The Real You

Chapter 4

Everyone sat down at the big dining table enjoying their meal when Elena started asking Zarian questions

"Tell us Zarian, what do you do for a living?" Elena ask eagerly

Everyone looked at her, including the maids who were standing aside

"Uh I actually own a clothing line, im a designer" , she didn't like all the attention on her

"Really? What's the name?" Lean asked with curiosity in her voice

"Maine"

Suddenly, Zarian heard utensils clashing with plates

"No way! You're THE Zarian Maine? No wonder your name sounds so familiar" Lean said in wonder

"I apologize for my daughter's behaviour. It's just that her clothes are all from your brand, even her shoes. I actually took a liking at the bags you design, they're quite unique" Elena chimed in

Zarian had a surprised look on, "I try to make my style as unique as i see fit" , she smiled

Zarian Maine was a famous clothing designer in the fashion industry. Everyone wanted to see who the woman was but they never had a chance to even see a glimpse of her. The Cross family could be considered lucky to be able to see and talk to the most hated and at the same time, loved designer

Although she was rich, she would lose to the Cross family. Judging from their aura, they're probably from the business line.

'Well except for Lean'

Zarian noticed that Lean was the famous singer, dancer, and composer everyone has been talking about

'It seems this family is full of talented people'

After their conversation, everyone minded their own business. Except for Mimi who was asking Zarian a bunch of questions which made Val unusually stiff
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After their dinner everyone gathered around the exit to see Zarian off

"If you have any time, feel free to visit us any time you want" Elena said while standing beside her husband

"Yeah, and we could go shopping too!" Lean cheerfully added

Zarian smiled, honestly she was surprised that they took a liking at her stoic face.

"Of course, I will make sure to try and visit again. This time, i would bring gifts"

Mimi who was at Val's arms wiggled out of his hold. She came up to Zarian and raised her arms.

Zarian didn't hesitate and took the silver haired girl in her arms

"Please come and visit me again, i really enjoyed today!" Mimi said bashfully

"Of course little Mimi, i promise to visit again" Zarian said with fondness in her eyes

It didn't leave her eyes when she noticed Val tensing up and the whole family widened their eyes except for Elena who smiled knowingly

'Again..did i do something wrong?'

Mimi who noticed her uneasiness,  spoke in a hushed tone, "Don't worry about them, it's just that mama used to call me 'little Mimi' when she was still alive"

Zarian raised her eyebrows in realization, she knew that there was someone missing in the family, but she didn't want to appear rude and ask so she let it be

"Do you want me to stop calling you that?" Zarian asked. She didn't want to make the little bun feel uncomfortable so she asked wearily

"It's fine! I actually love it when you call me that name." Mimi beamed up happily while kissing Zarian's cheeks, startling the woman

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This was awkward

After reassuring that she didn't need anyone to drive her, Elena forced her son to accompany Zarian to her home.

Both of them left with a grinning mother watching them from afar

Val who was driving was quite the whole time, the only time they spoke with each other is when Zarian led him to her place

The only response that she gets are either a nod or an "En"

Does he have trouble with speech? Or does he just doesn't like talking?

But thinking back, Little Mimi mentioned something about her mother not being in this world anymore

This made Zarian sad, who could bare watching their loved one being buried in the cold ground

Zarian knows she wouldn't be able to handle it, she might appear strong but inside, she was broken

Val who noticed Zarian's sudden change of mood beside him made him quite uncomfortable. It wasn't disgust by all means, it was more like worry? He didn't know, he felt stuffy looking at the depressed state of this woman

Val decided to stop at a convenience store and went inside without saying a word

Zarian: "..."

After a while Val came back with a bag in his hand, he took something out and gave it to Zarian

It was tissues and a tub of ice cream. When Lean broke up with his first boyfriend she ate a whole tub of ice cream while crying, so Val thought that this would cheer the woman up. If not, then he didn't know what else to do

Zarian was startled at the mans kind gesture, she didn't even realize that she started crying until he wiped it with a tissue

"T-thank you" Zarian said, her ears turning red

Seeing the woman's flushed state, Cal couldn't help but smile. Although it was small, it was still there.

Seeing the man smile for the first time stunned Zarian, he looked like an angel and a devil at the same time!

After a while of staring at each other's eyes, the moment was ruined when they heard a beep.

They stayed in that spot for too long people were getting impatient