Talk To Me

48. War And Peace

The last few weeks had been an absolute whirlwind for everyone. Todo was deep in managing Wale's case with his uncle, while also showing Kind the ropes at his company. He felt honored that Kind wanted to work for him, especially given their history—it made the decision easy. Plus, Todo understood why Kind was suddenly passionate about helping others find their way after his own ordeal. Todo's company had saved him, after all.

For Kind, though, the workload Todo kept piling on was a shock. He couldn't believe how Todo managed to fit in a private life with such a schedule! It was exhausting, but Todo seemed almost relieved to have someone he trusted lending a hand. Yet Kind sometimes felt he was slowing Todo down. He learned quickly that Todo was hardly ever at his mansion unless he was sleeping or eating—he practically lived at his company. And the company wasn't just about missing persons; they handled private investigations, VVIP escorts, bodyguard services, and even cold cases. Todo's mother, on the other hand, managed public relations with the government and the police with a finesse that Kind could only admire. He'd seen her power firsthand when Todo took him to one of her meetings. She might not be a general, but she could pull military strings like one. Kind realized that, as tough as Todo was, his mother was on another level entirely—decisive, calculating, and quick as a whip.

All of this fueled Kind's determination to keep up. He barely had a moment to check on Wale and the baby, as staying at Todo's mansion was the fastest way to learn the job. Although Wale wasn't exactly thrilled with this arrangement, Kind didn't want to feel like a burden. People had been taking care of him enough lately—he wanted to pull his own weight.

Meanwhile, Swalha was taking on fewer clients to spend more time with Cherry, who was gearing up to leave the country. Thankfully, Cherry's parents hadn't discovered the payout Wale had given Cherry to take over custody. They already had their suspicions about Cherry, so there was no need to worry them further.

"Are you sure you're ready to travel? It's only been three weeks since your surgery," Swalha asked, not for the first time.

"I'm fine, really. I'm barely producing any milk now, so I can finally leave and start over somewhere else. I'm idle here, just like I was for the past nine months," Cherry replied.

"I'm more worried about the wound on your abdomen... we all are. Your parents will worry too."

"Believe me, Mom's been reminding me about it every day—there's no chance I'll forget. But I've got my clearance to travel, so there's no reason to stay. If I'd seen that baby, held it even once, I might not have been able to leave. I don't want any ties to it. Don't you all want that too?"

Swalha sighed. "Honestly, Cherry, I do think some time away would do you good. A change of scenery might help your mental health. If the doctor says you're fit to go, then who am I to stop you?"

"Thanks for being honest, Swalha. I'd hate it if you lied to me. Keeping my distance is what's best for everyone, especially me. I still can't stand Kind or that child."

"Why, Cherry? Even as a psychologist and as someone who's known you forever, I can't understand why you're so open about hating him when he's done nothing but try to help you." Swalha sighed again, "This is exactly why I avoid having friends as clients."

"That's precisely why I wanted that child named after him—so he can't forget me. He'll always think of me whenever he looks at her. I hope she grows up looking just like me or my sister."

"Well, hate to break it to you, but that's not how Kind took it. He was genuinely honored, even though he suspected your intentions. You know how he is—he doesn't hold grudges. He finds his peace and lets things go. Maybe you should try that too, for your own sake. You're the only one hurting yourself by holding onto all this anger."

"Oh, enough with your drivel, Swalha! As long as he's with Wale, I'll despise him, and I don't care what any of you think. I tried hating him less, but the moment he took Wale from me, my mind was flooded with thoughts I don't even want to admit."

"Honestly, Cherry, sometimes I wonder if it's even you talking—or your sister. Have you forgotten everything she did to Kind? She nearly scarred him for life, maybe even killed him!"

Cherry's eyes hardened. "And so what? Why didn't he die? Why is he still here, happily waltzing around with my fiancé?"

"Oh, not this again, Cherry! You and Wale ended ages ago. The moment you accepted his money, that was it!" Swalha's patience snapped. "And if you ever do anything to hurt Kind, you'll answer to me."

Cherry's face twisted into a scowl. "And what if I was behind it? What would you do, Swalha? There's no evidence against me. Your precious Kind forgives so easily he'd probably let it slide anyway. Who knows? Maybe next time, I'll make sure he's gone for good!"

In one quick movement, Swalha's hand connected with Cherry's cheek. Cherry retaliated, sending Swalha sprawling onto the bed. After a moment, Swalha sat up, ready to face Cherry's wrath.

"How dare you slap me, Swalha? And over Kind of all people? This is exactly why I despise him! He's got you all wrapped around his finger, making fools of you! Poor Swalha, still holding out hope he'll come around, even though he rejected you eight years ago. If only you could magically become a man, maybe he'd finally pay you some attention..."

"Enough!" Cherry's mother's voice cut through the room, and both women froze. "Haven't you and your sister done enough to disgrace us? We could hear everything from the next room, Cherry. I'm ashamed of you! You will apologize to Swalha right now, or I swear, you're not leaving this house!"

Swalha was just as shocked as Cherry. It had been a long time since she'd seen this side of Cherry's mother, who turned to her with a gentle touch. "Oh, darling, look what she's done to your face! You're supposed to meet Freddy this afternoon."

"Mom, you always take her side! She'll never be my sister!"

"Grow up, Cherry. Swalha has brought more pride to this family than you or your sister ever have. We're ashamed of both of you! You and your sister spend your time tearing down the people who've only tried to help you. How dare you lay a hand on her?"

"She slapped me first!"

"And I bet you deserved it! I won't force you to apologize, but I promise you'll regret it if you don't. You're staying here, and your father and I will see to it that you're investigated for any involvement in Kind's kidnapping!"

"Mom, I only said that in the heat of the moment! I wasn't involved."

"Oh, hush. I know you weren't involved, but your beloved sister certainly was. I refuse to have two daughters that are a disgrace!"

"Mother!"

"Don't raise your voice at me, child!" Cherry's mother's tone was ice-cold, filling the room with tension. Even as she held Swalha close, her anger was palpable.

"Maybe I should've seen this coming. I blame myself for missing the signs. You're not fit to be a mother, Cherry, or to have any relationship with others. You're a danger to yourself and everyone around you. You need help."