OFFERING HER HIS SHOULDER

    It's been over an hour since they've been sitting on the bench, overlooking the garden. Still, no one said a word.

Liam stared at Raelle who was blowing her nose with a tissue. He handed her another tissue from the box which she received with a small nod.

While it would have been right to ask what had happened to her, the best thing to do was to simply allow her let it all out.

His grandfather used to say that, if you see someone hurting, don't ask them why they're hurting immediately. It makes them feel like you're disturbed. Instead, allow them to hurt, just be with them. And when they're better, you can ask your question.

In this case, it was the best thing to do. He had seen how distant she was when she was walking into the compound. Her eyes had been filled with tears that she just let fall the instant she locked eyes with him.

After watching her for a very long time, handing tissues where necessary, Liam cleared his throat, pulling her attention to him.

"Do you... feel better?" He asked.

It was the only question he could think of.

Raelle nodded gently. "Hmm, I feel better. Thank you."

Liam nodded. He took a second's silence before saying in a small voice, "You know, you can tell me what it is, right?"

Raelle nodded again. She forced a smile and replied, "It's okay. I wouldn't want to ladden you with it."

"Ladden?" Liam finally turned to her properly. He placed his leg on the bench and folded it at the knee. "Did you forget something?" he asked.

Confused, Raelle shook her head. "What is that?"

"That I'm your husband," Liam answered. "It's only right for me to worry about you."

"Oh," Raelle looked away. She sighed and nodded. "I did not forget but it's really nothing to worry about."

"But, I am worried about you," Liam said without mincing words.

Raelle's eyes turned to him slowly.

"Y-you are... Worried about me?" She stuttered.

"Yes," Liam nodded his head. "Look," he sighed, "you and I, we only have each other now. I'm not saying that I'm the best at comforting someone, but I'm willing to try. So, don't shut me out."

"But, why do you worry about me?" Raelle asked, obviously curious. "You barely even know me."

"I promised you... that I'd try to be a good husband, even though not the best, but the best I could ever be. Did you forget quickly?"

"But-"

Liam shook his head gently, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. He wanted to reach for her palms but he was hesitant so, he simple placed his right palm on her shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"You don't have to say anything now. Its okay to take your time. I'm only asking that whenever you feel troubled, I should be the first to know. If you can't tell me, grandpa's willing to listen. Hmm?"

Raelle nodded with a small smile.

"Thank you."

"Hmm," Liam nodded. He glanced at his phone and said, "Ralph texted. Lunch is ready. Can we?"

Raelle nodded and stood up. She walked in front while Liam followed, a few steps behind her.

***

    In the evening.

Raelle did not feel like going downstairs, so she asked Ralph to set up her dinner in the room.

When she had eaten, she showered and changed into a set of pale pink pajamas before climbing into bed and carrying her phone.

During the day, Lyra had sent her a message but because she was not in the right frame of mind, she was unable to reply. So, it was only right to respond now that she was better.

After sending a reply and also checking the notifications on her social media handles, Raelle tossed the phone aside. She was tired but she found herself unable to sleep.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day. It was the day that proper planning for the movie she had auditioned for would begin. If all goes well, she would receive her first script tomorrow. After which, she would have to begin rehearsing as if her life depended on it.

After tossing around on the bed, she sat up and got out of the bed. Since she was unable to sleep, it would be better to sit outside and watch the stars since Liam was most likely to be in his study until past midnight.

***

Raelle woke up very late. When she got downstairs, Ralph informed her that Liam had something urgent to deal with in the office and he had left earlier before.

She had actually spent her night stargazing. When she returned to the room, it was almost three in the morning and she was still unable to sleep until four.

Raelle nodded gently and had her breakfast. Before she finished, Ralph returned to tell her that the driver was waiting outside for her.

"Driver?" Raelle turned to him with a puzzled look. "I didn't order for a cab."

"Sir did," Ralph replied. "The driver would be at your beck and call from henceforth. You don't have to worry about a cab anymore."

Raelle nodded in understanding.

"Oh, it's okay," she said and stood up. She picked her bag and turned to Ralph with a smile. "I'll be on my way now."

"What would you like for lunch, ma'am?" Ralph inquired as he walked her to the door.

His boss has given him strict orders to only do as she said. It was only wise to do as he had been ordered.

Raelle paused in her tracks and shrugged. She turned to Ralph and said, "I don't know. Whatever you think is healthier. Besides, I'm not picky with food. As long as there's no garlic, its fine."

"Got it..." Ralph nodded with a smile, amused that she was not a picky eater. He had expected her to begin making a long list of what she wanted but she did not do that.

Raelle smiled. "Thank you." She turned to the driver who was standing on the last step and said, "Let's go."