Ellaine sighed. She has been lying on the bed for a whole day and she's actually a little bored already. She was told to stay in the room and that she's not allowed to go out that day. Is Vier locking her up as a punishment? He looked upset earlier when they met. Was he mad at her for sneaking out?
Ellaine took her phone from the table and sent Vier a message. "When can I go out?" she asked. She then waited for a reply, but minutes went by and there were still no words from him. Was he really avoiding her? He doesn't even want to send her a reply?
Feeling restless, Ellaine stood up from the bed to check if the door was locked, but before she could even touch the knob, the door suddenly flew opened to her surprise. She stepped back, alarmed.
"What's with that look?", Vier asked when he saw Ellaine's startled expression. "Where are you going?", he added.
"No where..." she muttered as she looked away. "Why are you here?"
Vier walked in and found himself a seat. He sat lazily as he watched Ellaine stand there like a statue. "Didn't you want to talk about something? I'm here to talk to you about it." he said in a serious manner.
Ellaine was baffled by his stern expression. Was Vier in a bad mood? She pulled a chair and sat near him.
"I.... want to apologize for making all of you here worry about me. I was careless and caused you trouble." she stated. She wanted to say 'please don't be upset' but she found it weird and decided against it.
"It's good that you're aware of it. Rest for one more day. I don't allow you to wander off tomorrow." he ordered. Vier was treating her coldly right? He must be really upset. Feeling a sense of helplessness, Ellaine let out a sigh. Vier noticed it and furrowed his brows.
"What is it? Are you scolding me in your heart? hmm?"
"No... I just.... ",Ellaine was unable to continue. She decided she should just shut her mouth up, lest she anger him more. She stood up and walked away from Vier. "If there's nothing else, then I won't bother you anymore. You can return to your business." She said before heading to the balcony. So, he came here just to tell her personally that she's still grounded for another day? Seing his cold expression made her feel like small needles were pricking her heart. She might as well avoid seeing his standofish attitude right now. Arguing with him would just cause more misunderstandings.
Vier sat on the counch dumbfounded. It feels like he offended her again just now. Was he too harsh? He wanted to show Ellaine his displeasure and disappointment, and in a way make her realize her mistake, but it seemed like it didn't go well. Maybe mind games really isn't for him. It's better to just be straight-forward about it, no?
Vier stood up from his seat and followed Ellaine to the balcony. She was silently watching the darkness outside. Who knows what's going on in that little mind of her. Vier stood behind her, reached out, encircled his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"What's wrong? What are you thinking?" he asked.
Vier was so close, his lips were almost touching her ear, but his words failed to register in her mind. His sudden closeness made Ellaine's body stiffen as her heart started to race. She tried to break free from his embrace but Vier held her very tightly that she was unable to escape. "What are you doing? Let go!"
"What am I doing?" he echoed innocently. "I'm embracing my fiancee. What's wrong with it?",he said matter-of-factly. He wasn't use to such closeness, too. But as he watched her sulk like a little child, he found it cute and felt the sudden urge to hold her tightly in his arms. And the more he held her close, the more he felt warm in his heart. He wants to squeeze her in his embrace, like a child hugging his teddy bear to find comfort.
"Did you find me too rude just now?" he asked. "It wasn't on purpose. I wasn't in a good mood. Earlier, I received news that my brother was sent to the hospital. He was shot in his chest."
Ellaine froze. Vier's brother? He rarely say anything about that person. Now he's telling her that his brother was shot? So he wasn't avoiding her earlier? He was just too pre-occupied to see her?
"How is he? Is he safe now?" she asked. She had been very curious about that person. But he was very secretive about that topic. Just why were they keeping his existance a secret?
"He's out of danger now. But it doesn't mean he's safe. Someone wants him dead and it's making me worried." It's more like someone wants Vier dead, and his brother has now become the target. He felt guilty about it. His lonely seclusion was nothing compared to his brother's years of sacrifices.
As Vier let go of Ellaine, the woman turned around and stared at her fiance's face. She saw traces of sadness, worry and guilt in his eyes. He wasn't usually gentle, but he was being warm tonight. In the midst of darkness, he was revealing his vulnerable side to her.
"What kind of person is your brother?",she asked out of curiosity.
Vier thought for a while before coming up with an answer. He lifted his left hand and caressed her hair. "Very different from me... and at the same time, very alike." he answered in riddles.
Ellaine was unhappy and she expressed it with a scowl. What kind of answer is that?
"Just don't say anything if you're so unwilling to tell me about it." she uttered. She was pouting like an aggrieved little girl which made Vier chuckle.
"My brother was a quiet and serious person. Unlike me, he's a workaholic who's very good at socializing. He is a business genius; an independent person. He's a powerful man, calm and confident, but always humble. I've always been envious of him, you know." Vier stated.
Different from Vier? Right. That description can't be used to describe Vier at all. Vier isn't the humble type. He gives off an air of arrogance and although he looked confident, he was actually an indecisive person who isn't very good at making judgements. His temper is not very good and he's a bit childish deep inside. Being raised like a little prince, this is the first time he was abandoned like this. Ellaine wondered how Vier felt about it.
"Why are you envious of him? Do you hate it that your stuck in here?" she probed. She really wanted to know how he feels about being exiled in a far away island like this.
"Nah... I'm stuck here with you. What's there to hate about?" He answered with a smile. "I just wished I'm as tough as he is. Then I can also protect the people I care about the most." he declared. "One day, you'll be able to meet him too.... someday."
"Someday? When we finally get out of here?" she asked.
Vier frowned.
" What? Are you so eager to leave? I'm telling you, you can only meet my brother after you fall inlove with me, or else you might fall in love with him instead. He's such an outstanding person that I'm sure you'll be choosing him over me in a heart beat." he declared, before pulling the dumbfounded woman to his embrace.
Well, just what's wrong with Vier today? Why is he suddenly acting mushy? Ellaine felt her head spinning as her complicated feelings brought by his touch started to overwhelm her.