After the plane took off safely and flew steadily, the flight attendants began serving meals to the first class passengers. This was the reason why Dina, Rini, and Clifford were fighting over the position beside Lilia. The food here was far more luxurious than in business class!
After the flight attendant delivered the food, Mellisa took a glass of yogurt and glanced at the woman beside her. "Once you returned to Surabaya, did you plan to have a fight with your parents?"
Lilia almost choked on the pasta she was eating when she heard that. She put down her glass and wiped her mouth before answering, "I did plan to confront my parents, but I don't want to fight with them if possible. I… just want to know the truth,"
At the end of her sentence, Lilia lowered her head. Even though she said that, Lilia knew that there would only be violent fights once she confronted her parents. Suddenly, she felt Mellisa's warm hand stroking her head.
"Don't get yourself beaten up, Lilia," Mellisa said. "And don't be so gentle with them!" A bitter smile adorned the woman's lips.
Mellisa knew that Lilia still loved her parents, no matter how bad they treated her. But the husband and wife had supported Leila for a long time. Mellisa couldn't believe that the couple would treat Lilia with sincerity.
"I know," Lilia's eyes were very dark in color, and her fingers unconsciously tightened her grip around the spoon.
*****
One hour later, the plane arrived in Surabaya.
Before they parted ways, Mellisa told Lilia that she would stay in Surabaya for a while. However, due to their similar appearance, Mellisa would not be able to go outside easily.
Lilia was actually worried that Mellisa wouldn't have a place to live here, but it seemed that woman had already arranged everything. So Lilia just nodded and didn't comment any further.
The two exchanged a few more words before getting off the plane and heading for a different exit. Neither of them looked back.
*****
Gentle breezes were blowing everywhere under the sky of Surabaya as the weather was getting colder. The sun had completely set, filling the entire city with light from the street lamps and billboards.
Lilia tightly wrapped the scarf around her neck, burying half of her face in it. She was just exiting the airport when her gaze fell on a familiar black Volkswagen. A tall man stepped out of the car.
There was a lot of traffic outside the reception area gate with bright lights. There was also a flow of passengers pushing their luggage carts. The man was the only one who stood beside the car and looked conspicuous. His elegant posture outshined everyone on the scene.
A warm smile crossed Lilia's lips that was hidden behind the scarf. She ignored everyone around her and ran towards the man. Lilia threw herself into Jean's arms when the man was ready to catch her.
Without saying much, the man landed a light kiss on the top of Lilia's head. He asked in his deep, sexy voice, "Are you tired?"
Lilia leaned on him while shaking her head slightly. Jean didn't ask any further and led Lilia into the car. Jean's bodyguard who had replaced Kenny as driver then nodded respectfully at Lilia before starting the car.
As the car drove out of the airport, Lilia leaned on the man's shoulder and looked up at the sky outside the window. "Do you want to go to the hospital first?" Asked Lilia.
She tried to hide it, but Lilia was very worried about Chris's situation. Being stabbed in the heart would not be a minor wound!
Jean folded his legs while rubbing Lilia's hand. His eyes were full of tenderness as he stared at his wife. "You don't need to rush, Chris hasn't gained consciousness yet. He's still being closely monitored in the ICU, so get some rest tonight. I'll take you there in the morning," Jean said.
Lilia frowned, but she didn't force anymore. The woman put her head on Jean's shoulder and comforted him gently. "Alright, Jean. Don't worry too much, I'm sure Brother Chris will be fine,"
*****
When they returned to Lakeside Villas, Clifford had delivered Lilia's baggage from the airport. The woman looked around the house with a nostalgic expression. It felt like it had been months since she last set foot here.
Even though Lilia and Jean weren't there, Sister Mei cleaned the house every day. Their room was kept clean and well-maintained, just like the last time they left it. The photo wall in the second floor corridor also reminded them of the time they celebrated Jean's birthday here.
The many activities that Lilia did today, coupled with the long journey, made her a little tired. After taking a shower, she sat cross-legged on the bed while Jean dried her hair. When that man used the hairdryer on her long hair, Lilia closed her eyes with a sleepy expression.
"Ah, do you know, Jean?" Lilia opened her eyes again as she remembered something. "When I was on the plane earlier, I met Mellisa,"
The man then looked at Lilia. His handsome face was decorated with a wicked smile. "Oh, so she came to Surabaya?" Jean asked, as if this was the first time he'd heard about her.
Lilia put her elbow on her knee and nodded. She didn't notice Jean's suspicious expression. "We parted at the airport. She didn't say why she was here, but I thought she was coming for me,"
The man tucked a strand of hair behind Lilia's ear. He said in a light voice, "I believe you are right. Your sister cares for you so much,"
"I think so too!"
Lilia looked so proud when she said that and made Jean almost laugh out loud. The man tried to control his laughter while continuing to blow Lilia's long silky hair.
The model paused for a moment before speaking in a serious tone, "Jean, after I go to the hospital tomorrow to see Brother Chris, I plan to return to the Pangestu Family house in two days,"
Jean didn't say anything until he finished drying Lilia's hair. The man kept his hairdryer in the drawer, then he sat down beside Lilia. "Are you planning on confronting them?" Jean asked quietly.
"Yes." Lilia nodded heavily. She put her hand in the man's grasp saying, "I have to face them sooner or later, and I don't want to delay any longer,"
Jean looked at his wife worriedly, but he didn't say anything. If Lilia's decision was unanimous, then he could only support her.
"When I arrived at the airport earlier, I already arranged everything with Harold," Lilia continued. "He's not going to give me a job offer for a while, at least until I have had enough time to understand the truth,"
Lilia still remembered when Harold heard her request, the man immediately hung up the phone with great displeasure. But Lilia knew that Harold would still fulfill her request. The man might be grumbling and grumpy, but he was always professional.
After all, Lilia wasn't worried about the job offer. As long as she was not picky about the jobs, there would be many job offers that she could work on at any time. But Lilia wouldn't be able to focus on work as long as this matter wasn't resolved.. If the questions about her past were not resolved, she would not be able to appear in front of people with a straight face full of confidence.
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