"You must be very hungry," Clinton commented as Vivian shamelessly devoured the food on her plate.She watched him push another basket of cheeseburgers and fries toward her. "Why don't you eat?""If you're hungry, just eat." He tapped his hand on the table. "Is work busy today?""As every day," Vivian replied deliciously while munching on her food. After finishing the remaining burgers on the tray, she leaned back in her chair and listened to him laugh with delight.“You are definitely a girl with a foodie spirit.” He said then continued. "You must have been looking forward to meeting Jaime, how long you've been waiting for him? Next time I see him, I'll beat him for making you wait so long."Vivian glanced at him, not knowing how to react, she smiled awkwardly."Actually..." Clinton leaned forward and said. "Jaime admitted he was with her last Saturday.""I'm sorry." She said quietly."No no." He shook his head. "Absolutely okay." Smiling brightly, he said. "Jaime told me. I know he
"What are you marking those for?" She asked. Hodja never made a mark in his books."Because those things matter," Jaime replied."Really?" Vivian commented, impressed. "The book must be very expensive.""That's right. I plan to give it to a friend after graduation."Her eyebrows rose. "You are so kind."She would die of happiness if Hodja received a book from an upperclassman."It looks complicated. You're smart but why do you do it?" She speaks."I'm not as smart as you think." He shrugged off her comment then looked at her. "Do you want to try?""Huh?" She asked in surprise, feeling him sitting closer to her. Not less than a second later, he stuffed the pen into her hand and then wrapped his arms around her, holding her hand and marking the page."I'm just highlighting important terms and instructions, like this..." He explained slowly, his voice close to her ear. Vivian looked at the yellow pen, her hand moving with his while her body remained bound in the safety of his arm.This..
Vivian glanced at him curiously."So..." He continued. "If you do anything even the simplest of things like doing the laundry or cleaning the bathroom, tell me and I'll help you do it."Vivian laughed, he must be joking, she was so amused."I'm serious, I'm not joking." He added with serious depth, watching her expression darken. Vivian looked away almost uncomfortable at his suggestion."Just trivial things. You don't need to worry." She turned away, placing the last of the dishes next to his sink. "But, thank you."As he washed the last of the dishes, he wondered if she was upset. He didn't have the courage to stand and speak clearly in front of Chairman Evans and his daughter. As for her, to raise her younger brother alone in this cruel world without relying on anyone, Vivian knows she needs to be strong. He's not sure about his future with anyone. Vivian may not trust him because he can't even trust himself.Is he really ready to commit to her, to what they have right now?"I know
Vivian thought. Having the company means receiving millions every month. Is that good enough? Why wouldn't Jaime want to do what everyone would die for?Without the company, he would be as useless as she and Clinton."What?" He asked when he saw her staring at him.Quickly averting her eyes, she smiled awkwardly and moved her shoulders. "Nothing." She lied. "I was just wondering... if you didn't want to inherit the company, what would you do?"Jaime smiled childishly. "I don't know. I haven't had a chance to think about it."There was something sad in the way he smiled. Vivian said. "Then I'll give you a chance to think about it now."He glanced at her, eyes shining with a grateful smile. Vivian automatically smiled in response."Let's see." He touched his chin, lost in thought. "Maybe a travel agent. I want to travel and see the world, see how people make a living across continents, and marvel at how different each of them is from us. I think it's really interesting. Or maybe I want
A few minutes later, Vivian looked at Jerry - who was staring at Jaime with obvious conflict and hatred. She sat in front of Jerry, and Jaime sat next to them. Now facing each other at a table near the white window after having ordered, she listened to the conversations that filled their surroundings."Nice to meet you, I'm Jaime." He happily introduced himself with his hand outstretched waiting for Jerry's handshake. After ten seconds of Jerry not shaking hands, Jaime withdrew his hand, smiling to dispel the awkwardness surrounding him.Vivian narrowed her eyes at Jerry, wondering what he was doing. There was actually no reason for him to be so rude to Jaime, but yelling at him would only make things more awkward."Vivian has told me a lot about you." Jaime continued."Huh?" Jerry glanced at her then back at Jaime. "Then you must know that I grew up with her and we are very close."The urge to roll my eyes at his ridiculousness became very strong."Really?" Jaime continued to smile i
Resting her chin on his shoulder, her nose gently brushing against his neck, Vivian inhaled the cool scent of shampoo from his body, she guessed that he had just finished showering. He was trusting and warm, his arms gentle and safe around her. Sweet happiness flowed from him before he laced his hand with hers. Vivian let him go and took a step back."What do you do without sleep?" He asks. Jaime leaned forward expecting an answer.Avoiding his gaze, Vivian looked straight ahead. She can't tell him that she's contemplating Jerry's words or what's really going on.“Didn't you think of me?” He asked smilingly. When her eyes landed on him, he laughed. “I was just teasing you.” Leaning back against the car, he took a deep breath. "It feels great to be out.""Don't you have class in the morning?" She asked."It's not a problem, I'm used to sleeping for a few hours. Now that I've seen you, my mind is clear."Pressing her lips together, she stole a glance at him, feeling uncontrollably shy.
