Chapter 113: Chapter 113

Agatha’s POV

It's been a whole month since everything went down. Today, I hung out with my friend, Sebastian.

"Agatha," he said in a serious tone. "Are you really sure about your decision?"

"Hmmm?"

"That," he murmured.

"Ahhh," I nodded, understanding what he was referring to. "Yes, I'm pretty sure."

I saw him nod his head before he kicked a small rock that was lying in the middle of the road.

"Hmmm," he whispered.

I looked up and saw the inviting blue sky, urging me to have some more fun today.

"There are so many bad memories in this place," I said. "So it's better for me to leave."

Exactly.

Even though I'm gazing at this beautiful sky above me, the horrifying scenes keep replaying in my mind over and over again. Sleeping at night is the worst, as nightmares never fail to haunt me. It's hard to breathe and even harder to cry when my tears have run dry.

The only solution I can think of is to go somewhere else.

Will it help me forget my past?

Maybe yes, maybe not. Who knows if I don’t try?

Sebastian abruptly halted his steps, causing me to do the same. I observed his posture, the rise and fall of his breath, as if he was deliberating whether or not to share what was on his mind.

This was typical of him, always so enigmatic.

There were countless instances when he would simply gaze into my eyes, open and close his mouth, then avert his gaze. I knew he was harboring something deep within his heart.

"Agatha."

"Hmmm?"

Slowly, Sebastian turned to face me.

"Will you remain there... forever?"

"..."

"Don't you have any plans to return?"

I had asked myself that question a hundred times, yet I couldn't find an answer. But how could I admit that I wasn't certain if Sebastian would regard me like a lost puppy without its owner?

"Perhaps," I replied. "Perhaps, once I learn to embrace reality, I might consider returning."

Reality, it's a difficult thing to grasp, like the stars that remain hidden during the daylight. Being here feels like standing in the midst of a bright day, searching for the million stars that are concealed.

Suddenly, his figure cast a shadow over the sunlight. I looked up at him and realized how much time had passed, as he now stood taller than when we first met.

"Promise me," he said.

"Huh?"

"Promise me that you'll be alright."

The smile that was once on my lips vanished completely. He didn't ask me to promise that I would come back, but rather to be okay.

"Promise me that you'll be fine. Then, I'll wait," he added.

He smiled sweetly at me, as if he were the thief who had stolen my smile away.

Even if it takes ages, I'll wait. So make me a promise.

He extended his pinky finger towards me.

"I'll... be fine," I replied, raising my own pinky to meet his. "That's a promise." I intertwined our pinkies and pressed my thumb against his.

I thought he would let go of my hand after that, but instead, Sebastian pulled me closer.

"Ohhh!" I exclaimed.

As I momentarily lost my balance, I accidentally embraced him. Taking advantage of the situation, he...

"Sealed," he declared after planting a kiss on my forehead.

'This... fool.'

"Your forehead tastes so salty. Did you take a bath?" he inquired before releasing me.

"You jerk!"

He stuck out his tongue and exclaimed, "Bleh!" Then he ran off.

"Come back here! I'll really get you!"

** **

This morning, I got a text from someone unexpected. The message was short and to the point.

["Can we meet up?"]

I hadn't planned on seeing him before my trip to Argentina. But since he reached out first, I guess I have to go against my own rules.

'Or maybe, a part of me still misses him?'

As I strolled down the bustling street, everyone around me seemed to be in a rush, unlike me, who was moving at the speed of a sloth. My heart urged me forward, but my mind held me back.

'Do I still have feelings for him?' I wondered.

With everything that had happened - uncovering Ian and Jake's crimes, rescuing Mrs. Susan Grim, and dealing with Mikhail's death - romance was the last thing on my mind.

I was so sure that my love for Lanceil was genuine, that I couldn't possibly move on. But now, I'm not so sure.

'Did I truly love him? Or was I just dependent on him because of the circumstances?'

