Chapter 83

GIULIA

I had just stepped down from the car when Kenzo stormed out of the house. "What the hell is going on? Why are you guys-Lia?" He blinked, dazed. "Nah, I must be making things up," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

My lips lifted in a grin as my eyes ran over him, starting from his head to his feet, which were slipped into comfortable slippers. Kenzo had changed. It was obvious. The dramatic change made me lift an eyebrow. My once goofy friend looked more hardened, just like Mark did when I met him for the first time.

He had completely shaved his hair, like a monk. There was no strand of hair on his head, and his eyes, which once held admiration whenever they beheld me, seemed lifeless.

"Kenzo?" I finally found my voice, stepping towards him as I reached out to him. Seeing him this way tugged on my heartstrings. I couldn't tell why, but I felt I was part of the reason for his indifferent look.

The minute his name left my lips, his face transformed as his lips lifted into a grin. "Lia!" He closed the distance between us and enveloped me in a hug, filling my nostrils with the scent of his cologne. His hug was warm. It felt like home.

Hugging him brought back memories of the time when I lived in this mansion. Days when I sat in the foyer with him, gazing at the moon while sipping our tea or wine, depending on our mood.

I smiled at the recollections, grateful for the pleasant feeling they left in me. Kenzo had always been a darling.

"God, I missed you, Lia!" He broke from the hug and placed both hands on my shoulders so he could see my face. "What happened?" The smile on his face dropped as he reached for my hair, patting it.

"What?" I blinked, confused by his question.

"You have lost weight," he commented, frowning as he gave me an appraisal, his mouth twisting in a thoughtful frown. "Not only that, but you look pale." He placed his right hand on my forehead, checking my temperature. "Are you okay?"

I was stunned for a moment. Seeing how attentive he was brought tears to my eyes. There was my Kenzo. Always a sweetheart. I had to blink back the tears as I forced a smile. "Of course, I'm okay! Why do you think I wasn't?" My tone was forced. He could tell. Else, he wouldn't have knitted his brows.

"You-"

"I can't believe my right-hand man ignored me," Mark mumbled, cutting into the conversation.

Kenzo stiffened at the sound of his voice, gulping. His Adam's apple bobbled, and his forehead broke out in a sweat.

"And who are you?" he asked, his tone both shaky and bold. He was dancing between the two, not knowing if he should be terrified or pissed at his boss.

"Who am I?" Mark chuckled, stepping to my side. "You blatantly ignored my calls, and pretended you didn't see me now, just to ask who I am?"

"Do you know him?" Kenzo asked me, quirking his brows, a rebellious smile tugging on the sides of his lips.

"No, I don't," I replied, playing along with him. Well, it was fun. Anything that would make Mark look so mad. He was ready to combust, was worth it for me. He looked like a volcano ready to erupt, and that made me more than eager to infuriate him more.

Hehehe.

Bring it on, darling.

"Are we playing this game now?" Mark demanded, his voice devoid of any mirth in them.

"Let's go in," Kenzo took my hand in his, ignoring the fuming tiger, who was ready to rip him to shreds with his claws and munch on his bones.

Grinning, I let him lead me up the short flight of stairs to the front house, marvelling at how much the house had changed. There were two flower beds by the door, once that let out a cooling fragrance as we walked past it. The air was warmer, more alive.

Kenzo filled me up on what happened when I left. Mark sat on the opposite couch, throwing dark glances at us while growling like a damned animal. He looked cute, though.

"That was harsh!" I exclaimed when he narrated how he was beaten to a pulp by a furious Mark. "Was he attempting to murder you???"

"That was my thoughts." Kenzo lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "I even assumed I wouldn't survive!" He said, dramatically grasping my hand. "Do you know the first thought I had when I saw death?"

I shook my head at the question, eagerly waiting for his response while trying not to chuckle.

"You." He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling. "I wanted to see you for the last time."

"Aww." I leaned on him, grinning as my gaze went towards Mark, who was still stewing. "I'm glad you thought of me."

"Of course, I will always think of you." He sat up on the couch, causing me to follow his lead. "Why did you return?" He asked, looking into my eyes. "I know I missed your absence, and would never want you to go, but…" He looked towards Mark before his gaze returned to me. "Did he force you?"

I threw my head back in laughter. "You have gotten bolder, Kenzo," I observed, wiping the tears from under my eyes.

"Because there's nothing else to dread. I had already seen the Grim Reaper, paraded through the valley of the shadows of death, and survived it. What else is there to fear?"

"Okay, I get it now." Mark got up and stepped over to us. "I'm sorry," he whispered, looking towards Kenzo. "I apologize for punching you, man. I should have restrained myself."

"Huh?" Kenzo pulled up from the couch, a grin spreading on his face as he approached him. "Never thought I would witness my boss apologizing. Staying angry was worth it."