When I looked into the mirror in the morning, my reflection was so disheveled that if I didn't know I wasn't wasted last night, I would think I did something I probably shouldn't have, I just can't remember it because I was too drunk. Luckily, that's not the case. His father would skin me alive if I did. Besides, what would even be the point of it all? I'll leave sooner or later, so there's really no point in getting together with him. It would only make sense if I stayed. I feel like I'm not prepared to sacrifice my parents, my real life for him. It's not that he isn't worth it but it wouldn't be fair to make that choice. But the most important thing now is...
Why the hell did he have to mark me? What the hell am I gonna do now? There's no way the collar of my shirt can cover it. If I don't do something about this, his father might think I am messing around with their maid. Of course, he wouldn't dare to think even in his wildest dreams that it's actually his son, who is messing around with me.
I took a quick shower and dressed up and just as I thought, my collar didn't hide the mark, not even the slightest bit. Maybe if I wear a turtleneck sweater, it would solve the problem but I don't have one. Besides, I probably shouldn't dress that casually on a weekday.
After searching in my wardrobe for a long time, I found something that looks like a cravat. That will do it. I took off my tie and put the cravat on instead. Maybe I went a little overboard but I tried my best to cover the thing that shouldn't be seen. I thought that even though I'd never worn such a piece of clothing, I managed to put it on alright but I must have been wrong.
"Did you catch a cold?" Jack asked the moment he saw me. He looked genuinely worried about me.
"Yeah, I kinda have a sore throat," I agreed. "You see, I couldn't sleep last night, so I went for a walk," I said as I sat down at the table. "Who would have thought, the late-night chilly wind will bite my neck to leave a memento?" The minute I said this, Jack spit out the milk he was drinking and started coughing vigorously as if he was gonna choke on it.
"Jack, manners!" Mr. Liu shouted at him. "Thank God, the Chens are not here to witness this. What would they think?" He said angrily.
"They would probably think you are more concerned about appearances than your son choking on his drink," Jack replied bitterly after composing himself. I felt a little guilty since I was responsible for him almost choking on his milk but who knew he would react like that? I just wanted to cryptically tell him why I'm dressed like this and to remind him not to ask too much about it. Especially not in front of his father.
"I am concerned about you. But you should still behave."
"Okay, I'll choke elegantly then," Jack replied and got up from the table. After he left, I tried to speed up the tempo of my eating and leave the awkward silence he left behind.
After finishing my breakfast, I found Jack sitting on the living room sofa looking at something on his phone, which instantly reminded me of yesterday. I tried not to blush and went over to him.
"I hate to ruin your rest but you are supposed to be at the office by ten."
"I know. I was waiting for you," Jack said and got up to leave. I followed him outside, where Carl was already waiting for us to get in the car.
It's weird how such a simple thing as Carl taking us to the company feels so weird after last night. No, to be correct, sitting next to Jack is what feels weird.
"Do you remember today's schedule or shall I repeat it for you?" I asked just to take my mind off those things.
"There's no need. I do," he replied. I thought he will say more but he remained silent. As it turned out, he was probably only waiting for us to leave his home behind, since my phone started to ring the minute we left the street. I looked at my phone and from the corner of my eyes I could see Jack grinning, watching my reaction upon reading his apology, admitting that he shouldn't have bitten me that hard.
"Whatever. If you're so much into biting, you should've just bit me somewhere I can cover," I wrote back and stared straight ahead. A few seconds later he wrote me a reply.
"So, you mean I'm free to bite you wherever only I can see it?" As I read it I felt like he is really testing my patience, so I turned to look at him.
"I see, you are in a good mood today," I remarked.
"I am. After all, I had quite an unforgettable birthday," he grinned at me again.
"It must have been wonderful to see Ms. Chen again after such a long time," I told him matter-of-factly.
"Yes, it was a pleasant surprise," Jack said casually. He probably knew I only mentioned her to remind him to mind what he is saying because Carl can hear everything. But hearing his reply still stabbed me deep in my heart. It must have shown on my face how I felt, since soon after he sent me another message.
"But I don't want her, only you."
I don't know what to say to that. I'm not saying it's easy for him. But the consequences of this, its effect on my future the way I know it might be critical. I don't think I'm ready to risk it all. Besides, he is so young. At least now. Why the hell didn't I meet him sooner? Why now? The distance is too big between us to ignore it. Maybe he can ignore it, but I can't.
I looked out the window looking at the buildings we passed by and thought about how our relationship would be if we were to meet when I was younger. But I really can't imagine it.
My phone rang again which suddenly woke me up from my meditation. I was so deep in thought that the sudden music frightened me and I dropped the phone on the floor. I instinctively bent over to pick it up, when a hand touched my face and at the same moment Jack kissed me. His recklessness terrified me to the point my eyes opened wide. I am fully aware that the seats in the car cover us but it's still risky. What if we stop at a red light and Carl turns around to say something? Jack must be out of his mind.
Though as much as I complain, I still liked that kiss, even if it was short. But my phone kept ringing so at least there was an excuse to end it. And it ruined the mood anyway since the caller was persistent and didn't hang up until I take the call. So, I did just that.
I looked at the screen when answering the call. To my surprise, it was Ms. Chen calling.
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