Cold Man And Miss Stone
20. You Hate me? [REVISED]

Samuel was already convinced that Ema would definitely get tired of being taken to a place like this. Honestly, he was bored.

There was not much time for Samuel to look at Ema, for he had to pretend to be the Samuel Ahkam that others wanted. Samuel was invited to fill the event with singing, but more time was spent talking and discussing unimportant things.

Sometimes Samuel looked toward Ema, either amused or pitying to see her sitting limp not far from the stage, holding the empty bag that Samuel had tucked into her as his assistant's confirmation.

The night Samuel finished with all the events, he remembered that Ema had not eaten at all.

Samuel hurried away, looking for bread that could at least be used as a stomach booster.

"Ema."

The girl looked up, then stood up as if she was not sick. "Done?"

"Yes." Yeah." Samuel didn't know why he was stuck with that weak face. Rather doubtfully, he extended the bread into his hand. "Eat this. Penganggal before you eat at the inn."

"I'm not hungry."

"But—"

"Don't worry about me in front of other people. Isn't that bad for your reputation?"

Samuel gulped. Miss heart this stone is still a stone.

"alright. Let's go."

"Your friend?"

"They know to take care of themselves. I am tired and want to sleep."

Without answering, he walked, and he paid no heed to the bread that Samuel had held.

*

Cold too.

Emilia had to say that this was her first time going to the beach. They walked along the coast without much noise from each other.

Can Emilia feel that her legs are starting to tremble, a sign that her body is already very weak and needs intake.

No wonder Samuel was looking at him so closely now.

A strong wind smelling salty sea blew flying Emilia's hair. He hugged himself, trying to keep walking at least until he reached the inn.

"I feel wrong about you" said Samuel suddenly. "I want to repay your kindness but instead make you look like you want to go back to that village again."

It turns out that he is also smart to read people's hearts. Were it not for Mahesa, Emilia would not have stayed here with this foreign man.

"Ema, do you hate me?"

As she fell silent, Emilia simply walked over.

*

Ja.

Yes, said.

Samuel already knew that Emilia did not like Samuel at least. But hearing him directly say yes, even to the point of turning to convince really that he was serious, it was a bit surprising.

Doesn't mean Samuel feels he should like it. It's just that Samuel more often faced the liking of a girl than the hatred of such a conviction.

Attractively.

Somewhat funny and unique.

Because he was sick, Samuel did not bother him much anymore. Shows where they will stay, then go take a seat that he has ordered so that the surrounding is empty.

For the second time perhaps, Samuel saw Emilia eating. His hands were somewhat trembling, a normal reaction of a starving human body.

Samuel had guessed.

He did not eat the food Samuel had given him.

There was no way he could look that weak and that simple just because he was late for a day's meal. How much did he hate to eat whatever Samuel gave him?

"We'll stay here for the next two days. Tomorrow I have no activities, but the day after tomorrow I will be present at my friend's live music club. I can't leave you alone at the inn, so inevitably I have to take you with us."

"Do as you please."

After eating, Ema did not even look at Samuel. The girl moved, preferring to ask the innkeeper which room she should sleep in.

He left Samuel.

After Ema's departure, Samuel remained silent. Staring at the former seat of Ema which still left a cold aura.

Samuel's mind was long overpowered by the figure of his mother.

Idrus and Seline's deaths make Mom nervous. Though I knew that Samuel would not be so easily overthrown by Argantana.

It has survived so far. He has tried to get to this point.

Samuel exhaled slowly. Deciding to move also because it is exhausting to have to pretend at all times.

*