Fated To Be Yours

(12 years earlier)

"What do you think will happen if we can't be together anymore?" Javier looked at Laura with a very intense gaze.

Laura frowned after hearing Javier's question. The movement of her hand eating the ice cream instantly slowed down. For a few seconds she just stood there and watched Javier questioningly.

"Why are you asking me that? This is our last meeting because you have to go to London," Laura grumbled.

Javier raised both eyebrows. "No, I was just wondering if you couldn't see me anymore, what would you do?"

Laura didn't answer. She didn't understand why Javier was suddenly asking such a creepy question. However, she didn't think much of what Javier said.

Laura casually kept shoveling ice cream into her mouth. She didn't have the slightest interest in answering Javier's question. Aside from the fact that the creepy question came out of the blue, Laura was also annoyed that Javier only mentioned his departure to London three days later.

"You suddenly left me and only told me now. Then you gave me that creepy question instead of calming me down?" Laura grumbled.

They had been friends since they were little - 5 years old. And now, when they were in Senior High School, they fell in love.

Their relationship had only been going on for two years, but Javier suddenly announced that he had to go to London. With no certainty of when he would return.

"I don't know how to calm you down. You won't calm down even if I try to comfort you," Javier said.

"You could at least tell me when you'll be back," Laura retorted later.

"I still can't, Laura. Oh, maybe I'll come back after I finish my studies at the university," Javier replied.

"Maybe?" Laura asked. "Why are you still unsure?"

Javier chuckled.

Seeing Javier reminded Laura of the strange, loud characters in the novels she read. As Laura recalls, talkative characters like Javier have two options: one is not to die the first time - especially in adventure game series novels like Hunter Games, yes... the second is to make the main character fall in love.

Actually, Laura is more confident about the first option. Unfortunately, this world is not the world of Hunter Games-although Laura doesn't want it to happen in real life.

As for the second option, it already happened. Laura was already in love with Javier.

"Uh, do you want to see something?"

Without turning to Javier, Laura just cleared her throat briefly. Very briefly. Showing interest and not showing interest at the same time. Laura really didn't want to hear Javier's voice but still had the heart to listen to Javier's ramblings which Laura felt would be strange and rambling.

"I have something!"

"What? Do you want to make a scene?" asked Laura, still in no mood to turn her head to Javier. "There's no one here."

"Oh, no. I want to show you something. Here!"

Without a word, Javier reached out to grab her wrist and brought her around in a small jog. Javier's sudden movement made Laura almost squeal. Laura tried to keep her legs from dragging with her, over and over again, but Javier chuckled and kept his grip on her wrist.

"Come on, don't live your life so rigidly!"

"Javier, what are you doing?" Laura kept asking the same question she had been asking all along. They were still running small. A fleeting feeling of worry rose in Alisa's chest.

Considering that there was no one here and Javier could do something wrong-or worse, take himself somewhere dark....

"Stop, Javier!" snapped Laura abruptly, jerking her hand so hard that Javier stopped running.

The image of the man with Kiana uttering that vulgar-sounding sentence in the library made Laura's heart skip a beat. After Javier's grip was no longer on her wrist, Laura held her own hand with a gasp.

"I don't want to come with you, what are you doing?" Laura asked.

The passionate turmoil came back.

Javier looked at Laura in astonishment for a few seconds. It took a while for Javier to notice the look in Laura's eyes that radiated fear for whatever reason. Even though Laura tried to put on a sharp face, her slightly trembling hands said otherwise.

"Hey... calm down..." Javier's voice softly greeted Laura's ears. One palm of his hand was pointed forward as if signaling that it was okay.

"Okay, I apologize if I came across as pushy. I want to change my sentence: let's see something. I want to show you something fun-really fun and not in a negative sense," Javier continued, moving both his index and middle fingers in a V shape as he said the last two words.

Laura looked at Javier uncertainly.

Suddenly Javier's facial expression looked guilty. "Maybe you're scared because of my weird way of talking, especially since the park is quiet, but I really didn't mean anything by it. Okay?"

The rhythm of Laura's breathing slowed to a steady pace as the passionate turmoil began to fade from her chest. Doubt still shone in Laura's tanned eyes. But the sharpness of Laura's gaze slowly changed as her face no longer showed trembling. The image that appeared playing the man's sentence in the school library earlier receded in a matter of seconds.

