Chapter 5

Dicentra’s heart twinged, as if pricked by sharp needles...

She often scolded Taylah for being so innocent and naïve. Taylah’s calmness always irritated Dicentra. How could someone be so innocent in this modern world?

Every time Taylah was scolded by Dia or bullied by Dia’s friends, it enraged Dicentra. She hated that Taylah never stood up to Dia, never fought for her own happiness.

But today, seeing Taylah in this state, Dicentra’s heart ached. Taylah had become so thin and pale. Dicentra gently stroked her hair.

"Everything will be alright. Get up and wash yourself," Dicentra tried to comfort her, though it didn’t come naturally. She was known for her sharp tongue, not kind words. Yet, Taylah trusted her more than anyone.

After breaking off her engagement with Ethan, Taylah couldn’t bear to face anyone. The Davier family had a lot of influence in the city, and if word got out that she had offended them, it would be hard for her to stay in the city.

Taylah broke the hug, curled up with her knees to her chest, and silently nodded to Dicentra’s words.

How pathetic she, Dicentra thought to herself as she walked away.

Taylah freshened up and stepped out of the dark room. Dicentra had already prepared food for both of them.

"You already cooked?" Taylah asked with a light, sweet smile.

Up until now, Dicentra hadn’t asked Taylah what had happened. She didn’t want to force her to relive painful memories.

"No, I bought a takeout on the way back," Dicentra replied softly, her gaze gentle.

"Is someone coming over? You bought so much food... it's too much for just us, right?" Taylah asked curiously, her big eyes shining.

"Yeah... my friend is coming for dinner. He didn’t give much notice—it was a last-minute thing. I just wanted to let you know. Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable," Dicentra explained, setting the table as she spoke. The more she cared for Taylah, the more worried she became about her fragile state.

“It’s okay… I’m fine with it. After all, I’m staying in your house. Don’t worry too much about me,” Taylah said, looking down as she tucked her silky smooth hair behind her ear. Her pale skin seemed to glow even more in the light. Dicentra sighed quietly to herself.

After a while, the doorbell rang. Dicentra got up, opened the door, and greeted a tall, handsome man with a warm smile. He stepped inside with a majestic stride, like a prince.

He had dark brown, almond-shaped eyes, a well-built body, and a blonde hair. His tanned skin complemented his thin, curved nose bridge. He stood tall, with a small mole just above the corner of his mouth. His eyes held a gentle, yet playful expression.

“You didn’t mention you had a guest, Di,” Louis said, his sparkling eyes landing on Taylah.

“She’s my friend, Taylah. She came to stay with me this morning,” Dicentra replied, walking beside him.

Turning to Taylah, Dicentra introduced him, “This is Louis, my friend.”

“Come on, don’t be so formal,” Louis said as he walked toward Taylah. “Hey, beautiful... nice to meet you,” he added, leaning in and winking at her.

“Nice to meet you too,” Taylah responded, looking away with an awkward smile.

Without warning, Louis draped his arm around her shoulders in a possessive manner. Taylah immediately felt uncomfortable, her unease growing as she tried to free herself from his grip.

“Louis, don’t tease her or I’ll kick you out of my house. She’s not someone you can play with,” Dicentra said, her tone shifting to one of anger.

“Oops... I’m sorry,” he said, quickly removing his arm from Taylah and stepping back.

“Let’s eat dinner,” Dicentra invited both of them as they took their seats. She served the food, placing extra on Taylah’s plate. “Eat more... you look so skinny.”

“That’s enough for me,” Taylah replied, refusing the food. Dicentra felt a heaviness in her heart for Taylah’s condition.

“Why are you two acting like a newly married couple?” Louis teased between bites.

“Just shut up, Louis,” Dicentra snapped at him. She was concerned for Taylah’s feelings, knowing that Louis’s words could hurt her. She wanted to keep him quiet.

Taylah ate very little before washing her hands and getting up from the table. “You didn’t eat much, Taylah. Where are you going?” Dicentra asked, also standing up.

“I’m full. I’m going to my room,” Taylah replied as she walked away. Dicentra couldn’t shake her worry; if Taylah continued to skip meals, her health would deteriorate even further.

