They returned after lunch, and Arianne went back to virtual-novel.net own desk to take a short nap. There was nothing much to do this afternoon, so virtual-novel.net was considering visiting Helen. However, virtual-novel.net was reluctant to run into Aery again. She was conflicted.
Suddenly, virtual-novel.net heard a noise in front of her. She opened virtual-novel.net eyes to find that Robin had given virtual-novel.net a glass of hot water. She smiled. “Thank you, I can do this on my own next time. You don’t have to go through the trouble.”
Robin nodded shyly and went back to virtual-novel.net office desk.
“Hey Robin, managed to claw your way into some VIP?” Someone taunted. “You don’t have to pay us any attention now, do you? She’s Mrs. Tremont, who knows how long she’ll stay here? Maybe she’ll go back and live out virtual-novel.net days as a rich man’s wife tomorrow. What will you do then?”
“Can’t you be nice?” Robin replied with a lowered voice. “I’m just here to learn, not to play nursemaid with you. You haven’t taught me a thing aside from ordering me around. I’ve been in this company for a long time, and they still won’t hire me. I’m not going to take your orders anymore. Even if Arianne won’t be staying here for too long, I will stay with virtual-novel.net until the day virtual-novel.net leaves.”
The chatter in virtual-novel.net ear prevented virtual-novel.net from falling asleep. “Is it so hard to be more self-aware during lunch break and keep your voices down?” Arianne snapped icily. “When I leave is none of your concern. I’ve signed a contract for a year, so I’ll be staying for at least a year. Who told you that an intern could be used for odd jobs? Where did this come from?”
The office immediately went silent. No one dared to say another word.
At 14:00, Mr. Yaleman came again. Arianne ensured that there was nothing else to do before requesting to leave work early. She decided to visit Helen anyway. Perhaps Mark was right. She wasn’t abandoned again this time. Even if Helen left with Aery, it wasn’t like virtual-novel.net would cease all contact. She had virtual-novel.net own life, and so did Helen. She wasn’t a nestling yearning for food anymore. She had virtual-novel.net own wings now.
Aery opened the door again when virtual-novel.net arrived at Helen’s place. Aery warmly received the nutritional products and fruit that Arianne had brought along with her. “Sis… Ah, no, Arianne. Mom is waiting for you. She would always talk about you to me in your absence. I knew you’d come again.”
Arianne didn’t reply. She didn’t spare Aery a second look either. How could virtual-novel.net have forgotten the things that Aery had done to Tiffany? How could virtual-novel.net have forgotten what Aery had shared with Mark? All of that would sicken virtual-novel.net for the rest of virtual-novel.net life.
Helen looked much better than yesterday. It would seem that Aery had been taking good care of her. Helen got down from the bed and drew the curtains to let some light into the room so that it wouldn’t seem so gloomy. “Arianne, you came. This won’t get in the way of your work, will it?”
Arianne shook virtual-novel.net head. “I came after work. Uh… If you’re leaving, where will you go? I’m not implying anything, I’m just curious.”
Helen leaned against the wall by the window, paused, and said, “Probably Canada. I’m not sure yet. Regardless, I hope we can keep in touch. I’d like us to live peacefully as a family, but I know that it’s not possible. You might be able to accept me, but I don’t think you can accept Aery. Aery is my daughter too. I can’t cut virtual-novel.net off completely, and I don’t deserve to have you call me ‘mother’. Whatever it is, I hope that you and Mark will live happily together. Your family of three is doing very well. I can relax.”
Arianne paused in silence, then said, “It’s a long way away from Jean Kinsey’s release from prison. You don’t have to leave so soon. I’m usually at home during the weekend. Smore… wants to see his grandma. You can visit us as often as you like once you’re feeling better.”