11 Taking Sides

"Don't you dare to…"

As Liam was speaking, the elevator door closed. Meeting Liam's eyes, her smirk turned to a grin. Joy filled her heart seeing his defeated, grumbling face.

"Have fun kissing your black-eyed girlfriend, Blueberry tart!" she said, softly. She wanted him to hear it and didn't want to hear it at the same time. And she didn't know if he heard it.

The bang at the door made her wince a bit. She held the 'door close button' just in case. "Don't open! Don't open!..." she kept on chanting staring at the door.

"Thank God!" she let out a sigh when the elevator started to move.

"Wait! Cherry!"

His desperate voice seeped from above.

"Wait..?" she muttered to herself and her grin got wiped out from her face. "I waited for a year, Fizzy… And now…"

Her eyes clouded and a lump formed in her throat. She sniffed and pulled her tears back.

The elevator opened on the first floor and she left the building immediately just in case Liam is chasing her. Her heart was heavy and even breathing felt like a chore for some reason as she walked to the car she parked a block away.

Well, everything will be alright!

She told herself before driving off. At least she can say with a clear conscience that she tried.

She remembered Allison's words. And it hurt her. She used to be the person closest to Liam and now the situation has turned and even Allison can mock her.

For an entire year, she waited for him to apologize; to tell her that he was wrong to ask for a divorce. He never apologized and he never even tried to talk to her or support her. And now that he made it clear, there is no reason for her to think about him anymore.

The one thing that is left for her to do is to beg him to accept Ellie, and that is something she is not willing to do even for Ellie's sake. There is no reason for her to still cling to him as if she requires his money for living. If that is what it looks like to others, she is not willing to do that.

She does not need him that much.

---

Liam walked to the window and stared at the road below. From the height he was looking at, humans looked like ants. There is no way he would be able to recognize her in this sea of…

Ah, there she is…

"Aurora…" his lips spoke her name softly and a gentle smile bloomed on his face.

He was able to recognize her like a butterfly would recognize the flower with nectar. Finding her is easy for him. He's done that all his life. He observed her, unwilling to part with her.

She is still driving that old car…

His hand ended up inside his trouser pocket and he played with the rings. As her car left, his blue eyes rippled with sadness.

The first time she came to my office...

"Mr. Roberts, the big boss is calling for you."

Jake's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He nodded and walked toward Lennon's room. His eyes ended up at the window unconsciously once more.

---

The smell of the cigar in the room was overwhelming and Liam waved his hand in front of his nose, scrunching his face. Lennon looked at him but turned his face to the window.

"Are you going to fire her, Uncle?" Liam broke the silence.

"Do you want me to fire her?" Lennon asked, observing Liam.

Liam shifted standing from one foot to another. His hands were inside his trouser pockets fiddling with…something. He looked uncomfortable to be here. Lennon didn't know if it is because of the cigar or something else.

But he was sure of one thing—he is not willing to stub the cigar.

Liam bowed his head and stared at his shoes, wiggling his toes. Lennon took in a deep puff of the cigar, waiting for Liam's answer. He always found Liam to be very interesting. Not only because Liam is the only one in the Roberts family who treats him as a relative, but also he is interesting.

And when it comes to Rory, he'd always… take her side!

At least that's how he used to be. He almost got charged for the crime Rory committed. And he'd lie for her with no second thoughts.

But things are not going well for them lately although both are not being open about it. It might be regarding Allison. He still wonders why Liam hired Allison although there are many experienced people for that job.

Lennon picked up his phone and dialed the HR department directly. "Send an 'Employee Warning Letter' to Allison Stewart for violating the company policy of treating guests politely and causing a disturbance during work hours," he said and ended the call.

Liam stopped shuffling and looked at Lennon.

"Are you fine with this?" Lennon asked to get his reaction. "Allison will have an official record in her-"

"Meh!" Liam shrugged. He didn't look sad or anything. But he was not in a good mood either.

"She shouldn't have messed with Aurora," Liam said after a while. "And we wouldn't want Allison to make this into a bigger issue. It is better to stop it right at the beginning." Liam rubbed his chest, staring at the window.

"Hmm…" Lennon pressed his lips. It is his strategy to attack before getting attacked. Liam is thinking the same.

"I didn't think Rory would contemplate attending Derick's wedding. I thought she'd surely attend. Why would she… Did she tell you anything?" Lennon asked.

"No," Liam's face contorted. "She does not need to attend his wedding."

Lennon laughed seeing Liam's face. He looked like he is eating Brussels sprouts in front of his grandfather. "Why not? Our family will expect Rory there. And… What's between you and Derick? I heard you two ended up in a tussle that day. Have you guys settled it yet?"

"Meh!" Liam shrugged. "Still hate him."

Lennon chuckled.

"Uncle, I have a request."

"What is it?" Lennon stubbed the cigar seeing Liam's somber expression.

"I need…"

-----

Liam entered his office room and along with the warm air, he smelled the familiar scent. Closing his eyes, he took it all in.

She didn't change her perfume…

His enjoyment didn't last long. He heard the bang at the door and walked to his seat. He didn't have to look back to know who that is.

"She hit me! She frigging punched me in the face, Liam!" Allison shouted.

"Yeah?" Liam shrugged and tried to find the remote to turn on the Ac. "I saw the tape. What did you say?" he asked.

Allison huffed. "You're taking her side?"

"I'm not taking sides, yet. I am asking you a question based on my initial observation to know what happened on your side, before forming an opinion." Liam didn't bother to look at her and searched for the AC remote. Only after a minute did he remember that he broke it.

He let out a grunt. But then, his eyes ended up on the photo frame. His lips curved up unconsciously.

She wanted to know what picture is in the picture frame so badly… I bet she is still wracking her brain! Her head will explode soon. He he he... That fire-head!

Allison gritted her teeth seeing the smile playing on his lips. He is not bothering to look at her and he is looking at THAT picture. How is he open-minded? He has already taken Rory's side!