Chapter 24

It's been a week since Rhianne and Keith fought. Both of them were still attending their classes regularly. But the two of them were not talking with each other. Or rather, Rhianne is still not willing to talk with Keith. Even if Keith tried to get Rhianne's attention, she always ignored him. Rhianne acted as if she can't see Keith or treated him like air. This made Keith really helpless. Though he looked calm and collected on the outside, in reality, he is anxious that Rhianne was tired of dealing with him and does not want to be his friend anymore. On the other side, Rhianne is not really mad at Keith. She was actually just waiting for Keith to reflect on what he did that day. She does not need an apology from Keith because he didn't do anything wrong with her. If possible, Rhianne wanted Keith to treasure himself. Even if he's still young, he should know that there are still people like her who will feel sad if he didn't love and treasure himself. When the school bell rang two times, their teacher reminded them to study their lessons and they will be having a long exam tomorrow. The students put their books and other things inside their bags. The voices of their classmates while talking about what they should do after class is ringing in their classroom. Rhianne quietly put her things inside her bag and stand up from her seat. If it's the usual scenario, Keith will help Rhianne to organize her things before going home together with her. But these days, Rhianne left the school early without waiting for Keith. Of course, their classmates knew that the two got into a fight. They also heard about the bullying incident that happened last week. The students who dared to bully them suddenly transferred to another school. The rumors said that their family faced a problem with their businesses after that incident. They can't even properly order the raw materials they needed for their business without having a mishap. It's not really hard to guess the reason behind it. There has been already a tacit understanding between them on who was behind those troubles they are facing. That incident was a good example to show them what will happen if someone dares to offend the Cartel and the Lancester in every way. When he noticed Rhianne is leaving again without waiting for him, Keith quickly put his things inside the bag. But before Keith can even call Rhianne's name, someone beat him up to it. Andrew calls Rhianne's name before he jogs towards her. He has a pleasant smile on his face. Rhianne stops walking and waits for Andrew. 'Why are you calling me again?' During the days where Rhianne and Keith are not together, Andrew took this chance to have a lengthy conversation with Rhianne regularly. At first, Andrew apologized to Rhianne for involving her in their fight. When Rhianne didn't show any violent or negative reaction, Andrew sighed in relief. Then the following days, Andrew started talking with Rhianne as if they were already friends a long time ago. After encountering Andrew so many times, Rhianne lessens her awareness towards Andrew whenever he tries to talk with her. It is because she came to a sudden realization. Just like Mr. Protagonist, this villain is still very young. Even though he's already calculative at a very young age, he is still a kid. Since she was aware of what will happen in the future, Rhianne can prevent her miserable fate as long as she doesn't fall in love with this young villain. 'And it's impossible for me to fall in love with a young kid, anyway.' Rhianne thought. Since Rhianne is the only one who noticed Andrew's abnormalities, then she better helps this young villain to walk the right path in life. If Rhianne succeeds with this plan, then Andrew may grow up as a good and responsible man in the future. The type of man who will never snatch things from others and cherish the people around him. And the most important point is Rhianne will live for a long time without worrying that she will die a miserable death with her family. But of course, Rhianne still needs to be careful around this young villain. She will never underestimate his abilities even if he's still young. Just like her Mr. Protagonist, Mr. Villain also has his own ability to attract and deceived people. Rhianne still has to be cautious, even if she let him approach her. "Do you want to study with me in the library before you go home?" Andrew asked. He is now walking side by side with Rhianne. "I'm not sure. My brother told me that we will go home together today." "Really?" Andrew said then he looks at the time on his wristwatch. "You have to wait for an hour if you'll go home together today. One hour is enough for us to study in the library. Let's go!" Without waiting for her answer, Andrew holds Rhianne's arm and pulls her to go with him. The way Andrew holds Rhianne's arm is so intimate. No one in their classroom noticed it except for one. A certain someone took that bastard's action to heart as he clenches his fists tightly. "Stop pulling me, Andrew. I can walk on my own." Rhianne said. "...Right. Sorry." Andrew said as he let go of Rhianne's arm. "It's okay." Rhianne said. "But why are you excited to go to the library?" "Oh, that. I just want to show you something." "What is it?" "It's something beautiful." Andrew said as he smiles at Rhianne, but he didn't answer her question directly. When they arrived at the library, Andrew leads their way towards the second floor. The second floor of their library is full of paintings made by the top art students in their school. Andrew brings Rhianne in front of a huge painting. It is a painting of a huge park with children happily playing on a small playground. And a beautiful woman is sitting on a bench. The woman in the painting is looking at the huge tree where the sunlight is peeking through its branches. The colors used in this painting are very colorful and lively. But the most catching point of it is the woman's smile. It's not a happy smile, but a forced smile. Rhianne tilts her head a little while staring at the painting. With very beautiful scenery, why is the woman in the painting looks like she will cry at any moment? The expression of the woman in the picture was very detailed. Even though she's smiling, her eyes were not showing any emotions. "What do you think about it?" Andrew asked. She is not an expert when it comes to art. But Rhianne can feel the anger and sadness of the artist who paints this picture. There is a silver plaque under the painting. The name of the painting's artist was written on it. "Hidden Secrets by Sheila Gartin" "Gartin?" Rhianne said before looking at Andrew. "Your relative?" "Yes. She's my sister." Rhianne blinks her eyes in surprise. Does Andrew have a sister? "I see. Well, I'm not an expert when it comes to art. But the woman in the picture looks like she suffered a huge grievance." Rhianne explained. "Ah." Andrew didn't show any rebuttal or agreement with her opinion. He is only staring at the painting with a small smile on his face. "Though I may be wrong with my thoughts about the painting." Rhianne said. "Maybe I should ask your sister about her painting. Where is she?" "Hmm. She's already gone." "Huh?" "She died from cancer last year." There is a sudden huge silence between them. Rhianne didn't know what to say. She is not completely aware that Andrew had a sister who died of cancer. This detail was not mentioned in the book. Or maybe it was mentioned, but it was in the last part of the story that she didn't have a chance to read before dying. "I'm sorry." "Hmm. It's okay. I'm the one who brought you here anyway." Andrew said. "I just wanted you to show the last painting that my sister painted before she got admitted to the hospital and stayed there for a long time." "...Oh." "So do you have any more thoughts or opinions about the painting? You can be honest with me." "Well... The woman in the picture looks like she wanted to cry, but she can't do it." "Why do you think so?" "Because of the scenery. She is sitting on a bench in a beautiful park where children are playing. If she suddenly cries out of nowhere, the woman will scare the children... That's only my guess. Don't take it to heart." Rhianne quickly stops herself from giving her opinion about the painting when she noticed Andrew's gaze at her. She closes her mouth and turns her head to look at the painting again. Rhianne is thinking of something to say when she feels her phone vibrating in her pocket. She looks at the phone screen and sees her brother calling. "I think my brother is now looking for me. I have to go now." "Okay." "Thank you for showing me your sister's painting." Rhianne said. "You're welcome." Rhianne says goodbye to Andrew and walks faster to get out of the library. In fact, Rhianne's heart is beating so fast right now. The way Mr. Villain looks at her is too scary for Rhianne. Even if Andrew is still young, the gazes and looks he always gives at Rhianne are too mysterious. Rhianne didn't know that Andrew is staring at her figure until she disappears into the library. The smile on his face is no longer there and replaced with a blank expression. No one can seem to fathom what Andrew is thinking right now.