I didn’t reply. I am betwixt from freeing my truest feelings. Insecurity of being replaced because of inadequacy is still here in me. The fear of not being good enough. And the fear that what Jordan feels for me won’t last. 
To forget the scars and wounds of yesterday— I can’t pretend that I am unaffected whenever I remember it. I am daunted to take a huge leap- what if this won’t work out in the end. What happened between me and Raven— dishearteningly pained me. 
“Nai, are you okay?” Sunny’s troubled expression made me stop from the painful indulgence of trying to successfully float towards unraveling the memory I once had. I tried to clear away the sadness I felt through smiling at them. “I’m fine. I am sorry. I got carried away.” 
My brother’s face went stoic. “My Princess, forget about the twisted version of the supposedly expected happy ending our parents estimated to have.” 
Sunny went closer to give me a hug. My brother stood from his seat- went closer to join us two. The stained expression I displayed did not leave my face. This is not entirely about my parent’s unsuccessful relationship. The concealed secret I kept for myself— my decadence. Falling away from my witted nature to dash towards guys. 
Me—giving away my love in exchange for the passingly quick attention I felt and that one guy that came into my sight with his halfhearted intention. I tried to glide away— to avoid getting swayed. I knew he was a danger. Still I strive to make my appearance—to be acknowledged by him. To once portend that we will end with each other. The dreamy idea I foretell did not happen. 
I don’t have the right to act with fury when Roone mentioned Raven Christopher. This weakly sentimental feeling- I hope this won’t affect me in my present moment. I once invoked that someday he wIll be bound to pay for the heartache he intentionally caused me. Does karma gave him the taste of the dangerous toxin he contributed towards my life? I want to know. 
Now that Roone voiced that he is now back—on the move to make up for someone that he treacherously hunted with his inexplicable actions. How will he make up for the pain he caused?
[Flashback: The Meeting She Had With Roone And Russel] 
“He said he commited a huge mistake towards someone. He wants to make up for it.” 
I vainly looked away- all the positive energy in my spirit left my body. I keep my cool. Compose myself-controlled my urge to speak scornfully. Am I jumping into concluding this quickly- that this is in connection to me? I closely grip the glass I am holding in the moment. Continue to sip every ounce of the liquid- guiding it to be swallowed by my own throat. Gulping it so slow- hoping to make my anger to cool down. 
“I said, dear Raven what is this wrongdoing you’ve done? You are renowned for your righteous character. I won’t believe that statement of yours.” Roone continue to describe him as someone who is such a good person. 
I pursed my lip tightly- hoping that this will shut out my own mouth from commenting something. “He didn’t say something. The only thing he requested is that— I will help him. Who am I to decline? So—I said yes.” 
“Aren’t you interested about the girl, hon? He must be serious about this matter.” Russel mumbled freeing the motive of sorting the situation. 
“I am. He won’t tell me who it is. The only thing he said is that he needed my help. I am sure he will tell me her name in no time.” 
How ludicrous? Why won’t he do the deed himself? I really want to assert my own remarks about the situation. I stirred the drink using the the provided straw. I smiled sheerly pondering the statement. 
“This is intriguing mystery.” Russel added. 
“You’re right. It’s interesting. How shrewd of him to make a plan after a lot of time had passed already, right? Don’t you think it’s too late for taking action? Don’t you think when he step up and evade the girl’s peace won’t disrupt her life?” 
I saw the furrowed brows of Russel— Roone gazing at me trying to process my words. With the thought of not acting too suspicious in front of them I opened myself to add something. 
“Don’t worry. That guy is intelligent, right? I’m sure he’ll come up with a smarter plan. Let’s just hope it will not only end up in failure.” 
Roone coughed after hearing my words. “That’s so mean, Nai. Why are you a Raven hater? Did he do something wrong to you?” 
I diregard what he said. Forced myself to form a fabricated smile. And continue to consume the drink. The two went silent after that. Both are still oblivious. That’s a good thing.
[Flash Forward] 
“Thanks for the concern, my treasured people in this world. Don’t worry about me. Let’s now talk about your wedding plans. I am excited to hear your ideas.” They both pulled back away from the hug. Sunny’s excitement to talk about it is visible in her glowing gaze and my brother- my brother doesn’t seem to buy my façade. Because his wrinkled forehead is seen by my vision as well as his obvious expression of suspicion. 
“Nai, baby. Is there something going on that you want to tell to your brother?” My brother’s voice sounded gentle but there’s firmness in it. 
I stared at him- I can never go unnoticed with my brother’s strong sixth sense. Yup, sixth sense because he always can read me even during those moments when I strive to hide the destruction I felt within me. 
Sunny’s eyes looked confused. Her gaze switched between looking at me and my brother. 
I gave my brother a reassuring smile. “I got this. Don’t stressed yourself. Take a break from worries, brother. I don’t want you looking frazzled especially during your wedding. May I remind you that you’re wedding day is coming in a month?” His lips twitched before nodding his head. His expression still hasn’t changed. I looked at Sunny for help. Giving her my pleading eyes- hoping she will come and save me from my brother’s scrutinizing eyes. 
She smiled and placed her hand
to tap my brother’s shoulder gently. “You heard Nai, love. She got this.” 
She mumbled in a soft consoling tone. She winked at me. I mouthed my “Thank You” to her. My brother’s expression finally changed. He smiled at his soon to be wife- shake his head as he looked at me. He eventually gave me his smile. 
“Remember that you can and you are always safe to tell me when it’s too much, Nai.” His response made me smile. 
“I know. And I will never forget that.” I assuredly said with the enough determination I have in me.