Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 It felt as though my life was a joke or in some kind of comedy. I ended up working for two handsome and wealthy men in the city, and not just that, but I’m getting paid generously. However, in return, I have to deal not only with a cold as ice man like Killian, but also a naughty and sneaky man like Atlas. How could I even handle them? One is already too much, how much more, two?!

But then again, it’s a blessing in disguise. And I cannot turn down that offer no matter what.

Walking inside the hospital where my brother was confined, I had a huge smile plastered on my face as I carried the bunch of food I bought from a fancy restaurant in the city. How did I get the money to afford? Well, for starters, I knew how to play my card, and I am no easy target to manipulation. As a matter of fact, I am the one who manipulate.

I mean, I was able to convince my bosses that I’d get a cash advance for my salary in a month. Good thing they agreed, but at the same time, we also had the contract signing, which means I am officially their employee. That’s not much of a problem, right? What’s important the most is that I can fulfill my duty as a daughter and an older sister for my family. Providing them with their needs is my top priority.

“Claire!” I heard my brother’s voice calling me as soon as I entered his room. his lively voice and the excitement that was oozing out of him filled my heart with warm. I could even listen to that whole day long and I wouldn’t even complain, because that only proves that he is there, breathing and living.

“Ace!” I happily exclaimed as I rushed towards his side. We hugged each other tightly as if we haven’t seen each other for a very long period of time. “I am glad to see you’re okay. How are you feeling?”

He grinned. “I’m doing good. Mommy told me that I’ll be having the best medicine soon, so I don’t have to go to the hospital anymore.”

I glanced at mom in the corner of the room. she was sitting on the couch and seems to be lost in her thought. When she noticed me looking, she looked up at me but immediately averted my gaze.

I returned my gaze towards Ace and gave him a surprised look. “Wow, really? That’s a good news! Isn’t hospital very tiring?”

“Uh-huh!” He nodded in approval.

I giggled and couldn’t help but to pinch his cheek lightly. “Well, first of that, you have to be stronger in order to leave the hospital. How about to boost your energy? I bought your favorite food.”

His eyes widened as his eyes lowered down on the paper bags that I was holding. “Wow… thanks, Claire!”

I grinned. “You’re welcome, Ace-y!” I said. “How about you, mom? You haven’t eaten, right? Why don’t we eat together?”

“H-Huh?” she stuttered as soon as the subject was shifted on her. I gave her an encouraging look. “Okay…”

And with that, the three of us stared eating. I could sense mom was thinking deeply, and while Ace and I were indulging in a conversation, mom finished eating and left quietly. I followed after her.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked.

She was hugging herself as she leaned against the wall. She was quiet.

“Mom…”

“You do know I am sick, right?” she said.

My heart stung. “I know. What’s the matter about that?” I said in a rather casual tone. I don’t want her to think that what was happening in our family discourage me.

She took a deep breath. “Sooner or later, I am going to die, Claire—”

“Don’t say that.”

“But it’s the truth.” She smiled.  “I’m already old, though. I have wandered and experienced what the world has to offer. I felt everything there is to feel, so if I’m gonna die today, I will regret nothing.”

“Mom!” I hissed angrily. “I said don’t say such stuff!”

She chuckled. “Why are so afraid, Claire? Everything have an end, she stated. I gritted my teeth. I knew her point, but speaking about that casually irks me. I don’t want to hear that bitter reality. “Don’t worry, though. I am not going to die,” she added. “At least, not yet.”

“Mom, please…” I whispered, suddenly out of energy to listen to one of her words. I knew she was preparing me to what was about to come, and I knew that she was telling nothing but truth, but I am just a child. A child who needs her mother by her side.

“Claire, you must promise me, hmm?” She finally looked at me and locked her gaze on mine. “It isn’t your responsibility to take care of your brother, nor it is your obligation to provide for us. I’ve already put you through a lot, and I am shameless to even ask you for this, but…”

She held my hand all of a sudden. Her cold hands sent a painful sting to my chest. I could see and I could feel the intensity of her emotions, and I was such a coward to accept all of it.

Mom reached out my face and gently caressed my cheek. “Promise me that no matter what happen, even if I die, you will not lose yourself against everything, hmm?”

A lone tear escaped my eye as her words sunk deep through my chest. “Why are you s-saying this to me right now?”

 “To let you know that this world may be cruel and unfair, but it’s a matter of survival.” She pulled away as she smiled. “If you let yourself get defeated and lost yourself from the war, then you can never see the light that awaits at the end of the tunnel.”

What my mother said lingered in my head longer than I expected. It was all that’s been running in my head for a couple of days now, and even though I didn’t like the way she said it as if she’s already saying her farewell, I understand the gravity of her words and reality she wanted me to see. She’s right. It’s a matter of survival, and if I wouldn’t pick my shit together now, I might end up losing before the war could even started.

“Is everything, Ms. Claire?” Atlas asked with his concerned tone. I flinched as I glanced at him. he was sitting on his table with his papers on his desk. He was reviewing some document and I should be serving him now, but perhaps I was too disoriented to the point of not hearing him call me.

I flashed a smile. “D-Did you call for me, Mr. De Luca?”

He frowned. “I told you to call me by my name.”

He was pouting and he looked so adorable in my eyes for some reason. While Mr. Knight looked like a cold-blooded monster who could kill anyone he wanted, Mr. De Luca looked quite the contrary. He looked like a squirrel that wanted to be petted.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “But people might misinterpret if they hear—”

“So, what?” he was being persistent and stubborn.

I sighed. I guess it can’t be helped.

“Fine,” I gave up. His eyes practically brightened up. I guess it’s not that bad to address him informally. “So, what do you want to have, Atlas?”

He bit his lip as his eyes suddenly glinted with mischief. Our eyes locked with each other as he said, “You...”