Forbidden Melody

I really feel the urge to ask him about Nero. Up until now I haven't seen him so he is probably out of the town. To get my answer I reply trickily, "He will come back soon I hope."

"You really think so?" He gives me an incredulous eye. " It's safe to say that he's been missing from that day you..."

His indication gives my nerves a temporary shock but I force myself to recover quickly. "I see," I say that but my mind doesn't ease out. This Nero is missing since Loretta's d-day? Could he be the mastermind? But I don't even know who he is. And trying to find him would be futile.

"You didn't tell me what you had in mind?" Levi's question diverts my thoughts around Nero. He inches a bit closer as if eager to hear me.

"Everything I guess."

But in my head it's more than that. I really have a lot on my plate. For instance, why Nero had been distracted for the last 2 years according to Levi? And what happened Loretta's parents? Was she depressed? I really wish Arkan could help me fill in the blanks. I frustratingly press my head with both of my hands. He sighs. "Well, I thought you hated overthinkers. Now you're being one."

So Loretta didn't like overthinking? How's that even possible? Over thinking is related to depression...and if what he says seems to be the case then she wasn't... So who was her enemy?

"Loretta," he whispers my name ever so gently that I feel the need to hug him.

But instead I find my body being released on the bed. My head find its way to his lap. I feel him tremble at first but then he starts caressing my hair gently. This little moment feels so intimate that I don't want to lose it. I close my eyes imagining his face closer to me than ever. I've never been this close to a guy. His presence is comforting.

••••

When I open my eyes the night is gone. I... did sleep that way last night?

I look at myself, finding Levi next to me on the bed. I bite my lips. Did we sleep here together? The very thought brings a ray of pink light to my cheeks. Shake it off you romantic fool!

I scramble to my feet and head to the bathroom. When I come out with water still dripping down my face, I look at the mirror. So youthful... face full of harmony and eyes teeming with desires. She's so young. Younger than you Morana and beautiful. She has had a famed life with three guys wrapped around her little finger. What have you got?!

Unknowingly I ball my fists and wail in an anguished tone, "Shut up! This is my second life. This is what I deserve!"

"Huh?" Levi yawns. "What did you say?" He's standing behind me.

"Err...nothing. Let me go make breakfast haha," I awkwardly laugh trying to slide past him but he to my fear grabs my hand.

"We're having it out. This cafe I got recommended few days ago."

I stand there ineptly when he speaks again, "Get ready. We're leaving in ten minutes."

••••

It has been nearly 20 minutes since we got here and Levi is absent minded. We placed our order which hasn't arrived yet. I don't even feel hungry. Why didn't we go back to the mansion? His phone's been dinging with notifications ever since he turned it on. And he's been at it for a while now. Something's up.

I find a lock of my hair to tug on. "Is something the matter..? Uh...you don't have to tell me since I didn't tell you mine last night and you can be like tit-for-tat but I just feel...frustrated that you are so distracted. It feels like I'm here alone...even though physically you are here." Wow I said all that?

Levi looks at me with bewildered eyes. His phone now back in his pocket. "My...father...wants me to handle his works."

"Is that it?" I can see him hesitating. Is he not comfortable with this topic?

"You know...two of his companies—one of which is divided between him and Janet, ridiculous couple of the century—the older one, he made me the CEO of last night. I only found out after I woke up. Now these countless e-mails are bugging me."

He frustratingly sets down the cup after taking a long sip of his tea that just arrived a minute ago. "He never makes it easy. He can never leave me like I'm some rock by the road."

"Do you want to be left alone?" I ask not knowing why.

"If it's about my...family, then yes. I want nothing to do with him or Janet," he says the last part in disdain. I wonder what happened to his biological mother. 

"And..?"

"What?"

"I felt like you wanted to say something else..." I keep staring at the busy road.

When I'm on the last bite of my French Toast he says, "Maybe another time." 

He empties his seat. At that moment three girls who I noticed entering this same cafe not so long ago now approaches our table.

"Hiee Loretta!" The blonde girl gives me an annoyingly fake smile. I don't know her...and neither these other two. But Loretta Knight knew them for sure. 

The other blue haired girl grabs Levi by the shoulder. "Heyy Levi... how's it going with you mm? Still single?"

"And how does that concerns you, Candice?" Levi almost grimaces.

So the blue one's named Candice. The black haired trendy looking girl beams at me. "Why so quiet Loretta? Won't you greet your besties?" She opens her arms widely. "Come on, let's do a groupie hug, girl."

"I would rather not. You know...I'm a bit under the weather, I suppose," I reply curtly. I don't like these girls at all.

The blonde girl smirks. "A savage morning huh? Btw is Aiden the mundane still around...wagging his tail around you, honey?"

