Chapter 31：Goddess... (1/2)

”... What, dad?! What did you just say?!” I ask him and am feeling a bit shocked, to be honest.

”... DAD...! What did I tell you about asking something like that directly?!” Llana nervously stares back and forth between dad and me.

Llana leans in closer to him and angrily warns him, ”... Are you trying to ruin everything?! Stop!”

She lifts her head and tries to coax me like a child. ”Sisi! You know how dad's like! He's just joking! ... Right, guys?!”

My entire family laughs awkwardly, and I scrutinize them, wondering if they're trying to set me up here and now. I hope not 'cos that'd be freaking embarrassing.

A voice I rarely hear speaks up. ”Rysia, dear, please forgive your father. You know how he's like, he doesn't think before he speaks sometimes.”

Mom then adds, ”It hasn't been all that long since the divorce, and we'd never force you ever to do it again if that's not what you want. We'll support you either way.”

Dad coughs, clears his throat, and turns the other way as he crosses his arms. You know, that classic 'dad' move you always see that's pretty much everywhere at this point.

I decide to let it go and just shake my head as I sigh.

Just as I thought that this cliche family scene had reached its end, Jett seems to have other plans.

”Ms. Raley, you're supposed to help me, you know! I'm STILL chasing Rysia even until now. I need to lock this in before anyone else decides to take her away from me again!” He wails dramatically, and I just involuntarily shudder from the cringe.

This is getting a bit too much for me. I smack his arm a little with the back of my hand. Jett just laughs and hugs me and promises he'll stop.

I smile back at him, and I didn't notice that my family is looking quite content watching us be in excellent terms with each other. It couldn't have meant anything, but our relationship is going well.

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[2 WEEKS LATER]

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URGGGHHH... Finally, it's Friday again!

It's been two weeks since I've properly spent time with Jett, and I can't wait to show him what I have planned for him all this time.

I snicker to myself softly, wholly preoccupied with my thoughts of anticipation for what's in store.

All of a sudden, something touches my shoulder, and my shoulders jump automatically.

”I-I wasn't thinking of anything weird! I swear!” I manage to belt out in a panic.

Turning around, I see someone I've only seen from afar. I've avoided this person as soon as I could even catch a whiff of him.

Ren Hille looks a little beat. He's still wearing some make-up, but it does little to hide his slightly sunken eyes.

I'm guessing he probably just came back from a shoot.

Lately, all the work he has been undertaking is most likely taking a toll on him.

Despite that, however, he still manages to smile like it doesn't affect him at all.