Rise Again

Right after the press conference was over, the internet was abuzz with comments from people who had finished watching the broadcast and those who missed the news. Many people demanded a rebroadcast, and the media finally compromised to air the rebroadcast the next day. Those who could only be patient once again opened their social media, watching the heated debate between those who were pro-Mia and Mia's 'fans'.

[What's traumatic? They're just making things up to cover up the fact that that slut is someone who enjoys giving her body to rich men.]

[Didn't you see her pale face after they talked about her family? Something must have happened before! It's a person's right to decide to say something or not about their health to the public. At least give the girl some privacy! If I were Mia, I wouldn't want to talk about it too. They've done a good job of confirming everything, even though it's quite late. And no matter who Mia is dating right now, I respect her decision as long as it doesn't affect her music and performance in the future. I will support her, no matter what you guys say from now on.]

[Ha, you will support her from now on? Selling your body in the entertainment industry is nothing new these days. And do you believe that that slut is Enzo's cousin? Their faces don't even look alike in any way! And Mia, that slut has never even talked about her own family. No matter how much you hate your parents, you shouldn't hate them to the point where you're reluctant to talk about them. Let me guess. She must be some stray dog who became Enzo's pet under the guise of custody.]

[To the person above, can you comment a little more politely? I don't support Mia, but I wouldn't go so far as to call her a slut, let alone a dog. That's her life. It doesn't matter if she wants to be with whoever. If you don't like her, then don't like her. There's no need for you to write insulting words that could ruin someone's life.]

Even if many people no longer questioned Mia's relationship with Victor, they couldn't immediately calm the emotional turmoil that had been heating up for the past few days. But that didn't matter. As long as someone managed to understand Mia's condition, slowly but surely, her scandal would be forgotten. Mia also would not take any activities for a while. She intends to use that time to get back to normal and strengthen her relationship with Victor.

After receiving full support from Victor, Mia no longer had any doubts about her feelings. The same thing also applied to Victor. The two of them were no longer embarrassed to show their love, even in front of Enzo, in the main house too.

"Yeah, keep acting all spoiled in front of me. I'm such a miserable cousin. My beautiful cousin doesn't even care about me anymore when we're at the same dining table."

Mia immediately drew attention to Enzo when the man started to complain. Knowing that Enzo wasn't jealous or even angry because of her interaction, Mia smiled and took some of Enzo's favorite food to place on the man's plate. Her lips showed a smile, which reflexively made Enzo smile a little because he was satisfied with Mia's small action.

"Didn't you say you have someone you like? Why didn't you invite her here? I want to get to know the person who can win your heart."

Enzo smiled bitterly when he heard Mia's words.

"There's no one I like. It's just a lie."

Lily, who had been silent and only ate her food gloomily, immediately choked and then looked up when Enzo finished his words. Lily's clear eyes blinked, staring at Enzo as Mia did.

"Really?"

This time, it wasn't Mia who asked, but Lily who had chosen to remain silent. Enzo turned to look at the woman before nodding his head.

"I don't like anyone right now. But I might interested in someone."

Enzo's eyes continued to follow Lily's, which changed her expression again. Knowing that Enzo was still watching her, Lily tried to smile before she focused back on her food. The atmosphere didn't have time to be quiet because Mia asked Enzo again.

"Is it okay for you to lie like that?" Mia asked worriedly. Mia was afraid that Enzo would also go through the same thing because of the lie. 

However, facing Mia's concerns, Enzo only replied with a gentle smile.

"You don't need to think about it. I'll be fine, seriously."

Although Mia was still worried about Enzo, she no longer said anything as Enzo insisted that he would be fine. Their dinner finished not long after. Since it was already late, coupled with the fact that they were all tired after the press conference, Enzo decided that they would go to rest after dinner was over.

Everyone entered their rooms after that. But, that particular day, Mia chose to go to Enzo's room. Mia had spoken to Victor. After returning home, Mia felt that there was so much she wanted to discuss with her cousin.

"You take a shower first. I'll prepare your clothes."

Since often chose to sleep with Enzo, Mia had several pairs of clothes in Enzo's room. Mia pouted a little when Enzo walked into the walk-in closet. Instead of following Enzo's order to go into the bathroom, Mia approached Enzo.

"Victor said adults should no longer ask people to prepare their clothes. I'm an adult now, Enzo. If I'm not busy or tired, I should be able to prepare all my needs myself without having to bother you anymore."

Enzo raised his eyebrows when he heard Mia's words. Doing everything by herself? Mia had never done anything like that before. After she was saved from her mother, all of Mia's needs were always prepared by her parents, which was now passed down to Enzo. They never even let their servants help with this matter. So, how could Enzo let Mia prepare by herself?

Mia, who was aware of Enzo's thoughts, smiled. She moved to embrace Enzo with both arms.

"Victor just wants me to be less confused if I have to do something alone someday. I'm happy to do it. And I... I want to be seen as an adult by Victor after we start dating now..."

Enzo let out a long sigh when Mia started to whine shyly in his arms. The man stroked Mia's soft hair before breaking their embrace so that Enzo could look directly into her eyes.

"You can do it when you're with Victor. But with me, you'll still be the Mia I've known. If you're happy to tidy up your stuff, then I'm also happy to prepare all your needs. At least let me keep doing this while you're with me, okay? Until I'm ready to let you go as an adult, please let me keep helping you, Mia."

Faced with Enzo's pleading, Mia finally chose to give in for the sake of her cousin's happiness. The girl nodded before hugging Enzo briefly once more.

"Then, from now on, I'll only be spoiled when I'm with you. I'll clean myself up first. I miss being hugged tightly by you."

Enzo smiled as Mia smiled too before walking towards the bathroom. After the sound of the shower started to be heard, Enzo finally resumed his activities to prepare Mia's clothes. At least, he had to be able to make the most of that short moment.

***

"Enzo..."

"Hm?"

Mia was silent before tightening her hug on Enzo and continuing her speech.

"Is my dad still alive now?" Mia asked carefully. Enzo was surprised. It seemed the question from one of the reporters earlier had opened up an old memory that Mia had tried to cover up as best she could.

Mia knew Enzo was reluctant to answer her. Mia took another deep breath before trying to repeat her question to show her determination in front of her cousin.

"My dad... Where is my dad now, Enzo? Is he okay?"

Enzo tried to weigh his answer before answering Mia's question.

"Do you... really want to know?" Enzo asked to make sure. After making sure Mia nodded confidently, Enzo finally answered her previous question.

"He... he lives in a rehabilitation center for severe mental illnesses cases. I still watch over him. He may be old, but he has lived his life well."

There was a pause of silence after Enzo finished telling Mia where his father was. Although Enzo hates David, he can't kill him because his mother has forbidden it. David was the last remaining member of his mother's family. Keeping him alive in the rehabilitation center was the greatest forgiveness they could give the man.

Enzo thought Mia did not want to say anything more about that matter when Mia's voice was suddenly heard again after a long pause of silence.

"I want to meet him, Enzo."

At first, Enzo was surprised to hear this statement. In the press conference, Enzo saw Mia's face turn pale when one of the reporters brought up the topic of Mia's family. Enzo didn't understand why Mia had to ask about David's whereabouts again.

"From this incident, I finally realized that I would never be able to move forward if I didn't dare to face my past. I want to face my past bravely. Therefore, will you give me the strength to be strong, Enzo?"

Enzo's smile bloomed when he saw the determination in Mia's clear eyes when their eyes met. Enzo tightened their hug before finally answering her words.

"Of course. Anything for you, Mia," Enzo said earnestly.