[Music Recommendation: "Soffia La Notte" by Fabrizio Paterlini - available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

[Please note: We're back to Senara's POV]

"Senara, I want you to meet," Mrs. Ma dragged me in front of two elderly people, "My mother and father, Mr. And Mrs. Chen. They're Kaiden and Crystal's grandma and grandpa."

My eyes widened the moment she said that. Why in the world was Mrs. Ma introducing me to her parents?

"O-oh! It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. And Mrs. Chen," I enthusiastically greeted them despite my nervousness and bowed in the most respectful manner I knew.

Mr. And Mrs. Chen smiled warmly at me. For some reason, I didn't feel intimidated, or scorned upon, or anything at all, as opposed to my imagination. They were just like my own granny and gramps. They had this wise and caring atmosphere around them. And it was probably because of that, that they still looked young despite their age. Only the few fine lines beneath their eyes showed their age.

"Ho-ho-ho-ho! What a very polite girl," Mrs. Chen held my hand and caressed it gently. "Please rise, my dear. Be at ease."

"Yes, little one," Mr. Chen added. "My daughter here, just wanted us to meet you."

"That's right. Don't be nervous, Senara. They just wanted to meet the very first female friend of Kaiden. You see, I told them about you and they were rather curious! Well, I can't blame them. We were all surprised he had one."

'Is it really that surprising for Kaiden to get a female friend? That's weird. Hmm… I wonder why.'

"As you mentioned, she really is a beautiful lady," Mrs. Chen turned to Mrs. Ma. "I look forward to my grandchildren. I'm sure they will all look like little angels."

'OMG! G-g-grandchildren?! What in the world are they saying? I'm still 16! Very young to bear children! And besides, I'm not even Kaiden's girlfriend yet. What is this? A set-up? They already planned our future for us? Not that I mind but… we need to follow proper procedures, right? Like… dating first before getting married and all that stuff?'

I was aghast from hearing what they just said. I wondered if Kaiden knew about this. How I wish I could refute them and tell everything that was on my mind but I didn't want to be rude. Haaaah… I better leave it up to Kaiden. He could handle it.

Anyway, after chatting a bit more with them, Mrs. Ma let me go. I immediately went back to the pond where I was last with Hora to check on her. But when I arrived, she was no longer there. I searched around the area as I tried to call Hora's phone but she wasn't answering.

"Oh come on, Hora. Don't tell me you silenced your phone again."

It just kept on ringing and ringing. I walked around a bit more, making sure to stay within the pond area or else I might end up getting lost again. I also waited a bit at the bench in case she just went to the loo but half an hour passed and she still wasn't back.

In my worry, I called Kaiden.

"Hello, Kaiden. Sorry for calling in the midst of this party."

"It's fine. What is it?"

"Ahm… I can't seem to find Hora. Did you happen to see her anywhere?"

"Hmm… I didn't, but I saw Verrill a few moments ago going upstairs, carrying a woman. I'm not sure if it's Hora though. They were far away and I didn't get to see them properly."

"Oh, I see. That's okay."

Then, I deliberated whether the girl was Hora or maybe it was another until a sudden memory hit me.

"Cough… cough," Hora covered her mouth.

"Oh no! Are you alright, Hora?" Crystal got worried. "I'm so sorry for disturbing you so early in the morning."

"Ha-ha-ha! No, I'm fine. My throat was just dry. I'm not sick, don't worry."

"Are you sure?" I asked, doubting if that was true. Come to think of it, the weather here was a bit different than our country.

"Nah, I'm really fine. I guess it's not allowed to cough in this place, huh? Or else I'd be mistaken for a sick person."

"…Okay. If you say so."

Upon remembering that, I gasped and immediately asked Kaiden where Verrill was possibly heading.

"If it's upstairs, then he's most likely going to his room. Guest rooms should be full during these days since there's an event."

"Right. I need to go there. I think the girl is Hora. She was coughing early this morning but she said she was fine. Tsk. I should have known better."

I started to worry real bad. Why didn't I notice it sooner? Hora had always been the type to endure everything by herself. In a way, she was like me, but stronger. My heart thumped louder.

"Where are you right now? I'll go to you."

"I… I'm at—"

"Senara?" someone called me from behind. When I turned around, it was Crystal.

"Crystal! I-ah…."

'Should I tell her? But Hora is sick. I need to go to her fast. What if it's serious?'

"Why? What's wrong?" she asked, worried because of my expression.

"I'm so sorry, Crystal. Would you know where Verrill's room is?"

"Hm? Yes. It's upstairs on the end of the east corridor."

"Thanks." I quickly thanked her and walked away. I didn't want to bring her along with me or she might…

"Wait, Senara. Why are you going there? What happened?"

'Should I tell her? But if I don't… waaaa, this is so hard. Maybe I should just be honest and tell her?'

"I-ah… I'm not sure but I think Hora is sick and… Verrill might have found out about it so he's l-lending his room for Hora to rest. Though I'm still not 100% sure. That's why I wanted to check."

Crystal's eyes widened. Then, she blinked a couple of times and averted her gaze.

'I knew it. She's hurt. I'm really so sorry, Crystal.'

"I see," she replied, barely managing to. "Then, let me take you there. I'll call for a doctor, too. She'll need one."

I sighed in relief that she was taking it calmly but I knew deep inside, she's probably hurting. I'm really, really sorry. How I hope none of this situation was real but… it's happening.

As agreed, Crystal brought me to Verrill's room. It took us a few minutes since the house was too big, but finally, we were able to reach his room. It was silent… very silent.

I carefully opened the door of the room and we walked inside. It was designed like a bed chamber and there was a wall that separated the bed room to the receiving area, and another for the bathroom and walk-in closet.

Walking towards the bedroom, Crystal who was in front of me suddenly stopped. She was frozen from her position and tears started to fall from her eyes. I quickly went over to her and checked what it was that made her cry.

And there it was… Verrill, gently caressing Hora's face as she slept peacefully.

The look on his face… one would be very stupid if they couldn't tell…

How dearly and lovingly he was looking at Hora.