Eric stood on the yard of the National Congress building as the breeze stroked his face, relieving the effect of the scorching heat.
The government building was shaped like the alphabet Z, with the Congress at the center of it.
The view enhanced his determination. He was going to become an outstanding ruler of this country and bring about better lives for its people.
The phone was still ringing on the other end as Molly refused to pick it up. Just when he was about to cancel the call, it connected. But there was no response from her end. "Little Molly?" Eric called tentatively.
Molly looked up at the ceiling and blinked her red, tear-filled eyes. The moment she saw Eric's number, her heart instantly ignited with a blaze of emotions. She was eager to hear his voice, and she found out why only after she really heard it.
Every time she got stuck in her valley of despair, Eric was always the first one to come to her rescue, whether intentionally or otherwise.
"Little Molly," his caring voice called her name again, "Are you okay? What happened?"
"Nothing happened. I'm fine," Molly said after taking a deep breath, "Why did you call me?"
Sensing her depressed tone, Eric frowned and asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing, I'm alright."
"Tell me the truth, or I'll fly over and check on you right now."
"No..." hastily Molly refused. Brian stood up from the sofa. Just as she craned to see what he was going to do, he walked out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
"Little Molly," Eric's voice seemed worried.
"Eric, seriously, I'm okay," Molly cleared her throat and added, "How're you doing? Did you have your meal yet?"
"Not yet," Eric decided not to question her further because he had a pretty good idea about what might have happened, "I miss the noodles which you used to make for me, with tomatoes and eggs."
That earned a smile from Molly, "Okay, I'll make it for you once you're back here."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
Eric gloated and further said, "Just for me?"
"Yeah, just for you," Molly paused before answering.
"Great!" he exclaimed.
"Young Master, the meeting is about to begin,"
Lenny called him before Eric could utter any more words. He threw a glance at Lenny who looked professional and imposing in her suit, then bid farewell to Molly, "Little Molly, a very tedious meeting is waiting for me. Do you have any parting gift to console me?" He sounded playful and childish, quite different from his usual harsh and cruel image.
"Get lost,"
Molly quipped before Eric laughed and hung up. As he walked away from the lawn, he ordered Lenny who was right behind him, "Get our original plan started. Inform the Chief Commissioner about deposing the executive officer."
His voice echoed in the stairs, cold and ruthless.
Lenny did as he bid. She was aware that the big moment was due in three days.
At A City.
The Summer Breeze.
Manny leaned against the bar and watched Spark as he tried to contact Molly. His call didn't go through, but he kept trying. And finally, he gave up with a bitter smile.
"Spark, what would it take for you to give up on her?" Manny asked, "What does it matter to you whether Molly comes to the troupe or not? She has Brian now, and he is capable of anything."
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