The first day of the semester break had finally arrived.
Anna decided to spend it cleaning her room. While talking to her mother on the phone, she organized her books neatly on the bookshelf before sweeping the floor and mopping it until it shone.
She wiped down her study table, shelves, and windows, then replaced the curtains with freshly washed ones. Finally, she stripped the bed and put on clean sheets and pillowcases. By the time she finished, the room smelled fresh and looked brighter than it had in weeks.
"Done," she murmured with a satisfied smile.
She walked over to the window and rested her hands on the sill. The afternoon breeze brushed against her face as she gazed into the distance. Gradually, she lifted her eyes toward the darkening sky, searching for the first star to appear. Finding one, she smiled faintly and took a slow, deep breath.
The quiet moment felt comforting.
After a while, she lay on the floor and stretched her legs up against the wall. It was one of her favorite ways to relax after a long day. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling as the tension slowly left her body.
A knock interrupted her peaceful rest.
"The dinner is ready," Karen said from the doorway.
Anna opened her eyes and smiled at her older sister.
"Okay." She nodded as she lowered her legs. "I'm coming."
She got to her feet and followed Karen downstairs. The family gathered in the kitchen, each taking their usual seats around the dining table. Before anyone touched their food, they bowed their heads and said a short prayer together.
As they began eating, Karen glanced at Anna.
"Anna, Papa asked if you're planning to work at that company during your semester break."
Anna shook her head.
"Nope."
"Why?" she asked.
Karen shrugged.
"Nothing."
She took another bite before remembering something.
"Oh, by the way, Papa already deposited the tuition fees for you and Sarah into your accounts. Please settle them tomorrow."
She pointed her spoon at Anna.
"And don't forget."
Anna nodded.
"Okay. I'll call him after dinner."
She took another bite of her food.
"Bro..." Diane looked around the table with exaggerated disappointment. "Don't tell me we don't have ice cream for dessert."
Sarah and Anna immediately turned toward Karen.
"Yes! Dessert!" they said in unison.
Karen blinked.
"Hey! Why are you all looking at me?"
She pointed at Diane.
"Diane, it's your turn. I bought dessert last time."
The table erupted in laughter.
"Then let's all chip in," Diane suggested with a grin.
Karen quickly raised both hands in surrender.
"What? No way. I'm already out of budget."
She leaned back dramatically.
"You should be the one treating us to some ice cream."
Diane laughed.
"Nice try."
"Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!" Sarah and Anna chanted together, tapping the table playfully.
Karen rolled her eyes, unable to hide her smile.
"You two are unbelievable."
The kitchen filled with laughter, making the simple family dinner feel even warmer than the meal itself.
fter dinner, Anna and Sarah stayed behind to wash the dishes while Karen grabbed the broom and swept the floor. Meanwhile, Diane was sprawled comfortably on the living room couch, completely absorbed in her phone.
"What are you doing?" Sarah asked as she rinsed another plate.
"Ordering dessert," Diane answered without looking up. "Since nobody wanted to buy ice cream."
Anna chuckled.
"That works too."
About thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang.
"Our order's here!" Diane announced excitedly as she hurried to answer the door.
Within minutes, everyone had their own cup of ice cream in hand. They gathered in the living room, settling comfortably on the couch while Karen turned on Netflix.
The movie played as they laughed at funny scenes, exchanged comments, and occasionally stole spoonfuls from one another's cups.
"You took mine!" Sarah complained.
"I was just making sure it wasn't poisoned," Diane replied with a grin.
Karen burst into laughter while Anna simply shook her head, smiling.
Their movie marathon lasted until their eyelids grew heavy.
"I can't stay awake anymore," Karen yawned, stretching her arms.
"Same," Sarah agreed.
One by one, they stood up, cleaned the empty ice cream containers, switched off the television, and headed upstairs.
Anna walked straight to her room.
Before closing the curtains, she paused in front of the window.
The cool night breeze slipped through the slightly opened glass, carrying the familiar scent of damp earth after the evening air settled.
