asked Liliana anxiously.

"Calm down, Nancy! Tell us what happened!" Nadia was also concerned.

Nancy continued crying. Her words were incoherent between her sobs.

"That damn Gilbert! He... he cheated on me!"

Liliana and Nadia were stunned. Nancy's cries continued dominating the end of the line.