Such a Rude and Noisy Woman

"Okay, I'll go. I'm free on Sunday, " Rachel replied readily.

"Well, that's good, " said Joanna, cheerfully, and then she turned to Hiram. "Take Rachel with you to the auction this Sunday. Buy whatever Rachel likes. I'll repay you for the expense." With that, she picked up the cup of milk to have a sip.

"Hiram, I'll be leaving now. I hope you both enjoy your dinner. Rachel, come over with Hiram for dinner when you're available, "

Said Joanna as she stood up and proceeded to walk towards the door, smiling.

Hiram and Rachel accompanied her to the elevator and bid her a fond farewell.

Watching his mother leave, Hiram held Rachel's hand and said gently, "You don't have to go to the charity auction if you don't want to. I just don't want you to force yourself to do anything because of my mother."

"Why do you say that? I've already promised mom that I would go, so why not? It's not a big deal really." Rachel raised her head to look at him, wondering what he was worried about.

Hiram stared back into her deep, endless black eyes. She was so pure and sincere. Why did his mother invite Rachel to the auction? Although Rachel didn't know the reason behind it, he did.

"I'll take you to a place tonight and then you'll know why I said that."

Hiram decided to tell Rachel of his mother's intentions. He didn't want to see her bewildered and caught by surprise at the auction when she finally realized what she was facing.

The couple had dinner together after dark. Then Hiram changed into casual sportswear as they were about to go to the People's Park, which was the largest park in H City, for a walk.

They walked around the park, hand in hand, hearing people make small talk. Soon she realized Hiram's intention of bringing her there.

Rachel heard at least three people talking about the kidnapping incident that happened at the theater. They were disputing the rights and wrongs of the case, and mainly Hiram's decision to choose his sister instead of his wife.

One person accused Hiram of being an unfaithful husband, for abandoning his wife at the moment of crisis.

Rachel was amused and unable to stop herself from laughing when she heard the accusations against Hiram. After the theater incident, almost everyone stood up for Hiram, persuading her to make allowances for his difficulties.

However, now when she realized that she had so many people behind her, speaking up for her, she felt glad and thankful.

that you've finally had your

talking about him and calling him down, he didn't care. It was worth it, so long

you deserve, " replied Rachel cheerfully, holding her head up to feel the cool breeze from the water

know the truth in their heart. You see your actions and choice have

was wrong, and I have regretted my

you. If you hadn't come back safely, I don't know what I would have

being depressed, but now that he was able to bare his soul to her about the incident, he was finally able to find some solace in his heart.

back to me safe and sound so that I can make it up to you, " continued Hiram with

over this ever since Daniel told him about Rachel's suffering. He hated himself for what Rachel had gone through and for not being

I once said that if I had had another chance, I'd rather have never met you in the first place. I don't want to live in pain and in fear of danger anymore, " said Rachel with her eyes closed, trying to get rid of the

furrowed his eye-brows and comforted her, "Rachel, I can't live without you. I promise I'll never give you up. Please,

reflection of the moon and the street

us together. I want to leave you, but

with open arms and gave her a place at the Tulip Palace. Since her mother was with

stood silently on the bridge, facing the tranquil lake and leaving the noisy crowd behind. The soft lamplight

there's a couple over there. They look so beautiful together. I

girl in a red skirt. She was posing on the bridge, and waiting for her brother, a boy about

ball of cuteness with a smile and crouched

pretty, and your boyfriend is very handsome too. He is more handsome than a big star, " said the little girl to Rachel, with

so sweet." Rachel touched the girl's soft face with her hand while motioning for Hiram to

at the other side of the girl. They took a lovely group

hope I will have a boyfriend as handsome as you when I grow up." After taking their photos, the little girl turned

to burst out laughing. He was attractive to women of

come true one day. But it's not easy to find a man like me, " jested Hiram,

stood up and took Rachel by the hand. They walked to the tree-lined track to continue their walk. "When

her daughter whom she

long next time. You know I get worried about you, especially when I can't reach you. I haven't been able to sleep properly in the last two weeks, afraid that something bad might have

Rachel's hands and complained. Rachel lowered her head in shame. She had been absorbed in her own troubles and her work while disregarding her mother's feelings. Since the kidnapping incident, her mother had been constantly on edge, frantic. Rachel should have spent more time with