Chronos and Selene reached her house. He escorted her like a gentleman. " Hmph, so you dare bunk the ... What the!? Why is Young master Chronos with you!? " Her grandfather, who was about to mock her, was speechless at the arrival of Chronos alongside her. He didn't check the camera to see the one opening the door as his granddaughter and he was the only ones who knew this entrance.
" Hello sir, I am Chronos. I am here with a proposal. Can I expect a cup of tea, darling? I need to speak some important things with your grandfather if that is ok with you. " " Yes s.. Chronos. "
Chronos and Selene's grandfather sat facing each other. " Young master, may I know the purpose of your esteemed presence in my humble cottage? " " Unnecessary words. I'll dive straight to the point. How much do you need to free Selene? I am ok with any price. Just say it. " " Price, huh? Do you think I see her as a commodity? " " I think you see her as an abomination. It's much worse. "
" Also, I ain't buying her, I am buying her freedom from a senile dog. Just state the price. " " Hmph, even if you are the young master of the richest conglomerate, I ain't a pushover. 200 grand, or no deal. " " Done. From now, she isn't your granddaughter. " " Whatever. "
Chronos transferred the amount to the account of her grandfather. Selene was now free from one burden. " One more thing, do not say her that you disowned her. I will break the news myself. No need for you to be stressed. " " Whatever. Just don't send her back again. " " Never. "
Selene came in with a tray that had two piping hot cups of tea and a plate of home-baked cookies. Chronos elegantly drank the tea and enjoyed the cookies, the dignity befitting a monarch in every action of his. Selene was subconsciously attracted to his confidence and charisma.
" Nice work sweetie. Now, pack your toiletries, we are going on a trip. " Chronos ordered her. Selene, helpless, glanced at her grandfather(?) who nodded. Bowing her head, she went back to her room, packed her comb, small mirror, a little plush toy keychain and toiletries in a small handbag.
" Aah! my cupcake is so good. She kept all she requires in a small handbag. Well, sir, good day to you and may you always be healthy. " Chronos casually held her arm and led her to the car. Markus, without asking for directions, simply sped away. " May I borrow your comb, dear. " " Yes. "
Selene gave him the comb. Chronos asked to turn around and loosened her ponytail. " Your hair is so glossy. You should maintain it, you know. " He gently combed her hair as tears welled up in her eyes. She was bewildered, lost and anxious. She doesn't even have a clue as to why he is doing all this. But she did not dare ask lest he hates her. Her deep trauma won over curiosity.
" Why are you crying, dear? are you hurt? did something happen? " " Well, why are you doing all this? Who are you? What am I to you? Why did you make my grandfather disown me for a sum of money? Why did you scare the principal into signing a favourable withdrawal for me? Why are you now combing my hair? Why call me sweetie, dear, darling? What did I do to deserve this? "
Chronos looked down, deep in thought. SHE IS RIGHT. A STRANGER SUDDENLY DEMANDING A WITHDRAWAL FROM HER SCHOOL, DISOWNMENT FROM HER FAMILY AND CALLING HER WITH CUTE NAMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON IS EXTREMELY SUSPICIOUS. SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH. SHE IS JUST SIXTEEN. I GUESS I HAVE TO TELL HER THE TRUTH.
" Selene, I am Chronos, the CEO of the Black Phoenix Conglomerate. I mean no harm to you. For some unknown reason, I dreamed of you. Ever since then, I kept searching for the girl in my dreams and finally found you. A small enquiry showed your grandfather not interested in you, so I asked the worthless dog to get lost from your life. Same is the case with the principal. They don't deserve my lovely angel. This is just a whim of mine, my desperate desire to get to know you, interact with you and build a friendship. I beg you to entertain my selfishness, even if it is just for a while. "
Chronos' words made no sense to her, but somehow, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was right. His words seemed off the point, yet right on spot. She, who had already given up on life, couldn't care any less. As a guardian, her grandfather or Chronos, it made no difference.
This was the first confession of Chronos to Selene and one of the key points that changed their relationship and the future.