Faces Of The Past

"What's wrong with you? Your face looks so disgusting!" said Lucas. Come on, do I have to tell him everything I experienced today because of his stupid actions?

"There isn't anything!" I answered.

"It's nothing, but why are you just standing there? Don't you want to go home?"

I really felt stupid, acting like a desperate person and standing in front of the car with a gloomy face like this. In fact, Pierre was still standing next to me because I didn't get into the car.

"Leah, what's wrong?" Pierre asked. Have I made the heartless Pierre finally sympathize? yes, although it seems impossible.

"Hehe...I'm fine, then, I'll go in now!" I said as I stepped in while grinning like an idiot.

After Uncle Damien started the car, I still felt confused. Moreover, considering what Odelia said about Eva and her loyal followers. When I think about it, the reaction they showed when Lucas refused Eva's request was really excessive. In fact, they even got into a fight with Lucas.

Queen bee huh? I think I've read the story of a queen bee who was trapped in a car, causing a colony of bees to follow the car to save the queen. What happened to Eva was exactly like that story.

"Is there someone intimidating you?" Lucas asked. His sharp eyes turned towards me, making me shudder.

"No, nothing!"

"Is it true?"

"Yes..."

"If anyone speaks ill of you, just tell me!"

"Why should I complain to you? You think I can't solve my own problems?"

"You can't, right? After all this time, when will you be able to solve your own problems?"

"So you feel like you've helped me a lot, huh?"

"I was just worried about you, if you mind. I won't do it again!" Lucas turned his gaze to the window, his sad face visible in the reflection of the glass.

"What have I said? Even though he's worried about me, I'm always rude like this. Tsk, I'm so annoying!" I thought.

"I'm sorry..." I begged. This awkward atmosphere was really torturous and all the two men in front did was keep quiet and listen.

"I understand..."

***

Today, Grandpa, Pierre and I will finally take a photo together. Even though Grandpa still couldn't stand up, that didn't diminish his enthusiasm. Since morning, Grandpa has been getting ready and choosing his best clothes to show in front of the camera.

Meanwhile, I was made up by professional make-up artists for almost three hours, like a bride who was about to undergo a sacred procession once in her life.

"Leah, are you ready?" asked Pierre who was standing in front of the door wearing a black suit which made him look very charming.

Who is this man standing in front of me? Is this really what the man who is my biological father looks like? Mother, if there were mothers here, I would say that you are the luckiest woman.

"I'm ready..." I answered nervously. My head bowed, looking at the black high heels I was wearing. In fact, this blue dress that covers my body will only make me feel even more awkward.

Pierre stretched out his hand, as a sign that he was ready to take me to the place where grandfather was waiting. Even though we were just going to take a photo together, why is our heart pounding like this?

"Let's go!" he said. I nodded slowly as I took his hand, Pierre's grip felt warm. Strange, isn't Pierre supposed to have no temperature? but why is he so warm?

We walked together hand in hand, I was the one who was nervous and restless. Meanwhile Pierre always remained calm. I sometimes forget that he is a robot that looks like a father, trying to find strange gaps in my heart that I can't understand.

If he weren't a robot, if he weren't my father, I would definitely fall in love with him. Yes, can I have such strange and unreasonable feelings?

"Pierre!"

"What's wrong, Lea?"

"Do you love me?" I asked. Instantly, I realized the ridiculous question I had asked a soulless figure like him.

"Yes."

"Haaah...? what? you...do you love me?"

"The professor once said that I should answer yes if you ask a question like that."

"Is...is that so? Because father asked..." I, who was happy three seconds ago, immediately fell when I heard the reason.

Actually, what did I expect? Darling? He can't even smile, how could he love me of his own free will?

"Leah, come on! Master is waiting!"

"O...okay..." It can't be helped, at least he's with me. Right now, that's enough for me.

When Pierre and I arrived at the room Grandpa was referring to. My eyes widened at how amazing this room was. Expensive paintings hanging on the walls, ancient statues and the architecture of the room made me feel like I was in a medieval palace.

"Lea, why are you standing there? Come on, come on!" shouted Grandpa who was already sitting in a chair, waving his hand.

"O...fine!" I said. Three meters in front of grandfather, a photographer was ready with his camera to take a family photo of one of the richest people in the world.

The photographer asked me to stand to Grandfather's right, while Pierre stood behind Grandfather who was sitting in a chair.

“Young master, please smile!” asked the photographer, a request he addressed to the straight-faced Pierre.

"Pierre, smile a little! This photo will be a keepsake for your daughter!" this time, Grandpa asked.

How about this? The request of the grandfather and master photographer was too heavy for Pierre, how could he possibly fulfill it.

"A...well, Grandpa...that...actually today Papa is having a heartburn. So, it's hard for him to move his mouth!"

"Really? Why didn't you tell me? We could have postponed this photo..."

"No! No need, just now, Grandpa! I want it now, I've been waiting for this day to come, so..."

"Really? hahahaha...fine, since you asked. We'll do it now. Jeremy, you can take the picture!"

"Yes sir!"

***

"Are you sure? That girl is really Pierre Malverick's daughter?"

"Yes, because I heard firsthand that his mother's name is Marina Bichsel, a former violinist from Switzerland. Apart from that, the man who is always with her looks a lot like Professor Malverick!"

"Men? Who do you mean?"

"A bodyguard whose face resembles Pierre Malverick who died 10 years ago."

"A man with a similar face, huh? Could he be the robot that Pierre created at that time?"

"Robot? What does Grandpa mean?"

"Pierre created a robot with the exact same shape as himself. I don't know what his purpose in creating the robot was, but Grandpa is sure there is something he is hiding. Something that is definitely very dangerous."

"I don't understand what really happened, but wasn't Grandpa once Pierre Malverick's teacher?"

"Yes, but you know what? That boy dared to take away Grandpa's biggest dream and that is truly unforgivable!"

"Okay, I hope someday your grandfather will tell me. Then, I'll excuse myself..."

"Rafael, wait!"

"Yes Grandpa, what's wrong?"

"Thank you and keep watching that girl named Lea Bichsel, especially the guy who looks like Pierre Malverick!"

"Okay, Grandpa. I understand!"

***