“What happened to her?” Louis asked Dicentra.

“You wouldn’t understand, Louis. Her situation is complicated,” she sighed, sitting back down as she began to eat. After finishing her meal, Dicentra washed the dishes, with Louis helping her.

“Do you want a drink, Louis?” she asked, holding up a wine bottle.

“Nope, I’m already stuffed. I have to drive, remember? You know my alcohol tolerance,” he said, shaking his head.

“Okay, I’ll drink alone then,” she said, opening the bottle. “You know, Louis, I feel this heaviness in my heart... I don’t even know why,” she continued as she took a sip.

“Did something happen, Di? You looked desperate when you opened the door,” Louis said, taking the bottle from her.

“I’m fine, but Taylah… she’s in a miserable condition. I’m just worried about her,” Dicentra said, sitting on the couch and crossing her legs.

He sighed. “Okay, whatever. Just don’t drink too much. I’m heading out now.” He set the wine bottle on the table. “Good night, buddy. Thanks for listening to me.”

Dicentra smiled at him with her charming smile. “Behind every sweet smile, there’s a bitter sadness that no one can see or feel,” she mused to herself.

“What?” Louis asked, looking at her with confusion.

“Nothing… You can go. I’m just rambling,” she replied, leaning back on the couch.

“You must be crazy,” he scolded her lightly.

Dicentra got up from the couch and walked toward her room. She stumbled slightly as she walked; her alcohol tolerance wasn’t great, but tonight she wanted to drink.

“Good night, Di... I’m leaving,” Louis said, taking his car keys and heading toward the door. “Don’t forget about work tomorrow. We have an important guest to receive. Be on time,” he reminded her before leaving and shutting the door behind him.

Dicentra walked to her bed and fell onto it, her mind replaying the events of the morning. She felt a heaviness in her eyelids, as if they were being forced shut. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.

NEXT MORNING

Before Dicentra woke up, Taylah was already up, doing house chores. She even cooked for both of them, though she still felt tired. Her black wavy hair danced in the breeze, almost floating in the air. She tucked her hair behind her ears and began to set the table.

“Did you already finish cooking?” Dicentra asked as she pulled her hair into a messy bun.

“Yeah, I woke up earlier than usual, so I got everything done,” Taylah replied while arranging the plates.

“Nice work,” Dicentra complimented her. “Come and have breakfast,” Taylah said, gesturing to the table. Dicentra sat down, and Taylah joined her as they began to eat.

Taylah felt a warmth in her heart having someone eat with her. Most of the time, she ate alone in her room, often skipping meals altogether. Freshly cooked food was a rarity for her, as Dia usually only provided leftovers, which sometimes upset her stomach.

“Dicentra... I need your help,” Taylah started the conversation.

“Yeah?” Dicentra nodded.

“I need a job. I can’t stay at home all the time, and I want to hide my identity. Is there any job in this city like that?” she asked, rolling the tip of her spoon over her food. Dicentra was taken aback by her request.

“Hide your identity... what do you mean, Taylah?” Dicentra asked, puzzled.

“If anyone finds out who I am, my family will definitely learn about me. They’ll come to take me home, and I don’t want that. Please, if I go back there, they’ll hurt me... it’s my request,” Taylah said calmly.

“I think the bar where I work would be suitable for you. They provide masks for the staff to conceal their identities. It’s a basic rule there—no one is asked to remove their mask. Plus, Louis is the owner, so it would be convenient for you to work there,” Dicentra explained. “Does that sound okay?”

“I’m fine with that job. Can you take me there?” Taylah asked, her tiny eyes sparkling with hope.

“I’m not sure if there are any openings, but I’ll ask Louis about it,” Dicentra said, chewing her food.

“Thank you, Dicentra. I’ll never forget your help. I promise I’ll repay you one day,” Taylah replied gratefully.

“If you want to repay me, then cook for me. Your cooking is amazing—the taste lingers on my tongue,” Dicentra mumbled while eating. Taylah chuckled at the compliment.

“As you wish! I’ll cook for you,” she replied, a blush spreading across her pale skin. It was a familiar reaction for her; whenever she felt happy, her face turned a rosy pink, much like a strawberry.