chapter 18

Eliza's POV

I love sleeping in my new bed. I felt so relaxed. When i opened my eyes, it was already raining outside. I took a shower first.

I have to eat more today. I need energy to work. I made a porched egg, a smoothie, a sausage and a sandwich. It was enough to start a day. I have to go to convenience store once more.I need to buy more food and fruit.

I ate everything and washed the dishes. I started to do my work and study. I can do both.

The doorbell rang. I stopped what i was doing and opened the door. Claire. He hugged me tightly, he didn't even let me breath. He was panting. "Are you okay? " He asked. His voice trembling. I nodded. He loosened his grip and pulled from the hug. He held my face with both of his hands to make me look at him. I searched for answers in his eyes. It was a bit puffy and red. I think he cried a lot. He look so tired.It was lightening because of the heavy rain. So i let him inside first. I bit my lower lip. I didn't know what to do. I went to kitchen and took some hot water. "Drink this. You might catch a cold" i said sofly.He sat on the chair. "Sorry" i said and bowed my head. I didn't know why. He rested his head on the chair and just stared at me. He didn't utter a word. All he asked was 'Are you okay?' His voice kept repeating in my ears. "Cl... Claire?" I called hesistantly. Something is definitely wrong. Isn't he angry? I lowered the glass of water and placed it in table.He just closed his eyes and i saw tears streaming down his face. I slowly walked closer and wiped his tears. He opened his eyes. "It..." *gulps* I looked down "it was my fault " i said while sobbing. I couldn't control it. I don't want to. He still stared at me. His eyes was lifeless. He stood up, grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. We both stared at each other. He held me closer to him and gently kissed my forehead. "Eliza, please don't avoid me anymore" he was like begging.I can't handle this. Why am i feeling different? He hugged me again. "I didn't eat anything until now. I was so worried " he said and burst out crying. I followed Lily. My hands deliberately hugged him. " 'Love my brother. ' That was her last words to me" i said and trembled. My watch started to beep again. He held me more closer. "You're not the reason, my dad.. He killed her, for money. Please accept the truth. " my eyes widened in horror. His dad? "You always loved her and protected her. I know everything between you two. Her last words to me were the truths. How she is died? How much you suffered? How much you loved her? And she even claimed a promise from me. She asked me not to make you cry. And... I am failing at that" he continued. My heart shattered to pieces when i heard it. It was my first time crying infront of someone but if it's him,i felt I can and i also did. He pulled from the hug. I looked at him. He wiped my tears. My lips parted as i struggling to breath. I broke the eye contact. And quickly took something to feed him. "Uhm... Eat this. You're h.. Hungry r..ight?" I tried to hide the weight i felt inside. He took the pieces of apples i gave him and ate it while watching me. I was being stupid, doing inappropriate things. I went to kitchen to make a juice.

He hugged me from behind. "Stay still" he said. I didn't do anything. I am not like this with everyone. I never let anyone hug me but he... Am i giving hope?

"What are you doing?" he asked me.That was my question.He turned me to face him."I will tell you everything but i think it's not the right time" He said."When?" I replied.I can't speak properly ,i felt a lumb in my throat.His expression changed into a playful smile."Marry me then i will tell you" he said sarcastically.I am wondered by him.He looked around.

"This is a small house" -him

"yeah" - me

"How can you live-" -him

"It's enough for me" -me

"You will be in my house after marriage ,right?so..it's enough for you" he said with his naughty smile."Tryna funny huh?" I asked him

"You are alone and it's heavy rain" he said

"I can" i replied

He knocked on my head ."I know..." is he singing.I laughed a little at that humming."oh!you smiled. Thankyou majesty.I am the best ,i made you laugh" he said while laughing and started to hop like a rabbit.I laughed more at his behaviour.His phone beeped. He stopped playing and looked at his phone. He became so happy. "School is cancelled" he said and started to dance. So i can work tomorrow too. "Eliza, let's go somewhere " he said, his eyes pleading

"Oh! I can't. I am sorry" i said. He bacame sad. I felt guilty."Why? " he asked.

"I am living alone, i need to buy this home, i hate to be a tenant. I need to buy more supplies, food, furnitures and i also have to pay my fees. So, i have to work" i explained. He nodded in agreement. I smiled at him. "I can give money" he said. No i didn't expect this. "No, please. I don't want-" "Still treating me as a stranger?" He cut me off. "No, i am not... It's all up to me. I have to rely on myself." I told him. I rolled his eyes dramatically. "I am hungry. Let's eat" he said. "What do you want?" I asked

"Anything " he replied and shrugged. I just chuckled at it and said "then don't eat". He raised his eyebrows."huh?Then your favourite dish" he said. "I don't have a favorite dish" i said. "I am hungry... Give me something " he said like a child. I shook my head. "Okay." I gave him some apples and oranges. "Wait" i said then started to cook. I made a avocado smoothie, Chicken noodles and two soft boiled eggs for him.

He finished the fruits i gave him. I served everything in the table. I looked at me then at the food. "Don't you want?" He asked "I already had " i replied. I hate his expression puppy eyes and pouty lips. He is so weird. But i laughed at his expression. "Eat" i said and he started eating.

We chatted and laughed together, the warmth of the moment heightened by the cozy atmosphere. He raved about my cooking, and I couldn't help but beam with pride. When the rain paused briefly, I encouraged him to head home before it got worse. With a grateful smile, he waved goodbye as he drove off into the rainy evening.