When Love Lasts (Book 2) || Rindou H.

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Y o u r  P O V

My decisions were eccentric, I know. But even if I didn't choose this life, life chooses me and I need to face it.

Rindou. Why do I feel guilty after I left him? I should be hating him. I should loathe him. But what is this feeling? It's getting ridiculous.

It's been 6 months now. We never heard anything from him, nor Bonten. For the moment, I felt relaxed. After all, this is what I want for Rina.

"Mom, have you talked to Mr. Jones about the pictorial?" I looked at my daughter who was cutely chewing her pancakes.

"Yes, darling, don't worry." I smiled and wiped some crumbs off her lips. She giggled in response and continue to her food.

At her age, she's already becoming what she wants. Ever since her first runway with Mitsuya, a lot of New York-based designers contacted me about getting Rina to model their designer clothes.

I remember how she said that maybe Mitsuya was the one who sent all those designers because of how he fully supports her and her dreams.

"I am so excited!"

I chuckled. "I can tell, honey. But I need you to finish your breakfast first. You still have school, remember?"

Her eyes widened in realization. "I almost forgot about school!"

She devoured her food, making me laugh at how cute and funny she looked. Seeing her like this fulfills me. Now, this is what they called mother's happiness. Nothing can compete with your happiness when you see your child living her life.

It took us not so long to arrive at her school. She's in her first grade and she's the most clever and brilliant student I've ever known. I think she got that from me and Rindou.

(an: okay, you may be bad with your decisions in the first book but I swear, you're brilliant asf lmao 😂)

"Well, enjoy your day at school, sweetheart! And,"

We look at each other having big smiles sculpted on our faces as we both say the last phrase.

"Always smile and be kind!"

Both of us shared a laugh. Rina hugged me before going out of the car. Her fruity and blissful scent never left the atmosphere.

"Bye, mom! I love you!" She waved her tiny hand and then blew me a kiss.

"Bye, Rina! I love you most!"

The smile on my face stayed for so long as I watch her disappear from my sight. I heave out a sigh. I always feel like my sunshine is taken away whenever Rina is not around. It felt so lonely.

I drive my way to our cafe. Yes, I owe a small cafe somewhere around our block. It's just near our condo.

I used the money Ran transferred to my bank when we left Japan. He said that it's not more of a help but more of a responsibility of his brother. Also, we all know he grew fond of Rina himself.

"Good morning, ma'am!" One of the baristas greeted me as I entered the cafe.

"Good morning, everyone! How's the day going?"

"Everything's good! Do you want some coffee, ma'am?" Joanne, the barista, offered.

"Cafe latte sounds nice."

I took a seat at the countertop and watched some customers enjoy their food and drinks.

"Rina is at school, ma'am?" Harold, one of the waiters, asked.

"Yeah, she almost forgot about it though because of how excited she is in her pictorial with Mr. Jones." I chuckled as I took a recap of the scenario earlier.

"Wow! Rina is really getting it. Well, no doubt, she's really beautiful!" Joanne remarked after giving me my coffee together with a slice of American pie.

"If only I can take you guys with us."

These casual talks with my employees are quite normal. I never treated them as my workers, instead, I act as if they were my friends. We love talking about our lives.

"Now I start to wonder what her father looks like."

"Joanne! Watch it."

I only giggled at the two as they start to bicker. They didn't know anything about Rindou though.

"I-I'm sorry, ma'am. I got too carried away."

"No, it's fine! Besides, Rina's father really is, handsome."

I smiled at the thought of Rindou. His stellar features start to flash on my mind. His violet eyes, his perfect smile, everything about him is beautiful.

"Rina got most of her features from her father."

I snapped back to reality and saw the two looking at me. They probably found me daydreaming.

"I bet he looks elegant too because of how gorgeous you are yourself, ma'am!"

"Oh, such a flatter."

But she's indeed correct. No matter what everyone says, Rindou is truly beautiful.

-

I picked up Rina from her school and asked her about her day. She talked a lot during the whole ride, about how she got perfect scores on her quizzes to her pep talks with her friends.

"I really had a great day, mom!" She chirped.

"Mommy's glad to hear it. Because of that, I'm going to treat you to your favorite ice cream!"

After the long day, we're finally home at last. I started to prepare our dinner while Rina is answering her assignments.

The sound of the pouring rain, someone talking on the TV, the sizzle of the food that I'm cooking. It was the only sound that can be heard inside our unit.

Until the doorbell rang.

"Mom, someone's at the door!" Rina called.

I frowned as I try to think of whom it might be. I'm not expecting any visitors right now. The bell rings for the second time but I'm still not planning on opening it.

"Who is it?"

"(y/n), it's me."

Immediately, my eyes widened as I heard his voice. I am sure that belongs to him. But how? Why is he here?

What is Rindou doing outside our unit?