~June 2022~
A/N:
I was updating last chapter, adding image of how Lee's place compared to Elle's place.
*
"You are smart, dear. But there's thing in life that you wont understand unless you walk that road in that shoes by yourself." Mother said.
"But I don't want kids. Kids are nightmare—I already told you. And Lee also think the same with additional description: expensive." Elle said. "If he had more money, he'll use it to open new store."
Mother smiled. "And I already told you, I don't want you to miss out, but it's not me to decide. You are my daughter but above all, you're already someone's wife."
"I start to believe this marriage is a good idea." Elle said. "You didn't meddle on my personal life anymore."
Mother laughs. "Mostly, I didn't. I just arrange a marriage for you. I didn't comment about your other choice of life. I wont always around for you. I'm getting older and you need someone to talk to, to spend the days...."
"I have friends for that."
"Yeah, right." Mother grins.
"Hey, not every woman find her husband as her bestfriend."
"Don't you?" Mother asked.
Elle tilts her head. "Well... he's funny. We talked."
Mother smiled.
"He's not my bestfriend." Elle squints her eyes.
"All right. If you say so."
***
YAWN.
Elle walks out her bedroom Saturday morning. She is going to make a coffee when she saw Lee sits on the balcony with papers scattered on the table and his fingers clawing on his head, making his hair stands straight.
Elle blinks. She put the cup down and then walks outside. "It's rare for you to be home."
Lee just hums. He sighs. His eyes locked on the paper in front of him.
Elle blinks. "Is something wrong?"
"Everything." Lee sighs. "Because I'm stupid. I made the wrong decision. I thought I could cover the expenses. I...." Sighs. "... am super stupid."
"What happened?"
Lee turns to Elle. "I can't pay the rest half of the contractor. I might lose my seventh branch." He said. "I don't have any money left. My other credit is due last month and I can't even pay that. I might lose my sixth branch too." His eyes are teary. "... and people would lose their job."
Elle blinks. "Owh. How much do you need?"
"Two hundred thousands dollars." Lee sighs. "I can't get any more loan because my late payment last month." He looks at the paper again. "Fucking-stupid of me...." He curses himself. His hands are folded under his chin.
Elle blinks. "I have two hundreds thousand dollars ready if you need it." Elle said.
Lee blinks. He slowly turns to Elle.
"You can use it."
"But it's your money." Lee said.
"I know. That's why I could tell you if you can use it." Elle said.
Lee blinks. "But I don't know when can I return it to you."
"Take your time."
"What if I couldn't return it? The business is struggling right now." Lee said.
