6 Fur coats are beautiful (2/2)

”Not long ago. I was bored with nothing to do and took up smoking to amuse myself. It helps me think.”

There seemed to be nothing to say after that. The awkward silence continued. Valerie was getting annoyed. Richard was unperturbed, continuously blowing smoke without a care in the world.

”When do you have free time?” Valerie said after a while. ”I told my father about you and he suggested a meet up. I think it's about time, don't you think so?”

”What for?”

”What do you mean? Isn't that the usual custom between a couple who's thinking of marriage?”

”Are we getting married? I don't remember asking you.”

Valerie stared at him like he was a not particularly pleasing bug crawling on top of her salad.

”Don't joke like that. It's upsetting.”

Richard put his cigarette out on an ash tray with equal force as his growing impatience.

”Why don't we break up instead? I'm a pretty boring guy to be with and I'm sure you'll find someone better, more exciting. Besides, An Ning and I are back together.I'm thinking of asking her to marry me as soon as she's had the baby. I'll make it worth your while. Just name your price.”

Each word struck Valerie's imploding heart with the burst of gun fire. She looked at him, feeling the slight trembling of her lips, the burning in her eyes. She didn't know she was crying until she felt the wetness on her cheeks, tasted the salt on her lips. Her heart was breaking while Richard sat unmoved. looking cool and crisp as a red apple as he watched her crumble in front of him.

”Why?” The question was almost a whimper. ”You said you loved me. You said you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me. You didn't love An Ning. You fell in love with me. Was that all a lie then?”

”It was probably just hormones,” Richard shrugged. ”Anyway, I have to go. I have something else waiting for me. I'll have the driver drive you back.It's starting to look really crummy out there. Take care of yourself. By the way, I'll completely understand if you move to another agency after this. I'll pay the fee, of course. Just let me know.”

And just like that, he was gone. The room emptied what's left of its little warmth as he strolled away and walked out of her life. Valerie sat there dazed and unmoving. The door opened and Erwina came in.She walked over to where Valerie was sitting and handed her an envelope. Valerie took it. She knew what it was but she really didn't care anymore.

The dream was over but it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the world for her. She opened her bag and took out her little compact. The redness was starting to fade from her eyes. The powder on her cheeks was slightly smeared and her lipstick needed a refresh.

Other than that, she looked perfectly fine. Under Erwina's stoic gaze, Valerie took out a comb and fixed her hair. The bag snapped close and Valerie stood up. Erwina silently motioned forward and Valerie followed.

”The driver is already waiting for you in the car. I also took the liberty of wrapping up some sandwiches and hot coffee to keep you warm in your journey. The old lady also sent you something which she hoped you will consider as a parting gift.”

A maid emerged from a door carrying a large white box, which she slightly shook wide open as she neared Valerie's side. Valerie couldn't contain a surprise gasp.Held in the arms of the waiting maid was the most beautiful fur coat Valerie had ever seen in her entire life. It was a glossy black, obviously expensive and so exquisitely gorgeous it made Valerie's heart stop.

The maid silently helped Valerie put it on then stepped back for a quick look. The fit was perfect. The fur soft and ticklish and so warm it made Valerie giggle and laugh. She walked outside in her high heels, not even noticing the darkening sky and the falling snow. She glided down the stairs and into the car without looking back.

Heart break may go well with inclement weather but expensive fur coats have their own special little vanities as well. It was the merry go round of luck and charm. The world spins on its axis. Hearts break and bodies crumble into dust. But beauty endures. And that's really what matters.

Valerie watched the desolate landscape passed by outside her window and smiled. The journey was worth it after all. Despite her losing something important, it was still worth it in the long run.