No matter what the answer is, it's impossible to ignore the fact that Lanceil is the son of the man who killed my father. Even though Ian faced consequences for his actions, I know I won't be able to see Lanceil in the same light or feel that same spark of romance. It's like that emotion has been overshadowed by others.

'I had to learn to love myself first.'

Lost in my thoughts, I heard someone calling my name in the distance.

"Hey Agatha~"

Curious about who it could be, I looked around and finally locked eyes with a man in a simple V-neck shirt and ripped jeans.

'This is the first time I've seen him dressed so caLanceillly. Didn't I catch a glimpse of him in just a towel around his waist?'

Blushing, I tried to push that memory out of my mind.

"Why are you shaking your head? Do you really dislike me that much?" he asked, taking steps closer to me.

I looked up and his features became clearer with each passing moment.

Porcelain skin, doe-like eyes, thick brows, long lashes, pointed nose, sharp jawline, natural red lips, and a strong physique.

There must be a reason why women around us followed his footsteps, even craning their necks like giraffes. I know the reason, of course, but I'll pretend I don't; because it hurts my ego to admit that he's as handsome as Apollo.

"But he's saved me countless times, so I'll make an exception today. Besides, we won't be seeing each other in the future."

"Is this just a coincidence? Or did you actually follow me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Adam, the owner of the loan shark business who sold me to Brett, chuckled and mimicked my posture. He also crossed his arms and arrogantly lifted his chin.

"Did you really think I would follow a lady in broad daylight just to be the bad guy?"

"Yeah, it's possible."

He brushed his black hair back as he spoke, "Geez. After everything we've been through, you're still bitter towards me."

"Then do you expect me to smile sweetly in front of the person who sold me as a slave?" I retorted.

“Is it that hard to forgive?”

Adam chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "So, I heard you're planning to study abroad after parting ways with Brett," he mentioned.

It must have been Brett who spilled the beans.

"Yep. Can't say I'll miss seeing you around," I quipped.

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Because a wealthy lady like you doesn't need to borrow money, right?"

I rolled my eyes and shot back, "Get a new job. Maybe then we'll cross paths again."

"I already have a plan," he shot back. "Just focus on your own life. If you're doing well, maybe consider returning."

"And who says I'll come back?" I challenged.

He pointed to himself, a smirk playing on his lips. "Me. Wedding abroad are no joke."

‘Huh? Wedding? Whose wedding?’

“I'm a bit confused," I whispered.

Adam nodded, scratching his head. "Yeah, I get it. You're clueless."

"Huh?"

"You're silly. I just asked you to marry me."

WHAT?!

"You're insane," I replied.

"Sure, sure," he agreed. "I've come to terms with that. By the way, when you return, don't forget to bring a present. If you wrap yourself in a bow, I'll gladly accept it."

There are so many things I want to say, but after Adam patted my head, he turned and walked away without looking back.

At first, I thought he was joking. But reflecting on everything he's done for me, I think he might actually have feelings; which is strange.

"Well. I don't care how he deals with it. We won't see each other again, so he'll forget about this eventually."

** **

Third Person’s POV

Lanceil had heard from his younger brother, Vincent, about Agatha's plan to study overseas. So, he knew he had to meet her before the day she left the country.

Was it to bid her farewell?

To stop her?

To confess that he still loved her despite everything?

Lanceil had no idea. What mattered to him was seeing her face before it was too late. Somehow, he was convinced that this could be the last time.

Sitting inside the coffee shop, Lanceil wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. He ordered an ice Americano and almost finished the large cup. Soon, he regretted drinking coffee because it only made him more nervous.

"Why am I getting so nervous?" he asked himself.

He knew the answer, but pretended not to. After waiting for about two hours, the person he had been waiting for finally arrived at the shop. Lanceil looked at Agatha as she entered the chilly place.

She searched for him, and when their eyes met, he felt a sharp pain in his heart once again.

He blamed his own mind for tricking him into thinking it would be easy, especially as a mature man. But when it comes to the woman he loves, clear thinking goes out the window.