She tilted her head upward, searching the dark sky until she found a handful of stars twinkling above.
Her gaze slowly drifted downward.
Across the street, on the vacant lot in front of their house, a familiar black car was parked beneath the shadows.
A small smirk appeared on her lips.
"Maybe they're secretly dating..." she murmured.
She folded her arms before shaking her head.
"That's impossible... especially if he's like that."
Her smile faded into an amused sigh.
"Oh dear... what am I even thinking?"
She lightly tapped her forehead.
"That's bad, Anna."
Her eyes lingered on the parked car for another second.
"He's already in a relationship..."
She looked away, biting the inside of her cheek.
"...and you already ruined that relationship."
Silence filled the room.
Then she let out a soft laugh at herself.
"I really am crazy, aren't I?"
She shook her head.
"That's enough."
Drawing the curtains shut, she walked toward her bed, switched off the lamp, and lay down beneath the blankets.
Within minutes, exhaustion overtook her, and she slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep.
***************
TOM'S POV
Tom drove slowly through the quiet streets until he reached the subdivision where Anna lived.
He parked across from the vacant lot in front of her house, his eyes fixed on the window of her bedroom.
He wasn't even sure why he had come.
Maybe... he simply wanted to know if she was okay.
The lights in her room were still on. A few moments later, he caught sight of her silhouette behind the curtains.
A small sigh escaped his lips.
She seems fine...
Relief washed over him, but it did little to ease the guilt weighing heavily on his chest.
He remained inside the car, silently watching from a distance. Memories of that night replayed in his mind over and over again.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered, though no one could hear him.
After nearly half an hour, he finally started the engine and drove home.
"Where did you come from?"
Tom looked up to see his mother, Janet, waiting in the living room.
He shrugged casually.
"I just went out for a drive."
"Son."
He turned back.
"Yes, Ma?"
Janet walked closer and gently held his arm.
"I know things haven't been easy for you."
Tom lowered his eyes.
"But they're still your family," she continued softly. "There comes a time when you have to forgive people. It's not because they deserve it, but because forgiveness sets you free."
She caressed his cheek.
"Don't let your anger control your life, baby."
Tom wrapped his arms around her.
"Don't worry, Ma." He smiled faintly. "I'll talk to Papa tomorrow."
He nodded with determination.
"I promise."
He kissed her forehead.
"I love you."
"I love you too," Janet replied.
Tom headed upstairs.
Inside his room, he took a long shower, hoping the cold water would wash away the exhaustion clinging to him.
After changing into a plain T-shirt and shorts, he turned on the television and browsed Netflix.
The room felt unusually quiet.
Almost instinctively, he picked up his phone and dialed Mildred's number.
No answer.
Again.
He tried sending her another message.
Nothing.
He checked her social media accounts.
Still no response.
His shoulders slumped.
Every day, he left her voice messages, hoping she would eventually listen... hoping she would call back.
But the silence remained.
Even so, he refused to give up.
He loved her too much to let go.
Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he stood from the couch.
Just then, there was a soft knock.
"Lola?"
His grandmother smiled gently from the doorway.
"I couldn't sleep."
She walked inside and sat on the couch.
Tom immediately sat beside her.
"Is something wrong?"
She took his hand and squeezed it.
"I argued with your grandfather tonight."
She sighed heavily.
"I still don't understand why he treats you this way."
Her eyes glistened with sadness.
"My poor grandson."
Tom smiled despite the ache in his heart.
"Don't worry about me, Lola."
He leaned back.
"I'm sure Chairman Yang will approve of me someday."
His grandmother immediately smacked his shoulder.
"Ouch!"
Tom rubbed his arm dramatically.
"Lola!"
"Aigoo!" she scolded. "That's exactly the problem."
She crossed her arms.
"You keep calling him 'Chairman Yang' instead of 'Grandpa.' How do you expect him not to be stubborn?"
Tom sighed dramatically.