Laura quietly exhaled slowly. She didn't realize that her lips had suddenly raised their voice, nor did she know why the memory of the bastard's vulgar sentence was still in her mind.

Javier looked at her apprehensively-not because he was afraid she would scream again, but because he was worried about making her uncomfortable. The concern in Javier's eyes was obvious as if he didn't hesitate to show it. Laura instantly felt guilty for thinking badly of the man.

"What do you want to show me?" Laura asked in a low voice. She pretended to put on a normal face when her heart was wracked with guilt. "Don't... don't mess with me."

Javier's sigh of relief slowly came out with his palms. The corners of the man's lips lifted into an amused smile, followed by a short laugh.

"What am I trying to do? You're not a threat, so why should I be mean to you?"

Laura's eyes still searched Javier's direction. Laura didn't know that the look on her face would make Javier want to laugh. But the atmosphere was not favorable. Instead of laughing, Javier smiled with his eyes sparkling with sincerity. He extended one hand to Laura.

"Want to see for real?"

Laura let out a rough breath. She clearly understood the meaning of Javier's outstretched hand. Immediately shaking her head, Laura said quietly but firmly, "I walk alone. I don't need your hand."

Laura's eyebrows raised. She glanced at her own hand, then withdrew it. The atmosphere was suddenly awkward-only for the man. But it didn't seem to be for Laura as she waltzed out of his way when he hadn't even told her where he wanted to show her.

Finally Javier chuckled as he shoved his hands back into his hoodie pockets and caught up with Alisa from behind.

"Do you know where the place is?" he asked, deliberately playing a prank on her.

Laura stopped walking and turned around to stare at Javier with irritation.

"So don't keep quiet. You should have told me while I was walking."

Laura flinched for a moment. Her gaze fell to one side, the edge of the path near a tree with a large trunk.

"To your right," Javier said. "Lucky you didn't miss it, Miss Laura?"

Laura's face held embarrassment. If she had continued walking or Javier had not made a sound to reprimand her, she would have just walked away without asking where the place was.

While Javier chuckled and walked over to the spot, Laura was the first to walk quickly. The corner Javier was referring to was not too dark due to the reflection of the garden lights.

"What are you trying to show me? Nothing," Laura said as she heard the scraping of shoes and asphalt behind her. The sound of Javier's shoes.

"Excuse me," Javier stepped up from behind Laura, causing her to shift her body, "it's not what's visible to you. It's the invisible ones."

Laura was taken aback that Javier didn't just sneak up on her as he advanced to stand in the middle of two sizable tree trunks. But Laura's amazement was short-lived. She watched as Javier reached out to one of the tree trunks. Laura took a step forward with her eyes narrowed to sharpen her vision.

Among the fat branches of the tree, there was a big hole similar to the hole for squirrel eggs in cartoons. The woman's eyes widened as Javier noticed the gap.

"It's right here," Javier said. His outstretched hand was already retracted, this time something seemed to be in his grasp.

As soon as he turned around, Javier opened his palm and showed two leaves with root fibers hooked into small holes in each. A kind of leaf hanger.

"Leaf hangers. Have you ever seen one?" Javier asked.

Laura's brow furrowed. She gave him a strange look, but couldn't help but smile a small, amused smile. Very small. "Leaf hangers?"

Javier nodded and raised his eyebrows once. A proud smile curved his face. "Personally made. I wonder if I'll sell it?"

Unable to hold back an amused smile, the corners of Laura's lips finally lifted.

"What the hell?" Then the woman chuckled. "Let's see. You've been making this all this time? All alone and no one around, you made this?"

The two-leaf hanger moved into Laura's hand. She didn't look at Javier who nodded again in response. For a moment, Laura looked at the two-leaf hanger that she had left hanging in front of her eyes.

It was only as long as her little finger. The fibrous roots were actually inserted into small holes in the leaves - surprisingly, the holes didn't look messy - to connect the two leaves.

"Why two?" asked Laura without looking away from the leaf.

As if he understood what 'two' meant, Javier mumbled for a while. "Hm... when I made that, I thought one was missing. Then for some reason I thought of you. So the other one is just like you."