"I'm sorry for being late," Agatha apologized.

Lanceil sat across from her, watching as she settled into the chair at the round wooden table.

"No worries, I just got here myself," Lanceil fibbed.

Agatha nodded, murmuring a response.

As they both stared down at the floor, their shoes tapping nervously, Agatha noticed Lanceil's sharp intake of breath and decided to break the silence.

"How's your mom doing?"

Lanceil hesitated for a moment before responding, "She's still recovering at the rehab center."

"Ah, that's good to hear. I hope she gets better soon, sir."

Sir?

Lanceil winced at the way Agatha spoke to him. When they first got together, he allowed her to use his name, but now she was reverting back to the old way of addressing him.

"Anyway," Agatha rambled on without turning around, as if there was something interesting to see in the empty space. "I know you're busy. So if you have something to say then..."

"I'm not busy."

"..."

"I can't be busy when you're here."

Agatha swallowed, feeling the pain in her chest intensify. She had rehearsed their conversation in her head countless times and was prepared to end things and tell him to forget about her.

"But it's difficult. It's really difficult."

"Do you want something to drink?" he offered. "Just name it and I'll order for y..."

"I'm going to leave."

“...”

“I decided to continue my studies in other country.”

Lanceil was already aware of this situation. However, hearing it directly from her felt like a shock that jolted him awake. It was as if a bucket of ice had been poured over his head, snapping him out of his reverie.

He struggled to keep his emotions in check, clenching his fists tightly under the table.

As he remained silent, Agatha spoke once more.

"There are so many things I wish I could forget, and the only way to do that is to leave everyone behind."

Lanceil couldn't tear his gaze away from her, his eyes starting to sting from the effort. He refused to blink, using it as an excuse. But when he felt the warmth of tears welling up, he knew he couldn't hold them back.

"You're one of the memories I want to erase."

Still, he didn't blink.

He made a conscious effort not to let the tears fall.

But he couldn't stop them.

Even without blinking, tears streamed down his cheeks. Seeing him cry, Agatha's voice wavered.

“I d-don’t have a plan in forgiving your father and Mr. Jake Dawson who killed Mikhail.”

Lanceil acknowledged, "I understand. It was really hard for me to confront you."

Agatha suggested, her eyes shining, "Then the best solution is to move on from each other."

Lanceil's lower lip trembled as he fought back the tears welling up in his eyes. He quickly licked the corner of his mouth, trying to regain his composure. But it was difficult to hide his emotions, they were too overwhelming.

"Thank you for all you've done, sir Lanceil," Agatha said, lowering her head. "I apologize for my actions towards you. Stay well and take care of yourself." She rose to her feet, not waiting for a response. Agatha believed there was nothing left to say. If she lingered, she was afraid she would break down in tears just like him.

"Agatha..."

A hand grasped her wrist from behind. Looking down, she saw his hand holding onto her. Pain shot through his touch like lightning, creating a storm in her heart.

‘I need to go. Let me go before I’ll break down,’ she begged inwardly while shutting her eyes tightly.

“Can I ask one more thing?” Lanceil whispered softly, tears streaming down his face.

His question caught her off guard, causing her heart to ache.

"Did you... ever... truly love me?" he asked, his voice breaking.

She gazed into his eyes, feeling the weight of his words.

In that moment, they both knew that their love was real, despite everything that had happened.

She had made up her mind to keep lying until the very end. She thought it would be easier for both of them if she claimed she never loved him. This way, Lanceil could move on more quickly. However, when she gazed into his eyes, the truth slipped out from her quivering lips.

"I did love you... genuinely."

Lanceil's tears flowed even more, causing his face to turn crimson.

"But I can't love you again," Agatha responded, her smile filled with sadness. "I'm sorry. But I don't want to fall in love with you again."

Agatha gently freed her wrist from his loosened grip and walked out of the coffee shop without glancing back. She feared that if she did, she would never be able to escape.