"Whose side are you on? Mine or his?"
He pretended to pout.
His grandmother laughed.
"Aigoo... both of you are exactly alike."
She shook her head.
"You're just as stubborn as he is. That's why you've never gotten along."
Tom let out a helpless sigh.
"It's because he keeps trying to control my life."
"Tsk, tsk."
She clicked her tongue before asking softly,
"How's Mildred?"
The smile disappeared from Tom's face.
He slowly shook his head.
"I haven't spoken to her since that day."
His grandmother looked heartbroken.
"Do you want to go to Paris and find her?"
She leaned closer and whispered,
"I can help you... secretly."
Tom chuckled weakly.
"But Daniel told me she isn't in Paris."
His grandmother frowned.
"Really? Then where do you think she is?"
"I honestly don't know."
He stared at his phone.
"But I believe she'll contact me someday."
He forced a smile.
"So don't worry about me."
His grandmother sighed.
"You know how much I like Mildred for you."
She gently patted his hand.
"And don't worry about Anna. Slapping her that night wasn't even enough. She deserved it."
Tom froze.
"What?"
He stared at her in disbelief.
"You... slapped Anna?"
His grandmother nodded without hesitation.
"Yes."
She spoke firmly.
"She's a snake. Because of her, you and Mildred are suffering."
Tom remained silent for several seconds.
He didn't respond.
Instead, he stood up.
"Lola."
"Hmm?"
"What do you want to eat?"
Her eyes immediately brightened.
"French fries... and a hot fudge sundae."
Tom laughed.
"But your blood sugar—"
"Psst!"
She waved him off.
"Just this once."
He shook his head with an amused smile.
"Okay. Let me see what's still open."
He searched on his phone and quickly found a fast-food restaurant still accepting late-night deliveries.
A few taps later, the order was placed.
Not long after, the delivery arrived.
Tom walked to the front gate to receive it before returning to his room.
Together, he and his grandmother shared their midnight snack while watching an old comedy movie.
For a little while, the laughter inside the room managed to drown out the worries that had been haunting Tom's heart.
After finishing their midnight snack, Mrs. Yang let out a satisfied sigh and slowly rose from the couch.
"I'm sleepy now," she said with a warm smile.
Tom stood immediately.
"I'll walk you to your room."
The two made their way through the quiet hallway. The mansion had fallen silent, with only the dim wall lights illuminating their path.
When they reached her bedroom, Mrs. Yang gently patted his cheek.
"Don't stay up too late."
Tom smiled.
"I won't."
She nodded before opening the door.
Inside, Chairman Yang was already fast asleep.
Mrs. Yang carefully slipped beneath the blankets beside her husband, making sure not to wake him.
"Good night, Lola," Tom whispered.
"Good night, my dear."
He quietly closed the door.
Instead of returning to his room, Tom wandered toward the bar area of the house.
The silence felt heavier now.
He poured himself a glass of whiskey and leaned against the counter.
Before taking a sip, he unlocked his phone.
His thumb instinctively opened his conversation with Mildred.
Still nothing.
No reply.
Not even a "Seen."
His latest voice message remained unheard.
Tom stared at the screen for several seconds before letting out a weary sigh.
"How much longer are you going to ignore me?" he murmured.
He took a slow sip of his whiskey, hoping the burn in his throat would distract him from the ache in his chest.
It didn't.
After finishing his drink, he turned off the lights in the bar and headed upstairs.
The moment he lay on his bed, exhaustion finally caught up with him.
Within minutes, he was asleep.
The warm rays of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, gently waking Tom.
He blinked a few times before reaching for his phone on the bedside table.
No missed calls.
No new messages.
Especially not from Mildred.
Suppressing his disappointment, he got out of bed, washed up, and headed downstairs.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread greeted him as he entered the dining room.
His mother had already prepared breakfast.
Tom took his usual seat and poured himself a cup of coffee.
A few moments later, Janet walked in from the garden, carrying a small basket of freshly picked herbs.
