46.

AMBER'S POV. Asleena felt uncomfortable with Benny after Robert's arrival. At the dinner table, with Benny's parents, Asleena was struck by awkwardness. She had noticed Benny's face was flat and he didn't smile at all. "I didn't think you would be able to get through all the problems of a relationship," Katherine said with a proud smile. Asleena returned Katherine's smile, but this time it looked more awkward. She looked at Benny who didn't smile at all. Benny continued to eat his food as if he hadn't heard Katherine's words. "You two are really great for protecting each other," Katherine continued, watching Asleena and Benny in turn. Chuckling, Asleena nodded her head. Asleena was actually already feeling worried and scared if Katherine noticed Benny who didn't want to talk at all. "Actually, the great thing about this relationship is Benny. You know, Mom, Benny hasn't given up on me at all," Asleena said with a hint of humor in her tone. On the other hand, Joshua - Benny's father also laughed at Asleena and Benny's conversation. Joshua didn't realize that Benny hadn't responded at all. "If you can maintain the strength of the relationship like this, I think you'll last longer." Joshua expressed his opinion. Beside him, Katherine nodded in agreement. Katherine no longer felt disapproving like in the past. Seeing how Benny and Asleena fought for each other convinced her. The two of them were the right match for each other. "The instinct to protect each other as a couple in you has emerged," Katherine said with great pride. Asleena chuckled at Katherine and Joshua's words. There was a feeling of relief in her heart because Katherine had let Benny be her partner. Whereas some time ago, Katherine still opposed and warned Asleena about her relationship with Benny. While laughing, Katherine's gaze accidentally looked at Benny. Only then did Katherine realize that Benny was just silent and did not react at all. Both of Katherine's eyebrows spontaneously furrowed in astonishment. There was something odd about Benny's silence. To Katherine's knowledge, Benny was never just silent, his son would definitely talk at length. Especially if it was about Asleena or their relationship. "Benny," Katherine called out. As soon as Katherine's call was heard, Benny raised his face. Still with a very flat expression. While Asleena faded her smile and Joshua's laughter also slowly subsided. "I don't know why you look different now. Usually you would talk a lot. Did something happen?" asked Katherine. She deliberately gave a to the point. Asleena felt awkward and uncomfortable after Katherine asked that. She glanced at Benny with a worried feeling. "Why aren't you talking so much now?" Katherine asked. Benny looked at Katherine, Joshua, until his gaze fell on Asleena. Benny looked at Asleena for a few seconds. Before Benny finally turned his gaze in another direction. "It's nothing. I just want to be quiet," Benny replied with a sweet smile at the end of the sentence. Benny turned his attention back to his food without wanting to know what Katherine had said. "There's no way you just want to be quiet," Katherine argued with a chuckle and a shake of her head. Benny immediately curved an awkward smile at Katherine. He looked like he didn't want to say anything. "Mom, you've never seen a side of me that just wants to be quiet. I'm just... tired," Benny replied. "I have so much work to take care of." Katherine sighed heavily. She looked at Benny with pity for her son. "Oh my. You've had a rough day, haven't you? Not just you, but Asleena too." Katherine then turned her motherly gaze to Asleena. "You should get plenty of rest. I really hope that no problems will befall your relationship again." Hearing Katherine's words made Asleena and Benny silent. They both didn't know what to say. Because they immediately remembered the arrival of Robert, Asleena's former lover, who said he would not stop doing something. Asleena became awkward in her seat. She glanced at Benny who only looked at her briefly. "Right. I need to rest." Benny let go of the cutlery in his hand as he let out a long sigh. "Gosh, I haven't had time to take care of my health. I'm going to the room now." Katherine frowned after Benny said that. Joshua and Asleena were also surprised in unison. Before anyone could speak between the three of them, Benny suddenly stood up from his seat. Benny didn't listen to what Joshua and Katherine had to say. He just walked away from the dining table. Because of Benny's sudden movement, Asleena was immediately surprised. Her gaze followed where Benny's back went. The more Benny moved away, the more Asleena felt uncomfortable. "What happened to him?" asked Katherine, who was confused by Benny's departure. Asleena couldn't answer. Also, she certainly couldn't tell the truth about her ex-boyfriend coming over. "Mom, I went to catch up with Benny. I want to see what happened to him," Asleena said. She already knew the reason behind Benny's behavior. Katherine nodded her head with a worried expression on her face. She did not say anything. Finally Asleena also stood up from her seat, stepping quickly after Benny. Asleena felt anxiety growing in her heart. Just as she was about to approach Benny, she quickened her pace and held one of Benny's hands. Asleena deliberately pulled Benny's body to turn towards her. "Benny, wait," Asleena said as she held Benny's hand. "Why are you acting like this?" Benny looked at Asleena through flat eyes. Benny didn't say anything for a few seconds. After a few seconds of silence, Benny let go of Asleena's hand. "Talk inside. My parents will hear, they might misunderstand," Benny said firmly. Although his tone was calm, the piercing look in Benny's eyes was frightening to Asleena. Benny simply turned around and walked away from Asleena. Asleena was forced to follow Benny. She was also worried that their conversation would be overheard by Katherine and Joshua. When they arrived at the room, Benny closed the door and locked it. Asleena was a little surprised when she heard the lock being jerked violently. Asleena walked backwards with a worried look at Benny who looked at her coldly. Her memory automatically replayed the incident of Robert coming into their relationship. "Why do you look so angry at me?" Asleena asked in a low tone, almost squeaking. Benny walked closer to Asleena. "Ah, damn. This has been on my mind for a while," Benny complained as he wiped his hair. "I've been thinking about this since Robert left. Did you contact Robert to let him know where you live here?"