Even though Mrs. Yalle has told Daphne to inform Stairmount about Damien and his invitation to join his community, but after learning that Stairmount is trapped in a severe problem, she thus can't have the heart to add Stairmount's problems by involving him to her own problem, and hence soon abandons the intention. However, she doesn't tell her mother about Stairmount's dilemma, so even though Mrs. Yalle keeps asking her whether she has asked about Damien to Stairmount or not, she always pays no heed to her, stating that she forgets to do. It still continues, until Mrs. Yalle becomes furious with her daughter.

"How come you forget it again? I've reminded you three times. Oh, my goodness, how old are you, actually? How come you turn like a senile granny who is even older than me? This is for the sake of our lives, I tell you!"

"I totally forget it, Mom... well, later when I pass through Yum's Pharmacy (one of the most famous health & wellness franchise companies in Jupiter and even on the entire planet) I'll look for a supplement for the brain." Daphne sighs.

Mrs. Yalle glares at Daphne fiercely. "Mark my words, don't forget it again. Or else, I'll force-feed you with a bottle of supplements in one gulp!"

"Alright, Mom!... Gosh, Damien doesn't contact me, after all. Who knows, he has forgotten us, Mom!" Daphne grumbles. "And more. Can't you see that Mr. Rivers is so busy recently? We shouldn't bother him!"

This time, Daphne's argument manages to soften Mrs. Yalle's anger. But that's true, Stairmount is very busy at this moment. Because he starts to attend a lot of meetings with the government high officials, as well as the training from Chrono and several other related organizations - in the preparation for his departure to Saturn. He undergoes it all in a depressed manner, Daphne is afraid that the young man will lose his sanity. She really wants to give him a hug filled with encouragement and support, but they almost have no contact, and they even definitely have no face-to-face contact. They only communicate via ultra-cyber minipad, and only every once in a while, when Stairmount accidentally has spare time. The worst condition was the session yesterday morning, when their chat only lasted five minutes. Even Stairmount had not yet read the very large 'Hug and Kiss' picture sent by Daphne yesterday afternoon, until the next day - this morning. At first, Daphne is anxious, but then, she arches a smile.

"This is the consequence of having a lover of high-class status, Daphne. You always watch this in the movies, don't you? You should be proud of this situation instead of complaining. Come on, cheer up!" Daphne comforts herself.

Daphne hides the secret about what Stairmount is doing from everyone, even including her mother. Just as what Stairmount requests of her.

"Please don't tell anyone about this, Daphne. Not even your mother. I also hide it from my parents," Stairmount implored her.

Daphne was about to ask for the reason at first, but when she saw Stairmount's pitiful, pleading gaze which seemingly said 'Please don't ask the reason', she melted, and thus replied, "Yes, Sir."

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But Daphne totally understands. Stairmount must be very ashamed of what he is doing now. She also would have felt humiliated if she did such a dirty thing. Therefore, it'd better let the others look at him from the surface, and then create a fantasy according to the perception which emerges - that Stairmount Rivers is a great, amazing, friendly, and benevolent man.

Her ultra-cyber minipad beeps. Daphne picks it up, and a second later, her face lips curve a gleeful smile. Finally, Stairmount replies to her message. Her smile grows even wider as she reads his message.

"Wow, finally he can meet with us face to face!" Daphne exclaims happily.

Humming cheerfully, Daphne begins to make herself as attractive as possible. Besides making herself as beautiful as she can, she is also busy sorting out the clothes she bought at the nearest store - as Mrs. Yalle says, they have money. Feeling ashamed to get payment from Stairmount for every aspect of their lives, it is Mrs. Yalle who pays for their daily life necessity, as well as Daphne's clothes and makeup. But she knows that their money is limited, so Daphne plans to find a part-time job. Watching Daphne hum happily with her exceedingly charming appearance, Mrs. Yalle immediately understands what is going on. "Mr. Rivers will come here, won't he?" She asks, peering through the magazine she is reading.

"That's right, Mom!" Daphne replies cheerfully.

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Soon, the doorbell rings. Daphne immediately opens it. "Welcome, Mr. Rivers!"

Being in a state of intense stress at that time, Stairmount gets stunned as he finds that enchanting figure who is standing before him, "Daph... ne..."

"Don't just stand there. Please come in."

Stairmount smiles, very wide. "Ah... sorry... I thought, I have ascended to heaven... since the one standing in front of me is a beautiful nymph..."

"Ah, you flatter me!" With blushing cheeks, Daphne grabs Stairmount's arm, taking him into the house.

"Welcome, Mr. Rivers," Mrs. Yalle greets warmly.

Stairmount nods politely. "How are you, Mrs. Yalle?"

"Great! We are always in great condition every time we meet with you!" Mrs. Yalle replies happily. "How about you?"

"I'm fine... Just really busy right now. Actually, I want to visit you guys more often, but suddenly I get extra work..."

"But, now you can come here, then it means you can relax right now, right?" Daphne says cheerfully again. It is indescribable how happy she is as she can meet with Stairmount again, after no face-to-face contact for more than 1 month.

They chat for a while. Then, with the excuse of cleaning the house, Mrs. Yalle leaves them five minutes later.

"Sir... you look so fatigued..." Daphne quickly notices the tiresome on Stairmount's face.

"Ah... well... I am very tired these days..."

"Can you tell me what has happened?..."

Stairmount gives no answer; he just squints towards the kitchen where Mrs. Yalle is washing the dishes.

"Mmm... I want to go outside for a walk... I'm bored at home all the time..." Daphne quickly understands the real meaning of Stairmount's gaze.

Stairmount nods. "But. Beautiful nymph can't be too flashy, okay?"

Copyright © by boundless_universe