Chapter 16: Most Of Her Feelings Had Withered Away But, A Few Remained
Old Madam Shen's love for candid photos began because of her late husband.
Old Master Shen tended to ask his subordinates to photograph the moments he shared with his family and friends. It was usually done when they gathered for both a simple or elaborate event.
The photos helped people to relive the memories. The candidly taken ones captured the raw of the moments.
On the day that Liliana brought up the topic of divorcing Asher, Old Madam Shen was too sad and shocked. In the spur of the moment, she almost denied the young lady's wish.
Fortunately, Old Madam Shen recomposed herself before promising Liliana that she would give her the correct answer soon.
Thinking of the divorce, Old Madam Shen's weathered heart was layered with melancholy. She spent her resting time going through Liliana's photos; from the wedding day four years ago, the events they joined together until the tea time they had together last month.
In the first year of Liliana and Asher's marriage, Old Madam Shen found many photos of Liliana smiling bashfully when she was alone.
It was the look of someone thinking of the person she loved wholeheartedly. Not a moment went by without her thinking of him.
But...
The smiles gradually faded over time.
To be frank, this was not the first time Old Madam Shen noticed that. She already guessed that Liliana was getting more unhappy from this marriage but, the most she did was tell Asher off from time to time.
Until now.
"Lili, I don't want you to... lose yourself and... be unable to smile genuinely anymore."
Old Madam Shen's eyes were glazed with a layer of tears as she looked at Liliana. The young lady was done looking at the photos. Her own eyes reddened with a hint of tears.
"...Grandma."
Liliana almost choked on her sob. Her shoulders began to tremble. The tablet lay on her lap. A photo of her staring sorrowfully into the distance was displayed on the screen.
This one was taken during their last tea time one month ago before Old Madam Shen flew abroad to visit her sick friend. Liliana didn't remember much about what happened but... it had something to do with Asher.
Of how anxiously she tried to get a hold of his heart after four years of their marriage.
Old Madam Shen took the tablet back. A lone drop of tear slid down her wrinkled face.
"I was selfish. All this time... I know that you're not happy with Asher, but... I still hoped that you'd endure and be with him. How foolish I was."
As the one who took the candid photos, Madam Ma did mutter from time to time, saying that Liliana looked troubled most of the time she was alone. Yet, Old Madam Shen comforted herself by saying all marriages had setbacks.
Now, Old Madam Shen coerced herself to stop being delusional.
How long Liliana had to just accept the cold treatment from Asher?
Even though Asher might finally open his heart later for her, wouldn't Liliana's own heart be exhausted?
In the end, they wouldn't be truly happy with each other.
"Grandma..."
Liliana was unable to say anything. Her throat felt so clogged up. She could only embrace the feeble old lady and gave her a warm and tight hug.
Old Madam Shen also did the same. The two ladies cried alone.
No one's eyes were dried tonight.
Liliana was extremely grateful for what Old Madam Shen did for her.
Really... If not for Grandma's support, she might find herself waiting for Asher to return her love again despite the continuous heartbreaks.
Both of them cried before laughter slipped out of their lips.
"Grandma... you're a mess," Liliana wiped Old Madam Shen's wet face with a tissue.
"So are you, my darling," Old Madam Shen laughed in between cries, "We might have swollen eyes tomorrow."
"Hehe, we should go to sleep. It's nearing ten."
Liliana escorted Old Madam Shen to the latter's room. It was located in the back area of the two-story villa.
Madam Ma's room was also there. Apparently, she had fallen asleep after video-calling her grandchildren. Both Liliana and Old Madam Shen just quietly checked on her before going to the other room.
"I plan to visit the temple. Do you want to follow me?" asked Old Madam Shen while laying down on the bed.
"The Golden Phoenix Temple?" Liliana made a guess, "I'll accompany you, Grandma."
"Great. Let's go there at eight. I've made the appointment to meet Head Priest Guan."
Liliana nodded in understanding. She was accustomed to going to the said temple because Old Madam Shen often frequented the place.
Golden Phoenix Temple was located north of this beach, sitting on top of a hill believed to be surrounded by auspicious energy. Old Madam Shen became their patron ever since she married the late Old Master Shen.
Head Priest Guan was the one in charge of the temple. He was a respectable and graceful old man. Despite his high age, the high priest was still sharp. He deserved his top position now.
After making sure Old Madam Shen was comfortable, Liliana quietly left the room. As she walked along the corridor with ceiling-to-floor windows, her sight was met with the view of the distant sea.
The temperature outside was certainly so cold.
In the moment of loneliness, Liliana's mind drifted to Asher, the man who occupied the apex of her heart ten years ago.
Liliana was aware of the conflicted feelings brewing within her. Even though she was determined to leave Asher after losing their child, it didn't mean that all of her feelings for him had disappeared.
Most of them had withered away, yet... a few remained.
Liliana paused in the middle of the hallway. She was still looking out of the glass windows. Her image was reflected on the surface.
"You're doing good, Lili," Liliana murmured to herself, "If Mom knows, she'll be proud of you."
Ever since Liliana was small, Cassia often reminded her that women didn't need men to sustain their lives.
"We're the women of the new era, Lili! Don't think so little of yourself even if a man doesn't like you. Remember, we can be happy even with only money. Men? Screw them."
The young Liliana always laughed whenever her mother told her that. She understood that her mother was teaching her to be self-reliant.
But...
She lost that sight after being left helpless and hopeless due to the accident.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
hansora
hansora I'll start updating For Our Happier Path again in mid-March. Right now, I'm busy training my replacement and my left eye isn't in a good condition. I'll start a new job yayy on April 1st! Better working hours = more writing time ;)
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