Alluring Mask - ENGLISH VERSION

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

"He's my husband."

I choked on my own saliva when I heard what Ei said. We had just woken up and were eating the breakfast I cooked. I volunteered to cook because she seemed to still have a hangover.

The whole unit was bright because the curtain was already aside, and the sunlight was coming in through the window, just right for the mini dining area. When I looked at Ei, her hair was still messy as she played with her food. I just shook my head at what she was doing. I carefully took the chocolate milk and drank it before I spoke.

"I'm sorry, I was surprised by what you said," I replied, wiping my lips.

She smiled faintly and shook her head. "Don't worry. It's okay. I understand why you reacted that way."

I nodded. "But your last name is different. Is it a secret relationship? No, I mean, you're already married, so why do you need to hide it?"

"It's needed. As long as I don't agree to what they want, our relationship with my husband has to be hidden. Besides, I'm using my maiden name and I'm not using Caddel's surname. It's stated in our marriage certificate that my surname is different there, but I need to use my maiden name for now," she explained and took a deep breath.

I continued to look at her while she continued eating.

"You seemed to be avoiding Mr. Winslow last night. The one he was referring to last night, they're your children, right?"

She nodded, and a smile appeared on her lips. "Yes, they're twins—a girl and a boy. I love my kids, Sarah. That's why I don't want to risk my life because I have them," she sighed. "But don't worry, everything will be okay. It's just that what's happening in our lives right now is really stressful."

I smiled bitterly and reached for her hand. She was surprised by what I did, so she looked up at me.

"If you need someone to talk to if you have a problem, I'm here. I'll listen to all your rants," I said softly.

She took my hand too and smiled. "Thank you, Sarah. I can tell you all my problems but not this problem that we're trying to fix," her voice was sad. "It's too stressful, and I know you have a lot of problems too, so I won't add to that."

"I understand, Ei. Don't worry, I don't interfere in other people's lives. Whatever you can tell me is enough. I also know the feeling of keeping all your problems in your chest and having no one to talk to."

"Thank you, Sarah," I followed her gaze when I saw her stand up to approach me. A warm arm wrapped around me. "If you have a problem, you can talk to me. I'm always free, especially for you. We're friends after all. Friends help each other."

I laughed softly and hugged her back. After the serious conversation, she went back to her seat and took more food. We spent a long time having breakfast because we talked about different things. I wish it could be like this—happy and carefree. But I know that's impossible. It's impossible for a person to go through life without any problems.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

A month later...

I was staring blankly at a white candle placed on my study table. It was lit, and the candle was the only source of light in the whole room besides the very small light on the side of my bed. It was just 60 days since Rafael passed away, so I lit a candle for him.

Time flew by so fast, but it still felt like yesterday when he left. I was still in denial, thinking it was just a joke, but now... After 60 days, I think I've accepted it.