Chapter 113 - A New Challenge (2/2)

”I see,”Tohru said with a smile.

”By the way,”Yanee looked thoughtful as she remembered something.

”Yes?”

”Normally, it's you who asks me what lesson I learn from each story,”Yanee began as she remembered that unusual thing about the interview this time. ”Why did you ask Ria to ask me that question this time?”

”Oh?” The smile on Tohru's lips widened.

He looked very much like an amused young lord.

”What?” Yanee couldn't guess what's on his mind.

”Well, what was the lesson in her story then?” he asked, and Yanee told him what Ria answered.

”Ria said it's knowing your worth,” she informed him.

She'd never pretend and take the credit as she was not the one who came up with that answer.

”Hmmn…”he murmured as he shifted her in his arms and he looked at her eyes. ”And what do you think about that answer?”

”What do I…”Yanee frowned, not really understanding what he wanted her to say.

To be safe, she parroted what Ria already said and Tohru listened as he nodded.

”That's right. Not losing sight of yourself regardless of what's right in front of you,” he said in approval.

But Yanee had a feeling that there was another reason why he and Ria seemed to deem this lesson very important. It was related to the story but at the same time it wasn't. But what could it be?

Well, she didn't have to wonder long.

”Yanee, the reason why I emphasize on this lesson this time is because it's for you,” he said and her eyes widened.

Huh?

”For me?” she asked. Why?

”Yes,” he replied more firmly this time. ”I noticed that even if you're really amazing, you don't think highly of yourself.”

EEEEH?

”I'm not amazing,” she denied. It's even embarrassing to think of her that way. She wouldn't dare. But it seemed Tohru was already expecting her to react that way.

”See?” he commented. ”It's like this.”

He reached out and poked her nose again— a habit that this mister had developed. But Yanee was not in the mood to think about that at the moment. She wanted to know what the deal was with his words.

”Yanee, I don't want to remind you of your past. But I want to let you know that I'm not someone who holds wealth or status at a high importance. I like you because you are you,” he said and Yanee paused and stared at him in surprise.

”You already know who I really am. I don't want you to feel any pressure because of my identity. No matter what happens in the future, I want you to remember that I simply love you and you don't have to be anyone else or please anyone if you're not willing.”

Oh…

Yanee was speechless. She had never really thought about Tohru James' real identity— well except that he's now her boyfriend and that he's also her boss. But beyond that…

Oh. My. God.

As if she just realized it now, she was dumbfounded. Tohru James was the only son of the chairman of Arcus Iris and the heir. His presence was akin to a king.

”Don't look like that. Honey, I just told you to have confidence in yourself, right?” he teased her but he was serious at the same time. ”No matter who I am— you are definitely worth my love. I'm even the one who's scared you'd dump me because I'm not good enough.”

What not good enough?

”Are you kidding me?” she retorted, but her insecurities and her sudden horror upon realizing his identity was already ebbing away. She sighed heavily. No wonder Ria and Tohru were both so enigmatic about this lesson. Her situation now was similar to Ria's even if her family was also rich. The disparity between her and the James family was really miles apart.

”Don't worry. I may freak out at times and I feel insecure. But I'm accepting this new challenge. Just be patient with me,” she said.

She already agreed to date him. She might as well try her best to make things work between them. Tohru looked very happy. She was unprepared when he suddenly leaned over and planted his lips on hers.

The kiss was fast that it was gone before she realized what happened. She reached out and touched her lips as she looked at his grinning face in wonder.

”Yanee Lee, I love you…”