Above all, he took me to the mansion. I mean, I'm here every weekend, so there's nothing new since I'm very familiar with this place. However, the difference is that I'm here as Logan's guest. Well, I know you also know how much I despise this guy.
From the very beginning, there were reasons for me to hate him. But now, I see things that others don't. I can see his character developing. It hasn't been long since he saved me from something that could have destroyed me. Experiencing abuse from those despicable men is no joke.
But that's one of the reasons why my perspective on him has changed. Despite what others say about his gruffness, I can see that he's actually a genuine person. He's not someone who was born to please everyone.
He can't tolerate fake emotions, and he's someone who makes firm decisions. He's a decisive person indeed.
Meanwhile, my view of Andrew has completely changed. Why? Because initially, I genuinely thought he was a good person. I had nothing bad to say about him, but it turns out it was all an act.
The evidence? Just what happened this morning. He already showed red flags. Luckily, I didn't get too close to him as a friend because he had ulterior motives. It's hard for me to believe that I once admired that person.
First impressions don't always matter. It's a process to truly know someone, and that's a fact.
When we reached the garden, I told Logan that we shouldn't go inside.
"Why?" Logan asked, puzzled.
"I might accidentally damage some expensive items in there," I explained.
He laughed at my words. "Maybe we should indeed stay outside." Surprisingly, he agreed with me?
I sat beside him, and he smelled so good—very masculine. Logan always has that refreshing scent, even if he's been under the sun all day. He still smells like mint.
"You might run out of that scent," he teased, as if he knew what I was subtly sniffing.
Of course, I wanted to deny it, but who am I kidding? I've tried defending myself against him before, but he always manages to win. He's the type of guy who can easily manipulate your mind with his intelligence.
I was startled when he grabbed my arm. I winced in pain as my wrist was still sore. He had yanked it, causing a violet hue to appear on my fair skin.
"Who did this?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice. I swallowed hard because I knew how furious he could get.
I didn't want to say that Andrew did it. So I shook my head.
"Tell me who did this," he insisted, his persistence unnerving me.
"There's really no one. You're being too persistent," I replied, trying to deflect his inquiries.
"I will call your parents. It's not right to let this go just like that," he threatened. I was left speechless once again. I knew how my family would handle this situation, and I didn't want to burden them further.
I sighed in resignation. "Fine! I'll tell you, but first, you have to calm down," I reluctantly agreed. I needed to clarify things because he looked like he could explode in anger. Seriously, why?
"Just tell me, Krystal. I am slowly losing my patience here," he urged.
I closed my eyes for a moment, preparing myself before uttering his name.
"Andrew..."
Silence enveloped us as he processed what I said. The shock was evident on his face.
"Andrew? Andrew Lopez? My brother?" he exclaimed, anger coursing through his voice. I immediately tried to stop him because knowing him, who knows what he'll do because of me. I didn't want any more trouble.
"Logan! Andrew called out to you!" I pleaded, pulling Logan away from the situation. I couldn't let them hurt each other. I didn't want any more trouble.
I don't know if I should regret what I did. Maybe I should've just kept quiet.
"It seems like your mindset has changed, huh?! You idiot! Aside from accusing me and Krystal, you also hurt her! Are you getting senile? You were just rejected by someone, and now this is your attitude! Damn it! I'm sending you to China. You can stay with our brother there!" Logan exploded in anger, his words piercing through the air.
Andrew looked shocked and knelt down, his voice filled with desperation. "Logan, please, no. I don't want to go to China..."
Logan shook his head, his decision final. "You should've thought about your actions. Andrew, we had an agreement. I told you never to engage in foolishness here! Pack your belongings because I'll personally escort you to the airport."
My heart shattered as I witnessed Andrew's blank stare and tears. Logan pulled me away, and I was still in disbelief at what had just unfolded. It felt like a scene from a movie. I didn't know what to feel first.
We found ourselves in Logan's living room. I was still in shock, but the reality of the situation started to sink in.
"Logan, your brother is pitiful. It's just a bruise, and besides, his words didn't affect me much. Maybe he deserves another chance," I suggested, trying to show empathy.
He shook his head resolutely. "That's just how that idiot is. He won't learn. A headache in Claybourne. Three years ago, I had to bring him here for personal discipline. But he continues to do foolish things!"
"I see..." I responded, feeling a pang of sympathy for Andrew. However, I knew I couldn't change Logan's mind.
Logan then reached out and held my hand, his eyes meeting mine. "If you ever need help, tell me. I won't let anyone get away with hurting you, no matter who they are."
I didn't stay long at Logan's mansion, although he insisted that I stay for the time being. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awkwardness considering the heated argument that had just taken place, and the fact that I was one of the reasons behind it only added to the stress.
I also felt guilty about what happened to Andrew. I had unintentionally caused so much trouble for them. However, I pushed those thoughts aside and decided to focus on reviewing for my exams.
While I was engrossed in my studies, Alice suddenly barged into my room. This girl seemed to have a knack for appearing out of nowhere.
And judging by the big smile on her face, she had something on her mind other than casual conversation.
"Hey, girl! How was the exam?" she asked, pretending to inquire about random things, but I knew she had something else to ask.
"It was okay, I managed to survive," I replied with a hint of amusement, sensing her ulterior motive.
She let out a deep sigh and flopped down onto my bed. "I wish we all had the same inspiration as you!"
I raised an eyebrow at her sudden comment. "What do you mean?" I asked, curious.
"Girl! It's as if everyone already knows. Master Logan even sent someone to pick you up. I bet Maribeth's group is burning with jealousy right now."
I was slightly surprised. I expected the news to spread, but this fast? What kind of internet connection did these gossipmongers have?
I avoided her gaze, not knowing how to respond. "He just insisted. It seems like he's traumatized by me going home alone."
"Don't downplay it! You've become important to him," Alice teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Let's not read too much into someone's kindness," I replied, attempting to brush off the implications.
"Oh no! That's exactly where both of you are headed. Oh, wait! What's on your arm? Did Sir Logan do that? It wasn't there this morning, right?" Alice's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing.
I felt a pang of discomfort. "It's just a bruise, nothing major. And no, Logan didn't do it," I clarified, hesitant to share the truth about Andrew's involvement.
Curiosity piqued, Alice pressed further. So I decided to be honest and transparent.
I recounted the whole story to her, and she was genuinely surprised by what I revealed.
"Oh my! Where is that Andrew? I want to give him a punch in the face. What he did to you was terrible! I thought he was a good guy. He was just a fake Prince Charming! Good riddance to him! He should go to China!" Alice expressed her anger on my behalf.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. "Aren't you sad? He'll be gone for good. He'll be living there."
"Of course, I'm sad. He was my dream boy for months and years. But if that's his true character, it's better for me to wake up to reality. He wasn't my boyfriend, so there's no reason for regret," Alice reasoned, displaying unexpected wisdom.
This girl made sense. As for Maribeth's group, I didn't even know what to think anymore.
But for now, I would focus on two things: my studies and severing ties with the Lopez family.