Chapter 17: Complicated Feeling

To Eunice who got reborn in just over a month ago, the voice is both familiar and foreign to her. Familiar because it is Alice's voice whom she knew since birth. Foreign because she could no longer remember when she had called her name in an intimate tone without an ounce of hatred.

In her previous life, right after she returned to S City and met Zach, Eunice expressed her attraction towards him. This caused Alice to turn hostile towards her albeit in private. While in public she treated her like air. The one who continuously provoke the other was Eunice. Well Eunice is the one doing the stealing so it's not surprising. Thus Alice never called Eunice's name again in goodwill.

So hearing Alice's voice calling her name intimately gave her a complicated feeling.

It is true that their relationship in her previous life couldn't get any more terrible. There is also the matter of her suspicious car accident although there is no proof that Alice is the one behind it despite the circumstantial evidence. But it all originated with the conflict from vying over a man. In her current timeline however, Eunice and Alice didn't have any reason to hate each other. The matter about Alice's involvement in Bernie Wang's embezzling is still under investigation so she couldn't use that excuse.

Eunice still rejects Alice's presence but rationally speaking she doesn't have any reason to hate her in this life. But despite constant thinking, Eunice still doesn't know how to interact with Alice. Should she act intimate just like any normal cousin? But the psychological wall built from their long time rivalry isn't easy to overcome. She couldn't even remember how they usually interact in their childhood. Should she keep her distance? Will it not build new grudges between them? She doesn't know!

One thing is for sure though, Eunice won't be in conflict with Alice because of a man again.

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Alice wore an ankle length white fairy dress with a sweetheart neckline. It also has a draped gauze sleeves adorned with small crystals that glitters against the lights. It looked like she is surrounded by the stars. Her dress compliments well with her white mary jane shoes with pale pink crystals adorning its straps. She looked like an angel with her curled waist length black hair tied in a half ponytail.

Although Alice called out to Eugene and Eunice, the moment she arrived at the center of the crowd her sight automatically landed on Zach causing her eyes to brighten and smile even more genuine. The crowd didn't miss Alice's reaction causing them to smile knowingly. Some even squealed from the obvious public display of affection.

Everyone could see the imaginary pink bubbles around Alice and Zach. And despite the presence of Eunice, Eugene, Emily, Victor and Denise beside them, in the eyes of the onlookers they became invisible.

"Eugene, you are here! This is your first time attending Jake and Ria's charity event, right? It's good that you brought Eunice as well." Alice said when she arrived next to Eugene and Eunice.

"I had a concert tour last year and overseas concerts. I couldn't attend even if I wanted to." Eugene answered regretfully. "Also, Eunice just got back. This kind of gatherings and events can only be beneficial for her." He added.

"Eunice, sorry I wasn't able to visit you ever since you came home. My itinerary is full for the next few months and my manager has full control over my schedule. You won't blame me right? Anyway welcome back." Alice then turned her attention towards Eunice and gave her a quick hug.

Eunice tactfully returned Alice's hug awkwardly. "It's okay. Your work is more important." She curtly answered. Fortunately Alice didn't seem to notice her stiff manner towards her.

After greeting Eugene and Eunice, Alice then turned her attention towards Zach. "Brother Zach, you're here." Alice said with a tinge of longing in her voice. She did miss him since she hadn't seen him since the day they arrived from F Country because she was busy with interviews and TV guesting.

"Hmm." Zach only grunted in response. His response couldn't get any more ordinary but the onlookers' heart still tingled in sweetness seeing their interaction.

Zach also noticed that the crowd's reaction is ambiguous. In the past he would just ignore them and let them think what they want. But now he has someone whom he doesn't want to be misunderstood. His whole being felt regret for indulging Alice and their CP fans. He could only wish that Eunice is oblivious about the matters between him and Alice.

But Zach's expectations is doomed to shatter as Eunice considerately moved aside to let Alice and Zach stand together. His hand unconsciously lifted seemingly to stop Eunice from distancing herself. But his rationality stopped him from doing so when he remembered Donny's warning. That he would only cause trouble to Eunice as long as as he hadn't clarified his relationship with Alice.

Nobody noticed Zach's attempt to stop Eunice except of course for Alice who always had her eyes on him. This increased her suspicion about Zach and Eunice's relationship. She advertently checked Eunice's reaction hoping to find any clue to prove her intuition. Only to realize that Eunice is as indifferent as always. Her intention of keeping her distance is also evident. She probably knew about her rumors with Zach, which is a good thing for Alice.

But despite that, Alice still couldn't keep calm until Eunice totally keep her distance from Zach, with or without hidden intention. She didn't care if Eunice like Zach or not. Alice already see her as a threat. She didn't care even if they are relatives. Her mother also imprinted in her mind that if she wanted something or someone, she need to give everything to have it. And if someone covets what's hers, she have to be merciless. Or she will end up like her mother, just looking at the sidelines while the man she loves build his own family.

Eunice, who is oblivious to the fact that Alice already marked her as a rival without doing anything, endured the pang in her heart seeing the obvious romantic chemistry between Zach and Alice. She tried hard not to show her pain from her face and indifferently move aside. She slowly move to the other side of Eugene. Earlier, Eunice was in front of Zach while Eugene was on her left. Now she moved to Eugene's left side, unblocking Alice's view of Zach.

Because Eunice moved aside, Zach and Alice are now side by side. This also made the crowd notice that their clothes somewhat matched. Well, in their own speculation that is. In fact Zach didn't think much about his outfit. He just wore a custom made black tuxedo with a black tie. Underneath is just a normal white dress shirt and a white silk handkerchief in his breast pocket.

It is not a unique attire. There are others who wore the same color scheme. But because Alice wore a white dress, Zach's clothes became a match with hers completely ignoring other men who wore white suit or tuxedo. CP fans' selective thinking is truly unreasonable.