397 Need some space (1/2)

”Ryn?”

Ryn sighed heavily.

Mei Li went back to her. She pulled her into her arms and stroked her back gently. ”Shh... everything will be alright.”

Ryn sniffed when she felt herself being enveloped by Mei Li's arms. She could smell the scent of Mei Li, her favorite perfume. She closed her eyes and let herself go. She cried.

Mei Li did not say anything. She just stroked Ryn's back gently, trying to make the younger woman feel better. She was confused as well. How could she help the couple? No. Her priority right now was Ryn. She should focus on Ryn's wellbeing instead of thinking about how to make the couple in peace again.

They spent another half an hour there, hugging. Some people came and went, checking on those two but none of them interrupted the two. They simply looked and then went back to their place. Even the boss of the agency came to check on them.

Ryn finally lifted her head from Mei Li's shoulder and looked at her manager. She wiped the tears from her face with a wobbly smile. ”I'm sorry.”

”Why do you apologize to me? You did nothing wrong,” Mei Li replied. ”Are you... feeling better now?”

Ryn stepped back and wrapped her arms around herself again. ”Am I that bad?”

”What do you mean?”

Ryn took a deep breath and turned back to look at the trees and other buildings. ”I feel so suffocated right now. I'm so tired of dealing with arguments. I feel like I am guilty of trying to stand for myself. Am I... not supposed to think?”

Mei Li opened her mouth but nothing came out. She had no idea how to make the situation better. It was clear how stressed Ryn was. She wanted to help but...

”I think it's better for me to live elsewhere for the time being and...” Ryn looked at her with calm eyes, ”I hope you can keep this from everyone.”

”What... what do you mean?” Mei Li asked nervously. Somehow she did not like where this was heading to.

”I... I think I need some space to think but at the same time, I don't want to affect my work. I won't go far, Mei Li. I'll still fulfill my commitment for the jobs we've arranged,” Ryn said slowly. She felt like this was the best way for her to get through this. She needed to get away from everything and took the time to think. She needed to think about what she really wanted in her relationship and most importantly what she wanted in life.

”Are you sure about this?” Mei Li asked.

”Hmm... I think it's the best option for me. I need some space, Mei Li.”

Mei Li pinched the space between her brows. She did agree that Ryn needed to have some space for herself but in her emotional state, could she be left alone?

”It's okay, Mei Li. I don't want to trouble you with my problem.”

”I don't want to leave you alone, Ryn. At least, when you're staying with me, I can watch over you,” Mei Li coaxed. She took Ryn's hands and gently stroked them. ”Please say yes. You can take the guest room. You can stay as long as you need.”

Ryn sighed. It was an enticing offer but...

”I'm sorry, Mei Li. I really need to be alone,” she said finally.

”Ryn...”

”I really need to be alone to sort my thoughts,” Ryn said firmly.

Mei Li sighed.

”I'm sorry, Ryn, for what you've been through.”

Ryn gave her a weak smile. ”Can you give me a lift?”

”Yeah, sure,” Mei Li nodded. She wrapped her arm around Ryn's and pulled her to the door. ”Where do you want to go?”

Ryn sighed. She actually had no idea of where she would go after this. All she could think of was first going to visit Harry and then she would start thinking where she should spend the night. No more than that.

The others who saw them walking did not stop them. They just smiled but gave a signal at Mei Li, asking silently about Ryn. Mei Li gave them a smile but did not answer their question. She simply led Ryn toward her car.