Saving the Villain

[ Dearest Young Master Asher,

How are you? I can't believe it's been a year since the last time we talked to each other. Did you notice? To be honest, I didn't notice. No offense. It was the last year of my high school journey, and it was hell. Exams were given here and there; we needed to maintain a good report to get accepted into the university of our choice -- on top of that, we still needed to pass the entrance exams and complete all the requirements to graduate.

Hectic, isn't it?

My friend told me I made it look so easy and simple. If only she knew. You also made it look so easy, Ash. Still, it was fulfilling in a way. I am about to close a meaningful chapter of my life to open another. I'm not crying, although I admit I'm a bit emotional.

Anyway, I heard many things about you from Uncle Maynard. He was so proud of you and couldn't stop talking about expecting a doctor in the family soon. He looked very happy, so I have high hopes that you too are happy fulfilling your dream.

I know you cannot come even if I invite you, but I'll still invite you anyway since that's the purpose of this email. I'll be celebrating my 19th birthday in a few days. If you can come, I'd really appreciate it. But if you don't, I understand. After all, you are thousands of miles away from home and it'll be selfish if you come home just to attend a gathering you dislike so much.

Are you happy now, Ash? Did you make friends? Smile a bit more so you don't scare people off.

I really wish that you are happy now, and living the life you always wanted.

Sincerely,

Cozie. ]

Asher's eyes lingered on the last sentence in the long email Cosette sent. It was true it was already over a year since Asher flew out of the country to study medicine. It was hard for him; he was all alone in a foreign country. But he adjusted well and had grown used to things he didn't know he was capable of.

"She's already nineteen, huh?" he smiled, rereading the email for the third time. "I wonder what she looks like now."

It wouldn't be a problem to see what Cosette looked like after a year, but Asher chose not to check all the pictures his father would send him. He would only miss her because, in all honesty, Asher couldn't confidently say he had moved on from his first love.

He knew if he see her again, the feelings he was trying so hard to bury would resurface again. The reason he was refraining from keeping in touch from time to time. Although he didn't cut off any communication completely. Studying helped, though. It kept him preoccupied.

"Let's see..." Asher placed a finger on the touchpad to see the attached photo she sent. A chuckle slipped past his shut lips as soon as the birthday invitation popped up on the screen.

"Too much pink," he commented, shaking his head mildly. "Why am I even surprised?"

Asher read the invitation where everything he needed to know would be there. Of course, he wasn't surprised that Maxen's name was also there because he was Cosette's escort. Luke's name and Maynard's were also there.

"It sounds fun," he added under his breath, straightening his back.

Asher pushed the rim of his glasses, fixing it before placing his fingers on the keyboard.

[ To the Young Miss Blac,

It's a surprise to see your name in my email, but I am doing well. Living abroad is hard, especially at the beginning of this journey. I had to learn many things from scratch, but it was worth it. I adjusted well and had grown used to this change of environment.

Though I cannot relate to your sentiments about graduating. I found it easy. I can even complete my requirements with my eye closed. There was no problem... and I'm not even joking. Do not misunderstand, though. All I'm saying was there wasn't anything meaningful in that chapter of my life to make me feel emotional. If anything, all I felt back then was that I'm a year closer to inheriting the company.

My dad would also mention you from time to time. He was the happiest whenever he would have a meal with Luke. I feel bad for not being there for them, but I'm glad he never made me feel left out. I miss them... a lot.

Anyway, thank you for thinking of me and inviting me to your last birthday as a teen. It means a lot to me... but I'm unsure if that is a good thing or bad. After all, even after a year, I still like you. I will not go through the details of my heart, but I appreciate the gesture.

As for your last question, my answer would be...

I'm okay. There were days I'm too tired physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I'm okay. I do have friends now. They don't know about my background which is refreshing since all the people I met back there will look at my family name first before meeting my eyes.

My friends are cool and I like them very much. They make things a lot more tolerable for me. Perhaps, when I finish this journey, I would understand your sentiments.

How about you, Cosette Blac? Are you happy?

I hope, from the bottom of my heart, you are, Cosette. Because if you are not, I might as well go back and test my luck. They said there was a high chance that pursuing someone while they were vulnerable will make them like you back.

So... don't be sad, Cosette. At least, don't let me know you are.

Take care.

Asher. ]

Asher smiled after finishing his email, sending it to her before he could falter. Just as he did, the door of his room was kicked open by three guys.

"There you are!" said someone while Asher closed his laptop, knowing they will drag him somewhere to have fun.

One year.

It was only been one year, but their lives took a turn that no one ever expected. Especially, Asher, who had always believed that his life would center on the Quinn Holdings and the pressure from people he thought mattered.

He was grateful for taking a leap of faith and stepping out of his comfort zone for growth.