Chapter 203 Stay

[ FLASHBACK ]

Note: This chapter is a narration of the original timeline. It's not a memory being recalled by any of the characters as it was part of the end of Volume 3.

Cosette stood on the balcony wearing a champagne dress wrapped tightly around her curves. She had her arms folded under her chest, holding a glass of wine she had been savoring to keep herself from the cold night breeze blowing past her face.

Her eyelashes, which were like butterfly wings, fluttered ever so slowly, glancing over her shoulder upon hearing the door open. She only caught a pair of black shoes approaching her, but instantly recognized the man.

There was only one person who would wear such shoes, and make them look pleasing to the eye.

"I don't think you should be in here, Mister Quinn," she said when the man stood beside her, holding his own wineglass elegantly. "The last thing I want to deal with now is a disparaging rumor about the CEO of the BLK Corporation being a mistress of a prominent figure."

Cosette cast the man a sidelong glance and was met with a pair of distant eyes. Asher always bore a distant demeanor, making him appear untouchable. If she didn't know better, she would even question if the man smiling lovingly at his date was even him in the first place. It wasn't in his character to look so loving, but love was love, and Cosette understood that love could change anyone.

"This event is highly secured." Asher kept his face ahead but then gave her a side-eye. "There wouldn't be rumors such as those."

"Do you not get the hint? Or are you just feigning ignorant?" she smirked, turning her face to him. "Are you, perhaps, now interested in me? Well, the night is cold and I might need some company tonight."

Asher just looked at her, already used in her playful way with words.

"People are looking for you," he said. "And as your business associate, I was concerned about your well-being. I thought you were abducted."

"Gosh… you really know how to break my heart into many, many pieces." Cosette pressed a finger on his chest, smiling playfully. But his reaction remained stiff, looking down at her with a dull expression. "You could've said you miss me, and I might reconsider replacing your date. You... make me very sad, Mister Quinn."

He didn't react, making her sigh.

"You're really no fun." She snapped her tongue, retrieving her finger as she faced the railings. "I appreciate your concerns, Asher Quinn. But you don't have to worry about me. I'm simply out here to…"

Cosette trailed off, narrowing her eyes at the striking pain that suddenly struck her head. Her jaw tightened, guiding the wineglass to her lips to numb herself. She had been here for fresh air, blaming the crowd in the event hall for her headache.

However, deep in her bones, she knew the headache had something to do with her illness. The night breeze cooled it down, and the wine numbed her a bit. Fortunately, like usual, the pain disappeared just as quickly as it appeared.

"I'm simply out here to forget," she continued, casting him a knowing look. "Tonight wasn't the best, as I have to watch eyesores, who make me realize how miserable I am. I can only look away since that is the only thing that's within my control."

Asher kept his eyes on her for a moment before taking a step back.

"Since it seems you're fine, I should return to my date," he said politely, making sure she know the clear line between them. "May you enjoy the rest of the night."

Asher bowed slightly before turning around to leave. As he did, Cosette kept her eyes ahead and felt her heart sink — which she didn't understand. At this time, Cosette was unaware she was experiencing her first episode, as Asher's plan to leave her alone reminded her of the god-awful feeling whenever Maxen parts with her.

"Stay," she whispered, but the still air and silence made her voice sound louder than it should.

Asher stopped in his tracks while Cosette let out a deep exhale. When he turned around to look back at her, he saw her slowly turning to face him as well.

In his eyes, she looked like someone with deep longing, and the deep emotions she suppressed for a long time finally showed. It took him by surprise because this was the first he had seen her show such sentient aside from her usual mischievous and seductive shenanigans.

Little did he know, in her eyes, that his face was overlapping with another man's face, whom she longed to be with. Her mind might've slowly returned to a time from just days ago, but her heart remembered everything: her longing, her bafflement at why Maxen and she were so broken they couldn't have a normal relationship, and her helplessness. The emotions of watching Asher and Mia dance lovingly only amplified her emotions.

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Why couldn't Cosette dance with Maxen and show off their relationship publicly? She knew all the answers to these. Even so, Cosette couldn't accept the truth. That Maxen was a felon and Cosette's days were numbered.

"Why…" Cosette took a step forward, stopping right in front of Asher. Her eyes shone with such vibrance and pain, looking back at him straight in the eye. "... can't we be together?"

Asher furrowed his brows, but all he could do was stare at the pair of eyes full of nothing but pain and bitterness. Did she just ask him that question? He wondered.

"For once… can you stay with me?" Cosette clipped the lapels of his blazer suit in between her thumb and index. "Just tonight. I'm really sad and jealous and I think I will go crazy if I'm left alone."

'Please, Max,' she begged him internally, staring at him with anticipation. When a minute had passed in silence, her heart sank deeper. Cosette slowly dropped her hand and laughed dryly.

What did she expect?

Cosette shook her head, laughing bitterly.

"Never mind, I asked." She patted his chest mildly, walking past him while bumping her shoulders against him. "Enjoy your time tonight. Don't forget to use protection."