Chapter 28

Eli was looking around, trying to find James s car which was parked in the supermarket parking lot. A few meters in front of him, he saw a black car with the same plate number as James's. Eli was sure it was James's car, she approached the car and knocked on the window. 

Realizing that Eli had arrived, James opened the car door and let Eli get in. James looked at Eli, who he knew was not in a good condition, after everything that had happened to her. Her face was pale and her eyes looked so sad and depressed. 

"Are you okay? How about we go to the hospital to check on you?" James asked. Although the question shows his concern. However, his expression and tone still seemed cold. 

"I'm fine! Where is the place you said? Can I rest there today? My head is so dizzy, I want to sleep!" She said while touching her forehead and rubbing it slowly. 

"Okay, I'll take you there! But, don't tell anyone about that place, including your Miyuki!" 

"Yes, I understand!"

James drove his car down the highway. Eli didn't know where Jamed would take her, all she could do now was trust him. 

After traveling 30 minutes, they arrived at a house surrounded by large trees. The house looks very beautiful, just like a house in a fairy tale. James parked his car in front of the terrace of the house. Then he came out as if they had really arrived at their destination. 

Eli, confused, got out of the car anxiously. This house was quite remote and that scared her. 

"Here?" She asked while rubbing the back of her neck. Her eyes looked unfocused and James seemed to understand her concern. 

"Come on in!" James said as he unlocked the door and entered calmly as if this was his house. 

Eli walked behind James, she felt hesitant. However, when her eyes caught the rest of the room, she was shocked by what he saw. This house is filled with ventriloquist dolls. There are lots of them, neatly arranged on shelves and cupboards. 

Eli shuddered, she felt as if the dolls were looking at her. She felt uneasy, she didn't know why James had brought her to this house. 

"Th-this-"

"You can stay here for a while!" James said as he took off his coat and tied it to the pole. 

He looked very calm, as if the scene in this house was very normal to him. Rather than looking like a human house, this house is more worthy of being called a doll's house.

Because she was too afraid, Eli was reluctant to even sit down. She had changed her mind and left this house. However, seeing Robert's face which seemed to say that everything would be fine made Eli unable to just leave. 

"Wh-why are there so many dolls here?" She asked confusedly. Eli held her breath which felt heavy. 

"Didn't I tell you about my doll collection? I keep my collection in this house!"

"But whose house is this?"

"This is my house! When I'm on holiday I often spend time here painting and looking for painting ideas. There's something interesting, come with me!" He said as he walked towards the back door of the house which was near the kitchen. 

James opened the door and walked out. Behind him, Eli followed with an uneasy feeling. However, when she saw what was before her eyes, Eli was amazed. 

A small lake inhabited by several birds and swans is surrounded by meadows and autumn flowers. The trees are almost leafless because they have to face the winter of New Year, but the beauty of this place does not disappear. 

"It's so beautiful-" Eli muttered. Seeing how beautiful this place was made his worries disappear. She was starting to think that this place wasn't so bad after all. 

"You like it?" 

"Yeah, that's great!" Eli smiled gently. She felt a little better. Beside her, James gently pulled her hand and kissed her lips.

Eli felt her head go blank, this man's kiss made her unable to think about anything. She was lost in a strange feeling as tears began to flow down her face. 

James hugged Eli, hugged her tightly. He knew that the thing Eli needed most right now was a hug. 

"Everything will be fine!" He whispered softly. His hand stroked Eli's head who was sobbing in his arms. 

"I didn't do anything! I never asked her to do that! It wasn't my fault...!" 

Hearing Eli's cries, James couldn't do anything but listen to her. This girl is in shock, she has just lost her family, who was the last person to see her alive and now, her crazy roommate has decided to end her life and make Eli the scapegoat. 

She cried for 15 minutes until slowly her crying started to stop and she fell asleep. James lifted Eli's body into the house and took her into the room. He laid Soraya's body on the warm mattress and covered her with a thick blanket.

For a few moments, Robert sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Soraya's sleeping face for minutes. He might be a strange man, but what he felt for this young girl was not wrong. 

Robert got up and intended to leave, letting Soraya sleep. But when he did, Soraya, who was asleep, grabbed his hand, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

Do not go! Don't leave me!" He muttered softly. Tears flowed from his eyes, he looked very miserable. 

James decided to stay and stay here to accompany him. He sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking Soraya's head, hoping that she would feel much calmer. 

However, what he did actually made Eli's crying even worse. Soraya held his hand tightly, put it on her chest and hugged him. Her weak side made Robert want to protect her so much. 

James lay behind Eli, asking Eli to change her position so he could hug her. Hugging him tighter, gave him the warmth and strength he didn't get from anyone else. 

James remembered the song, Eli said that his mother would love the song so he could sleep soundly and forget his sadness. Eli thought about replacing Eli's mother, singing the song this time. That way, Eli might be able to feel the warmth of her mother by her side.

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