"Good day, Helle. Won't you invite me inside? Um? " Anton left the door wide open, showcasing his presence. His musky scent, probably from the factory, enveloped the entire floor. He had a cherry smile while wrinkles crinkled at the sides of his eyes.
"How could I not? Please come inside." Helle had her expressions changed in microseconds from flabbergasted to the first love smile. So fake yet so surreal.
With a candid smile, Anton walked inside. He was about a decade older than her and had been pursuing her since her young teen years. He was a good man who ran the factory of shoes and jute. With his good income and lifestyle, he had countless marriage offers.
"Did your university results come?" Anton walked closer to Helle.
"Not yet. It should be out next Sunday," Helle replied with a dry tone.
The distance was getting erased. Anton was almost a touch away. Taller than her by about four centimeters, he barely towered over her, but as it was never good to offend the town's people, Helle started to take her steps quicker and entered the counter.
"Why're you running away from me? I was just trying to check the scar in your hand, Helle." He made a grumpy face. His hands crossed on his chest while the sudden wave of guilt appeared on Helle's face.
"I see. Well, I had the stove on, so... Please wait," she answered and walked into the kitchen.
'WHAT THE HELL!' Her mind and her words were polar opposites. 'I don't fluffing want to be touched by you.' Helle wished to scream but kept it locked inside while turning the stove on and preheating the oven as well.
"Where did you get that scar from Helle? You know young women should take better care of themselves." Anton stated from the outside. He knew the place like the back of his hand; after all, it had been years since he kept coming to the restaurant.
Hearing his words, Helle had her eyes subtly roll. Although he meant good faith for her, if he had ever known her well, he would have known that she enjoyed what she did and a few marks and scratches were no issue.
"It was while I was cutting the watery potatoes. No need to fret."
"How can I not? We are soon to be..." He didn't finish his sentence, but Helle already knew what he meant. Making her further want to tear him apart.
Once again, out of the blue, the doorbell rang "Trang~," but this time the footsteps were loud enough to make it known that it was Lorraine, her mother.
"Helle~ oh.... Anton! Long time no see." Lorraine waved at the man who had been perusing her daughter for years. A piece of her felt sorry for her daughter. To have to continue to tolerate such a man; yet in other parts, she could only be grateful that such an outstanding man had liked her.
"Hello aunt. How have you been?" He gave a smile.
"Oh, I've been well. Just dealing a few issues with the legitimacy of this land after all, hyenas are everywhere, as you know. You must be here to visit Helle, right? Take your time. Would you like to stay till dinner?" Despite the passing of the years, Lorraine had aged like a fine wine. Her rich genes could definitely be traced, as her undying beauty could only be possessed by a few.
"If you would like me to, then surely," Anton clasped his hands in happiness.
Inside the kitchen, on the contrary to the happy pair outside, Helle had a bitter face as she unwantedly listened to the conversation between them. She hated it. Resented it all. Fuming over her spilled thoughts, she placed the batter inside the oven.
Confirming the dinner, Lorraine walked upstairs. She had a hectic day at the court, fighting for what she was given by law, yet these hounds wished to see her in the mud.
"Do you need any help for the dinner, Helle?" Anton had a rough voice, yet his intentions were sweet. Yet Helle felt an awkward barrier to him.
"No need. What would you like to have, although? Potato stew or "
"How about steak? I will run to Zach's store real quick."
"Sure," she sighed while Anton left the house.
A good man. He was a nice family man, but not for her. His handsome appearance or his wealth were nothing compared to her dreams. The dreams she had crushed due to lack of funds, but that didn't mean she did not wish to soar.
~
"Um... The meat is perfectly cooked. You've improved, Allot Helle. Back then, you used to always have the kitchen smoking hot because you couldn't cook."
Those words made the two people on the table crack up. Lorraine had a crooked smile on her lips while Anton fondly remembered the past. Helle had her lips slightly curled up and remained quite.
Back then, Helle was no older than fifteen, and being the curious rebel she was, she often denied to cook, and whenever she was forced to... well, the kitchen went through the most miserable phase.
"She was such a rebel. I'm just glad you were there to watch over her." Lorraine cut a piece of her steak and ate it while a surge of happiness flashed on Anton's face.
"Oh, that is alright."
"So, are there any new projects here? You seem pretty busy these days." Since Helle didn't even bother to speak more than necessary, Lorraine navigated the conversation after all; this man was very pivotal for their future.
"Well. There is one. It's supposed to be kept a secret, but it's okay between family, right? So, a rich investor has bought hectors of land and plans to open a medicinal herb farm for their other factory. Since I am one of the tenors, I've been busy entertaining him."
"Oh, that must be tough."
"Well, they are hard to please," Anton replied.
And so the dinner continued, and the guest Anton left the restaurant, and a pile of dirty dishes was crammed in the basin. The smile on Lorraine's face faded, and a cranky expression replaced it. Helle was quick to notice the change in temperament, so she started to do the dishes instead.
"Why were you not lovingly replying to him?" Lorraine had a strained tone. Anger flared in her eyes while looking directly at Helle's slender figure.
"Am I obligated to?" Helle sharply replied in the outpouring of her anger.
"What did you say? Dare say it again?"
"Am I obligated to? For all I care, I just wish to get out of here."
'Spank!' Lorraine slapped her daughter across the face. A stinge of pain and a burning red mark. It was nastily painful. That very instant, Helle was on her knees. The bones hit the wooden ground, making it unbearable to stay still.
"SAY THAT AGAIN! IS THIS WHAT YOU SAY AFTER ALL I'VE DONE FOR YOU? Can't you let go of that pride and see our situation?
DAUGHTER OF A BASTARD WILL ALWAYS REMAIN ONE."