Chapter 489 - THINK THE SAME: PART VI

Elizabeth couldn't explain it, but somehow she felt relieved every time she shared her feelings with Cris. Was due to the fact both of them are in the same situation or was there more to it that she hasn't realized yet. But, for now, she was happy to have someone who could listen to her. 

Both of them happily converse with each other, and Cris ended up skipping dinner because he couldn't place the phone down for a minute. President Chen ended up sleeping in the guy's place since Cris was using his phone. 

It was not until Elizabeth received an unexpected message from her father. 

Daddy: [Your mother told me you'll be coming home with her.]

Elizabeth checked the time and realized how late it was. If her father had not sent a message she would have not noticed it at all. 

Lizzy: [Yes, I plan to stay for a day or two before heading to the State.]

Lord Knightley was on his way to the company whilst messaging his daughter. He was curious as to what's keeping the girl up so late at night. True, he had bugged the girl's phone, but he felt somehow unease to check. He couldn't explain it, but it seems his fears have come to reality, so fast before he could even stop it. 

He agreed to let the girl go, but why does he suddenly wish her to come back so soon. He had this strange feeling that he's about to lose her again, and this time, it could be for good. 

"My Lord, is something wrong?" Winston asked when he noticed his master seemed to be in deep thought. 

"How many days does she have left?"

"I'm sorry…" Winston was unsure of his master question.

"Till her contract ends?"

Winston has thought about something else, he has almost forgotten about the contract the father and daughter made. "Not less than 6 weeks." 

"Hmm, then I really don't have much time left." 

Winston left the worries the man was feeling. He knew about the problem the man was facing on his own since he has been by his side for the longest. He has kept so many secrets from his wife and family about the girl which he fears will soon be revealed. 

"Have they made any contact?" Lord Knightley paused for a moment as they walked out of the estate.

"No, I have not heard from them. I heard their young master is missing?" 

"Hmm, he just does not want to face reality." Lord Knightley disheartedly spoke as he walked out of the house and into the car. He found it amusing that the boy is missing, when the fact he could be by his daughter's side already. He hated the idea, but he had no choice. His daughter was so important that he was willing to give up anything. "Check if anyone has made any contact with my daughter?" 

"You mean?" 

The man did not reply and got inside the car leaving Winston all panicked as he got his phone out and made calls at once. 

…

It was almost midnight yet the girl was still wide awake. She just ended her conversation with her father when she informed the person whom she was chatting with earlier about what happened. 

[You sure took your time little princess.]

Elizabeth looks annoyed by the man's response. How she wishes she could punch him right now. But, anyway, he won't be seeing him anymore since the guy requested to get the result from Liu Lingxin. What the guy suggested has been bothering the guy in fear that he might do something to Liu Lingxin. 

[It's late, you should get some rest.]

Cris was bothered why the girl suddenly wished to end their time together. He was just being funny yet it seems it caused the girl's mood to change. 

[Fine, I'm sorry. Don't be like that… It's been a while since we saw each other.]

[Sorry, but I don't have time. I need to rest since I have a busy schedule unlike some slothy prince.]

Cris was somehow offended by what the girl replied. But, he found it more funny than hurtful. "So you do have a sense of humor." He thought for a moment what to say to the girl.

[Do you know how hard I've lived my life to be where I am.]

Elizabeth wonders how challenging the man's life must be for him to do something as he runs away. She still finds his reason for searching for the one he loves as a false excuse to escape the harsh life he has. Of course, she made up this conclusion when the guy mentioned the major families. It just means he must be closely related to them. 

[Well, I love to stay and chat but I have important things to do.]

Cris was getting annoyed. 

[You know, it's better to appreciate those around you, than look for something which you can never have.]

Cris continued being serious with the girl for he was concerned for her life. If he was single himself, he would win the girl over to prevent her from doing anything reckless. But, he was just a friend to her and nothing more. 

[Miss Knightley, you know what's about to happen so why are you being so stupid.]

Elizabeth was getting too emotional as well and started responding with anger. 

[I'm not like you who has no heart and does not know what love means.]

[Please, I too have someone important, but I'm not willing to go as far as what you're doing.]

[Didn't you promise me you'll help me?]

[I did, but if it means losing you then I rather not.]

Elizabeth couldn't put it into words but she felt she had heard the same words being said to her before. Her heart started aching as she felt such nostalgic feelings. 

[Why do you speak like him?]

Cris was dumbfounded and couldn't respond right away to what the girl sent. The girl has mentioned it a couple of times already that he somehow talks like the guy she's looking for. 

[Maybe smart and handsome guys like us think alike.]

He just made that up for he actually didn't know what to say to the girl. 

Elizabeth read the reply and started laughing. For what the man said does make sense. Both of them are indeed smart and handsome. 

[Enough, I really need to go.]

[Why are you so in a hurry to go. The night is young, what's so interesting to me?]

[My best friend's wedding.]

Cris was surprised and didn't respond right away. He started to think about who the girl's friend could be. As he listed down all the people he found out were close to the girl at the same time currently engaged and he could think of anyone at all. 

[Congratulations to your friend.]

Elizabeth has a bitter smile on her face as she replied. 

[Thank you, I'll forward your message to her.]

[Does she know me?] 

Cris innocently asked. 

[Of course not.]

Ah!

Cris felt so stupid asking such an obvious question. He didn't know what came into his mind when he asked the question. Maybe, he just didn't want to let the girl go and started asking ridiculous questions. 

[Good night.]

Before he knew it, the girl already sent another message and it was too late for him to drag her back. In the end, he had no choice but to end the night.

"Good night then, Miss Knightley." He said as he looked at the phone and placed it away.