Can't you just say it was canceled for some certain reason? You are an adult person! How come you know so little about strategies? How haven't you been killed for being an idiot?" chided Louisa while she glowered at Claire. In Louisa's eyes, Claire was but a stupid woman. She was fortunate to be born to a wealthy family. If not, silly as she was, no men would ever have interest in her, let alone marry her.
"I..." Claire tried to defend herself but then gave in and remained quiet. She had a feeling that it was no good for her to quarrel with Louisa.
That's enough! Go hail a cab and go to Leena! I need to go somewhere else and don't have time to drive you back. As to what I've said, inform me if there's any update. Don't delay it," said Louisa with a snort. Her tone was filled with contempt. It was clear that she didn't treat Claire as a friend.
Oh, I see," Claire answered in a low spirit. She didn't even take much offense from Louisa's attitude. It was okay for Louisa not to send her home. She could just always call a cab and afford it.
"I gotta go, Pola. Catch you later." With that said, Louisa waved goodbye with Pola and got back into her car.
See you!" Pola waved back. Then she turned her glance to Claire and flashed an apologetic smile.
Leena had just finished her breakfast when Claire reached the Grand Apartment. She was surprised to see Claire at this hour.
Claire, weren't you out to have fun with some friends? Why are you back so early?" Leena asked in a surprised voice.
"Yes, I was. We had to cancel the plan because of some sudden incident though. Where is my brother? Is he out?" Claire answered as she removed her shoes.
"Yep. Someone gave him a call earlier and he headed out. He said that he has some emergencies that he needs to handle. Anyway, I didn't expect you to be back so soon. Have you had breakfast yet?" said Leena as she headed towards the dining room. There were plenty of dishes remaining untouched.
"He he! Not yet. I wish there is some leftover in the kitchen." Claire put her hands to her mouth and breathed to warm her numb fingers. The weather outside was icy cold. It might be caused by the morning frost.
"Come and have a seat. We have prepared your share of breakfast before you went out without telling us in advance. I'll heat it up for you." Although Leena knew where Claire had gone and whom she had been with, she didn't take what Claire did as a betrayal at all. She believed that she could place more trust in her sister-in-law.
"Thank you! Since you mentioned it, I've been feeling a bit hungry," Claire answered with a smirk on her face and followed Leena to the dining room. Her time with Louisa was pointless and she was now filled with a bellyful of anger. She truly needed something delicious to soothe her nerves.
Why are you so courteous? That's unlike you," Leena quipped with a slight frown. She microwaved Claire's breakfast.
"I'm in the mood, you know! Plus, people change, they always do. I just did! I'm behaving nicely because I'm now mature!" Claire hurriedly explained. Her face was reddened by the harsh wind and she was shivering from the cold.
"Well, that's highly suspicious. Shall I make you a cup of hot milk? It'll keep you warm," Leena said with a resigned smile. It seemed that she wasn't used to Claire being so nice to her and would prefer to be treated harshly as usual.
That's nice. It's freezing cold outside and I still feel a bit chilly." Claire rubbed her hands to warm up while wondering how she should bring up the subject that Louisa had asked.
"Okay. Just a minute," said Leena. She always kept a smile on her face whenever she spoke. She poured some milk for Claire and started to heat it up.
"Leena, do you happen to own some other apartments here in the city?" Claire asked. She had to obey Louisa's orders after all since she cared so much about their so-called "friendship".
"Why do you ask?" Leena questioned doubtfully with a slight frown.
"Oh! Since I accidentally met Mr. Xia yesterday, I've finally realized that he isn't my kind of man. Such a man is out of my league. Lovelorn and heartbroken, I seek a quiet place to lick my wounds alone." What Claire claimed was half-true. She had some feelings for Rain, although not that much. It was the unrequited feeling that she had for Rain that made her feel bad about letting go. Thus, she sounded genuine when she stated her request.
"What? Haven't you promised that you wouldn't fall in love with him? Okay! Never mind then. I'm glad that you've made a rational choice. But speaking of apartments, I don't think I have any here in the city. If you really want to spend some quiet and peaceful time, I'll take you to the villa to relax. The scenery there is pretty good." Leena knew exactly how awful it was when one was stuck with unrequited love. She understood how Claire felt now as Rain didn't feel for her the same way.
Villa? You must be kidding!" Claire was more than excited to hear that. In this way, her task would be perfectly handled.
"Of course not! It is a new house and we haven't moved in yet. We've already decorated it and stored every necessity one needs there though, so you can move in anytime. The only problem is that Kevin and I will be worried about you if you stay there alone. The villa is far away from our house. I'm afraid that I won't be able to take good care of you if you are that out of reach." Leena was a little worried. After all, Claire wasn't a good cook and she would easily starve herself. She wouldn't be able to tend to her needs if she was that far.
"Come on! I can take care of myself! I'll dine outside or order some take-out food when I'm hungry. It's going to be fine, I promise! I just want to be alone for a few days, not isolate myself with the rest of the world." Claire's eyes flickered as she spoke. She tried her best not to stutter as Leena might find out that she was lying, just in case.
"Well, you still have to ask Kevin. I can't make the decision alone." Leena placed the dishes on the table for Claire. She didn't have the least doubt in her words.