Chapter 132 He wished he could smoke (1/2)

”I don't think you have played the swing here,” Mika pulled Ryn toward the garden.

Jeremy was not there with them. He decided to go to the office to observe the situation closely and told the girls to stay here like good girls. He would handle everything, don't you worry.

Hence, Ryn found herself being pulled toward the garden after Jeremy left. Mika decided that they would spend time playing so that Ryn would not think much about what happened.

They had been walking for over ten minutes but Ryn still could not see the swing Mika kept talking about. According to Mika, her father built it himself for her, for her nineteenth birthday because she loved swinging so much. Even Jeremy was not allowed to touch it. And now, Mika was willing, in fact, could not wait, for Ryn to play with it.

Finally, after ten more minutes of walking, they arrived at the swing. Ryn had to use her hand to shield her eyes from the burning sun as she looked at the swing. No wonder they had to walk so far. The swing was huge and it was tied to a very tall and old tree. Around them was a clear ground with wildflowers acted as boundaries to separate the swing area with the garden and the forest.

And the clear area was huge, enough to build another house!

Seriously, the wealth of this family was uncomparable.

Mika excitedly pushed Ryn to sit on the swing and took the seat next to her. ”Daddy built this for two so we can swing together.”

Ryn held it tight as Mika, excited to finally able to play with her best friend, used her feet to move the swing, bringing them back and forth, back and forth slowly. She did not say a word at all despite Mika already shriek and scream happily. She simply looked at the scenery quietly.

”Why don't you say anything?” Mika finally noticed how quiet Ryn was. She glanced at her wondering why her best friend did not say a word since after the breakfast.

Was Ryn sick but did not want to tell her so not to worry her?

”Are you... are you alright, Ryn? Are you happy?”

Ryn finally turned to look at Mika and smiled. Still, no word coming from her.

”Do you want to go back?” Mika asked, now no longer excited with the swing.

”It's okay. The air here is so fresh and clear,” Ryn finally spoke.

”Are you sure?” Mika was unconvinced with Ryn's answer. If she was happy, why does she look so empty? As if she was pushing herself to be here accompany Mika?

”Yeah. I like it here. So fresh and peaceful.”

Mika was finally convinced. Like a child, her mood changed back into excitement as her focus was on playing the swing with her best friend.

Half an hour later they returned back to the mansion. Both Mika and Ryn were wearing crowns made from wildflowers and in their hands were bouquet of wildflowers. Both were smiling, albeit Ryn was more composed.

The maids quickly welcomed them. The butler informed them that the Cook had prepared something for them. Something special.

Although Ryn was not that optimistic with the news, having to face so many healthy meals under the Cook's tender care, she did not dare to refuse the invitation. Holding onto Mika's hand, she followed behind the butler and the maids toward another set of door, this time leading toward the outdoor swimming pool.

There, under a big umbrella, a maid was busy arranging something on the small table.

When they got closer, Ryn saw a few small plates of deserts. Her bleak world turned brighter. Her eyes shone at the sight of so many cute little deserts.

The Cook must be feeling pity on her so she made all these for her. So the Cook did like her.

She took a seat in front of Mika.

Mika was smiling happily seeing the smile on her face. Finally, the smile on Ryn's was sincere, not a forced quiet smile.

Mika watched as Ryn started to enjoy the desert the Cook prepared. Luckily Cook finally decided that Ryn was ready to eat something sweet and fattening, rather than chicken porridge with so many 'healthy' ingredients.

Pretty soon a small hill consisted of plates stacking on top of each other appeared.

”Are you happy?” Mika asked when Ryn put the last plate on top of the 'hill'.

”Hmm...” Ryn used the napkin to wipe her lips, just in case there was a residue, any creme there. ”What's the time now?”

”Why?” Mika's face changed for a second but quickly she controlled it.

If Ryn did not look at her best friend carefully, she would not notice the slight change there. She closed her mouth and again, put on the poker face.

Mika's face fell. Ryn was smiling happily just now. But why was she giving that guarded look at her? Were they not best friend? Why was Ryn building a wall separating them?

”Are you going to lock me here and block any news?”

”Catherine,” Mika choked out. She tried to take Ryn's hand but Ryn took a step backwards, avoiding her hand.

”What happened yesterday involving me so I need to know, Mika. I am not a kid that needs to be protected from everything,” somehow the frustration Ryn had been holding carefully burst.