Capítulo 24: Would Regret Ever Come To Him Some Day?
After dinner, Rupert challenged Elaine to a game of Go. She quickly accepted it. When the two of them were engaged in the game, Alvin dragged Asher to follow him to the balcony.
Standing in the cold night air, the two men threw their eyes at the wintry landscape. White snow blanketed the entire area, creating the illusion of a winter wonderland.
They could see the people coming and going to the club from where they stood. The outdoor pool area was deserted because of how cold it was.
Alvin stared at Asher who was still looking out into the distance. With a helpless sigh, he asked, "I'll be direct here. Why divorce all of a sudden? Liliana really requested that?"
When the news reached Alvin and Rupert, both of them were so startled. Especially when they knew it was Liliana who initiated the divorce.
Even though Asher was not a compassionate husband to Liliana, Alvin caught the traces of deep feelings she tried hiding from everyone. Every little gesture piled up, revealing her heart.
As someone who was close to Asher, Alvin had seen numerous young ladies showing their feelings openly to his friend. Some even went as far as trying to blackmail Asher into accepting their hearts, something that displeased Alvin.
Asher slowly moved his eyes away from the twinkling lights of the city skyscrapers. His gaze fell on Alvin who was looking so concerned to him right now.
"I don't know. Maybe because of the miscarriage," answered Asher flatly, "She seemed so upset when I visited her later. If she feels that miserable, divorce is a good option."
Alvin was exasperated. Sometimes, he really wanted to cut through Asher's mind and try looking at what was going inside his head.
"You agreed just like that? You didn't try to change her mind?"
Asher shook his head, "There's no point. My grandmother already has Attorney Su drafting the divorce agreement."
Alvin had to hold back his surprise. This should be too serious if Old Madam Shen herself supported Liliana's decision to divorce Asher.
Everyone in their circle knew how much the Shen family's matriarch cared for Liliana.
"You won't know unless you try," Alvin let out a sigh. He rubbed the space between his temples, "Haven't you guys been married for four years?"
"It's a waste of time," Asher frowned, "I admit that she's a good partner. She never demands useless things from me but, if she wants out now, why should I stop her?"
Alvin pursed his lips into a straight line. He knew too well what Asher meant by 'useless things'.
Asher had made it clear several times that he didn't want his wife seeking his affection. To him, his duty as the Shen family's successor overweighed everything.
Overindulgence would just bring disaster. Just like how Asher's father and uncle were. They destroyed their own families because they didn't stop any women to climb their beds.
Alvin had to acknowledge that his friend was too extreme in this part. Asher set a clear and unbroken boundary even for his life partner.
Standing with one hand on his hip, Alvin's gaze on Asher's face turned more sullen. He repeatedly shook his head. His curly hair was brushed gently by the breeze.
"Asher, Liliana is a good woman. I'm relieved because you have such a lady as your wife. We're getting older. I really hope you won't be that rigid to yourself."
"You're overthinking," retorted Asher, sounding displeased, "It's just a divorce, not the end of the world. I won't tie myself with someone who thinks to get away from me. Wouldn't it be messy later?"
Alvin sighed again, "You're right about that part, but... just remember that you're still a human. We're prone to having feelings no matter how hard we try not to."
Asher just shrugged. He was obviously not paying attention to what Alvin was pointing out.
"When's the court hearing? I heard you won't contest for anything?"
Even though it was Asher's grandmother's own doing, Alvin still thought his friend would object to some arrangement in the divorce agreement.
Not only Liliana would be bestowed with millions of money, but she also got three high-end properties under her name.
Apparently, Old Madam Shen herself chose which properties to be given to her. Both were located in different prosperous and rich neighborhoods of the capital city.
Alvin knew of Liliana's strained relationship with the Xin family. It was obvious that Old Madam Shen did this to allow her to have financial freedom.
"Should be after New Year. I left everything to my lawyer," Asher slowly rubbed the back of his right hand, dispersing warmth all over, "What's there to contest? Even if we don't have feelings for each other, she's still my wife. The alimony requested is nothing."
"Yeah, you really should give her a good alimony," Alvin also agreed, "As thanks for keeping up with your attitude all this time."
Asher glared at Alvin, "Save your nagging another time. It's getting colder. We should head back inside."
"Yeah."
The two men entered the room again, bringing in the frostiness of the night air. Elaine and Rupert were still playing Go. Based on Rupert's upset look, it seemed like Elaine was leading the game.
"Yes! I won!" Elained clapped her hands happily.
"No! That's not fair, Elaine!" Rupert cried out in frustration.
"Just give up," Alvin knocked on Rupert's right shoulder, "You can't win against my sister. How many losses have you got until now?"
Rupert smacked Alvin's hand away, "Screw you. Not that you can win over Elaine too."
Asher sat on the single couch in between Elaine and Rupert. He reached out for the wine bottle sitting on the table. The red liquid flowed into the glass in his hand.
Elaine's attention moved to Asher. She silently watched the man who was leisurely sipping the wine.
"Brother Asher, are you alright?" asked Elaine gently. Her pretty little face displayed her worry, "Well... I also heard about your divorce from Sister Liliana."
Asher's eyelashes fluttered. He threw a disinterested look at Elaine, "Does your brother spout nonsense about it? He has nagged at me earlier."
"I'm just worried about you, man," Alvin rolled his eyes, "Sorry that I forgot you're a robot. Just make sure not to regret it later."
Asher ignored Alvin's sarcasm. He quietly looked into the wine glass, seeing himself reflected in the red liquid.
Regret?
Would there be one day when he regretted this?
