9 1:7

I lost track of time, as we watched the garden from under the gazebo. Sometimes I would make a sarcastic comment; however, I didn't have the energy to come up with something particularly amusing so we mostly just sat in comfortable silence. It felt like ever since Fan Long had appeared, I'd been constantly on edge, waiting for someone to do or say something so I could go off. I didn't even quite realize how defensive I felt until I didn't anymore. With her, I didn't feel like someone was attacking me. Her eyes were clear, and the way she looked at me made me feel like she just genuinely wanted me to be okay.

Warmth flooded my chest when she looked at me like that. I took in a shaky breath when she took my hand in hers and said, in the softest voice imaginable,

"It's getting late, we should head back and let everyone know you're alright."

I ducked my head to hide the hurt I felt,

'It's not like any of them care'

Maybe she could sense my reluctance because her grip tightened,

"We don't have to go back if you're not ready." she breathed and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I was so aware of her every movement that I could barely think straight. I needed to go back, and if they gave me another chance I'll swear to do better. I just needed one more chance to prove it. To prove that I was better than Fan Long and that I should be named heir. If I could just convenience Jin Lian to marry me, then my father might let me back into the family!

'I wonder if she's noticed my hands are sweaty?'

I stand up abruptly, pulling away from her and turning toward the direction of the Long Manor. I can hear her small laugh from behind me and I feel the way the hem of her dress brushes against mine as she follows my movements.

"What's your name?" I ask, and I'm thankful it's dark so she can't see the redness of my cheeks.

"Ju-Maria! Ahem, my name is Maria"

I glance, sideways at her and she catches me. Her smile grows bigger and she pulls the door open for me. She dips her head slightly after stepping to the side,

"My Lady, " her voice goes deepens and despite myself, I snort in an attempt to stifle my laughter. She grins cheekily as she follows behind me.

"There you are!" Su Ren spots us immediately and runs over.

"Eek, you look awful" she comments, squinting at my puff eyes and ruined makeup. I can feel my walls go up and I'm about to retort when another voice pops up from behind me,

"I think she looks divine."

Both Su Ren and I stare at Maria. Who, for someone who looks like she's had an even worse night than I have, is standing with remarkable indifference.

The warmth in my chest is there again and it grows even hotter when Su Ren huffs in annoyance but doesn't respond. Though she moves like she's about to pull me away and I prepare to say goodbye when I see Maria pull a pen from some hidden part of her dress and scribble something down on a handkerchief. She stuffs the fabric into my hand before, giving me a mischievous smile and running off to where the cars were parked.

"She is such a weirdo. Who even invited that second-rate actress anyway?" Su Ren scoffs as she drags me toward the bathroom.

My heart beats a little faster when I see the numbers scrolled on the handkerchief and the hastily written message underneath them,

'- Call me <3'