Coward

Lara and Laura pitched in to help Reina pack her things, quickly packing everything to shift in the guest quarters.

"We're finished," Lara said, neatly folding a sweater.

"Yeah, all set," Laura added, stacking books into a box.

Reina smiled, "I couldn't have done it so quickly without both of you."

*

Once everything was packed, they wheeled the luggage to the guest quarters behind the mansion. Stepping inside, Reina's heart ached; A memory flashed across her eyes.

The room was spacious and bright, with a cozy lounge and modern kitchen.

"It's so beautiful," Reina said, running her fingers over the countertop.

Lara beamed, "Yes, it is. Julia's decision was unwise."

Laura nodded in agreement, "Yes, she only wanted to be near our brother, which is why she turned down living here. But she didn't realize that this place is Brother's favorite. He even hired an architect to design the structure of this guest quarters."

Reina looked at them, "Well, forgive me for asking, but she's quite young compared to your brother. Why are they getting married? If it's love, I didn't see your brother showing any interest in Julia."

Lara's expression darkened, and she exchanged a knowing glance with Laura before revealing the dramatic history. "Um, because my brother was pressured into the engagement."

Lara's eyes filled with sadness as she continued, "Julia's father was Uncle Aaron's business partner. When Julia was just 15, she saw my brother at a party and became fixated on marrying him. Julia went to great lengths, from innocent gestures to shameless actions, to get his attention. Nobody in our family wanted to agree because my brother didn't like her; she was so young. We refused, but Julia was so obsessed that she even tried to harm herself."

"Her father practically begged Uncle Aaron to accept the marriage proposal, and Uncle Aaron reluctantly agreed. We don't know how Uncle Aaron convinced my brother, but he eventually agreed. However, he despised her. Now, two years later, she's here, pushing for the marriage. We don't know what will happen."

Reina was not surprised by this story, "That's terrible. But if she's sincere, maybe your brother should give her a chance. If he's already agreed, why not accept it happily? You all should try to accept her as your aunt and mother did." Reina just finished talking when he came.

"Laura, Mom needs you in the kitchen," Xavier's voice intervened,

"We'll sort everything out after dinner, sis." With that, Laura and Lara departed, leaving her alone with their troublesome brother

"Xavier, seemingly oblivious to her earlier remark, asked, "So, how do you find this place?"

Reina met his gaze and replied, "It's beautiful."

"I am sorry for what Julia did" Apologizing for Julia's actions, Xavier observed Reina closely.

It's okay. Julia is your fiancée; if she wants to be near you, that's her right. I'm not bothered at all," Reina reassured him.

"That's good," Xavier said, his eyes betraying his inner turmoil. "Do you think I should go through with marrying Julia?"

"Are you happy?" Reina countered, sensing his distress.

"No," Xavier admitted plainly.

"Then why did you agree to the proposal?" Reina asked, noticing his polite demeanor that was not normal at all.

"Because I'm a coward. My sensitivity towards my loved ones has caused me too much trouble," Xavier confessed.

"In that case, don't marry her," Reina advised, feeling helpless in comforting him

Xavier remained silent, his gaze fixed on her "You are really different."

Reina:" "

Reina was feeling perplexed, wondered why the conversation had shifted to her.

"Brother, your in-laws have arrived and wants to meet you. Dinner's ready too. You should come as well Reina"

Xavier's staring was interrupted by Lara's voice.

"I'm not really hungry. You go ahead," Reina declined, not feeling up for another round of interviews or another encounter with Julia.

*

Once Lara and Xavier departed, she found herself alone, memories of her and Allen flooding her thoughts, bringing tears to her eyes. The layout of the guest quarters bore a striking resemblance to what she had envisioned for her and Allen's home.

"What a coincidence," She smiled

After settling her belongings, she decided to take a cold bath to combat the intense heat of Milan. Nowdays, she found herself sweating profusely.

It took her an hour to complete these tasks before finally settling onto the bed. Despite feeling a bit hungry, she hesitated to go into the mansion.

For her, an empty stomach was tolerable, but dealing with a jealous woman was daunting. So, she continued to lay there.

But after about 10 minutes, there was a knock on the door.

Opening tbe door, she found the gatekeeper holding a food package

"Ma'am, this is your food," he said.

confused, she replied, "But I didn't order anything."

"The food was ordered for you, ma'am. "

"By whom?" Reina asked again

"Mr. Xavier Knight," the gatekeeper answered.

"Alright. Thank you" she said, accepting the package from him before closing the door.

"What's gotten into him today? He's behaving so differently," she wondered aloud, puzzled by Xavier's unusual behavior.

When her phone rang, Reina glanced at the screen to see a message from an unknown number.

Unknown: "Don't sleep on an empty stomach. It's not good for health." - Xavier

Reina: "Thank you."

She sighed, unsure of what else to say to him.