Chapter 12- Independent

The rain poured down around them, drumming a soothing melody.

Delilah's eyes sparkled as she gazed up at Fredrick, her heart skipping two beats at the sight of his enchanting smile.

" Are you waiting for someone?" Fredrick asked, his voice low and smooth, caressing her eardrums, as he revealed a more devastatingly smile.

She wasn't sure if he were doing it on purpose or not, but it was working.

Delilah's heart skipped a beat, "Yes, no. I mean...A-Actually no, no. I'll be walking home…", Delilah stammered, unsure of her answer.

The cool rain air carried the scent of wet earth and ozone, invigorating her senses.

Thank you grandma, this is a one in a million opportunity for her to be with Fredrick. Though they sit together, Fredrick doesn't talk to her at all.

" Well, may I help you with a taxi then?" she heard Fredrick's request.

Delilah's face turned pink, she shook her head shyly "No… no, I am fine. I want to be independent… I'll surely walk home", Delilah replied with a determined expression.

Her grip on the strap of her bag tightened, nose raised high in resolution. Fredrick's eyes softened, she doesn't know how adorable she looks.

Good thing grandma probed Dad to let her relocate to D city. Old madam Chen intends to live a common man's life, but stays in a duplex.

Common man's life indeed!

Well, it was located in a peaceful neighborhood with friendly people rather than an estate with no people at all, neither with smiling faces nor friendly behaviors.

" Are you alright Delilah?" His voice was laced with concern when the girl looked lost in thoughts.

Delilah's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name on his lips.

She raised her eyes, matching his, "Yep! As I was saying, I want to be independent, and would like to rely on myself", she nodded adorably, her face flushing, and eyes that sparkled with determination.

Fredrick chuckled, his adam apple moving slightly. His chuckle sounded so deep, she felt her body shuddered.

" Uhm...Was it funny?", still she was puzzled, tilting her head to a side.

Fredrick's eyes twinkled with amusement. " Okay! Firstly, you want to be independent, right?" he probed.

" Yes, that's what I said" Delilah starched her head, perplexity dancing in her crystal clear eyes.

" But, you do not have an umbrella nor a raincoat, then in the rain you're planning to walk home…" Fredrick's voice trailed off, his expression incredulous

Delilah's face grew hot, "Yes, but in my defense, I had an umbrella... I lent it to a friend" she refuted shyly, her voice went lower with each word.

Fredrick's eyes widened, "You gave out your umbrella to someone...?" He shook his head, a mixture of surprise and admiration etched on his face.

Delilah's eyes dropped, she fiddled with her fingers "I know it sounds foolish, but I didn't want to disappoint my friend."

Fredrick: " … ", he was dumbstruck.

How does this girl's brain works, she gave out her umbrella, then she walks home soaked from the rain. Is that kindness or foolishness?

Fredrick didn't say anymore, he stopped a taxi and shoved Delilah into the car, no matter how much she protested. He paid her fare and didn't leave until the taxi disappeared from his sight.

This tall figure remained in place, watching the taxi vanish into the rain-soaked streets.

His expression revolted, his eyes, once bright and warm, turned cold and distant, like two stars extinguished by the darkness.

His smile, now a thin, enigmatic line, seemed to hint at secrets and mysteries that lay hidden beneath his polished exterior.

A distant memory, fading like a ghostly whisper, leaving behind only the haunting echo of what could never be again

He let go of the umbrella, letting the rain fall on him. And it did, It fell on him like a mournful veil, shrouding his face in a mist of sorrow.

The rain continued to pour, a relentless dirge that seemed to mourn the loss of something precious, something that could probably never be restored.

Fredrick look up to the sky, the shower pouring on his face as a bittersweet smile spread across his lips.

His eyes filled with sorrow seemed to hold a thousand midnights, their darkness a palpable weight that pressed upon his soul.