Chapter 84: Chapter 84

"Here, have a drink," said Agustine while handing me a glass of water.

My mind was wondering in nowhere, but still I accepted the drink. We are now in the living area of ​​the house. I was sitting on the couch while he remained standing in front of me even after I took the glass from him. I took a sip. I can't look at him because my brain is still full of thoughts.

Later, I felt Agustine gently took the glass I was holding and put it on the center table. After that he sat next to me and gently took one of my hands. He let out a sigh as he gently massaged my hand.

"I will not ask if you are okay because obviously you are not," he said.

I knew he was looking at me but I kept my eyes on both of our hands.

"But can I ask what are you thinking right now? Would you mind sharing it with me?" Although he tried to hide the frustration in his voice, he did not succeed.

The edge of my lips rose a little. Slowly, I lifted my eyes and met his gaze. Concern, fear, and sadness. Those were the emotions I saw on his face.

"Shouldn't you be thinking about yourself right now?" I asked again. "Your name will be tainted because of the scandal," I continued.

His forehead knotted. "Is that what you think?" he said.

I bit my lower lip and looked away. After a while I let out a soft laugh and turned my attention back to our hands.

"Funny, isn't it?" I said.

"Khrystal," he called, apparently displeased.

I faked a smile and tried to look at him again. "Nothing new," I said. "With or without it, people still look at me the same way. Flirty, dirty woman. It's just this time, they just had enough proof for their accusations against me."

"Khrystal," he called again with his cold baritone voice.

I chuckled emptyly and fought his gaze. "Yes, it hurt me because I disappointed my father. But it's funny because I'm more worried about you, I think about you more than I think about myself. I don't have a reputation to take care of from the beginning. But you have."

Agustine let out a silent curse and sighed heavily. He shook his head twice more as if he couldn't accept what I said. I understand him because maybe it's abnormal that I'm the woman in the issue but he's the one I'm thinking about right now.

"You have a good name, Agustine. You built your reputation too well," I mumbled.

His jaw clenched. "Yes, you are right. But that doesn't mean that you are nothing," he said firmly.

I plastered a small smile. I appreciate that he wants to comfort me during these times. But all of this was my fault. I deserved this humiliation.

"How long are you going to underestimate yourself?" he added and looked at me softly. "You are more than what you think, Khrystal."

I couldn't speak. I just kept looking at his eyes. His eyes make me feel like I'm too much.

He took a deep breath and held my hand tighter. He lifted you up gently while keeping his eyes on me. He brought the back of my palm closer to his face then followed it with a kiss.

"Don't bother thinking about me. I can handle this. And I promise, I will clear your name," he assured.

I couldn't stop laughing as I shook my head. "Bhryll, that voice record is legit. It's real," I reminded.

"Just trust me with this," he said, pleading.

I didn't answer and just kept looking into his pleading eyes.

"I promise. I will settle this issue," he said.

Tears started forming at the corners of my eyes. Seeing him assuring me like this was out of my expectation, again. Ever since we met, I knew he was keeping his name. The reason why I succeeded in my plan was because I blackmailed him with that record.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. For sure, some who know about the voice scandal are already feasting on him. Maybe later it will be made public for good.

And he doesn't deserve that.

"No, I will take the fall. This is my fault so I will fix it. I am the one who needs to clean your name here," I stated.

Agustine closed his eyes. It seems very difficult how to convince me of what he wants to happen. I can feel him trying to calm himself despite the frustration he feels.

"I-I think we also need to lie low for good," I added almost in a whisper.

He slowly opened his eyes and let go of my hand."What do you mean?" he said seriously.

I bit my lower lip and averted my eyes. It's like my chest is being run over by the weight I feel at this time. I can't breathe properly. I don't know what words I should say so as not to burden both of us.

"It wouldn't be good if..." I trailed off. "If you see us always together."

Silence enveloped the two of us. I could feel him staring at me while I was afraid to turn my attention to him. We need this. It would not be good if we continued to be close to each other at this time. I'll just pull him down.

"Are you breaking up with me?" He laughed a little.

I remained quiet for a second.

That was the best option for now, wasn't it?

Even before I could answer, I felt him get up from his seat. I couldn't stop looking at him.

"Can't you trust me?" he asked, disappointment was evident in his voice.

My eyes became more cloudy. "This is not about trust, Agustine. Your name, your reputation, everything about you, are at stake!" I uttered frustratingly. "Why don't you understand that?"

He let out a sarcastic laugh. "Can you hear yourself, Khrystal? Just because of this mere problem you are breaking up with me!" His voice echoed all over the house.

His jaw was tensing and I could see the veins in his neck twitching.

"Is there a problem?" I repeated and then stood up to face him.

That word seemed to be a trigger for the emotions I was trying to calm down.

I poked his chest. "I've been there!" I shouted; tears were already streaming down my face. "How people judge me, how they repeatedly defame my name despite what I do, how they always talked ill against me, I've experienced it all! And bullsh*! That's not just a problem, Agustine!"

I tried to punch his chest, but he caught my hand and held it gently. I heard a low moan from him before I felt him pull me into a hug. I cried even more because of that. I kept crying and sobbing hard. It seemed that in an instant I weakened a lot.

"I'm sorry, hush," I heard him murmur as he showered my head with his kisses. "I'm sorry for shouting, I'm sorry for my words."

"Do you think I really want to break up with you? I don't want to either, Bryll. But I can't see you break up because of me," I whispered between my sobs.

He hugged me tighter. "Damn, sweetie. You should think of yourself not me," he whispered. "I will not be broken, Khrystal. We will not be broken. Just please, trust me with this. Everything will be okay; we don't need to break up."

I could only shake the thought of it.

"I will settle this without giving up our relationship. Mark my words," he said firmly.