Her Last Card

Ingrid was spacing out while standing. A waiter skillfully dodged her after noticing that the mind of the little girl on his way was wondering beyond the galaxy.

Ingrid can't believe she let the month pass by without progress. It's not that she didn't do anything, it's just that Rembrandt, her damn opponent, was too hard to crack!

She's desperate, so of course she used desperate measures, or tried to. Believe it or not, the thought of raping the man crossed on her mind. She considered it, cause why the fuck not. She was able to lay her hands on some knock off pills, however, she never knew that he actually dared blacklisting her from visiting his unit!

He's too guarded, her every attempt was seen through and blocked.

Ingrid sat on her designated seat then drank a mouthful of water to calm herself. Her eyes roamed around towards her surroundings.

Dana has never been the socializing type, she's comfortable staying inside her princess bubble, so the place is flocked with people that she doesn't recognize.

She heard that Lu Wen organized the whole event so it's no surprise the ambiance is simple and fresh with a touch of elegance.

A single tap on her shoulder made her almost jump in surprise. "Why do everytime I see you these days your mind is always travelling far far away?"

It's Cezna.

Ingrid just shrugged her question away, drank another mouthful then asked, "How come you're here?"

"To stop you in case you ran into the platform and steal the future groom away in front of everyone, of course." Cezna was just joking, but the person in front of her was actually considering doing that.

"Gosh, Dana, what's with that serious face. I'm joking, I'm actually here with my recent daddy, he's on the construction field too." Ingrid raised her eyebrow on the word 'daddy', but put it down right away.

Okay, let's respect other people's kinks.

Cezna didn't stay for long as she was fetched by her uncle--uh, she mean boyfriend. Yep, handsome and hot but too old for Ingrid's liking. She even had a hard time swallowing the 11 years gap between Rembrandt and her, what's more of the number beyond that.

The emcee came out, and without further adieu, introduced the engaged couple.

Rembrandt saunter through the crowd with Lu Wen in tow. She couldn't care less about Lu Wen, however, Ingrid's eyes lingered on Rembrandt's side profile.

His muscles looked tight and strained beneath the material of his designer suit. He had an emerald necktie on, to suit his partner's dress.

Ingrid's eyes travelled from his torso to his face. He's looking straight ahead. His lips are unnaturally red. From her angle, his nose is more sharp and defined. Her heart skipped a beat when she reached his eyes, that mesmerizing obsidian eyes that keeps pulling her back to her past.

As if noticing the hot stares coming from the table on his left, Rembrandt looked on her way. Their eyes met. He mouthed "Behave" before moving his eyes away.

Ingrid sipped on her water, a profound look appeared on her face.

The two finally arrived at the simply decorated platform. They faced the audience with a smile donning their lips. Lu Wen looks incredibly happy and in love. Everytime her eyes landed on Rembrandt her face glow with eternal satisfaction.

This is the first time that she looked straight at the two. Her heart still feels uncomfortable but she ignored it. The speculation the she did before came to her mind. How foolish of her to think about them in a contractual relationship. They were probably just that in love and mature that there has never been a problem that was able to grow in between them. Lu Wen's feelings towards Rembrandt is true, she can't deny this, she probably just trust him that much. But as for Rembrandt, she has conflicting feelings. He was looking at his lover with tender expression, but there was something off about it that she can't name.

In the end, Ingrid got confused with her thoughts. Okay, nevermind at the two's status quo, the relationship of the two is too complicated for Dana's undeveloped brain cells. And even if her speculation is true or not, it will not change her situation anyway.

Ingrid looked at them with vacant countenance. They were approaching their happy ending and there's not much she can do.

Like Rome, big schemes wasn't built in a day. You need an ample amount of time, connection, will, and ability to successfully execute that. And right now, Ingrid only has her will, it might be strong and unyielding but it will never be enough.

Ingrid closed her eyes and let her mind wander towards the missing memory that she obtained recently. If Rembrandt will keep pushing her down cruelly in the corner like this, she had no choice but to also act in the same manner towards him...and to herself.