Black Rose (Completed)

Chapter 16

Dear Diary,

a jerk said to woman he betrayed, "You need shock therapy to get stronger."

How ridiculous isn't it? The man did wrong but woman was punished. What kind of logic is that?!

When Lilia met up with Red that weekend, she told him a nasty story about a jerk and his stupid woman. "It's all because bad habits of the patriarchy so that women become stupid and don't care about their own dignity," said Lilia.

"You have started a good thing with your life and it will never be in vain. One day your struggle to erode the bad from patriarchy will pay off. Of course it will not be easy because this tradition is deeply ingrained and rooted in people's lives." Red praises and conveys his opinion. "Initiating respect women in your workplace is the most efficient."

"I think so," replied Lilia. "But the story of working women who are married is very complicated. At home since morning they have been doing everything (cooking, cleaning, taking care children, preparing the needs of their husbands who will go to work, ...) and arriving at work already looking tired. If that's all, maybe they will survive and be fine, but sometimes it is accompanied by violence. Physical or mental violence is both painful. But people only take physical violence seriously and only realize after there are injuries and death."

"Your building's only been open for a few weeks, if anything goes wrong and you need a trusted attorney, then I'd recommend a law firm you can call any time." Red provides support.

"Is it expensive, paying the lawyers?"

"No. For you it will be free."

"Until when?"

"Forever."

"It will make me bond and feel dependent on you."

"Is that bad?"

"We just talked about how to create an empowered and independent environment for women. If you pamper me, maybe I'll get used to it and then one day turn into someone I don't even recognize anymore. Losing myself."

"You're thinking too much, as usual." Red laughed. "Relax. I just want to take care of you and your fight."

"Thank you. Since you're so nice, I'd better just be myself. I like work, love money and my principles."

"And I like you. Only you."

"Eaaa!"

Finding Lilia as excited as she used to be in high school, Red's laughter can't stop.

"You must be one of the loyal readers of 'Lily's crap card' huh?" Lily guessed.

"I still have that box, your crappy cards."

"Serious?"

Red nodded. "I'm not lying. You can check that stuff in my studio."

"You are like a love slave," Lilia chuckled. "It doesn't match your appearance."

"You should be happy," said Red. "In fact, you doubted me completely."

"We never know what will happen in the future, do we?"

"Luckily I really love you even though you hurt my feelings like this."

"I didn't mean to hurt you. Just be prepared for any eventuality. I don't want to be naive."

"Okay, take your time, baby."

"Thank you." Lilia smirked.

"You're welcome." Red grins as well.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, then laughed together.

Until that day they didn't reveal to each other the other side of their life. Red thought if he talked about it then Lilia would find him strange, and so would Lilia. In silence they decided to live their lives with joy and gratitude. As long as we're together, Red thinks, I don't care about anything else. While Lilia was thinking when looking at Red, there's no harm in trying again with you.