Chapter 95: Chapter 95

Third Person's POV

Ryan entered the boarding house after being dropped off by her parents. They told her simply after meeting Slyvester: "He is kind and respectful.”

They didn't mention anything about the boarding house issue or Slyvester’s father's reaction. Maybe they understand them significantly since they responded the same way when they first learned about it.

'The important thing is, they liked Slyvester,' Ryan told herself.

"Ryan!" Slyvester stepped inside the boarding house, carrying a paper bag with him. "I bought something for you!"

'Is he doing this to make up for it because his dad didn't respond well to me?' Ryan suspected wrongly.

Chaylen was standing beside Slyvester. Terban, Kyle and Vincent were sitting there on the sofa. Chaylen chatted the three to come to the living room because he had something to show. The three didn't think what they would watch had anything to do with Slyvester and Ryan.

"Here." Slyvester gave Ryan the paperbag.

Thrilled, Ryan took the gift she received with a smile. "What is this?" she asked again.

"It's something that you will like,” Slyvester said while glancing at Chaylen, who recommended him the gift. “I really chose something for your skin complexion. I hope you can always use it."

With Slyvester’s explanation, Ryan got even more excited. She quickly opened the paper bag and removed the soft fabric. She frowned as she raised her hand.

'Handkerchief? Headband?' she thought wrong again.

When Ryan raised her hand, the red panties appeared.

"Tada! Do you like it?!" Slyvester cheered.

Chaylen retreated a little from them. Kyle spat out the water she was drinking. Terban, on the other hand, stood up as his mouth gaped, close to firing foul words. Vincent, who rarely agrees with Chaylen, gave him a thumbs up.

Chaylen replied to Vincent with a thumbs up too.

"S- Slyvester," Ryan called, blushing.

"Yes?"

Ryan tightened his grip on the paper bag. Then she used it to hit his head. "You idiot!"

"Ahhhh!"

Ryan ran up the stairs to the bedroom.

"W-Why?!" Slyvester asked, confused. "I thought she wanted..." He stopped when he saw Chaylen laughing at the side.

Chaylen stopped laughing. He stuck out his tongue, "Blehhhh~" And then ran away.

"You really are a demon!" Slyvester shouted before chasing after Chaylen.

That's why you can't trust your once rival.

** **

Ryan’s POV

"Why didn't Slyvester reply?"

In a few weeks, I will be moving to another boarding house. So far, nothing much has happened. The four’s bullying of Slyvester had become natural. But when they overdo it, I will come and meddle. They are like children.

"Why hasn't he replied yet?"

Now that he didn't reply, I remember when he used Kyle’s phone to call me yesterday. We rarely talk on the cell phone because we always see each other.

"Is his cell phone broken?"

To make sure, I tried to call him.

The other line rang, and soon someone answered it.

[“Hello”]

‘This is not Slyvester’s voice.’

[“Who is this?”] the man on the other line asked.

I couldn’t say a thing as I was thinking who it might be. And just when I was about to figure it out, the man spoke again.

[“Are you my son's girlfriend? Your name on his contact list was so obvious.”]

I knew it! It's his father!'

"H-Hello. Good morning. This is Ryan. How are you?" I got up from my seat, feeling so nervous.

[“Slyvester left his cell phone and wallet in the car”] His dad explained.

That's why I caught him borrowing money from Kyle last night. Why hasn't he borrowed from me yet?

"Oh, that's right. Slyvester didn't mention it to me."

[...]

'What's with this silence? Am I going to say goodbye or what?'

[Where are you and Slyvester?]"

"I'm at the boarding house. Doing an assignment. Slyvester is in the library with his friends."

[“I will take his wallet and cell phone to the boarding house.”]

"Yes?"

[“I want to talk to you too, dear.”]

"A-Alright.

[“I'll come right now.”]

"Okay. Take care."

And the call ended. I looked at the blank space for short seconds and then opened the closet to find decent clothes quickly.

'The clothes that will cover my legs because I don't want her dad to think that I'm walking around the boarding house wearing only shorts.

'Why now?! Now that Slyvester is gone!'

"No. I'm sure he came here purposefully because he found out his son wasn't there."

'So, what is he going to tell me?'

I shook my head and slapped both cheeks.

'Let's not back down. Whatever I hear, I can handle it.’

After getting ready, I left my room and went to the living room. Surprisingly, there was no one around.

