228 The Meeting 3 (1/2)

”... I've grown up without even realizing it myself,

and I've become able to tell more elaborate lies;

I've experienced many kinds of pain,

and yet, this ache still lingers.

The twilight is so red, it makes me feel like crying...

Your voice is becoming fainter and fainter

In the engulfing sunset...”

After finishing the song, Sofia lightly bowed to her audience. A cheerful and beautiful smile adorned her little face and her black eyes shone with delight due to everyone's praises.

”Thanks for listening to me. I hope everyone enjoyed my performance.”

Claps ensued.

A little exchange of words with the host of the program she had guested followed before she went to the backstage to meet up with the middle-aged man waiting for her there.

As fast as lightning, the enchanting curves on her lips vanished.

Irritation showed in her expression, and anyone who would see would immediately know that she didn't like the other.

”I really hate your existence. Why are you still alive?”

”When did my life and death become your business? Don't give me that face. If your owner didn't make the request, I'm okay to not see you for a whole lifetime too.”

”Bastard.”

She didn't want anyone to mistake the hateful man as her sugar daddy hence she made herself invisible to the naked eyes.

”Let's go. The destination is the border. She gave me the coordinates.” As if flaunting her closeness to her Original, Sofia said then walked side by side with the middle-aged man towards the parking lot.

Given their speed, even if they rode a helicopter, it would still take them about two hours to reach the place told to them by Sofony.

”Before we leave, should we notify that one?” The guy asked.

It was Chris who used his usual disguise as, like the woman, he hated gossips and was careful when meeting up with anyone, even Sofony.

Sofia shook her head and looked at Chris like he was a big moron, the type whose only worth was to serve as feeds for the sharks.

”You're the one who had firsthand experience with those people. You and my Original have made a guess of how many people like us they have in their side, and you want a mere non-host to participate in this mess? Are you kidding me? Brainless bastard?”

”... You are the stupid one. I said notify. Not bring with us.”

The banter ended with the two of them choosing to steal motorcycles and ride towards the nearest military ground where they would be able to 'borrow' a fairly fast aircraft.

...

Meanwhile, Central Alina, in the private lands of the Albarez.

When Gio arrived and met his uncle who he hadn't seen for three whole years, the excitement of finally having the chance to beat this person up got halved due to the fact that Sofony was not with him.

He would have been glad to reveal this man's connection with her irresponsible father and see how she would react.

Would she slap the man to death? Like she preferred to do whenever she was angry?

Or toss him out onto the deepest trench of the biggest ocean in the world?

That annoying lab in the Southern part of the city seemed to have no problem taking on a bomb or two as well.

And for sure, that would force Fred out of the abandoned convalescence center and face the daughter he had twice almost ruined.

How unfortunate that he had no way to see it, not at least now, that Sofony had to be away due to some sort of emergency which she forgot to tell him.

'My girl seems to be thinking that matters related to the immoral system are still a no-no to share or discuss with me,' he amusedly thought to himself.

The marvelous aroma of coffee lingered in the air.

It didn't take long for a maid to come in and bow at the two masters of the house who were sitting across each other at a finely sculpted table amidst the picturesque landscape and mini-waterfalls.

Both the young and old Albarez loved decorating their homes with the same blue mini waterfall which was probably one of the very few things that they had in common when it comes to what they like and dislike.

”... Thinking of the Mendez girl?”

Gio's train of thoughts got interrupted by the distinct, pleasant, and kind-sounding voice that drifted to his ears from the person before him.

He perfunctorily answered,

”So what if I am? What's wrong with thinking of my own fiancée?”

”You didn't ask for my and her father's opinion.”

”I need your permission so I can think of her?”

”Don't play dumb. It's about you taking her as your fiancée.”

”Oh.” He didn't continue speaking.

It would be pointless.

Also, he knew the other man was merely stating facts and was aware of his intention behind the broadcast of his engagement with Sofony to the city with only the consent of the Silvers.

Conrad took the aromatic cup that was placed in front of him.