Saving the Villain

In the end, Cosette, Maxen, and Remo enjoyed the food served to them. The one who enjoyed them the most was Luke. Almost everything was his favorite as if Maynard knew he would come. After the long meal, Cosette, Maxen, Luke, and Remo expressed their gratitude to Maynard and congratulated Asher once again.

And with that being said, they also bid their farewell.

Walking them outside, Asher jogged slightly when they reached the parking space.

"Cozie, can I talk to you?" he asked, standing before her. Asher cast Maxen, who was just behind Cosette, a look. "May I?"

His last question made Cosette's brows raise, looking back at Maxen. The latter blinked before casting Cosette a look. Both of them were aware of how Maxen was; he didn't want to decide for Cosette because he knew that was beyond his control.

"It'll be quick." She nodded reassuringly.

"We'll just be right here." Maxen shifted his gaze back to Asher but didn't say anything. Instead, he faced Remo and pointed at the car near their vantage point. Fortunately, Maynard asked someone to drive the car they used before he kidnapped them. Luke was dragged by his father to his car, so he wasn't around.

"I thought he was strict about you," Asher remarked as soon as Maxen and Remo entered the sedan, moving his gaze to her. "That's why you always take him whenever you got the chance."

"Maxen isn't like that. If anything, he doesn't like it when others think he could decide for me." She shrugged, snapping her eyes up. "So? What do you need?"

Asher pressed his lips into a thin line with their corners up. "I just thought I hadn't thanked you enough. You have no idea what this means to me."

"It's nothing special." She shrugged again, trying to be clear that her actions were nothing special. "I mean, I knew you want Luke to come, but it'll be tricky to ask him directly and make him agree."

"That's right. He might explode." He chuckled. "But still, thank you. You and Luke… I missed my brother so much and you know you're my only friend. You might think otherwise, but for me, you are."

Cosette pressed her lips, telling herself to be kinder to him. It was a special day for Asher and considering she had been clear about the line between them to the point she was almost rude, he probably already knew whatever she wanted to say.

"You should chill for a bit, Ash," she advised sincerely. "I know you graduated high school and entering university is much more challenging. The pressure will always be there, but don't forget to take a moment to breathe. Trust me. Looking after yourself is important."

"I think I've been looking after myself more than I did recently." He smiled, but there was something behind his eyes that Cosette couldn't explain. It wasn't a look of sadness or deception, but something else.

Cosette didn't dwell on it much, seeing that Asher was fine. Matter of fact, Asher seemed to be doing better. He also matured quite a lot. The last time she had seen him, he was as arrogant as he could be. She nearly dug a grave for him.

"Anyway, I don't think my little brother will be able to come with you." Asher glanced at the parking slot where his father's car was parked. "My dad misses him a lot. He even told the management to prepare all his favorite foods. That's why the food was a little late."

"Considering Luke hadn't come home for months, I'm sure he will. But he will live, right?"

"Just how bad do you think of us?" he laughed, looking back at her. "My dad will not keep him with us. If he plans to, he would've done it days after Luke run away from home. But he was quite supportive of Luke's decision in life."

"Uncle Maynard can be a little too playful at times, but I'm sure he cares for Luke… and for you, too." She smiled subtly. "You're his sons, after all. There's nothing a parent wouldn't do for his kids."

Asher kept quiet at her remarks, staring at her kind smile.

"Right…" he whispered, watching her brows rise.

"Hmm?"

"Nothing." He sported a short smile. "Anyway, thank you for coming. We still have a big celebration in two days. I know you might not be able to come, but if you can, I would love to see you there… without Maxen."

"Asher."

"I know and believe me or not, I am not trying to disrespect Maxen for this. It's just that… the Quinn family is different." He smacked his lips and let out a deep exhale. "I just don't want my graduation to have problems."

"Yeah… my dad is quite sensitive nowadays, especially when it comes to Maxen."

"Is that alright with you?"

"Huh?"

"That your dad seems to care more about him…" he trailed off as he panicked slightly. "I'm not saying your dad doesn't care about you, but more like —"

"Pfft —!" Cosette laughed, covering her lips with the back of her hand. "Why are you panicking?"

"Uh…" Asher scratched the back of her head, laughing awkwardly.

"I'm not jealous of Maxen if that is what you mean just because my dad pays attention to him." She shook her head, keeping her warm smile. "I mean, I know my dad will always love me and that will never change, no matter what happens. Even if I become a bad person, he might get disappointed, but he will always be my father. Moreover, Maxen had been through a lot."

"I had a lot — more than I can take. What's the harm in sharing?" she added, cocking her head to the side while holding her hand behind her. "Right?"

Asher just smiled at her response and nodded in understanding. But deep in his heart, he wished he could say those words with the same confidence. After all, sharing was not Asher's problem. It was the fact that the same person they were talking about would take away everything he had.

"I'll see if I can come to the big event." Cosette kept her smile. "Anyway, thank you for the lunch. I'll see you around!"

With that being said, Asher stood in the same spot while watching Cosette jog to the vehicle where Maxen and Remo were in.