"Oh, good morning," she greeted with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Ma," Tom replied.
She set the basket on the counter before sitting across from him.
"I'm going to the grocery store later."
She looked at him hopefully.
"Would you like to come with me?"
Tom took a sip of his coffee before nodding.
"Sure."
He smiled.
"I don't have any plans today."
Janet smiled back.
"Thank you."
The two enjoyed breakfast while chatting about simple things, allowing the quiet morning to wash away the heaviness of the previous night.
After finishing their meal, they got ready and left the house together, heading to the mall to do the family's grocery shopping.
*************************************************
The following morning, Anna went to the university to settle her and Sarah's tuition fees for the upcoming semester.
After finishing the payment, she walked through the hallway toward the exit when she heard a familiar voice.
"Anna!"
She turned and smiled.
"Kevin."
He walked over to her with his usual cheerful grin.
"Are you done?"
She nodded.
"Yeah. I just finished paying my tuition."
"Perfect." He slipped his hands into his pockets. "Would you like to have lunch with me?"
Anna hesitated for a second before smiling.
"Sure."
A few minutes later, they drove to the Mall of Asia.
Kevin parked his car before the two of them headed toward Four Seasons Restaurant.
As soon as they entered, a waiter greeted them with a smile and escorted them to their table.
Anna chose the seat by the corner, while Kevin sat beside her.
"So," Kevin said, picking up his plate, "shall we?"
Anna laughed softly.
"Let's eat before I get too hungry."
They both stood and walked to the buffet area.
The long counters displayed an impressive selection of fresh seafood, vegetables, meat, sushi, and other dishes.
Anna carefully chose a few items before stopping in front of the maki station.
The colorful sushi rolls looked too tempting to ignore.
Just as she reached for the serving tongs, someone called her name.
"Anna!"
She turned around.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Tita Janet..."
Standing a few steps away were Janet... and Tom.
For a brief moment, Anna forgot how to react.
She quickly composed herself and walked toward them.
"Hi, Ms.—"
"I told you to call me 'Tita,'" Janet interrupted with a gentle smile.
Then she teasingly added,
"Although... I guess I'm not 'Tita' anymore."
Anna didn't know what to say.
Neither did Tom.
An awkward silence settled between them.
Janet glanced around before asking,
"Who's with you?"
Before Anna could answer, Kevin walked over.
"Anna?"
He stopped beside her and immediately noticed Tom standing across from them.
"Oh."
Anna cleared her throat.
"Kevin... this is Tita Janet."
She smiled politely.
"Tita, this is Kevin, my friend."
Janet's smile widened.
"It's nice to meet you."
"You too, Ma'am," Kevin replied politely.
"So, you're Anna's friend?"
"Yes."
Kevin nodded before briefly looking at Tom.
Tom simply returned the gesture with a small nod, his expression unreadable.
Janet looked between the two young men before smiling warmly.
"Well, we'll let you enjoy your lunch."
She gently touched Anna's arm.
"Take care."
"You too, Tita."
Janet walked toward the seafood station with Tom following quietly behind her.
For reasons Anna couldn't explain, she felt Tom's gaze linger on her for a moment before he looked away.
She quietly returned to the maki station.
Without much thought, she picked up only three pieces before walking back to the table.
Kevin looked at her plate and chuckled.
"Only three?"
Anna smiled.
"I don't want to get full too quickly."
Kevin laughed.
"Good point."
The two of them returned to their seats and began enjoying their meal, while Anna couldn't help wondering why seeing Tom again had made her heart unexpectedly uneasy.
TOM'S POV
Janet and Tom sat at a table on the opposite side of the restaurant, almost directly across from where Anna and Kevin were having lunch.
Janet noticed that her son had barely touched his food.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently.
Tom stared at Anna's table without answering immediately.
"...Yeah."
He took a bite of his tempura, chewing absentmindedly.
"I think I've lost my appetite."
His jaw tightened.
"I hate that guy."
Janet looked at him in surprise.
