THIRTIETH TRIP

"Why? Is it because you thought you were going to be his date?" I innocently asked her that made her raise her brow at me.

I looked at her for a second and turned my gaze back to Levi who was not that far from us. She's wearing a red wine lace long gown. Her chest was so vulgar compared to mine that I frowned. She looks so classy and powerful especially since her lipstick is also red. Her wavy brown hair was just loose, unlike mine which was tied up. When we set aside especially we will actually pass as twins.

I ignored her when she looked at me sharply, instead, I went to our table and sat down. I asked for wine from the waiter who passed by me and he immediately gave it to me. When I looked up at Mari I saw her look at Levi for a moment before following me to sit down.

"Do you know me? I bet you don't," she casually said to me so I laughed.

I suddenly remembered what Anika told me earlier. Honestly, I want to confirm and hear it from Levi. I honestly want to tell him that I was really overthinking and ask for his explanation as to why he took so long to come back earlier. I want to hear from him himself who this Mari is in his life, but I don't want to exaggerate those little things especially since I'm the only one who thinks about it. I don't want us to fight.

"Should I know you?" I asked her laughing and sipping on my wine.

Her eyes focused on me. I could clearly see there how much she was trying to extend her patience so I laughed even more at the situation. I'm just asking, what did my questions mean to her? Why did it take so long for that man to come back here?

I sighed and then looked at her intently.

"I mean, don't get me wrong. I’m here because Levi wants me here. If that's the reason you're like that, then it's not my problem anymore," I stated to her which made her look at me sharply even more.

Her forehead furrowed and she burst out laughing. Even the way she laughs is really rich. Why are they like this?

Before she could answer, I felt something touch my shoulder. It was Levi's coat because I could smell his perfume there.

"You’ll catch a cold. I didn't notice that your gown was very revealing, but it looks good on you," he told me then sat down beside me.

I quickly turned to him and greeted his bow with a small kiss on his lips. I really meant that so that Mari could see what I was like in this man's life.

"Are you hungry?" he asked me as if we were the only two people at that table.

"Not yet," I replied softly as he pulled my chair back a little closer to him.

I looked at Mari who was already badly mixed as we both watched. How she managed to just stay calm and smile fakely while watching us flirting in front of her.

"So, it's true that you two are in a relationship. Isn't it in your company's rules, Lev, that office romance is forbidden?" she suddenly asked him which made Levi look at her.

"I’m the boss, Mari. Also, Lumiere is professional. We're both professional so, there's nothing wrong with that," Levi answered and laughed.

I stared at the glass of wine in front of me as I remained listening to the two of them. I heard Mari laugh. What's her problem?

"But you two met at Tierra Fima, right? Are you really still going back and forth to that place? You even bought that land when we split up, didn't you?"

I suddenly bit my lower lip when I heard that. I could feel the gradual trembling of my hands especially when I saw it when I reached for the glass of wine again and sipped it. I emptied it and poured another.

So, Tierra Fima is their place. I thought Hoseah was the reason why he was there and as he said last night Yerim asked him. I was one of the reasons why he went there. Was he one of them?

"I went there to take care of the farm because I was the only one in charge, Mari. Stop concluding things," Levi told her emphatically as he grabbed my hand resting on the table and held it tightly.

My nervousness suddenly subsided when he held my hand tightly. I could even feel him gently caress his thumb on my hand while holding it. I know what he does. She thinks that maybe I think differently from what Mari said so he does it. I still can't really believe that just touching me will completely calm my whole being from being crushed.

"But why did you buy it?" Mari kept asking Levi.

"Cause I want to save our farmers and nothing else. Wait, why did you suddenly ask those questions in front of my girl?" Levi asked her again in an irritated tone.

I could already feel the tension between the two of them so I became alert. I kept waiting for what would happen next until the woman in front of us laughed sarcastically.

"We both know that’s not your reason. Why don't you tell her why I'm here? You said you wanted me back in your life. It's only been a few months since you asked me for that, have you forgotten right away?" Mari said full of frustration.

My jaw dropped when I heard that from her. Confused, I looked at Levi whose jaw was already tightening as he looked at Mari. His eyes are full of anger and guilt, so I immediately stood up laughing.

"Is this your reunion? Should I leave you guys alone so you can talk?" I asked both of them as I look at Levi.

I violently withdrew my hand from his grip while suppressing my anger.

"No, Lumiere. Wait- "

"Oh god! I don't have to come with you here anymore," I told him lazily and left them both there.

As much as I wanted this night to be perfect and magical... fuck it! Magical your ass, Rae.