Only then did Laura's eyes shift to look at Javier. The faint smile on her face slackened.

"Why?"

"Why... what?"

"Why should I be the one to cross your mind?"

Javier looked confused. Soon, without hesitation, he answered, "It's for you. Well, one leaf is you, and the other is your soul. So you and your soul are one."

Laura's eyebrows drew together. "Don't lie," she said before lowering the two-leaf hanger. "Tell me the truth, why did it have to be me? Why did you want to make this for me?"

The frown lines on Javier's forehead were now visible. Noting the change in Laura's face that showed sharpness.

"You... why?"

That was the only sentence that came out of Javier's mouth.

"It's okay. You're trying to cheer me up by giving me this, right?" asked Laura while showing the leaf hanger in her hand.

"That's right. You can keep it for me," Javier replied. "Until we meet again later."

***

"You're going to marry Javier, Laura."

The childhood memory of the last time Laura and Javier had met was shattered in an instant. Laura looked at Javier - who hadn't seen her in twelve years - sitting in front of her.

Laura really didn't expect this to happen.

"Married?" asked Laura, looking at Handrick, her father, confused. "But, Dad... I already have a boyfriend."

Javier was still looking at Laura intensely. His gaze wouldn't move an inch.

"I don't want to care about that, Laura. Haven't you guys been close since childhood?" Handrick asked.

"Right..." Laura answered hesitantly, her gaze on Javier a little scared. "But we haven't been together for twelve years."

Javier then moved his gaze to Isaiah - her father.

"If he doesn't want to accept this marriage plan, it's better not to force him," Javier said in a firm voice.

Laura was a little taken aback by these words. Ever since she saw him here, Javier's aura had changed drastically from the past. It felt like the Javier she knew then was different from the Javier she knew now.

"I don't want to make anyone suffer for pushing myself," Javier continued, looking at Laura again.

This time Javier's gaze was not only sharp, but implied disappointment.

Laura suddenly understood that Javier was disappointed with her for having another lover. But unfortunately Laura couldn't say anything.

"There's no way we're canceling this wedding, Javier," Handrick replied, giving her a formal smile.

After that Handrick turned his gaze to Laura.

Seriously, Handrick said "If you refuse this, Laura, then I can't put my trust in you."

Laura immediately shook her head. "No, Father, don't. I can't let your company go to someone else."

Handrick nodded his head with a proud smile.

"Good. You should do that," replied a calmer Handrick. "We'll take care of the wedding concept. But as for that, I'll let you guys decide."

"It would be better if the two of you started to approach each other like before. It's been twelve years since we've seen each other, there must be a lot of changes," Isaiah said.

Handrick immediately nodded his head. "That's right. I agree that you should start over."

Laura and Javier looked at each other. It was different than the situation before. It was awkward between them now.

Twelve years of separation had brought many changes to them.

"Today we officially announce the engagement between our eldest son, Jericco, and Laura Morenzo. The eldest daughter of Mr. Handrick's family."

Laura's feelings were suddenly very indecisive now.

Today was supposed to be the happiest of engagement celebrations. Because Laura and Jericco had been together since they were children. For twelve years, Laura had been looking forward to the surprise of the two of them being together again.

Unfortunately, Laura was thinking about how Kino, her ex-boyfriend-whom she had just unilaterally broken up with-was feeling, who was now standing around looking at her disappointed.

Hearing the welcoming words from Handrick, Laura's father, Laura couldn't move. Her lips were silent and she was tongue-tied. It was as if the entire vocabulary had vanished from her mind.

"With great pleasure, XCorpa Group Company will cooperate with Kalbert Union Company. But this is not a business marriage, don't get the wrong idea, okay?"

Handrick ended his speech with a chuckle. The invited guests joined in the laughter. But Laura didn't, this wasn't funny.

In the midst of Laura's mind, which was instantly spinning all denials of reality, Alya said softly, "Why am I not too happy about this engagement?"

Jericco, who heard Laura's words, looked at her. For a split second, Jericco looked so intense. He noticed the look on Laura's face that did not convey happiness.

In contrast to Laura a few years ago, who would look forward to his arrival, now it seemed that Laura's figure had changed. Jericco noticed Laura's gaze was fixed on the man standing not far from the podium.