"You know him?"
Tom nodded.
"I know exactly who he is."
His eyes never left Kevin.
"Anna used to like him. But he's an asshole."
He let out a bitter laugh.
"She's not my little sister anymore, so I shouldn't care..."
He paused.
"If they're dating... then good for them."
His words sounded indifferent, but his expression betrayed him.
Janet quietly watched her son.
"It's not what you think, Ma."
He clenched his chopsticks.
"She thought that guy was serious about her."
His breathing became heavier.
In his mind, he suddenly pushed his chair back and strode toward Anna's table.
"Anna."
He grabbed her wrist.
"You're coming home."
Anna looked at him in shock.
"What?"
Kevin immediately stood.
"Bro... calm down. We're just having lunch."
"Let her go. You're hurting her."
"So what?" Tom snapped as he dragged Anna toward the exit while the entire restaurant stared.
"Tom!"
His mother's voice suddenly cut through his thoughts.
He blinked.
The restaurant was exactly as it had been.
Anna and Kevin were still quietly eating.
No one was staring.
He hadn't moved from his chair.
"Tom."
Janet frowned.
"What's wrong? You were spacing out."
Tom rubbed his face and reached for his glass of water.
"Nothing."
He drank the entire glass before exhaling.
"I'm sorry, Ma."
He forced a smile.
"I lost my appetite."
Without waiting for a reply, he stood and walked out of the restaurant.
Anna noticed Tom leaving.
For some reason, she felt the tension disappear with him.
She silently picked up her glass and took a long drink of water before continuing her meal with Kevin.
A few minutes later, Janet found Tom standing beneath a large tree outside the mall.
His hands were buried in his pockets as he stared into the distance.
"You seem upset," she said softly.
Tom lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, Ma."
"I ruined your lunch."
Janet gently patted his shoulder.
"I understand."
Tom released a long, weary sigh.
"I thought I didn't hate her anymore."
He laughed bitterly.
"When Lola told me she slapped Anna during my engagement party, I actually felt sorry for Anna."
He shook his head.
"But seeing her laughing with another man..."
His fists slowly clenched.
"It made me angry all over again."
He looked away.
"I wanted to walk over there... throw him out... make her feel even a little of what Mildred and I have been through."
His voice cracked.
"I still don't know where Mildred is."
"I can't find her."
"Because of Anna, my engagement fell apart."
"And now..."
He looked back toward the restaurant.
"She's smiling."
"She's moving on."
"And I'm the one who's still suffering."
His eyes were filled with confusion.
"Why, Ma?"
"Why am I the only one affected?"
"It should've been her..."
"Not me."
"Not Mildred."
He swallowed hard.
"Is life really this unfair?"
His shoulders slumped.
"Am I a bad person?"
"Why is all of this happening to me?"
Janet remained silent for a long moment.
Finally, she spoke.
"Tom..."
She hesitated.
"Anna has played a much bigger role in your life... and in ours... than you realize."
Tom frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Janet's heart pounded.
She almost told him the truth.
Almost.
Instead, she forced a smile.
"I mean..."
"It's your life, son."
"You have to decide where you want to go."
She quickly changed the subject.
"I already spoke with your uncle in the United States."
"If you decide to leave, you can stay with him until you find your own place."
She smiled gently.
"Daniel also told me you've already contacted someone from immigration."
"That's good."
"I don't think your father knows yet."
"If everything is ready..."
She looked at him.
"...your flight could be tomorrow or the day after."
Tom nodded slowly.
"I'll book it tonight."
When they arrived home, Chairman Yang was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper.
Tom walked past him without saying a word.
"Tom."
Chairman Yang's deep voice echoed through the room.
Tom stopped but didn't turn around.
"Cancel your plans for tomorrow night."
"You need to meet someone."
Tom gave a dry chuckle.
"If it's Anna..."
He glanced over his shoulder.
"I'm not going."
Without another word, he continued upstairs, leaving Chairman Yang silently watching him walk away.