Aiken is not as dense as Blare thought.

He knew that he's stubborn.

Nevertheless, the man believed that he deserves a second chance. He held on the firm belief that the woman he loves would forgive him after ghosting her for two years.

And the fact that he chose wealth over her.

Aiken had ignored Lilith for two years because she came from her father's mistress.

She accepted their separation because of her unacceptable upbringing.

However, Lilith - who craved love - held onto Aiken tightly. Especially when Clara Maiko came.

Blare felt her heart aching. The deep longing and craving for love have merged with her soul.

But Blare Hawkins is blessed with love from her parents, siblings, and her paternal and maternal family. She never craved for their love, but she longed for their affection and love after her 'death'.

By understanding the emotion of longing, Blare unconsciously found a way to control the body's feelings.

Therefore, she successfully controlled the body's inner sentiments.

As she wholly erased distressing emotions, serenity enveloped her mind.

Seeing the calmness on Blare's complexion, Aiken felt disappointed and awkward that his sweet words did not receive a favourable reaction.

"A second chance is all I ask"

He said with conviction and plea while staring at her crystal blue eyes.

Blare slightly lift her brow and thought, 'Accepting you again is like admitting that I'm a fool'

"You're wasting your time. Why pick up something you already broke and tossed?" her tone filled with mockery and ridicule.

"I'll say it again. I won't give you a second chance... so many chances have been given and you've abandoned it." her last words came out as a whisper. Those words expressed her rejection of his advances.

Blare approached Ace, not minding the other man who couldn't refute her whisper.

She never saw Aiken's fist tightly clenching.

______________

Ace remained nonchalant but the woman's mood was undecipherable. Her lips formed a straight line, making her look calm. It stayed that way even when she guided him in the reception room.

Blare mindlessly made a herbal tea for two and gave it to Ace. Both sat opposite to each other on the table for four.

Ace unknowingly paid attention to her movements and expression.

"Sir, er... How much are the make-up and stuff?"

The moment Blare approached Ace a while ago, she casually asked why he came so early. Then Ace answered back, saying that he came early because a make-up artist and hairstylist will attend her.

Ace's face remained emotionless at her question. While Blare was no longer emitting the calmness she had a while ago.

"I told you, I will pay for all your expenses since you're accompanying me" he replied.

Blare wanted to express her thanks wholeheartedly. But seeing his serious boss who preferred a calm atmosphere made her gave up the idea.

Therefore she muttered a simple "Thank you, Sir" while revealing a genuine smile.

It was still early in the morning. The sunlight glowed passed on her windows, trickling a ray of yellow light inside her apartment.

While Blare admired the tranquillity of the setting, the other was lost on his own thoughts.

"Lilith"

Blare jolted at her seat at the sudden call. Her gaze shifted on the man with a stern expression. Before she could reply like a soldier, the man spoke ahead.

"What's your relationship with the eldest son of the Charleston couple?"

His question was asked with the same indifferent tone. But, his aura was dark - as if someone had made him mad.

Blare had no way of knowing what angered her boss. She could only tell the truth since she was already known as the 'woman who chased Aiken in the depths of the ocean'

"He's my ex... Sir," she told awkwardly.

Ace's aura became heavier at her answer.

"It's in the past, we have nothing to do to each other now."

Blare tried to calm Ace's heavy aura in rush. Then she realized that her way of words seems like she got caught by her current lover. Blare quickly added,

"I assure you it won't affect my performance at work, Sir. I will certainly be at my best."

The man's mood slowly calmed, much to Blare's satisfaction.

"Hm. Get ready, we're going to depart at 12"

It was still 9 in the morning. Since Blare is always slow at her movements - even now as she's inhabiting Lilith's body - she thanked Ace a lot in her mind.

However, Ace did not move out of his seat.

'He won't wait in here... right?'

"Sir, are you going to wait here?" she asked carefully.

Ace caught her confused expression and said, "Where else?"

'Definitely not here!!!'

She can only complain and shout to her consciousness.

There was no decent food to offer for the rich man who only consumes high-class cuisines. If she still wants the job, she definitely can't serve him a poor cuisine!

"Did you already eat, Sir? We can meet at--"

"I'm giving you three hours to prepare. As far as I know, women spend a lot of time to organize themselves."

He said as he cut her off, giving her a strict look.

She nodded a few times and said, "I'll get ready Sir. Please wait here!"

She runs towards her bedroom and then to the bathroom. Ace watched the woman paced around and obediently sat on the table.

After two and a half hours, Blare came out wearing a knee-length black dress. She was holding a paper bag and inside was the Mermaid Rose Gold Dress that Ace bought for her.

Ace offered his right arm. Blare stared at it for a moment and after sensing Ace's sharp gaze, she finally put her left hand on his right arm.

Ace's gaze softened and his lips curved up slightly, unaware of it. Then both walk outside the apartment.

One felt a sense of calmness and content at the other party's touch. While the other is slowly getting accustomed to their linked arms.