Cheslea gave her bag and escorted her from the main door. Her secretary called the driver to pick her up but then, she stopped Cheslea.
"Just tell the driver that he can go home now. I'll just unwind myself."
She nodded and opened the door for her. She smiled at Cheslea and patted her shoulder.
"Just update me, okay?"
"Okay, you can count on me."
She saw Cheslea waving at her but she just smiled and walked around the place. She ended up in the open mall and there were lots of food stalls.
But then, she wasn't interested and walked to the open field. She sat on the bench and took a deep breath. She was at ease when a cold breeze rushed through her face.
It was October so the weather was getting colder. She felt the cold breeze all over her body and didn't bring her coat to cover herself.
Afterward, she felt a coat wrapped all over her. She glanced at it and saw Xander, who was smiling at him. Then, he sat beside her and asked, "what are you doing here wearing a thin layer of clothes?"
She sighed and leaned her to the bench. Her eyes focused on the kids playing with their friends. She couldn't just go home and be seen as miserable as she was. She didn't want his son to be affected by her problems.
"I just want to relax a bit and go home to my son." She replied.
"Well, I'll accompany you here."
Her eyes went wide and shook her head. She didn't want to bother anyone just to comfort her.
"It's fine, Xander. I'll be home soon." She mumbled and smiled.
He just smiled and grabbed her hand. She jumped and glanced at him with her eyes wide. She didn't feel anything from his warmth but she was shocked by his actions.
"Don't be shy. We're friends right? I'll comfort you as long as you need me."
"Xander… I—"
He chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I'll be here for you as long as you'll be okay. Just come with me!"
She couldn't say anything when he grabbed her wrist and pulled him closer. They walked back inside the open mall and went to the food stall. He signed Jaymianne to sit on the chair and waited for him.
Then, she sat on the chair and let Xander order their food. It was nice having someone when she was having a mental breakdown.
Someone who'll comfort you.
She smiled and leaned her head to her palm and watched the people around the place. Then, her eyes went to Xander, who was happily ordering their food. It was nice seeing him very happy.
She remembered Xander way back in high school. He was too timid to talk to someone because he was the target of bullies. She remembered that his father died in an accident when he was in Hong Kong.
His life shattered after perceiving what happened to his father.
FLASHBACK
"I heard his father died in an accident in Hong Kong." One of their classmates said.
"It was said that he idolized his father ever since his father entered into the military but sadly, he died at a young age. His father left him behind." One of them replied.
Jaymianne glances at Xander, who was leaning on the window and watched outside. She felt sad when hearing his story from her classmates.
But then, he was getting bullied by being too skinny and a silent person. She knew he wouldn't fight back but he was too strong to protect himself.
"You keep looking at that weird boy." George said and gave her a milk strawberry drink.
"He's not a weird boy, George. He protected me when I almost got hit by the burglars."
"Yeah, yeah. Keep defending him or you'll be the target of the bullies."
She just ignored his comment and grabbed her drink. Then, she stood up and strolled closer to him. She patted his shoulder to get his attention. And when he turned to face her, she smiled and placed the milk strawberry drink.
"Cheer up, Xander! It'll be okay. And… try to defend yourself, I know you are skinny but you aren't weak enough to defend yourself."
END OF FLASHBACK
For him, his father was a hero. He idolized him since he raised Xander so well. She met his father once and he was an amazing father and seeing how he loves his son.
She remembered him but it was an intention not to say anything about him. She wanted to leave her high school life behind together with her classmates. She wanted a fresh start.
"You are spaced out." She snapped into reality when Xander uttered.
She smiled and shook her head. Then, she glanced at the food and asked, "I'm just hungry. Anyway, what did you get for us?"
Then, he slid the food in front of her and it was all Korean street foods. It was her favorite ever since George made it for her.
"That is bindaetteok which is mung bean pancake, and this is gyeran-bbang which is steamed bread with an egg on top. It's very popular in Korea so I want you to try it. Also, I bought your favorite, tteokbokki and gimbap."
Her eyes went wide when he knew her favorite. " H-how did you know that?"
He grinned widely and said, "George told me."
She just shook her head in disbelief and grabbed one of the gyeran-bbang. As she bit the bread, her eyes glimmered when it hit her palate. The delicious texture of this gyeran-bbang.
"How is it?" He asked
"This is very delicious. The bread is very moist and compliments the steamed egg."
"I know right. It's my favorite."
She hummed and swayed her body while eating the bread. He glanced at her and fell in love with every move she did. He chuckled and ruffled her hair.
"Such a lovely woman."