Were they really her friends? Her taste...was utterly bad. Rubbish! These girls knows no manners—filthy born rich and doesn't give a shit. "At least he's wagging his tail on his own. I have got no leash on him—not anymore," I remark. "Besides...the thing that I just said is merely a saying. Aiden... goodness he's no dog. I don't think so lowly of anyone." 

All three of them gape at me, then their expressions overcast with nasty menace. They can't be anyone's friends...let alone best friends. "Hey, aren't we supposed to be at home right now?" I entwine my fingers with Levi's, trying to get rid of their unwelcoming gazes. For a slight second I perceive surprise but then he takes the hint.

"You're right. Sorry ladies, we have somewhere else to be," he says pulling my hand.

We walk past them and hear their jealousy wrapped whispering: "Since when did she get so close to Levi? Didn't they start on rough surface?"

On our way out, I steal several glances at Levi but he doesn't say a word. He can be a pretty good actor huh... But what did they mean by rough surface?

••••

When we arrive at the front of the Knight mansion he stops the car turning at me. "You did something that really surprised me today."

"Hm?" What is he talking about?

"They are...were your best friends. You never disagreed with them or shut 'em off so quick like that. You'd often spend hours with them in cafes or spas and malls."

"O-oh." I show no interest about them.

"Who are you now, Loretta?" He whispers like that previous time.

Right then an old lady knocks at the car's slide windows begging for money. "Son, help this unfortunate old soul with whatever little you can manage." She presses her hands close to her chest. "You are like my daughter... Can you help me..?" She asks me with teary eyes. "This unlucky woman has tried begging since early morning and still...not a penny." She has a real shaky voice and she looks over seventy.

I open my purse and find one intact 500$ bill. Okay I have no change. I can give this to her I guess, I am rich now. I hand it to her. Her eyes shimmer with a pool gratitude. She seems beyond grateful.

"May you get all the love and kindness of the world, my children."

We watch her disappear behind an alley. Levi didn't try to take out his wallet to find some pennies. What was he thinking? My expression hardens looking at his stoic expression. But he doesn't budge.

He opens the door for me to come out. "And you?"

"I have something to take care of," saying that he drives off.

No see you later? Was it just me? What did I even do? I guess I surprised him a little too much. I step inside the house to find tables gathered. It's lunch time already. "No one's at the table yet. I wonder why."

Myria comes out. "Levi informed earlier that's why. I was worried Lori!" She hugs me tightly.

"Oh.. but Myria I am no kid. Also he was with me," I reason.

"Hm... still you could've informed me atleast. You didn't come home last night..."

"Oh Myria...alright I'm sorry." But I don't really care. Why should I ever tell anyone what I'm gonna do or where I'd go..? 

Just then, the odd vibe guy from day 1—Aiden appears from the other room. Surprise dances in my eyes when I whisper to Myria, "What is He doing here?"

Myria betrays me by answering loudly, "Oh Aiden? I invited him for lunch." Why? I can't stand that guy!

Aiden grins at me. "You look hungry. Sit sit...I'm starving too."

No you don't. And neither I look hungry jackass! I manage a reluctant smile. "Can't say the same. I don't have much of an appetite today."

Myria somehow smells the awkward intensity between us and leaves. "Did something happen?" He asks.

"What do you mean exactly?" I fold my arms.

"You tell me... Something feels odd?"

I should be saying that you weird guy. But I push aside my thoughts. "Is that so? Cause I don't feel it."

"Heard you were...with Levi last night..." He narrows his eyes. Somehow I get the impression that, this Aiden guy is a bit possessive type and somehow Loretta loved it. Bullshit! Love is bullshit.

"How does that concerns you?" I glare at him.

"I am your boyfriend, Loretta. I can't allow you having someone else when we are a thing!"

"We are or we were?" Now fortunately or not, only Sofia is here...nobody else. But others will be here in some minutes. I don't really want to have this discussion right now when I have other things to deal with.

Aiden looks pale. "Can we discuss this in your room?"

"Umm...let me think. I'd rather not, Aiden."

Hearing his name on my lips seems to surprise him and it's not on a meter of good. I really am not supposed to feel sympathy for anyone in this family or anyone closer to me...not until I solve the mystery of her death. Everyone in my eyes is a suspect. I don't even know if that person will again try to kill me now that they know I'm alive. But why should I try? I don't even like her. I am not her. She had weird tastes and weird temperament. Anyway... I don't trust this kinda people—over caring and possessive.

I silently head to my room and I feel him following me quietly. When I am at the top of the stairs I turn. "Why are you following me?"

"Something is wrong with you."

"Why?"

"You're being someone I don't recognize," he scratches his head inadvertently.

"Then think that this is my rebirth and I'm different this time."

"I'm not joking Loretta!"

"Neither am I." I almost lose my temper. "You know...maybe you're right. I don't seem to recognise myself as well. But my instincts...I'm gonna follow them."