Arianne no longer wanted to suppress her feelings for Mark. “I don’t know what exactly happened, either. All I know is that I suddenly realized how much I love you. It’s so overwhelming, so strong, I feel—no, I yearn to be beside you at every moment. We don’t even have to do anything; just watching you is enough. But most of all? I’m mortified at the idea that you might disappear all of a sudden, and then I remember how that almost happened—how you almost completely vanished from my life—and my heart… It feels crushed. I feel a weight on my chest; I can’t breathe. I… I wonder, Mark, do you know how that feels?”Arianne did not have to wait for long, for her awaited answer came in the form of a swift, firm kiss.Of course, Mark loved her the same way as she did him; he always had. He loved her so much that he could not bear to be separated from her. All of the wiles and trickeries and labors he had done, just to make her stay! It used to be one-sided, and he had to resort to intimidat
Mrs. Cox’s habit of dunking on her daughter kicked in automatically. “Please, you’re just an accountant. What’s all of that ‘energy’ going to change? On that note, how’s bookkeeping supposed to get in your way of a good relationship, huh? I fail to see your logic, sweetie. You should be grateful that your aunt has the best of your interests at heart! Especially when you know you can trust her wisdom in judging a man. That settles it, then—you’re seeing your suitor tonight! We’ll have dinner together.”Robin’s face paled. Her mother had completely bypassed her opinion on this matter. This was no discussion; it was an order!Even if she were a lily-livered pushover, Robin did not want one of the most crucial and significant events in her life to be dictated solely by her family without her say. Hence, she protested. “No, Mom. I happen to have my own plans for tonight. I won’t be having dinner at home, too. Let’s discuss this some other time.”Mrs. Cox had gotten so used to Robin’s unq
Robin’s potential husband arrived before dinner, along with his parents. Everyone was in high spirits, except Robin.Everyone at the dinner table made every effort to matchmake them, but Robin stayed completely silent. She couldn’t even pretend to smile.This went on until 10PM, when her relatives and potential husband left, along with his own family. Robin immediately went back to her room and changed out of her clothes, then got ready to go out.Mrs. Cox threw her clothes onto the ground. “What was that? That sulky look on your face? Does someone owe you money? Have you forgotten all your good manners? You’re not to step out of this house today. If you leave, you can forget about ever coming back!”Robin pulled out her ID and waved it in front of her mother. “How old do you think I am? I’m over twenty years old. Anyone at my age who’s married early would have had independent kids by now. I’m not a child anymore. Why do you have to control me all the time? You don’t want a daughte
By the time Robin arrived, the restaurant was closing up. Sylvain had just left the restaurant too.They looked at each other. Robin tried her best to put on a smile. “I’m sorry for making you wait so long. Let’s have supper, my treat.”Sylvain looked at her pajamas and felt a faint, indistinguishable feeling. It must have taken a lot of strength out of her to come to him. He stepped forward and stroked her head. “It’s late. You shouldn’t have come out. We can always have a meal together another day. I’ll take you home.”Robin went into a daze when he patted her on the head. All of her negative energy disappeared into nothing. “It’s alright. If it’s no trouble, we can have supper first, then go home.”Sylvain looked at her. “But if you go home, your mom will fight with you again. I don’t want you to be dragged into suffering because of me. You know that, don’t you? I knew that you wouldn’t be able to get out tonight. I didn’t really expect you to meet up with me.”Robin glanced at
Sylvain seemed very calm. He was well aware of Mrs. Cox’s disapproval of him. She had even scolded him on the phone once. He never expected to be sitting with her.He ordered a few extra nachos from the food truck seller. “Would you like something to drink, Mrs. Cox?”Mrs. Cox felt that he was being too calm and couldn’t help taking a few extra looks at him. “Mineral water will do. I’m not used to anything else.”After completing the order, Sylvain smiled. “Mrs. Cox, please, speak your mind.”“What’s your relationship with my daughter?” Mrs. Cox asked with a straight look on her face.Robin was close to tears. “Mom, how could you ask such a question? How did you find me? Can’t I have a personal life? Must you get involved with everyone I talk to? Let’s go home, okay?”Mrs. Cox ignored Robin and stared squarely at Sylvain, waiting for his reply.Sylvain paused thoughtfully and said, “We used to date, but we’re friends now. However, I’m hoping for us to get back together someday.
Sylvain stared at Robin inquisitively. Robin tightened the clothes around her and lowered her head. Is that what Sylvain thought of her? She had just come from meeting her potential husband before seeing him. She probably looked like a two-faced woman now.“What? You didn’t know? Robin got along really well with her potential husband. The man is from a good family and we know him thoroughly. If everything goes well, he’s going to be my son-in-law,” Mrs. Cox said after seeing Sylvain and Robin’s reactions.Robin couldn’t take it anymore. “Mom! Stop it. I’ve never spoken to the man. You’re the ones getting excited. What makes you think he’s going to be your son-in-law? Have I agreed to that?”Sylvain heaved a sigh of relief. “So, that’s how it is… Mrs. Cox, you must be hungry from your long search. Have some food while we discuss.”Mrs. Cox shot Robin a glare. “And you’re drinking too. How dare you? Have you ever been allowed alcohol at home? Do you know what kind of girl you look li
For the first time ever, Mrs. Cox did not flip out. Instead, she spoke in an earnest tone. “Robin, you’re still young. Don’t choose the wrong path. Try to keep in touch with that potential suitor. At least, you’ll still have a backup if you and Sylvain break it off. I know I can’t persuade you, and I really can’t be bothered to do it anyway. The house will be in chaos if we end up fighting again. I’m exhausted too. I won’t object to you dating Sylvain, but I have one condition, and that is for you to stay pure. No hanky panky business with him, understand? From now on, no going out to eat in the middle of the night, and you have to be home by 11PM.”Robin felt guilty but happy at the same time. This was the first time her mother had ever said something nice to her. “Okay! You’re the best, mom!”The next day, at the company, Sylvain and Arianne began discussing the events from last night. “I met Robin’s mom last night.”Arianne shivered at the thought of Mrs. Cox’s stern face. “Are y
Mark held Arianne by her slender waist and said with a tone brimming jealousy, “If you ever dare talk to another man behind my back again, I’ll make you move from your current desk and sit in my office.”Arianne wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled provocatively. “You were the one who asked me to learn as much as I can from Sylvain, how am I supposed to learn if I don’t talk to him? Eye contact? When that happened, you think I was seducing him. Relax, Robin’s the one he loves. He was even forced to meet her parents last night. Why did you call me into your office? Could it be… that you’re looking for a good time in your office?”Mark lowered his head and kissed her lips. “What are you even thinking? You may have the thought in your head, but I haven’t got the time. There’s a parcel that just came for you, I think it’s from your mom. I heard that she came to visit you while I wasn’t around.”Arianne released her hold on him and walked toward the desk to find a parcel on top of