Laura's lover during her absence.

"Do you want to cancel this wedding?" Jericco asked Laura.

Laura snapped out of her reverie. She turned to Jericco and gave him an awkward smile.

"There's no way I'm canceling my father's wishes," Laura replied.

Jericco gave her a smile that implied pity. Without being told, he clearly knew Laura was lying. He raised one hand and gestured to the Handrick Family.

Then Handrick, who realized Jericco's hand was raised to call out, finally extended his palm. As if inviting Jericco to come forward to the microphone on the podium.

Jericco walked towards Handrick's place. Once Jericco arrived, Handrick took a few steps back.

"I just want to make sure that the people who witnessed our engagement are happy people," Jericco said.

Laura frowned when Jericco said that.

In silence, Laura's eyes watched Jericco and waited for him to explain. For some reason, Laura felt intimidated by Jericco's serious demeanor. Having been with Jericco for so many years, she understood the moment when Jericco was giving a warning.

"I feel like I have to say this, but there's someone I have to apologize to because Laura is engaged to me."

Ah, Laura had expected something unpleasant.

Laura couldn't help but gulp. Everyone looked at Jericco with both curiosity and surprise. Handrick, her father, also seemed surprised by Jericco's words.

The look in Handrick's eyes highlighted that he was very uncomfortable.

"What did Jericco mean?" muttered Laura, fidgeting where she stood.

In all her years with Jericco, Laura had come to understand that Jericco never wanted to force things. With Jericco's words, as well as the gaze that then fell on Kino, was Jericco trying to ensure that Kino did not mourn this marriage?

While in her place, Kino did not give the slightest warm gesture.

Why... why would this wedding plan change everything so quickly?

"I would like to apologize if anyone is grieving over my wedding plans with Laura. I'd like to emphasize here that there will be no other parties involved once we're in a serious relationship."

All the guests whispered in astonishment.

So did Handrick, and Jericco's family.

Then suddenly Handrick approached Jericco, whispering something to Jericco. Their faces were very serious. Jericco nodded obediently and walked back a few meters until he was standing next to Laura.

"Both families have talked about this engagement. Laura, our eldest daughter, has agreed to the engagement plan, as has Jericco. There was no coercion, and as Jericco said... no one else should be involved once the wedding plans are formalized.

"So I thought today would be a good moment to tell you, XCorpa Group's Corporate Relations."

The right moment?

Was the day that was supposed to be Laura's anniversarry with Kino, the right moment?

Laura's chest was tight, like being stabbed by thousands of tiny thorns. Something was so urgent that she couldn't make a sound. Laura was weak, but she couldn't show her weakness.

Laura's eyes turned to Jericco who stood to her left. After Handrick called Laura's mother and Jericco's parents up to the podium, Jericco deliberately brought himself closer to Laura.

"What did you just say?" Laura asked.

"To make sure that no one becomes a distraction in our relationship if you agree," Jericco replied.

"Who do you mean by interference?" Laura asked.

And Jericco gave no explanation at all. On this podium stage, Laura was left to her own devices as Handrick and Frank shook hands after formalizing their company's partnership. Their hands were firmly interlocked as if to signify that no one would interfere.

"Jericco," Laura called, as if asking Jericco to look at her.

Jericco turned his head, looking questioningly. Although he didn't want to look because he saw Laura's indecisive expression.

"Why do you want this arranged marriage?" Laura asked.

"Because our parents' companies have to work together," Jericco replied.

Laura felt her heart slice. She couldn't help but laugh in amazement. It turned out that Jericco's reason wasn't love either.

"We actually regret that this marriage will hurt certain parties. But we can't cancel."

Laura looked at Kino, who had folded her arms across her chest. There was no expression on Kino's face whatsoever.

"With this, we conclude the announcement of Laura and Kino's wedding plans," Handrick said, followed by the applause of all the guests.

***

"I can't believe that you would betray me, Laura."

This time there was no holding back. Laura had tears in her eyes. She could barely stop herself from crying.

"Kino, why did you say that?" Laura demanded when she was in front of Kino.

Kino looked indifferent. Her smile didn't curve at all, and Laura caught the annoyance in those eyes.

