Chapter 21

*CORA* He appeared to be taken aback by my words and then he ran a hand through his hair. Not wanting to put up with him right now,I walked passed him and headed into the villa. “I was waiting for you because I got you something.”His voice came from behind me. Frowning,I turned out to face him and watched him bring out a small box. All of a sudden,a sense of nervousness washed over me.I couldn’t help but swallow. I took a step back,instinctively,keeping a relatively safe distance between us. “What…what is that?” Why would he get me something that kinda looked like a ring? I mean,that was a ring box,right? “I got you a diamond ring.”He seemed a little impatient. My heart beat accelerated and I had no idea why I was so affected by him. I bit my lower lip,trying to remain calm. “A ring?Why?” “I wanted to give you a gift,you know,a quick recovery present.” “I don’t need it.”I replied. “Just take it.It’s no big deal.” “But I don’t want it.” “Why?” “Because we’re divorced and you have no reason to give me anything.” “I just said it was a quick recovery gift.Why are you making a big deal out of this?” I sighed,heavily.”Fine,thank you.”I let out,irritatingly and grabbed the box from him. I only took the ring so he would stop bothering me. I headed back to my room and slammed the door shut. ********* After taking a shower and lying on the bed,I had to think about what to do with my life. This marriage was over yet he was still keeping me around.I couldn’t do anything rash to upset him because he could ruin my family. I was at a lost as to what to do.I was totally confused. Putting a headset on,I randomly choose a song titled “Someone to stay” And it somehow managed to make me feel more miserable than ever. I pressed the loop playback key.It was really not the music’s fault but the sadness in my heart. The music suddenly paused and I noticed I a new text message. “I’ll take you to the farm for relaxation this week.You can’t say no.” It was from Dylan. I smiled and replied.”Okay.” The corners of my my mouth lifted into a sad smile. I was so lucky to have such a good friend.If it weren’t for Dylan,how would I survive this difficult situation? I began to hate myself for being indecisive and depressed.I had underestimated the destructive power of Tristan. I really hated him for having me under his control right now.I’d never forgive him for this. Since Tristan answered Alvin’s call the last time,Alvin had never contacted me again. I could understand him though.Tristan was a mean jerk. After struggling with my thoughts for a long time,I finally fell asleep. Only by being asleep could I relieve the pain in my heart. ********** That weekend,Dylan,Zoe and I went to a farmhouse in the suburbs. We hadn’t had a good time together in a long time.It seemed that only after divorce could I have the time to hang out with friends. After the divorce,I finally broke through the shackles of the stupid love I felt for Tristan.A love that made me see only him. Sitting in the car,I shook my head,I didn’t want to indulge myself in sadness anymore. The three of us chatted all way and talked about all kinds of strange anecdotes. Then we arrived at the resort before we knew it. It was located in a secluded place by a clear lake.The lake was green and even the water grass at the bottom of lake could be seen. There were all kinds of shrimps and fish in the lake for people who wanted to go fishing. What was more,there were several wild swans competing to lower their heads and peck water. On the surface of the lake,there was a small bunch of lotus with dew hanging on it,it was so beautiful. There were also canoes by the lake for people who wanted to play and fish.It was indeed a refreshing place. There was a horse farm nearby and there were all kinds of horses,which could make people feel the pleasure of horse-riding or simply watching others riding the horses. The architecture of the resort was very ancient,its outer shell,glaze tiles, ancient wooden doors,lanterns and other features were all available.Inside it,there were many modern facilities.It was simple and natural.It faced the lake with its back to the deep forest. “It’s too hard to find a better place.Let’s just make do with this place.”Dylan shrugged,helplessly. Hearing that,I paused my lips.If I didn’t know him so well,I would definitely believe that he was showing off. Zoe smiled and said.”It’s good enough.This place is simply a fairyland.” Dylan nodded.”Since you like it,I’ll bring you here next time.” As Zoe spoke,she held onto Dylan as they headed for the building,I followed closely behind with a smile. For lunch,the resort prepared fresh fish and shrimps from the lake,which tasted good. I tried to eat as much as I could.I was still struggling with my appetite but I knew that if I didn’t force myself to eat,I might collapse again. I had to force myself to eat everyday.It wasn’t like this before,I usually had great appetite but it seems my appetite had gone on a long trip. After the meal,the three of us went to our rooms for a nap. It had been too tiring for Dylan to drive in the morning so I didn’t object to wanting to spend the whole weekend here. Besides,I was having fun and I didn’t want to