Until I found you

Part 20 "Shining Sorrow"

--The girl who saved your life—I just saw her in this city, a little while ago. (Robert)

Zayn, stunned, asked,
--What! Where?? Where did you see her?? Who is she?? What’s her name?? (Zayn)

--I don’t know her name. Just before coming here, I saw her in front of the market next door. I asked for her name, but she didn’t tell me. She only said she’s here for her studies. I also invited her to come here, but she said she was in a hurry. (Robert)

--What does she look like? (Zayn)

--Her face isn’t very fair, more dusky, and she’s slightly shorter than you. Her hair is a strange shade of brown and curly. (Robert)

--Papa, the way you’re describing her, it sounds like you’re talking about Daisy! (Zayn)

--Who’s that? (Robert)

--I told you about Daisy, didn’t I? The one who helped me so much. She still helps me even now. (Zayn)

--Won’t you introduce us? (Robert)

--I will, but I don’t think she’s home right now. Besides, you just arrived. Take some rest first. (Zayn)

Daisy snapped back to her senses when someone called her name. The receptionist at the mall called out in English, asking her to come inside if she wanted to buy something.

But Daisy had come to the mall to escape from Robert. She had no interest in proving her helplessness by wandering inside such a large mall. She peeked outside to see if he had left.

Seeing the coast clear, she stepped out of the mall.

--Should I call my sister? But let me confirm first. They said they would give me the details. Once I have them, I’ll inform her. But if I go to collect the prize, everyone will see my true identity. Then what! (Daisy)

The thought hit her hard, and she became anxious. She never wanted to reveal her identity in front of anyone. As long as she remained in the shadows, people trusted her enough to share their thoughts. But once she was recognized, there would be endless problems.

What should she do? Refusing the prize would be foolish! She couldn’t tell Zayn either. This was a decision she had to make on her own.

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she headed home, cautiously checking her surroundings. She approached her apartment, and just as she was about to unlock the door, she froze, hearing someone’s voice.

--Daisy, my papa has arrived. Come, I’ll introduce you. (Zayn)

Daisy looked and saw Zayn standing at the neighboring door, looking straight at her.

Zayn’s grandpa… As the thought crossed her mind, she quickly shook her head and said,

--Zayn, I’m not feeling too well. I just got back from the market, and the sun’s giving me a terrible headache. I’ll meet your grandpa later. (Daisy)

--What! Are you alright now? (Zayn)

--No, no, I’ll be fine after taking some medicine. I often get these headaches when I go out in the sun. I’ll take my meds now. (Daisy)

--If you feel worse, let me know, okay? (Zayn)

--Sure. (Daisy)

Daisy entered her apartment and closed the door, letting out a sigh of relief. She had narrowly avoided another encounter with Robert.

Noticing Zayn’s sad face as he entered the house, Robert asked,

--What happened, Zayn? Didn’t  she come? (Robert)