Her eyes widened slightly, she looked at him blankly. He doesn't know that. He scared her. His lips pursed as she quickly raised the glass to drink from it, but she said nothing."What did you say?" She looked at him intently."I'm sorry." He faltered. "It's just... while talking to Dad, I mentioned you. My dad wanted to see you."With wide eyes, Vivian looked away then she spoke, almost whispering. "Doesn't that mean I need to look nice? I can't go looking like this...""You do not need to do so." He said quickly. "I don't need you to be beautiful."She suddenly turned to him. "What are you talking about? I'm going to meet your parents, not your friends."Jaime looked surprised but spoke calmly. "Don't worry about it. I like you like this."~~~~~A few minutes after finishing two bottles, Vivian collapsed on the table. Although Jaime was a little drunk, he still had some sense. He carried her towards her apartment complex. She pressed her face down on his shoulder, her arms dangling
This thought was puzzling because Jaime had been so honest and naive."I will tell you later." Jaime stopped the car. "I promise."Holding hands, he led her up the steps to the inside of the luxurious restaurant that made them look out of place in their ordinary clothes. When he explained that they had reserved a table, the waiter led them into a private room with a table reserved for them.She sat down at a table with four chairs, and vintage tapestries adorning the walls. Jaime clasped her hand under the table, they looked back at each other, smiling before the door opened. When they stood up, Jaime released her hand.Vivian listened to the noisy vibrator - a wheelchair powered by an automatic motor. His father, a handsome old man with an annoyed face, looked at her as he entered. The man appeared grumpy and unhappy. The waiter who opened the door rushed over to pull one of the chairs off the table. Jaime's father gave an insincere thank you to the waiter.Then her eyes turned to th
5 months later...The road she traveled over the years was full of rocks. Vivian doesn't understand why small things turn into such great things. Life is a circle, she ran a big circle and finally returned to the starting point.She learned that with perseverance, one can go further and that weightless dreams can take flight one day. When the road is long and dark, it means the end is near, there will be light at the end of the road.All we need to do is put in effort and courage, no one can get out of their dark path without scars.That's difficult. Her heart is small and scared but the fear is less now than before.Vivian finds it funny how dramatic and difficult situations have happened to her and Jaime. However, in the end, they somehow remained together hand in hand.She couldn't know if they were soul mates in existence, but she believed that deep down, they had built an eternal bond somewhere from the beginning. That bond remains even after two years apart.She was happy that J
"Wait." Jaime quickly pulled Vivian back as soon as she opened the bedroom door.The bags hanging from her arms collided with each other. She asked with irritation. "What's up?""Close your eyes. Don't open them until I tell you to."Vivian snorted. "Is this some trick from that stupid book Clinton lent you?"His eyes became warm. "Of course not." Even though that's a lie. This was a cliché idea he read from a chapter in a book Clinton gave him: How to Surprise a Woman.Vivian closed her eyes.“Did you close your eyes?” He leaned forward to check."Yes." She nodded. Grabbing her shoulder, he led her into the room, gently closing the door behind him. Turning on the light, he led her toward the bathroom and stopped right in the doorway."OK, you can open your eyes." He said and smiled with satisfaction when Vivian saw rose petals floating on the bathtub. The scent of lavender and rosemary flows from lit candles placed around the rim of the tub.Vivian smiled impressed. "Are you serious?
