Looking at Yuma’s delighted face, Karin asks casually, "What is it?"
"Mia is sent away by Mr. Troy."
"To where?"
Karin still looks very calm. There is no excitement and joy in her face.
"She is sent to the Charlie Mansion. Mary also goes with her." Yuma clenches Karin’s hands, saying,
"What a good news. Now nobody will find make trouble for you in Ziteng Garden now."
Karin nods, glancing at the living room and asks, "Where is he?"
"Upstairs."
Yuma lowers her voice, "After you ran away, Mr. Troy quarreled with Mr. Mia. And then, he asked Mary
to pack up and drove them all away."
"Was Mia willing to leave?"
"Yes, it seems that she decided to leave on her own."
"Did you hear what they quarrel about?"
Yuma shakes her head, "No. They fought in the room. The door was closed, so I couldn’t hear clearly."
"Okay, I got it."
Karin takes a deep breath and then goes upstairs directly.
The door of the bedroom is ajar. From the warm yellow light, Karin could see Troy stand before the
French window, gazing at the moonlight outside.
Karin moves quietly to his back, and, disregarding whether he hears her footsteps or not, says, "I am
back."
Troy turns around slowly, looking directly at her with his deep eyes. His eyes are clear, but difficult to
see through.
"Good to be back."
Troy takes her in his arms, holding her tightly, "Promise me you will never disappear from my sight
again."
Karin stiffens, not knowing what to answer.
"Is it difficult?" Troy frowns.
"No, I can promise."
Karin says softly. Feeling relieved, Troy holds her again, "I have sent Mia away."
"Yuma told me that." Karin stops and then continues, "How did you manage to do this?"
"I did nothing. Maybe she found it useless to continue like this, so she moved out."
"Really? I don’t think Mia is easy to deal with."
"You don’t believe me?"
Karin shakes her head, "No, I trust you."
She should have trusted him. She always trusts him. But why does she still feel so worried?
Lying on the big bathtub, Karin closes her eyes, trying to get rid of those nasty things.
Troy goes out after he receives a phone call. Karin does not ask who the caller is, and Troy does not
tell her either.
Ziteng Garden restores its peace and tranquility as before. Nothing changes except the dead
dandelions which were about to bloom.
Troy comes back early this evening. Karin is writing with a brush when he comes back. He steps
forward, looks for a while, and then says, "Much better this time."
Karin looks up immediately. She smiles brightly when she sees Troy, "Why are you back so early
tonight?"
"Go to dress yourself. We will have a dinner tonight."
"Business again?"
Karin feels nervous. After having an unhappy experience last time, she feels a deep sense of revulsion
towards business dinner.
"No, it’s just family gathering. Only within our family. No other people."
"You mean all the Charles?"
"Yes."
Karin sucks in her breath. Although she hates social engagement, she hates the so-called family dinner
more. God knows that.
The thought that they will look down upon her and behave condescendingly makes her get goose
bumps. Nobody in the Charles family likes her.
"What’s wrong?"
Troy asks caringly seeing her sullen look.
"Can I not go?"
Karin purses her lips, looking terrified, "I am afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Afraid of your family members. Milan, Uncle Lennon, Uncle Emmanuel’s daughter and those who I
have seen or haven’t seen but hate me."
"Little fool." Troy smiles with resignation, "What are you afraid of them for? If they hate you, you can
hate them back. Besides, there are still people who like you in our family, like Lily, Arya and Uncle
Emmanuel. They all like you."
Karin lowers her head helplessly, "But evil ways can always prevail."
"Who said that? That’s the philosophy of coward. You want to be a coward?"
"No."
"Then, just get changed. Quick."
"But I am still reluctant to go…"
Troy is angry now, "Are you sure?"
"What if I say yes?"
Karin is a little bit worried seeing his serious face. Will he bring Mia instead?
"If you don’t go, then neither will I."
"What?"
Karin’s eyes widen in shock, "Why?"
"Tonight’s gathering is very important. Only once a year. Absence is not allowed no matter how busy
you are. There is only one case you can be exempted from it-death. And you can not come alone. You
have to bring your mate so that the other family members can get to know your spouse. So, if you don’t
go, I won’t either. Or else, what will it be like if I go alone?"
"But your family members just don’t accept me…"
Karin mummers, "How could I be your family member if they refuse to accept me."
"But you get the recognition from me. Is it not enough?"
Troy raises his eyebrows and says, "Except Milan, have anyone messed you around?"
"No."
"That’s it. Since they don’t find fault with you, then they accept you. Do you understand?"
"Okay, I understand…"
With resignation, Karin goes upstairs. After selecting for a while, she chooses a dress that will make
she look elegant and graceful. Tonight is very important. She can’t dress casually and let those people
look down upon her.
Siting before the mirror after she finishes dressing, Karin hesitates for a while and then decides to put
on a light make-up.
She never makes up when she goes out with Troy before. But she remembers that night when Gigi
called her village girl. She still feels angry now. Gigi is sure to attend tonight’s party. Therefore, she has
to dress well to win back her lost dignity.
Karin keeps murmuring while making up, "Let’s see who the village girl is. Tonight I will impress
everyone."
Having been waiting for a long time, Troy goes up to have a see. He knocks on the door and asks, "Are
you ready?"
"Almost. Just wait me downstairs."
"What’s taking you so long to change clothes?"
"I have to make up myself. I don’t want to make you lose face."
Troy has no choice but to go downstairs.
Karin shows up for about ten minutes later. Troy turns around when he hears the footstep. But the next
moment, he is surprised.
A woman of breathtaking beauty comes into view. She wears white strapless dress whose delicate lace
makes her even like a fairy. Her white, long legs are there to see. And her perfect body is completely
outlined with this dress.
Her eyes are soft and deep, just like ripples blown by the autumn wind. Her smile is sweet and bright,
making her even more attractive. She just puts a light make-up, no more else. But it looks so natural
and comfortable. Her hair, bound by crystal haripin, hangs naturally down her ear, on her shoulder. The
little earrings on her fair and delicate left ear make her even more beautiful.
"Karin…"
Troy steps forward, "You…"
"What? Do I look bad?"
"No. You look very beautiful."
She smiles, "Now I am not a village girl."
Troy is confused, then he understands what she means, "Little fool. You are not a village girl. I don’t
have such a bad taste."
He tickles Karin’s chin and exclaims, "I am a little hesitant to bring you out tonight."
"Why?"
"You are so beautiful and attractive…"
"You are going to show me your families. Who are you afraid of?"
Troy nods, saying, "Then let’s go."
Karin grabs his arms and gets in the car. She does not remember to ask the venue until they have
gone downhill, "Where is the dinner being held?"
"At Uncle Lennon’s."
Karin shudders and says with her cheeks bulging, "No way. Why at your uncle’s home?"
"Because the dinner is held at his home every year. And he is the eldest of our family."
"Fine…"
Karin suddenly looks very sympathetic. Leaning on Troy’s shoulder, she says, "You have to be with me
all night long. Then, they will find no chance to bully me."
Troy bursts into laughter, "I am more worried that they will be bullied by you."
"Look at what you said. I am just a little woman."
"It’s just on the surface. Actually, you are very strong. Last time, Uncle Lennon went up the mountain,
trying to find fault with you, but was hospitalized because of your words. He was put on a drip for a few
days after going down the mountain."
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