The sound of waves always soothes Blare.

However, at this moment, she was nowhere near calm.

The confusion and uncertainty brought the two souls pain.

Lilith's soul was stubborn as she refused to believed Blare.

Blare stared into the distance as she mumbled, "You don't believe me because of your deep hatred for Harold and his family." 

She creased her brows as she continues. "Harry and Matilda - these two were the reason why you kept your distance from your father. What they've done is despicable, that's why in this life, you have to turn things around."

"... Do I have to reconcile with my Dad?" Lilith asked in a low voice.

"Your choice."

Blare felt Lilith's mood calming.

However, Lilith's next question caught her off guard. "What would you do if you were in my place, Blare?"

As Blare pondered, her eyes looked down - staring nowhere.

"I'm not going to forgive him easily." Her answer was whispered.

Even if Blare's tone had a hint of bitterness, Lilith replied with ease. "Hm. Thank you, Blare."

Blare took a deep breath as she closed her eyes.

"Then, for my last wish - please reconcile with the Winterburn family."

Blare trembled at Lilith's words. Her eyes widened and her lips parted open as she asked Lilith mentally, 'The Winterburn--! Even Harry and Matilda?'

"Hm." Lilith hummed - indicating her approval to Blare's question.

This time, Blare became conflicted. 'Why?'

Lilith replied with no complicated emotion. "I want to give them a chance... It's for me and my Dad as well."

Blare realize Lilith's intention.

She slightly nodded in understanding, yet one thing was still bothering her. "Doesn't your last wish contradict your first wish - which was cutting your ties with the Winternburn family?"

Unexpectedly, Lilith giggled. "True... But I didn't elaborate it, right? What I mean by 'cut ties' is that I won't be a Winterburn anymore. The pain is still here, I can forgive but I'll never forget. Even so, I still want to clear this animosity between us."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Then, Lilith's voice turned solemn. "I don't want to carry this hatred, pain and sorrow... If I still carried all of this, I can never live peacefully."

"Okay." Blare replied softly.

Minutes passed and Lilith no longer talked.

Blare silently admired Lilith's bravery - the original owner was willing to forgive.

Blare's stay in this world made her understand Lilith - she felt all Lilith's pain, her memories, her likes and dislikes.

Even after all of that, the two souls view differs. So, Blare was reluctant to forgive the two - Harry and Matilda.

'Forget it, it's Lilith wish' Blare dismissed her own view and decided to accomplish Lilith's wish.

When she turned around, she caught Ace's figure standing at a far distance.

Blare approached the man.

"I'm sorry for making you wait." She said apologetically when she reached him.

The two were only two steps away from each other, yet Ace took a step towards her - making Blare feel small.

Blare lowered her head. 

"Are you alright?" He asked.

She slightly tilted her head and look at the man. She noticed that he wasn't smiling, was not playful nor angry. Yet his eyes that were always focused on hers seemed to penetrate her soul.

Blare turned her eyes elsewhere. "Yes, sir."

Ace sighed and patted her head - which made Blare stiff. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name?" 

Blare can hear the helplessness on his tone.

"Sorry." She replied with guilt.

It has been a year since he confessed. After that, Ace mostly stayed at her side. Naturally, Blare was getting used to his existence - so much that it became normal to her.

Relationships are always built through interactions. All the moments that she shared with him always make her heart pound.

Ace chuckled as he offered his arm. "Let's go?"

Blare's heart thumped at the sight of his arm. She instinctively locked her arms in his - upon realizing her action, her face heated up in embarrassment.

Before she could retract her hold, Ace already blocked her escape by placing his other hand on the top of Blare's hand.

"I'll be selfish this once." 

His deep voice tickled her ear. In Ace's perspective, he saw how Blare's ear turned red. He let out a smile and led Blare's stiff body towards his car.

All the while, Blare's thought process did not function. Her mind only focused on one person - Ace.

His heartwarming gesture, expression, and touch slowly creep into her heart.

The strong wall that guarded her heart cracked slightly.

Even so, the wall stands tall and remained strong - showing no signs of falling apart.

_________________

If Blare's life a year ago was peaceful, this year was not for her.

After her encounter with Lilith's family, she never expected that the other person would turn up as well.

"Mr. Lloyd Fleming... As you know, my little sister - Flora - is currently busy. So I'm the one who'll oversee the proposed blueprints." Aiken greeted the old man. 

Lloyd nodded. "Ms. Flora notified me yesterday."

'Yesterday?' Blare's eyes flickered towards Aiken - who was also looking at her. She quickly turned her gaze away and simply stared at Lloyd's back.

Lloyd Fleming was the Head of Design of the Rosenthal Conglomerate. Also, Blare was studying interior design under him.

Fleming has five apprentices under his wing - among them is Blare. Currently, they are in the Charleston Estate to apply their knowledge.

Lloyd is a popular interior designer in the city of London and it was no secret that he had served famous politicians, celebrities, and businessmen throughout his life - along with his apprentices if his client agrees for them to partake. 

However, this was the first time that someone agreed-- or rather, requested that his apprentices should participate in renovating the Estate's interior along with him.

Lloyd did not question him. But as he watched Aiken's changed of sight from time to time - he knew something was out of the ordinary.