"You've been silent, and all of a sudden you're engaged to another man," Kino replied, speaking very softly, almost in a whisper, to Laura.

Laura shook her head. The anxiety was evident in her eyes. No matter how much she tried to ask Kino for help through that look, Kino didn't care.

Kino would definitely consider her a traitor.

A few meters away from the podium, Laura ventured to stand in front of Kino as a form of responsibility. Meanwhile, Kino did not seem interested in talking to Laura at all.

Farewell? The word was even too scary to hear for Laura. She never thought she would find another separation in her life other than the one with Jericco.

Even Laura and Kino... ah, the two of them were still on good terms yesterday. Now, Laura had to announce her wedding plans with Jericco.

How could Laura do this to Kino when she knew the pain of separation?

"I'm asking you to run the wedding very well-"

"I don't really want this!" Suddenly, Laura let out a voice full of emphasis, but tried not to sound loud. "I didn't want to accept, but I was forced by circumstances."

Laura could no longer stop herself from saying that. She tried to hold Kino's hand while looking at him through weary eyes.

Unfortunately, Kino dismissed Laura's hand that was trying to grasp it. With a stern expression, Kino moved closer to Laura.

"Laura, you've made a decision that's not trivial. Don't play with your own decision," Kino urged Laura. His voice carried a hint of disappointment.

Laura did not move. When her eyes met Kino's, pain shot through her chest. Deep down, Laura didn't want to accept this engagement.

Laura still loved Kino, of course. Why should there be a word of separation? They had been romantically involved for a long time, and Laura felt that her mind was still functioning to not deny it.

But the situation was very difficult. Laura could not tell Kino in detail at the moment what was the reason why she was forced to accept.

"I'm ...." Laura's tongue was tongue-tied.

This was painful.

Kino could not stare at Alya's pleading eyes for long. So he immediately cast his eyes in another direction.

"Laura, your father has announced the wedding plans for the two of you," Kino replied in an indifferent tone. Kino was fed up, and it showed.

Laura knew it well. Kino actually still loved her-anyone could see that from her perspective.

"Aren't you going to try to understand me?" Laura replied, frowning incomprehensibly.

Kino looked away. Just as she was about to answer, a man wearing a formal suit came toward them.

Jericco's figure looked at Laura and Kino very intensely.

"I think I've given you two enough time to discuss your respective matters. It should be over by now," Jericco added, his voice sounding firm.

Jericco approached Laura's position. After standing next to her, he took something out. It was a document folder with papers inside.

"I am going to give you an agreement to prevent you from reneging on this marriage plan," Jericco said.

"I never signed the divorce papers," said Laura, looking worriedly at Jericco's folder of documents.

Jericco leaned closer and showed her a paper from inside the folder. Laura read the letter. On the letter with the title 'Marriage Agreement', which was quite large and bold, two signatures were affixed.

Laura saw that there was Handrick's signature.

Also, there were signatures of other nuclear family members.

Like being struck by lightning, Laura was completely frozen in place. Her heart sank. There was not a word her lips could utter.

Since when did Jericco collect all these signatures?

Oh, wait. A flash of memory suddenly passed by. Laura recalled that this morning, at her family's mansion, after a night of very serious wedding planning, they seemed to be discussing something.

Laura's consciousness at that time was not fully under control due to the shock of the wedding announcement. It was still vividly remembered that Laura had felt very surprised last night.

Ah, Jericco!

"What if..." Laura's gaze shifted to Jericco.

In that instant Jericco was staring at her. He had a cold aura, but Laura could clearly read the regret implied there. Jericco even seemed to grind his teeth as his jaw hardened in that moment.

Laura gasped, letting out an unexpected breath.

Jericco had deliberately made Laura lose half of her consciousness to take her away from her relationship with Kino.

"You planned this," Laura said.

"You promised me that you wanted to be with me even after we split up, and I don't like reneging," Jericco said.

Laura felt this was unfair.

Why did Jericco and Handrick, her father, ignore her feelings like this? Why did it feel like there was no place for her feelings?

Did Laura have to push her feelings aside to make her family happy?

"I should have been happy when I met you and got engaged. But I feel different than I did twelve years ago," said Laura who was already in the garden outside the hotel.

