Chapter 123 Chapter 123

Chapter 123 Chapter 123
I sighed as I remembered how I had previously suspected Miss Levanier because of her strong relationship with Ismael, despite the fact that they were merely cousins. If I have any suspicions that he has a relationship with him, it is with Mr. Roize. Especially when I notice them staring in the rearview mirror and smiling.
After a while, we arrived at a Japanese restaurant. Fortunately, I knew enough about their eating etiquette to avoid being mistaken for an ignoramus. The only difficulty is that I'm not used to eating sushi or sashimi. I vomited once because of the fishy scent and taste. Fortunately, they ordered other dishes like tempura and karaage, so that's all I ate.
"Did you know, Miss Alvandra, Mael's favorite is Japanese cuisine?" Miss Levanier spoke, and I looked at her. My face is so soiled that I don't recognize it.
"It's good that Yves brought us here so you can bring him food," she went on to say. Wait, does he know Ismael and I are in a relationship?
I nodded before focusing on the dish in front of us. Ismael prefers the meals I avoid.
"Miss Alvandra, how long have you and Mael been together? Should I call you Jothea instead? Can I do that?" she asked quietly, as if making friends. I caught a fleeting glance at Mr. Roize; his lack of reaction suggests that he is also aware of Ismael and myself.
"In exchange, you can also call me Jenna." She extended her hand toward me. "When we are not at work or when we are alone, please address me by my first name. It appears that our ages are not far apart."
"Mael said she's only twenty-one," Mr. Roize added.
"What?! Really?" Miss Levanier asked in shock. "Are you only twenty-one? Wow, I'm five years older than you. But I don't want you to call me 'sister'; instead, please call me 'Jenna', Jothea."
I pushed my lips together, feeling a sudden sensation of humiliation and awkwardness among the three of us.
"Additionally, I dislike how you address me as 'brother'; therefore, please refer to me as 'Yves', just as you address Ismael by his given name."
I gave a gasp. How did he know that?
"W-why? How old are you, sir?" Shit. I am not even excellent at formal conversation. Because I don't even respect my superiors.
"Drop the 'sir'." He growled, "I'm only twenty-nine," which made Miss Levanier, I mean, Jenna chuckle. "You are eight years older than her! She should address you as 'brother'. Come on, Jothea, call him 'brother' for me," she joked.
"Shut up, Jenna."
Because of their mocking, I couldn't help but smile and feel relieved for both of them. It was fantastic, and I had someone to spend time with while Sav was away, as well as my Safira buddies. It was enjoyable to be friends with Ismael's cousins. I feel more connected to the person I love.
"So, what's happening? How old are your relationship with Mael?"
"Ahh, I don't know," I replied, making her jaw drop.
"What do you mean you didn't know?"
I shrugged. "I can't recall when. Besides, he did not court me; we simply confessed and agreed."
"Haha!" I looked at Yves when I heard him giggle. Hold it still. Wait a minute, is he mocking me because Ismael did not court me?
"Do not laugh at him! You do not even know how to court right! You and Mael are the same." Jenna responded, silencing Yves. Hey. I'm more accustomed to calling them Miss Levanier and Mr. Roize.
"I'll just shut my mouth and continue eating," he said, admitting defeat to Miss Levanier.
"Don't worry, Jothea, I believe my cousin loves you," she added, caressing my shoulder.
We finished our meal, and I laid out some for Ismael. I was going to pay my half when Miss Levanier mentioned that she had the company card, so I didn't have to trouble anymore.
We're back at LMC. Miss Levanier said goodbye since she had a meeting, so Mr. Roize and I were left together.
"Don't call me, sir," he stated, making me look at him. "Just call me whatever you are comfortable with."
"Okay, Mr. Roize."
"Very good." He smiled at me sparingly. "It was a pleasure to meet you, and I'd like to thank you for being with my cousin. I only hope you don't shatter his heart."
Given what Mrs. Estanislao had said at the time and what Ismael had recently informed me of, I was surprised by what he said. I shake my head. "I will not. I love him so much, Mr. Roize."
"Not because of his wealth?" His inquiry seemed serious.
"Not because of his wealth," I said. After all, I didn't realize Ismael was so wealthy until then. That is not why I love him. And I'm sure I'll be unable to explain why I adore that person if asked, since even though I've lost him, I'm still hunting for him.
"Are you still going to love him if he doesn't have anything anymore?" said the man. "You see, a plant must be left out in the woods to last long, and it would just put him in danger if you pluck it yourself for your own advantage."
I looked at him closely. I don't like what he says to me; it's as if he's accusing me of something I didn't do. "However, you may need to uproot the plant in order to replant it in better soil where it is more suited, mature, and likely to flourish, because if you leave it alone, others will pester and destroy it. A plant requires someone to care for it—to give it a balance of sunlight and rain in order to produce more fruit until it grows leaves and branches and becomes a tree. A plant requires a defender, just as they protect us from floods," I said, dismissing his claim against me.
Someone called my name just as Mr. Roize was going to speak. "What's going on here?"
I turned around and saw Ismael and Mr. Tory.