Andre woke at exactly six.
Last night, before bed, he'd received a WeChat message from Mr. Guo — instructions and reminders about working as Mo Yue's assistant. He had slept long and peacefully, reassured that Zhen Yichen wouldn't be coming home. So peaceful, in fact, that he'd missed dinner entirely.
The alarm clock's shrill ring confirmed it was morning, but he felt… refreshed.
At least I feel human again.
Mr. Guo's message from yesterday was thorough, detailing little things he needed to note about Mo Yue's schedule and a sharp reminder to be at work exactly by eight.
When Andre had finished reading last night, the only thought in his head before drifting off was:
Trouble!
Still, trouble from Mo Yue sounded more bearable than whatever it was Yichen did to get under his skin. Even Andre didn't know why he always lost his cool around that man.
He got ready quickly, determined not to miss breakfast this time. Within thirty minutes, he was dressed in a casual gray jogger set over a white shirt. He studied himself in the mirror — still a trace of dark circles, but his silver eyes looked brighter than they had in days.
Just one day away from him and I look this good. He sighed. That man is cursed.
"Good morning, Mom."
"Oh, good morning, my baby."
"How was your night?"
"Good. Yours?"
"Very well. You slept so long you missed dinner. I didn't have the heart to wake you — you looked like you were in a coma."
"Hm."
Andre sat down to a simple English breakfast. Midway through, he noticed the head seat at the table was empty. His mother must have seen him glance at it, because she suddenly spoke.
"Yichen didn't come back yesterday. Lots of work at the company."
Guess he really is busy… just like he said.
"Hm."
"So today's your first day at work."
"Hm."
"I know. That's why I woke up early to make you something to eat."
"It's fine. Thanks, Mom. But you don't have to — I can take care of myself."
"Oh, come on, don't say that. I really care. And most importantly…" She produced a book from her lap and slid it toward him.
Andre blinked. "What's this?"
"My favorite book," she said proudly. "I want you to get Mo Yue to sign it."
Andre gave her a long look, then returned to his breakfast. She took the hint and placed the book right beside his plate.
"Pleaseeee…" she said in a deliberately cute voice.
Sometimes Andre wondered if she was really his mother or some eternally youthful girl who just happened to raise him. With her beauty and energy, people often mistook her for his older sister.
"Okay," he said finally, resigned.
"Yes!!!" She clapped her hands, leaning over to peck his cheek. "You're the best."
"Oh, stop it, Mom. I'm not a child," he muttered.
He stood, picked up the book, and headed for the door. "I'm off. Goodbye."
"Okay~ Have a nice day, my baby!"
"Stop it, Mom."
Just before stepping out, she called, "Ani!"
He turned back. "Yes?"
For a moment, she simply looked at him — her prince, her beautiful boy who'd grown into a man. The sharp features from his father, Roberto. The silver eyes from her. She missed Roberto fiercely, though she tried not to dwell on it.
"They say love is a curse," she thought privately. "Maybe that's true."
"Fighting!" she said aloud, making a victory sign.
Andre blinked at the sudden burst of encouragement, but smiled, mouthing thank you.
"How will you get there?" she asked.
"I'll take the bus."
"But… let the driver take you. Yichen called and said—"
"I don't need his help." His tone was cold, final.
"But wait—" she began, but he was already out the door.
She sighed. "This child… always so stubborn."
Yichen, I tried my best, she thought.