INAMORATA: Before Our Heaven Turns To Hell

Chapter Twenty Four - Lies And Forgiveness

Several minutes have passed since we stopped laughing. We just laid there side by side staring at nothing in particular. We were both just looking up. It was still early and nothing could be heard except the occasional chirping of birds and clanging of wind chimes from the balcony. Wei has left the balcony doors open, letting the warm but cool breeze inside.

"It's so quiet here." I mused as I relished the serenity. It reminded me of the province since the air has this unique scent of leaves mixed with the earth.

"Yes, and sometimes it could get a little lonely too. But you get used to it." He muttered and my heart ached. I can clearly sense the emptiness behind those words.

"Well, you can always watch those adult shows that you like." I said innocently and this made him snort. I smiled at the deep rumbling sound he made as he shook his head and soon his gloomy mood decreased.

"You know, this used to be mother's room. Green was her favorite color and this was designed for her." He stated after a while with his eyes shining as he half-smiled. "Hell, those hideous statues aren't even my style but I didn't want to get rid of them. She used to clean it herself, so that must have meant that she loved those statues even just a little."

This made me glance at him and it lingered when I spotted his lips trembling. I wanted to hug him but something stopped me from doing it, so I just ruffled his hair as gently as I could.

"Or maybe your mom just hates dust." I said and this finally cracked him up.

"You're such an idiot, half-breed." He said while laughing and it made me happy seeing him in that state.

"But seriously Wei, if you miss her that much, why don't you just go see her." I suggested after a while even though I already know his response.

"You know I can't." He smiled sadly.

"Well you could, if you make a way."

He sighed as he flung an arm over his eyes, tired with my persistence. "You obviously don't know how this works and what my enemies are like. If I could, I would have already done it but it's too risky."

Then he whispered something in what sounded like Korean to himself. "Bringing you here was already a risk."

"What?"

He turned to me and smiled that signature grin of his. "Nothing. Do you remember when we first met?"

"Of course." I replied, deciding to just ignore his deliberate avoidance. That couldn't have meant something important, could it?

"The second one?" He prompted.

"Yes, definitely. What's your point?" My heart began to beat wildly as I anticipated his next response. I don't feel so good about this. "Wei, what is it?"

Wei sat back up then he raked a hand through his hair. He was suddenly nervous.

"It wasn't a coincidence, Rosie." He admitted and I was confused.

"What?"

"Our second meeting." He repeated. "It wasn't a coincidence."