CHAPTER 50
The flight to America three days later went smoothly—albeit in a boring way. Viv remained silent throughout the flight, even though Daph tried multiple times to start a conversation, hoping to express her displeasure at having to leave so reluctantly. Daph wasn't angry; in fact, she seemed to enjoy Viv's rare and obvious stubbornness.
After about eight hours, they finally arrived in New York. Viv languidly hugged the cage containing Duke Pudding, while Daph dragged both of their suitcases and called a taxi to the hotel. From the moment Viv boarded the plane until they landed, she didn't say a single word. Upon arrival, Daph noticed Viv's eyes wavering slightly, glancing around constantly, and her body trembling in a way that was subtle but unusual. Daph didn't say anything—she understood Viv was anxious, even if Viv herself hadn't realized it. Quietly, Daph placed a gentle hand on Viv's back as they sat in the car. Her mind began to wrestle with guilt about dragging Viv along; seeing those reactions, she knew she'd have to make it up to her far more than she had planned.
The early morning sunlight—unfamiliar and intrusive—shone directly on Viv, who was sleeping soundly on the bed. She disliked bright sunlight, especially when it came from this place. Viv frowned and jumped up, partly because of the light, partly because of the unfamiliar surroundings, and partly because of the uneasiness rising in her chest—a feeling that only surfaced when something unlucky was about to happen.
Daphne walked out of the bathroom, wearing a simple shirt and trousers. She reached for a black jacket and smiled as she instructed Viv, "It'll take about four hours before I meet the partner. In the meantime, go out for a walk and have breakfast. Don't stay in the hotel."
Finishing her outfit, Daphne slung her handbag over her shoulder and kissed Viv lightly on the cheek. "I'll try to come back early so we can have lunch. Call me if you need anything."
Viv hummed in agreement, then stood up unsteadily and walked over to caress Duke Pudding, who was lying lazily on the carpet. Both of them pretended to ignore Daph. Daph laughed helplessly and left the hotel to begin her busy workday.
Although she was still reluctant about the trip, Viv knew she couldn't let that feeling ruin her mood for the days ahead. She tied a bib around Duke Pudding's neck, intending to lead him out to enjoy their first morning in this bustling city like "normal" people.
Daph had booked a hotel conveniently located near her company's branch, which happened to be close to a university with lots of students passing by. As soon as Viv stepped outside and saw dozens of people walking around, she briefly considered going back to the hotel and sleeping until Daph returned. Unfortunately, her stomach protested—she hadn't eaten anything decent during the flight except for coffee. Gritting her teeth, Viv took Duke Pudding to a random café and sat down to eat a croissant that tasted terrible and nothing like what she was used to.
And it seemed the bad omen from her morning restlessness might have been right once again.
A tall, blonde, blue-eyed girl—seemingly just a typical white person's trait, but exactly what Viv had hoped never to see again—suddenly appeared in front of her. Pen sat down across from Viv without warning. Her face looked fresh thanks to light makeup, though it barely concealed her tired eyes.
Viv froze for a moment, her heart rate skyrocketing, but she quickly calmed herself with reassuring thoughts. She decided to act composed, pretending Pen was just a stranger who had surprised her by sitting down. Viv gently sipped her coffee, glued her eyes to her phone to distract herself, and caressed Duke Pudding beneath the table at a faster, more urgent pace than usual.
Pen didn't touch her coffee. Her eyes had been silently observing Viv. After a few minutes, as the awkward atmosphere grew heavier, Pen suddenly spoke in an unusually even voice.
"Are you going to save someone again?" Her voice was dry, but still carried a hint of mockery.
Viv's hand paused on Duke Pudding's jet-black fur for a second, then resumed its leisurely motion. She looked up and gave Pen a polite smile.
"Excuse me... It seems you've mistaken me for someone else, right?"
"Stop acting—it doesn't suit you. Too bad there's no British police here. If you call them, we might run into someone we know again," Pen smirked teasingly, her eyes never blinking.
Viv stopped pretending. Her face returned to its usual expressionless state as she looked at Pen. Pen's face relaxed slightly, as if she had finally seen the real Viv again. She leaned forward slowly, stirring her coffee cup but still reluctant to drink.
"You saved me... because my parents hired you... right?" Pen asked, her body tensing as if afraid of the answer.
"You're right," Viv replied dryly. As soon as she finished speaking, she showed signs of wanting to leave, but Pen grabbed her wrist just in time.
"We're not done yet," Pen said, raising her voice just enough to startle Viv. Her current loss of composure didn't match her appearance at all.
"It's completely done, Pen. Your parents hired me, and I saved you. That was my mission. You're free now—become the exemplary daughter. That's your mission," Viv said firmly, with a hint of impatience.
Pen's eyes widened. It seemed the answer she hadn't expected had just been spoken aloud. She quickly responded, but her composure slipped even further.
"You took advantage of me... You're so fuckin—"
"Took advantage? Excuse me, Miss?" Viv cut her off sharply.
"Didn't everything start because of you? Do all rich, spoiled girls like to blame others?" Viv teased, not giving Pen a chance to object. She continued:
"You sold drugs, got a five-year sentence, and your dad used all his power to drag me into helping you. And now you blame me for helping you? Ridiculous."
Viv finished, a faint smile rising from her throat as she curled her lips, amused by Pen's bewildered expression. Pen tried to look straight into Viv's eyes, salvaging the last bit of harshness she had left.
"You're so smug about saving someone like me, aren't you? If it weren't you, someone else would've done it."
"Oh, really?" Viv smirked, leaning closer. "It'll be interesting if you sell drugs again, go to jail, and your dad finds someone else to help you. Of course, not me—because I'm hopeless."
Viv continued with a mysterious smile that was no less of a warning.
"Maybe next time it won't be a young girl. Maybe an old lady, a man—a guard or a warden. You might meet that acquaintance again, and they'll help you... in faster ways. I don't know."
With that, Viv took advantage of the moment when Pen's grip loosened, pulled her wrist away, and hugged Duke Pudding, preparing to leave. As she passed Pen, she didn't forget to leave one last sentence:
"All because of your tantrum games. Remember that."
Viv's figure soon disappeared, leaving Pen sitting motionless, speechless.
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