48 Meeting Up

A handsome-looking man stood in front of the door decorated with a colorful diamond mosaic. He had bandages around his hand and neck. His little rough face carried his mean eyes, but didn't change the fact that anyone would want to take a bite out of his nose. He cleared his throat and knocked at the door.

As a girl, Arnacia only looked 10% like Archie. Her height was the same, her face similar and hair color perfectly matching. After all these preparations, she looked 80% like Archie. But it was pushed to 90% as the sun had set and the lights weren't as bright.

The long white bandage strips that went round and around her neck were extra precaution that helped her disguise. She also covered her smooth hands up to the thin and long fingertips. Naomi stood beside her as a third party aide.

The sound of a metal click was heard, and the door shook. A woman who looked to be in her late thirties opened the door. She had a decent amount of makeup and her clothes looked moderately expensive. She was definitely the lady of the house. Oh no, it was Lylia's mom!

Arnacia was expecting Lylia's dad, Elm Niro, like the last time. She had hugely miscalculated. Naomi also froze. She also knew that Lylia's mom did not like Archie. Forget the disguise. Even the real Archie couldn't go past her.

"Good evening, Mrs. Niro." Naomi said when no one spoke. Lylia's mom was staring at Arnacia dressed up as Archie.

"Oh my god, you look awful, Archie." Mrs. Holly Niro extended her arms to touch Arnacia's face. But she had an anxious expression and stopped. "Say something," she said with a pained expression.

But Arnacia would instantly give away the disguise if she were to speak. She lifted her bandaged hand and pointed at her throat. Mrs. Holly Niro's expression melted even more. She looked at Naomi for any answers.

"I am her, his sister's friend, best friend. As you can see," Naomi looked at the bandages. "Archie is heavily injured but still acted strong so that he could meet Lylia-"

"You are more of a man than I could ever imagine." Holly wiped the tear that didn't exist and stepped out of the house. "Lylia is in one of the storehouses." She led Archie and his sister's best friend around the house. "Please tell Lylia to come out now. It's been so many days since I saw her face."

Naomi and Arnacia looked at each other as they followed Holly. Surprisingly, the plan was working! Naomi tactfully got closer to Arnacia, hoping to link arms. But was rejected by a light push. Arnacia signaled her with her eyes to consider that Holly was only at an arm's reach in front of them.

But Naomi wanted a reward and closed in again. She hugged Arnacia from the side. The silent struggle between the two girls continued. While in front of them, Holly narrated how her opinions of Archie had been wrong and how he was looking more and more like an ideal partner for her daughter.

"She has not been eating much these days." Holly stopped in front of a gray stone storehouse with a wooden roof. She turned around and saw Archie and Naomi standing with hands behind their backs.

Arnacia solemnly nodded and stepped forward. It would be a miracle if Lylia didn't see through the disguise. Naomi also braced in anticipation. If it worked, then she could ask for a big reward.

"Lylia," Holly called out, and knocked on the wooden door. "Come out darling, Archie is here to see you."

No other words were spoken. After a while, they heard stealthy footsteps from the other side of the door. Then a shy and apologetic voice called out.

"I will only let Archie in."

Holly looked at the boy. For a second she regretted spoiling her daughter and put most of the blame on her husband. Her fists were tight, but then she slowly sighed and helplessly nodded in approval.

The door opened half and Arnacia stepped inside with her head down. The room was lit in a light different from candles. When completely inside, she turned her head a little to look at Lylia with the corner of her eyes.

The girl's smile froze. She turned to open the door, but it was too late. It wasn't Archie! The impostor pressed her against the door and covered her mouth. She was scared silly to look at the cold eyes. On top of it, this person had his knee pressed between her legs.

Arnacia learnt this move from Naomi. She wasn't proud of it, but remembered the first time Naomi cornered her against a wall. It was guiltily effective against weaker girls.

"I will let you go in three. Don't make a fuss." Arnacia slowly said, but her voice turned cold towards the end. "I am Archie's sister. How can you be so selfish when Archie is barely able to walk?" Arnacia let go of her knee and lifted her hand only a little.

Lylia slowly slid down along the door, unable to look away from Archie's sister's face. The more she stared, the more she believed this person was someone related to Archie. It could definitely be Archie's big sister. If not for the feminine voice, she would've believed this person was Archie's brother that she didn't know about.

"I know," she finally looked away and held her knees tight close to her chest. "If Larch wins, then Archie and I will never be together."

"I don't see a problem, you two can just break the bet." Arnacia casually said.

"What do you know about the promise? Archie swore by his family name, your family!"

Arnacia couldn't believe this was happening. Back on Earth, people went by breaking promises now and then. Not keeping one's word was easier than drinking tea.

"Then postpone the duel."

"No, no, no!" Lylia started crying.

"You are just a selfish girl." Arnacia wanted to leave already. She was sure her brother could find a better girl.

"What do you know about me?!" Lylia looked up with red eyes. "What do you know about Archie?! Are you really his sister?! What did you do to help Archie? Dress as him and try to deceive me? Do you know I gave the doctor ten gold coins for his help?. But he refused and dad hates me now." She buried her face and resumed crying in audible sobs.

"I am sorry…" Arnacia sighed. I need to consider more factors before judging a person's character, she thought. "I am worried about Archie as much as you, believe me. What can I do to help you?"

"Stop with your stupid talks. You can't help me!"

Outside the storehouse, Naomi was waiting with Holly. She noticed the slight bump on the door. But she believed everything would be fine since Arnacia was dealing with it. She couldn't help but grin. Now that her efforts in the disguise had worked, she was really looking forward to get a big reward.