3 Forward

Chapter 3 | A Step Forward

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"Sola," Rhys said my name endearingly.

He welcomed me into his comfortable yet strong embrace. I looked up a little as he grew taller than me now. I saw him smiling so indulging as I leaned all of my weight on him.

"What's this? You're late! Is this the proper time for a girl to go back home?"

He eyed in contact with me. I didn't bother replying to his teasing comment. I only give a small smile in satisfaction, it's warm.

"Yes, this mature disguise didn't suit you at all. I love your bare face. Also, it is a pity, I missed your long blond hair."

"You don't love me anymore that my hair is now short?"

"Of course not! I always love this adorable girl." He hugged me tighter.

Dad's golden hair was one of his more distinguished features. I inherited the strands of hair with the golden colour. Nonetheless, I cut this hair resembling him.

Wearing a wig was a must to hide my identity in school. Putting on the wig was easier with short hair. It also made me appears older to be more presentable in the company.

"Please don't make that emotionless expression. It brings me chills. Also, you already know that I love you no matter what."

Rhys laid his forehead on my right shoulder. I brought my left hand to his head to play with his hair. His hair was still so smooth and soft as I recalled.

"Okay, let's sit and talk." He took my right hand with his left as we walked together inside the house. "Wait, did you ate already?"

I shook my head slightly. He turned in the direction of the dining room instead of my room. "Good, I cooked your favourite dinner."

He portrayed his smug look. I returned with raising an eyebrow. Though, I knew, he could cook and brag about it.

Rhys was my favourite chef after all. He always cooked with Mom whenever he had the time as long as I remembered. He said Mom knew how to cook my preferences so he was sticking with her to learn all of it.

Now, I wondered. Would I regret eating his dish because I expected that I would suffer more with longings? Or would I finally satisfy my numb sense of taste?

"Sola, will you try my dish again?" Rhys smiled weakly. His eyes flickered with nostalgia, our past, our memories. He closed his eyes and sighed.

He opened his eyes with empathy and comfort then blinked them away. With only the affection and support remaining, he stared at my eyes. His deep gaze seemed coaxing me to take a bite.

I exhaled. I didn't notice that I was holding my breath. I was hesitating because I had no idea what would I feel.

Nevertheless, he was here. I focused on the dish he set. I smiled lightly. It was my top 1 favourite meal, java rice and sweet and sour fish fillet.

I took my first bite begrudgingly. It tasted as I reminisce about the impression I had. I savoured the second, the third. "Sola."

I looked up hearing his voice. It was blurry. It was weird. I couldn't see clearly.

Rhys stood and sit beside me. He brought his hand to my face and wiped my cheek using his thumb. It was wet. Why?

He chuckled. "Your confused face is so cute." I leered at him.

He made a neutral expression. "You're crying, Sola. I am here but I don't know what to do."

I was startled by his words. I couldn't understand. Why was I crying?

"Rhys" I choked. I couldn't even recognize my voice. It was hoarse.

"Rhys" I called again. I tried to iterate his name clearer but it turned out so soft like a whisper. Still, the low volume sounded desperate.

Rhys pulled me towards him. He embraced me like he was covering me from anything that could harm me. I gripped his shirt like it was the only source of relief that I could have. I unintentionally wailed.

"Sola." Rhys looked for my face when I became silent. He maybe thought that I fell asleep.

"Rhys," I answered him while seeking a more comfortable position. He moved me to sit on his lap sideways.

"Do you still want to eat?" I shook my head languidly. "Okay, then drink water. I'll take you to your room."

Rhys carried me afterwards. His left arm was under the back of my knees while his right supporting my hips. I turned my upper body faintly to wrap my arms around his neck.

I was not with him physically for five years with limited communication yet the contentment when I was with him was still the same. I could still find solace in him. We were still so close.

I changed and he would too. The change was constant. Many could happen in five years. Was this real or simply my imagination because I'm tired of being alone?

I admired his face. "Rhys." He hummed indicating that he was listening. His eyes trailed the way to my room.

"Why are you here? Why did you return now?" I stopped. He also halted for a moment then continued his steps.

"We . . . What are we?" He didn't reply. He calmly opened the door and stride to my bed.

Rhys put me on the bed softly. I sit while he remained standing. His eyes closed and his expression was contemplating.

"Sola." He looked at my eyes directly. "You asked why am I here? Why I only returned now? What are we?" He took a deep breath.

"Sola, we are fated since we were born. Our families are close friends and partners. We are born the same day.

We are treated as siblings. We are childhood friends and childhood sweethearts. We are best friends.

If not for Aunt-Ma and Uncle-Da holding back to make decisions for you, we are supposed to be fiancees since our first day living in this world.

Sola, I love you and you know it. I treasure you since we are young because I know you are special to me. I am a child back then and I only recognize innocent love.

There has been a time when our parents discussed that we will be separated for a while. It will be ten long years. I disagree with all of them and try different means. With no other way, I have been knocked out.

When I wake up, I am in a different country. Too far from you. I can't oppose them and can only improve myself and wait.

The only thing that can keep my sanity is Aunt-Ma updates me every day about everything related to you. We can only talk once in a while but that is enough to make me persevere. Knowing and seeing you is enough.

I recall the time when I didn't hear from Aunt-Ma. It is unusual since even though she is busy or tired, she will at least make a short call. Yet, I receive nothing.

A week has passed and there is still no contact. I ask my parents about it but they have maintained their silence. It is hard getting information since I am monitored strictly.

A month has elapsed. I finally get an opportunity or maybe the news is that sensational that I even perceive it. I have confronted my parents. They explain everything since I already know. I realize the answer to why they are solemn a month ago.

I only wonder if they faced a business difficulty. Oh, how wrong am I? It is because one of their best friends is gone and the other is in a coma. Their niece who they treat as a daughter is alone.

The good thing is that the twins are safe. Uncle Rue, a business guru and a genius martial artist is also with you. People under Uncle-Da is loyal and those with significant position know you since you are a child.

Sola, I'm sorry it took me a year before I can come to you. I'm sorry I was not with you on that day and for the five years that we were separated. I'm so sorry I was too late."