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Vivian sobbed and pulled her mother close as if if she loosened her grip, she might lose her again.It's been a long time since she touched her mother's hair, smelled her scent, or hugged her tightly. All the regrets and pain shattered in that moment, nothing was more important than this moment. "Mom."Their reunion was spent crying and apologizing. Tears fell from all the hurt they had carried over the years. Each tear carries a different story every time it falls.There hasn't been a day since their father passed away that their small family of three has felt so complete."Look at you two." Her mother cried, stroking both of her children. The fact that they survived without their mother's warm hands, she said in a hoarse voice. "You two have grown up very well. My children.""I brought my daughter. Do you want to meet her?" Hodja asked. Picking up baby Esther from the ground, he gave the baby to Mrs. Maggie. "Esther, this is your grandmother. It's your gra
Vivian stayed at Hodja's house, hiding there for a few days until she calmed down and thought things through, but she felt like she was causing trouble for his small family. They are happy. She couldn't go to Jerry's house, so her brother's house was the last thing on her mind.First thing in the morning, Aiden called to let her know she didn't have to go to Jaime's office anymore, and instead she could work with Jerry.The past few days, burying herself in work had helped take other thoughts from her mind, but returning to the solace of Hodja's apartment was completely different. The room was very quiet.She lay on the cold bed and couldn't sleep. When she has nothing to do, she often walks around the apartment, stopping to look out the window.For a week, she let her mind wander and her heart rest for a while. Personal space helps clear any blockages in her mind. The fog began to gradually dissipate, and she could almost breathe normally again. Her chest is not too heavy.All that w
"Why do you want to be my mother now? Why should I call you mother, when you're not there for me or for Hodja, why?" Bitterness filled Vivian's heart. "I don't even know you. Jaime has considered you his biological mother for half his life, more so than Hodja and I. So how do I call you mother?"Vivian's eyebrows furrowed as she looked toward her mother for an answer, but she said nothing. Breathing out a light breath, Vivian turned away to wipe away her tears."If you were there when Hodja almost died twice, I would have knelt and admitted my mistake." Vivian declared. "But you weren't there. Others can proudly say that their mothers raised them well, but Hodja and I couldn't have that happiness. I raised him in your place. I also support myself. We never lived like other people. Waking up to my mother's breakfast, we never had that breakfast.""If I could go back in time, I want to experience that once. I missed that so much that when I finally ate your food, it just made me angry a
Everything would have gone according to Jaime's plan perfectly if he hadn't mentioned her mother. Vivian's blood boiled. She doesn't want to listen. She doesn't want to.Pulling the blanket over her head, she tried to fall asleep.The next morning, she woke up to the smell of delicious food. Jaime was cooking in the kitchen. "Come and eat quickly." He said as she walked in from the bathroom.They ate quietly like strangers. That's so sad. They had come so far, having been together for less than two years apart. Their relationship is so fragile that even the slightest touch will shatter it.Stealthily glancing at Jaime, Vivian found that she didn't know what to say. Is it her fault that they are like this? Because she was too stubborn, too stubborn because she had been in the dark for too long?Because she can't come to terms with her feelings for Jaime or admit them out loud?Is cowardice driving her life so she doesn't want to hear anything from him?That's right, it's her fault, she
Everything was hazy in memory, the argument two years ago had fatefully ended what they had. Remembering why Vivian left him is an even bigger task than plotting to get her back.Jaime leaned forward and ruffled his hair with both hands, frustration evident. Was it the heat of the moment that made Vivian pack her suitcase that night?He can't remember. What he remembered after watching Vivian leave was standing here in this room with anger welling up in a way he had never felt before.He doesn't care if she comes back or not. Jaime regrets that. He should care, because that's what means the most to him right now.That night if he had chased Vivian right after she left, maybe they wouldn't be here constantly arguing. Raising his head from his hands, he thought. Once she left, it seemed like she had no plans to return.He ate lunch and dinner in solitude hoping Vivian would return to eat with him, even if they ate in silence better than without her.If he hadn't rushed to talk to her th
When Vivian returned, she walked into the bathroom, Jaime knew that she would be stiff with anger despite the wonderful night they had had. It's better to give her some space to blow things up, like his mother suggested.Closing his eyes to return to dreamland, he prayed that Vivian would not leave him again.After cleaning up the messy clothes scattered on the floor, he took a shower and walked out. There were no plans for today, so he didn't know what Vivian would do. Mrs. Maggie and Juke have not returned from their trip yet, only the two of them are at home.Since meeting Vivian again after two years, he's begun to learn about her temperament, adapting to it, to a degree he never had when they first knew each other.When angry, she will bite and fight back easily, making him nervous or, most annoyingly, ignoring him. Today she will be angry because he won't let her continue last night's unfinished story.Jaime couldn't figure out how he was going to fight her. He just knew they ne
His excitement increased when he felt that Vivian temporarily stopped resisting. Quickly pulling down her shirt, he smelled her scent and kissed her shoulder. He had been waiting for this.The joy that Vivian kept for him for two years. She owes him. All he could think about was carrying her to bed and claiming her as his own.Retrieving her wet lips, he inserted his tongue into her mouth, groping until his fingers rested on her thighs. He caressed her white calves, pulling her forward to get even closer.Jaime desired her slowly. He wanted to taste every part of her to be reminded of her innocence. The girl's embarrassment about undressing in front of him swept across his mind. He'd be damned if he let her get away after tonight.Releasing her lips, Jaime breathed into her mouth, their lips barely brushing each other. His whole body was aroused, he was using all his energy to satisfy his desire. Turning off the light, he picked her up and walked towards the bed.Vivian's body is attr