I wondered, "Did they leave while I was busy with my assignment?" I quickly cleaned the area and prepared a snack for Slyvester’s father. As I was finishing up, I heard the doorbell ring.

I nervously walked towards the door, wiping my sweaty palms. After saying a quick prayer, I opened the door and greeted him.

"Hello! Please come in."

Slyvester's father had a different energy compared to his son. He reminded me of an older version of Terban, and every time our eyes met, I felt a chill run down my spine. Even his frown made me feel uneasy.

"I was waiting for him to return home to get his phone and wallet. But he didn't return," explained his father after sipping tea.

We're now sitting on the sofa with cups of tea on the centre table. I peeked through the door in case someone came, which is what I was asking to happen.

"How are you? Are you moving to another boarding house soon?"

"Yes. I'm just getting ready to move."

"Ahhh," he nodded his head.

'Phew~ His aura can be intimidating.'

"I'm not against you for Slyvester," he started.

The first word really starts with a positive. But I have a suspicion that the next one will be negative.

"But..."

'See? He has something for me.'

"I'm worried when you two get married."

'Marriage? Did he immediately think of marriage? I actually have a plan, just in case. But we haven't even graduated from college yet.'

"I found out that you are not Mr McGuffin’s real daughter."

"..."

“There is much anticipation for the next person to manage the Ixumi corporation. While Sylvester is my son, I will only pass on the company if he proves himself worthy. That is why his cousins, who also work in Ixumi, hold him in high regard. However, I worry that Sylvester's future wife being adopted may be used against him. I am concerned for you and wonder if you dare to face any criticisms about your origins.

I have been mentally preparing myself in case he brings up the topic of my background. But even though I am ready for it, it is still difficult to stay calm.

"You're just using another word to say I'm not suitable for Slyvester," I managed to say.

This time, it's he who shut his lips.

"I am aware of my situation, Sir. When you learned I was adopted, someone told me you would not like me. But I see no reason to be ashamed of being one."

"..."

"You said it depends on Slyvester if you give the company over. That means your decision does not depend on me."

"You're wrong, dear. I'm just saying this to prepare you for the future."

"Yes. And I'm grateful." I took a deep breath. "But just in case, I won't marry Slyvester’s relatives. Slyvester will be the one to share the same house with me."

"So, you don't care about what others say, is that what you're trying to say?"

I nodded my head.

Slyvester’s father stood up. Clearing his throat, he looked down and met my eyes. "Please tell my son I stopped by to give him his wallet and phone. I enjoyed the tea, my dear." Then he walked out of the boarding house.

When he finally left, I let out the breath I had been holding.

I wasn't scared, but I felt uneasy about his reminders for the future. It's more like... I'm angry and disgusted. He pretends to be concerned, but I know his intentions are different. Why can't he be more like Slyvester?

"I'm crying out of frustration," I told myself, wiping my tears repeatedly. My hands were cold, and my lips trembled.

Then, I heard a clicking sound from the door. I quickly stood up and took the stairs. Whether Slyvester comes or not, I don't want anyone to see me crying for a trivial reason.

"Is it really that shallow?" I wondered.

He mocked my origin. Is it my fault that my first parents left me?! Damn, rich people.

I expressed my frustrations on the rooftop but planned to inform Sylvester about everything later. I mustn't keep these negative emotions inside regarding his father's behaviour towards me. Honesty is the best policy, even if it means potential conflict. However, I need time to compose myself before discussing this with Sylvester.

Suddenly, I heard someone whispering, "Pssst." I turned to see Terban. I quickly wiped my eyes and asked, "What's up?"

"I just want to say I'm proud of you," Terban said.

My brows crumpled. 'Proud because?'

"I'm proud that you didn't oppress that old man," he added as he approached.

So, he heard our conversation. Terban heard everything. When I felt that I had an ally, my tears just burst out of my eyes.

" Ryan."

He called me. I was about to reply with a warning, but a force pulled me. In an instant, I felt his arms around my tiny body. Terban was hugging me.

'Wait. Even if we are friends, this might lead to misunderstanding. What if Slyvester suddenly arrives?!'

I put my hand between us to push him away. But Terban tightened his hug.

"T-Terban."

"You did great. It's not your fault."

From what he said, I remembered what he did to me when we were young. Whenever the children tease me for being an orphan, Terban will come to hug me and say this.

"It's not your fault."

As my knees weakened, I cried on his shoulder without knowing someone was looking at us.