ruin it by going back to Tristan’s house yet. A knock sounded on my door. “Cora,wake up.Let’s go boating and fishing.Are you going to spend all your time here sleeping?” With sleepy eyes,I opened the door and rubbed my eyes with my right hand. With a resentful voice,I mumbled.”I barely slept,Dylan.” He smiled,sheepishly.”My bad.But now that you’re awake,get dressed and let’s head for the lake.” “Dylan,you look so excited like a child.”I teased. “I’ll take that as a compliment.And I’ll leave you to get changed now.” I smiled and walked him scurry off. As soon as I changed my clothes and went downstairs,I heard a familiar voice. “What a coincidence.Is Cora here too?” I frowned. That was Alvin. Turning around,I saw Alvin in a black suit,he was holding a file and was speaking to Zoe. Zoe gestured behind him and he turned to face me. “Alvin.”I let out, surprised to see him.”What are you doing here.” He replied,politely.”I have an appointment with a client today.He choose this place to meet.And I guess he made a right choice.”He said with a smile. I nodded in comprehension. I saw his eyes moved from me to Dylan. “Will you all like to have barbecue by the lake and drink with me tonight?” Dylan glanced at me as if I had the final say. Zoe on the other hand quickly coaxed.”Of course.We can hang out with him tonight?Right,Cora?” I smiled and nodded. I didn’t see why not. “Okay then.See you tonight.” ************* At four o’clock in the age,the sun was still burning.I teased Dylan. “Are you going to apply your fake sunscreen on me now?” He laughed.”I’ve decided to have mercy on you.” Zoe suddenly asked.”Tell us the truth,Cora.What’s going on between you and Tristan?Are you two in an open relationship now?” I sighed. Way to go,Zoe. Couldn’t she just let me enjoy this weekend without mentioning Tristan? And I couldn’t exactly tell them that Tristan and I were completely divorced or that he was threatening me to still have a hold on me. Zoe was a loudmouth and I had to figure out a way to get rid of Tristan from my life completely before doing anything rash. “We might be getting divorced soon.”I said instead. “Might?”Dylan asked,suspiciously. “Yeah and then we can live our own lives.” “But it seems he’s making things difficult for you.”Zoe pointed out. With a bitter smile,I nodded.”He is.His lover is the most annoying of all.She keeps putting me in situations to make me look like a terrible person and Tristan always keeps falling for her tricks.” I didn’t mention the fact that I fainted the last time.I didn’t want Dylan and Zoe to worry about me. But I couldn’t help telling them some of my grievances.Exceot for them,I couldn’t talk to anyone else. There was obvious anger in Dylan’s voice.”Tristan had such bad taste.I don’t care what kind of women he wants to be with.But since he keeps giving you a hard time,he has to suffer for it.I have to make him pay.” “Dylan,I’m fine.Don’t worry about me.I really don’t want him to think that I’m the kind of person who will seek comfort everywhere after being wronged.I don’t want you to stand up for me.I can bear it.Getting married to him was a grave mistake I made so I have to see this through on my own.” Zoe smiled at me and held my hand,comfortingly. Dylan coughed.”I told you not to marry him back then but you didn’t listen.Everyone knows how ruthless that asshole is.And stop being skeptical about asking for my help.” I smiled,bitterly. I truly wished I could turn back time. “You know me well.I’ll hold on till I cannot.Of course you don’t have to emphasize it.I will come to you if I really need your help.”I assured him. Dylan nodded.”Well,then.Continue being the strong woman that you are.The Cora I know wouldn’t take shit from anyone.” I smiled,cheerfully and decided to change the topic. “There are so many fishes and shrimps in the lake.We just caught only two fishes and a few shrimps.What do you want to eat tonight?” “We can ask the staff to help us fish if we don’t catch enough.”Zoe replied. The sun was settling,the afterglow of the setting sun reflected in the water and the breeze blew,creating cute ripples. The lotus was extremely shy and charming in the setting sun.The three of us swam in the lake, making a brush of silvery laughter. **************** Alvin stood on the second floor of the resort,overlooking the three people in the lake. Looking at the way Cora was playing,happily,he smiled,unconsciously. He swore to himself that one day he would make her happy,happier than this. Cora was beautiful,lovely,well-educated and extraordinary. In his heart,she was perfect.She had been perfect from the very first day Tristan introduced her to him as his wife. He knew he shouldn’t have such feelings for Tristan’s wife so for a long time,he kept his feelings to himself. But he had seen the way Tristan treats her.Alvin believed that a woman like Cora deserved to be loved and cherished but Tristan didn’t do that.Instead,he treated her like trash and even dares to have a mistress. So Alvin was done keeping his feelings to himself.He wanted to have Cora.He had to make Tristan give up on her so he could pursue her aboveboard,so he could pursue her without any restraints,not that he had any restraints left anyway.