The official announcement of Laura and Jericco's engagement was over. But some guests, including their families, were still gathered inside the hotel.

Laura had decided to leave the gathering since Kino had agreed to their separation. Also after Kino had called her a traitor.

Beside Laura, Jericco stood with his hands in his pockets. Hearing what Laura said naturally made his feelings hurt. But Jericco didn't show it to Laura.

Laura wasn't the only one. Jericco also didn't want the wedding plan to exist if he had to force Laura's feelings. Unbeknownst to Laura, since three months ago - when the engagement plan was discussed, Jericco had been trying to go against his family's wishes.

"You can't argue at all costs, Laura. Your family and my family have decided on our engagement plan very carefully. They need each other to save each other's company."

Laura flinched.

It was all for the sake of the company that Laura had to give up her relationship with Kino. In fact, during Jericco's absence, it was Kino who was always by her side through the most difficult phases.

Laura is not sure if Jericco is still the same person she knew twelve years ago. A person can change even in one week, right?

"I tried to resist that the first time they talked about our engagement plans," Jericco said.

"What did you say?" asked Laura. "You were the one who agreed to this engagement, why did you say no?"

"I said, twelve years is a long time apart. I didn't know that maybe you were in a relationship with another man, or your feelings weren't the same anymore," Jericco said.

Laura looked at Jericco intensely.

"Who wants to be in a relationship without feelings, right?" Jericco asked.

Laura honestly didn't have the heart to say she didn't have feelings. Although it was true that her feelings for Jericco had changed because twelve years was too long to wait.

"You never gave me reassurance when you left me," Laura replied, looking at Jericco rather disappointed.

Jericco nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I didn't even give you any news."

That's how it was between Laura and Jericco throughout their time together. All women must feel the same way as Laura. Maybe there are some who can wait without any news.

Unfortunately, Laura wasn't.

"In your absence, Kino has been with me through every difficult phase," Laura said.

"I can already guess that from the way you look at Kino," Jericco retorted, then chuckled. "We shouldn't have met under these circumstances, huh?"

"We should have never parted ways in the first place."

"That happened twelve years ago, Laura. We can't undo anything."

At this point, Jericco didn't know what to do. Their planned engagement had already happened. The constant insistence from both of his parents annoyed Jericco to no end.

In the end, Jericco couldn't help himself. He deliberately never came to Laura to tell her about it. He was afraid of facing Laura's rejection or change. Therefore, he was forced to quietly follow what his parents wanted.

"I'm sorry, Laura," Jericco said in a low voice.

Laura's chest grew tight. Her eyes were still fixed on the garden view. But her mind was wandering, remembering what happened when they met earlier.

Laura had to accept her parents' wishes and go against her own feelings. The more she recalled how Handrick forced her, then Kino calling her a traitor when he announced the wedding plans, the more Laura felt stabbed.

'Do I have to stab my own feelings?' Laura thought to herself as the tightness in her chest made her uncomfortable.

In the past, Laura had envisioned a lifelong relationship with Jericco. Saying vows at the altar was something very sacred and exciting. Laura had also promised herself to maintain her feelings for Jericco.

It turns out that waiting without news and a certainty made Laura unable to hold herself back.

There was guilt in Laura's heart because she had already signed the marriage contract with Jericco. Alya cursed herself after easily lying to Kino.

"When you left, I sacrificed my feelings and let you have your way. Now, I also have to sacrifice my feelings and my relationship with Kino who has gone through many hardships with me," Laura said.

Jericco lifted his face, his expression guilty. "You won't be happy if you constantly feel guilty. It's not your wish to sacrifice your relationship with Kino."

"That's why I feel more guilty for her, because I couldn't do anything about it," Laura said with an emotional look in her eyes.

Jericco was silent for an instant.

"You even secretly agreed to the marriage contract with my parents and yours. How come you didn't talk to me first?" Laura asked, looking at Jericco in exasperation.

Jericco remained silent.

In the document, Jericco had deliberately emphasized that no one else would interfere. When his parents asked for his signature of approval, Jericco couldn't argue with them either.

There was no other way.

"It was my parents' insistence, Laura," Jericco replied.

At that moment, something that had been pooling in Laura's eyes dripped. One by one, it gradually became a torrent. She wiped it away and covered her mouth. Resisting the urge to sob.

