After All

Chapter eighteen

Helios and Emerald went incognito while trying to gather information in the slums. But they both found out that someone was spying on them so they decided to pretend they were just having a date. 

"This is a waste of time," Emerald said as she sighed as she took a bite off of her barbecue.

"That's pretty hurtful," Helios responded as he also took a bite of his chocolate ice cream.

They were just walking and walking around. Trying to shake off the spies but just can't.

"I don't understand. Why can't you just go against her straightforwardly?" Emerald asked pertaining to the Emperor's mistress

"I would love to however the Emperor was behind her back. A crown prince can't still win against the Emperor."

"What about the Empress? Can't you ask for her help?" She asked

Helios suddenly stopped walking. Emerald looked confuse so she looked at him. She was taken aback when she saw the face he was making. 

Ah, he looks guarded. 

This is the first time that Emerald saw that expression from Helios' face. Annoyance, guilt and pity was all written in his face. 

"She was already having a hard time herself. I no longer wish to cause her problems any further." he said

"I apologize for being tactless." Emerald said

"That's fine." he said as he took another bite of his ice cream and continued walking.

While walking silently, they saw two familiar figures. Emerald stopped at her track. She tried to take a deep breath to calm herself. Or rather to prevent making a face she will regret showing to these people.

It has been years since she tried to leave all of these feelings behind. So why is it that seeing those two together can still make her feel pain. She's tired. Really really tired. This was the same exact feeling that she had in her past life. 

The only person that saved her was her daughter. That's why she wished to have her this time. She felt like she neglected her due to her obsession with Gab so she hope she can give her all the love she deserve this time. 

But right now, is that really the right thing to do? Everything is becoming complicated due to her stupidity and selfishness. If only she will let Cliff go then he can be freely happy with Vivian. 

Unlike this that they need to hide their relationship.

She watched as the two laugh heartily with each other. Cliff giving Vivian flowers and Vivian blushing for his sweet gestures.

Did Gab ever bring me flowers like this? Did he even gave me any present at all?

Ah, she felt so tiny and worthless. How can she let that guy treat her like that? The only reason she never regretted marrying him is because she had her daughter.

"Really a bunch of hypocrites." said Helios

She looked at him and she saw her cold red eyes.

"Disgusting." he muttered looking at the couple she too were seeing.

"They're very sweet." the moment that Emerald let go of those words she felt a clump on her throat. She felt her eyes becoming moist and warm.

Not here, Emerald. You'll definitely regret it.

Helios saw the expression of Emerald. He can't help himself but to hold her hand. Like saying 'I'm here'.

Emerald sighed.