When the sky turned orange, I arrived home. People who hadn't eaten dinner were lining up in front of the restaurant. Classical, rarely-heard music filled the restaurant and my room this evening.I cleaned up and changed my clothes. Mother didn't leave anything to eat, so I didn't eat dinner.On the bed, my body lies on my stomach. My fingers propped up my phone while others scrolled through the screen. Posters of Nevan's Dad's driving lessons were scattered on the internet. He even guarantees that you'll be reimbursed if you don't pass the lessons.My face was sinking into the pillow. I miss Nevan's smile. I don't know how much energy he had to keep smiling."Golden Retriever," I muttered.Four feet trod on my back. A familiar meow greeted my ears."Get down, Adrien," I ordered.Adrien meowed once. The pressure of his legs was no longer felt, but then suddenly the cat fell onto my head.I got up. Adrien was hiding at the table. I gave him a fierce look. "Don't be a bitch when I'm hap

"Avery, what's wrong?"Nevan's question broke my reverie. I faced him and said it was fine.Nevan didn't ask again. He took my hand when it was our turn to enter. He chose a table near the aquarium. Fat, gold-colored fish were swimming in it. They were cute.A waiter approached us. He gave us the menu book and also stated the dinner menu recommendations for couples."Do you wanna try it?" I asked Nevan.The man nodded briefly.The waiter wrote on his little note. "For drinks, I suggest a chilled green wine. Would you like some?" he asked."Just mineral water," I declined quickly.The waiter left. Nevan stared at me in silence. My refusal had left him curious."I'm going to start training, so less alcohol," I explained. Then, I remembered something. I leaned closer to him. "About the lesson, only we know about this, okay?"Nevan nodded. His hand formed an OK sign.Ten minutes later,, the waiter returned. He brought two servings of steak-frites and mineral water."My treat," I said."I

My refusal that day worked. I no longer crossed Kenneth's path. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief to spend two weeks getting everything ready.This afternoon, I waited for my father at home. He said he would come at six o'clock. Our practice is located on the roof.I waited for him while watching television. Animation was on. I watched quietly, while Adrien snored on my lap.A knock on the door interrupted me. I put Adrien down, then ran to open it."Father!" I greeted the gaunt-cheeked man.He gave me a small smile. "You ready for practice?""Ready!"My body spun once, showing my training costume of sweatpants and a t-shirt."Alright, let's go to the roof."We walked down the hallway for a few moments until we came to three flights of stairs with a metal door at the end. He opened it without much effort.The door opened, and the rooftops of other buildings came into view. Fat clouds were floating in the orange afternoon sun. I made a small run to the center. The wind blew my ha

Two weeks have passed. Today was my first day working as Graciano's secretary. I'm nervous, but stride confidently into the Ace building.Before going to my office floor, I picked up my employee card at HR. A woman was waiting for me there. She was already fussing with the files on her desk so she handed me the employee card without a word.I thanked her and quickly walked out. The work culture at Ace is different from that at Blue Star Food. Here, they work early to avoid unexpected rushes.I got into the elevator. Amidst the crowd of employees, there was not a single sound. They were focused on their phones.Exiting the elevator, I hurried to the door marked secretary. Slowly, I pushed the handle. The door opened, a medium room dominated by the color emerald welcomed me.A desk and chair were placed against a large window, on the right side was a tall shelf, in front of it was a green sofa with a table. I stepped inside and put down my briefcase. I opened the cupboards and drawers.

Chin in the palm of my hand while tired eyes stare at the computer screen. I was tired of doing this. It's like it never ends. My butt also hurt from sitting for so long.My hand scratched my head. I had high expectations that my journey to avenge Xavier would be exciting. Reality has slapped me. I let go of the mouse and leaned back limply against the chair. My face was facing the ceiling. This room was nice, but not fun. I didn't have anyone to talk to like in my previous office.Rin was probably relaxing at home right now because her brother forbade her from working. Come to think of it, it had been a while since we'd exchanged news. I reached for my phone. That girl had just uploaded a photo of ramen in Osaka. I was jealous.I am: How was Japan?Rin: As hot as Las Vegas. What are you doing now?Me: Being Graciano's clerk.Rin: You're accepted? That's great!Me: Too good. He gave me a mountain of papers to list.Rin: Honey, that's how a guy makes sure his favorite girl stays close