"Laura, I'm sorry-"

"Will your apology bring everything back?" Laura immediately cut Jericco off. "It's already happened, Jericco. So how can we go through a marriage without love?"

Jericco was taken aback. Laura's harsh tone made him remember their time together before she left.

Laura was rarely angry. But once angry, Jericco knew that Laura was already feeling very disappointed.

"Nothing can be fixed," Laura said later. "All you can do is apologize. You can't care about how I feel at all..."

"I didn't mean to, I already refused, Laura!"

"But you did it in the end, Jericco!" Laura turned around. Throwing a sharp look from her teary eyes. "You said firmly on the podium that no one would interfere with our engagement plans. You even told Kino to leave.

"I should have agreed to this engagement plan because I used to love you so much. But after you left without a word for twelve years straight, my feelings for you have disappeared. I can't imagine being in a relationship without feelings..."

Laura's sentence was cut short as the tightness in her chest grew more intense. Stabbing until both of Laura's shoulders gradually shook.

Seeing Laura look away and cover the tears on her cheeks, Jericco stood up. He looked guiltily at Laura.

"Laura, you can't be like this," Jericco said. "I already apologized. You know I don't want an engagement either."

Laura closed her eyes. The trembling of her shoulders grew stronger as the tightness in her chest became overwhelming. She tried her best to stop the tears.

After all, Laura loved Kino, very much. She knew that no matter how much she cried, it would not bring Kino to her. She didn't want to sacrifice Kino just to comply with her parents' request.

"Laura," Jericco called once again.

Unfortunately, this was very painful.

The more she heard Jericco's soft voice, the more Laura imagined that today was her and Kimo's last day together. No more greetings and warm forehead kisses from Kino, no one to keep her company when her parents were in conflict, no togetherness between her and Kino.

Everything will disappear. Larua would only live the rest of her life with Jericco-who couldn't even defend her from her parents.

"Laura, please don't cry. I'm feeling more and more guilty," Jericco said again.

Jericco's steps moved towards Laura who was stifling a sob. Laura didn't even want to show her puffy eyes. Instead, she turned away from Jericco.

"Laura, I know this hurts-"

"Then why... k-you had to do that?" Laura asked. Her tone was urgent.

"You have no idea how I feel when I have to accept a decision that is not based on my wishes!" Laura lashed out.

"I didn't want this engagement plan, Laura, but it's already happened. What are you afraid of?" Jericco asked.

As Jericco held Laura's hand from behind, Laura jerked violently.

"Our relationship is not what it used to be, Jericco. You don't have to touch me," Laura emphasized her words.

Suddenly Jericco's face took on a look of disbelief. It hurt to hear that statement. It made him realize that he and Laura were not the lovers they were before she left twelve years ago.

Laura wiped her wet cheeks. She took a deep breath, then let it out with a puff of her mouth.

"You clearly want this engagement plan, Jericco. Don't give me any excuses just to entertain me," said a very exasperated Laura.

"Laura, you don't have to act like this. If you're worried that I won't be able to keep you company like Kino, weren't we together before?"

"Yes, but Kino didn't leave me. Who can guess whether you'll leave me or not?" Laura replied in a sarcastic tone.

Jericco let out a long sigh. Just from the look in Laura's eyes, it was clear that she was still mourning his departure. Even though Jericco said goodbye to her on his departure, he never came to Laura again in any form.

"You don't even care whether I'm doing well or not. You pursued your desires, but Kino thought about my feelings when he wanted to leave me," Laura said.

"Do you think it's easy to leave someone like that?" Laura said sarcastically.

"You already love Kino a lot, Laura," Jericco commented on the look in Laura's eyes.

Laura smiled wryly. "You know about that," she replied. "And you think you can replace her?"

"You can even replace me with Kino. Why should I disbelieve that I can't take her place?" Jericco asked in a confident tone.

Laura's lopsided smile faded instantly. She was somewhat taken aback by Jericco's words. Although it sounded a bit annoying, what Jericco said was true.

On the other hand, Laura was not sure if she could love Jericco again after he left her. Laura only believes that Kino came into her life to replace Jericco.