No. No such day would ever be in his life.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
hansora
hansora Oh... to have your words come biting back at you later :p
Capítulo 25: Let The Fresh Meats Treat Us As Queens!
||Liliana||
"...alright, Grandma. Nadia's with me so I'll be fine. I'll contact you again once I land."
Liliana ended up the call with a smile lighting up her face. She threw her gaze around the departure hall, looking at the people around her.
Nadia was still nowhere to be seen, probably still in the toilet. The hall was occupied with people waiting for their flights. The clock was showing a quarter to two o'clock in the afternoon.
Nadia suddenly invited Liliana to go to Seoul at the last minute. The latter had to attend an end-of-the-year party organized by the webtoon publishing company. She wanted to bring Liliana as her partner.
Being one of the top webtoon artists in the company brought privileges to Nadia. Her trip was fully-sponsored.
"Don't tell me you wanna join the family dinner? Save yourself from some drama. It's better if you come and join me."
Liliana was worried about leaving Cassia at the sanatorium when New Year was approaching. But, Old Madam Shen quickly dismissed her concern.
"Go and have fun. Don't worry about anything. Your mom surely wouldn't want you to be sad when other people are being happy."
With reassurance from Old Madam Shen and encouragement from Nadia, Liliana agreed to join the vacation. Someone from her matrimonial home with Asher came to send her the passport.
Until now, Liliana had yet to return there. She just listened when the helper said all of her belongings had been packed meticulously.
Liliana shook her head, pushing anything unpleasant away from her mind. She should just enjoy the vacation instead of dwelling on her sorrow.
Today was the 22nd of December. The party was scheduled for the 25th, right on time with the Christmas celebration.
Liliana and Nadia planned to stay until the 29th. They wanted to tour around Seoul before returning to China.
"Lili~"
Liliana looked up, finding Nadia running toward her. Her friend's hair was tousled by the wind resulting from her running.
"Many people in the toilet?" Liliana patted the vacant chair next to her, "We should board the flight in 30 minutes."
"Yeah... I thought I'd be stuck there longer," Nadia shuddered. She carelessly combed through her short brown chestnut hair.
"If only Nancy can follow us," sighed Liliana in regret, thinking about her other best friend, "We can have a special trip among us three."
"What to do, she's so busy at the restaurant," Nadia hummed in agreement, "Let's get her some presents. I think she's still stressed because of Gilbert."
"What? They fought again?" Liliana looked askance.
Nadia just shrugged, "I don't know... they tend to fight a lot nowadays."
Liliana pursed her lips, worrying about her friend.
Nancy had been a great help when she miscarried a few weeks ago. Despite her full schedule working at the restaurant, Nancy always personally came to check on her.
Hearing that Nancy was having an ongoing fight with her boyfriend didn't sit right with Liliana. She wanted to provide assistance to Nancy as much as she could too.
As well as...
"He didn't return my calls," murmured Liliana. A frown marred her forehead as she looked at her phone.
"He?" Nadia immediately thought of Asher, "...your soon-to-be-ex-husband?"
Liliana smiled faintly, "No. It's the man who helped me that night, the one who called Nancy."
"Oh, your savior."
Nadia had heard about the young man. He contacted Nancy through Liliana's phone after he was unable to get to Asher. Nadia also knew that he came to visit Liliana once in the hospital even though the plan went awry.
"I feel bad just leaving it like this," admitted Liliana, "I want to repay him somehow. Nancy can't get to him too."
Not only the man helped her during the night she lost her child but, he also saved her when she almost fell down from the windows. Liliana was truly indebted to the man surnamed Liu.
"Maybe he's busy or something comes up. How about you leave him a message again?" suggested Nadia.
"Hurm... I should do that," Liliana had to agree.
Liliana typed a few words to be sent the message to Lucas' number, trying to keep it as simple as she could. She really hoped that he would reply to her.
But, if this went on, Liliana planned to just drop it. She didn't want the man to feel pressured to receive her gratitude. This should be her last attempt.
[Hello again, Mr. Liu. I'm sorry for calling you a few times before. I'm so grateful for your help. If you ever find yourself in a predicament, please contact me. I'm glad to offer mine as well.]
Sent.
"Lili, it's our turn. Let's go," Nadia rose to her feet. She only has her sling bag with her.
"Coming," responded Liliana. She slipped the phone into her bag.
In less than two hours and a half, they should already arrive in Seoul. The webtoon company would send a representative to pick Nadia up at the airport.
To be frank, Liliana was excited about this trip. She really needed something more to divert her attention from what she was currently facing.
Even though Asher had agreed to the divorce and her father was forced to accept it, Liliana was still uncomfortable.
Thomas coerced Liliana to still attend the Xin family's grand dinner on New Year's eve. She already planned to skip it by spending time with her mother at the sanatorium.
Liliana also won't go to the Shen family's gathering, unlike the previous years.
Old Madam Shen respected her decision. The old lady understood that Liliana wanted to avoid confronting certain people that might bring her trouble.
"Welcome aboard, dear guests."
Liliana and Nadia's seats were at the front of the flight. Another passenger joined them, sitting in the aisle seat.
"Let's have fun there, Lili," whispered Nadia next to Liliana's ear, "Why don't we go to a host club? We can meet many fresh meats there."
Liliana was caught off guard before she burst into laughter. She playfully pinched Nadia's arm, "Your mind is tainted! What the hell are you thinking about?"
Nadia smiled cheekily, "So what? Find someone to treat us as queens, you know?"
Liliana rolled her eyes. Nadia continued laughing behind her palms.
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