29 Where Are We Going?

'Why didn't he wake me up?' Arya wondered when she woke up with her already on the bed inside her room. She looked at her phone to see if he left a message but there's none. Seeing the clock, she quickly moved to ready herself.

She was on her way to the court to attend the trial of her dad.

She arrived just in time. She sat on the chair and looked at her dad who was sitting beside his attorney. He looked so haggard. Dark circles were visible under his eyes indicating he hasn't slept well. He can't even shave that beard and growing mustache of his that irritates her when she was young because it stings whenever he will kiss her on the cheeks.

He seemed to notice that someone was gazing at him intently so he looked around and found her.

Arya smiled lovingly at him, her eyes said the words, "Hang in there dad, everything will be alright now. You can go home soon."

His dad winked at her and smiled happily in return saying, "Don't worry too much dear. Your dad is strong."

Arya was tearing and chuckling inside, because she was picturing her dad's favorite expression which was to always show them his strong muscle with his funny arm wrestle pose.

The trial ended good in favor of his dad according to Attorney Lim. "I did not know Mr. Tan had a beautiful daughter. I only got to meet your mom and little sister." Mr. Lim exclaimed as he stared at her.

After the trial, she invited him for lunch so they can discuss the progress of her dad's case. Mr. Lim was one of the best lawyers in their country and she had heard good feedback about him.

"It's not that I am boasting but trust me on this, your dad will definitely be released after a week and I will make sure that happens." He said in a confident tone as he smiled intently at her.

Arya returned the smile and said, "Thank you so much Attorney Lim for this help."

"No worries Arya. It's my job and please do call me Lance and don't be too formal with me will you? Here's my card. You can call me anytime you need help. Also, give me your number so I can update you from time to time regarding your father's case." Lance said smiling as he handed her his calling card.

Then her phone rang, it was Ryu so she excused herself from Lance for a while.

Ryu was asking where she was and what she was doing. She said her location and told him that she was meeting her dad's attorney to discuss an important matter.

Arya: Why do you ask?

Ryu: Nothing, I'm just checking your schedule to grab some lunch. Anyway, since I'm near your area, I will go pick you up.

Arya: No, let's just meet somewhere else. I am not yet done with my meeting. I will call you back.

Then, she quickly hung up the phone.

"I am sorry about that." Arya said politely as she went back to her sit.

After a few more talks, Arya already bid her farewell. However Lance insisted to walk her out and that he can drive her off to her place.

"No, I am really good. I actually have to meet my.." her wordswas interrupted by a voice from her back.

"Love, what took you so long?" Ryu said as he quickly encircled his arm on Arya's waist.

"Oh hi, I am her boyfriend. I was about to pick her up." He said simply then shifted his gaze to Arya who looked surprise and taken aback.

"Are you done love?" Ryu smiled at her. Arya just nodded.

"Okay, then let's go." Ryu continued as he led her to walk to his car.

"Why are you here and so fast?" Arya asked confusedly inside the car. Ryu smiled smugly as he leaned forward to her side to pull her seat belt for her and locked it.

"I told you I was around the area," he said with his expressionless face. His lips were pursed and he was noticeably not in a good mood.

He started the car's engine but did not drive yet. "Why? Is there something wrong?" Arya asked after a minute of just silence inside the car.

"I told you not to remove the ring," Ryu murmured. Arya gasped and hurriedly took it out inside her purse.

"Oh this, I went out to see my dad first so I have to remove it for a while because he will be shocked if he saw this on me.I told you before I haven't told him yet that I have a boyfriend already. I'm sorry I forgot to wear it back after." Arya explained as she wore the ring.

Ryu did not respond and just started to drive the car.

"Where are we going?" Arya asked but Ryu did not answer.

"Ryu?" Arya called as she looked at him. She was uneasy with Ryu's still expressionless face that was focused on the road.

'Can't he hear me?' she thought internally.

"Where are we going?" she asked once more. This time she spoke much louder.