"I'm not sure about that. You've left me in the most difficult phases. Being in a relationship with you only makes me afraid that you'll leave me again," Laura replied with a doubtful expression.

Not caring, Jericco took Laura's hand from behind. His strength was too strong to resist the jerk of Laura's hand. He refused to let go of her grip.

"Jericco, we don't have the relationship we used to have for you to be free to hold my hand," Laura scolded as she turned around and stared at Jericco.

"I know," Jericco replied, "but I agreed to the engagement, Laura. I can't let you go. How can I not be responsible for something I agreed to?"

Laura looked at Jericco intently. "You already decided to accept me into your life. Why do you still want something else?"

"I didn't agree to the engagement in the first place, I've refused, I care more about your feelings, Laura. But after all, we already know that our parents' wishes cannot be denied."

Laura's lopsided smile rose on her face. With puffy eyes that radiated disappointment, Laura chuckled. Briefly.

"We can start over like we used to, just like our parents said," Jericco said, trying to reassure Laura.

"How can you say that love will be that easy to grow? Do you think love is easy?" Laura asked.

Jericco was silent. He looked into Laura's eyes that radiated immense hatred.

"Is that why you go and come so easily? Because for you, love is not difficult?" Laura asked again.

There was no answer from Jericco. Laura's question had silenced him instantly. In all these years, this was the first time he witnessed the look of hatred and anger in Laura's eyes.

Laura wasn't like this before.

Not before she left without thinking about his feelings.

"Jericco, listen... for me, falling in love is not easy," Laura said with emphasis. "I never take love for granted. That's why I was waiting for you..."

"Laura, you're in a big emotional state-"

"No, it's not. It's all your fault," Laura said. "I waited for you for years, thinking you might come back a month later, a year later, until twelve years passed and you didn't come to me."

Laura's breathing became unsteady as her emotions rose.

"And you thought it would be so easy for me to get rid of Kino-someone who filled the empty space you never occupied?" Laura quipped.

"I even needed a few years to get over you when Kino was trying to love me. Then you came along, ruined my relationship with Kino, and after that... are you going to leave me again?"

Hearing Laura's last words left Jericco speechless. As Laura became increasingly emotional, Jericco felt his chest tighten.

Jericco lowered his head because he couldn't see Laura's angry eyes. He couldn't. Guilt was pressing on his heart more and more.

"You're very angry with me," Jericco said in a slightly stuttered voice, his breathing becoming unsteady.

Laura swatted away Jericco's hand that was holding her wrist.

"After I was finally able to accept another man, I promised not to let my relationship fail this time. I won't let Kino leave, and he won't leave me either," Laura said.

"Now you understand why it'll be so hard if we get together again, right? There's no love between us, Jericco. You agreed to our marriage because of your parents' corporate needs," Laura emphasized.

"Then what do you want to do now? We can't undo it," Jericco replied.

Laura smiled a sardonic smile. "It's already happened. Besides, Kino already called me a traitor. What can be taken back?"

"Why are you still blaming me like this? I already said I rejected their plan," Jericco retorted.

Laura pursed her lips tightly, feeling her heart being stabbed by various emotions. She tried as hard as she could to contain her sadness.

"I don't know..." Laura's voice was soft. "I just feel like I need to go through this until it's over."

"We can try again, Laura," Jericco said. "I'll make sure I don't leave you this time."

With an incredulous expression, Laura replied, "It's your risk, Jericco. I don't trust you.

When Laura was about to leave Jericco, Jericco again held her wrist. Trying to stop her.

"Laura, wait. Can you try to give me one more chance?"

Laura exhaled heavily. Reluctantly, Laura turned her head to look at Jericco. As if asking Jericco to explain.

"I know it's the wrong thing to do, but we know it can't be denied. The only way is to give it a chance."

Laura frowned. "I've agreed, that means I'm giving it a chance. But I can't guarantee that it will last."

"I'll stick with our relationship one more time, Laura. I believe I can convince you to come to me like before.

At that moment, Laura could not say anything. Her mouth was completely silent. She was silent for a while because it seemed like Jericco would be very stubborn.

The fear that Jericco would leave her again instantly haunted Laura. At that moment, Laura let out an exasperated sigh.

"Do what you want to do. Then I will do what I want too."