War Upon the Sunrise | HS Side Story

Chapter Twenty-One

When we arrived at La Seriah, I went straight to the office. Nikoel told me to get some rest first or to go home first but I chose not to. I was a bit worried about the state of the company as well as to my parents. I am sure they feel bothered about the company again and I want to take over for them to de-stress.

After two days of arrival, in the office, Nikoel immediately gave me the folders where all the comments and the feedbacks from the customers are printed. I read it right away and I can't help but feel sad. If my parents did saw these comments, they will definitely feel down.

It's a good thing that I'm back.

A knock on my office's door made me look at it. Nikoel's head peeked inside.

“Aren't you gonna take your lunch, Miss Lucy?” he asked.

I sighed and put the folder on the table. I rested my back on the backrest of the swivel chair and looked at him.

“I don't feel like eating, Nikoel,” I said and moved the swivel chair.

He sighed and went inside of the door. He closed the door from behind him.

“Were the feedbacks that bad for you to lost your appetite?” he asked, stoic but calm.

I pursed my lips and sighed. I admit, the comments are really mental disturbing. If one can not handle hurtful comments, one should not read the comments.

“That's how it works, Nikoel. Not everyone will love your services. There are always a lot of people who will criticize you informally. So, it's up to you if you'd let them affect you with their words,” I said and sighed.

It's heavy on the chest, yes. But it's not enough to make me give up.

I've been through a lot since I was young. A single folder filled with hateful comments can no longer drag me down.

He nodded. I glint of pride showed upon his eyes. But I still can not see a glint of smile on his face which I've been looking forward to.

“It's good to know that you don't get affected that easily, Miss Lucy. The company will definitely be on good hands as long as you're here,” he said.

I smiled and nodded. I felt my heart melted with his words. I don't usually receive compliments since before because there are still a lot of people who are better than me. I had always been the shadow of someone else's. So, hearing him say those words means a lot to me.

“Thank you, Nikoel. Your words matter,” I told him.

He nodded. “So, are you gonna have lunch outside or I'll just buy you food?”

I puckered my lips and looked at the table. Seconds of thinking, I finally decided.

“Okay! Let's go! I'm gonna eat outside!” I said and tidied up my desk.

Then I walked towards Nikoel and smiled. “Let's go!” I said.

Nikoel who was looking at me with his usual stoic eyes, wearing a suit, opened the door for me. Then we both went outside of the building.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I and Nikoel ordered food. Then while eating, a thought suddenly rushed in my mind.

“Nikoel, I was planning to buy a stove for Lucas. Can you buy one for me?” I asked while eating.

He looked at me and paused for eating. “What do you mean, Miss Lucy?”

I pursed my lips, mouth jammed with food and looked back to him. “I am planning to buy a stove for Lucas.” I repeated.

He stared at me for awhile. Holding the spoon with food mid-air. Looking at me like I am the most stupid person in the world that he ever met.

“What?” I asked when he did not talk and just stared at me with a strange look.