CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

OLIVER


It's been three hours since Dallas and I began our chess game and we were in a tie, neither of us willing to back down for the other. She made her move with so much confidence, but I was determined to win. Our competitive energy was so intense that we couldn't even think of anything outside the game. It was getting dark and Tabitha had already left. It was just Dallas and I in the house.

Dallas moved her pawns, her eyes fixated on the chessboard. I countered her with my knights. She smiled, as if anticipating my strategy.

Each move was calculated until I finally blocked her escape.

“Checkmate.” I announced, triumphant.

She stared at the chessboard, her brows knitted. She was probably wondering how she lost.

“Whatever. You got lucky.” She scoffed.

“I don't believe in luck, little monkey. I get whatever I want.”

She leaned into that chair and cocked an eyebrow.
“Arrogant much?”

“It’s not arrogance when it's true.”

She simply gave me a smile.

“But if it makes you feel better, you were a worthy opponent. Where did you learn to play this well?” I asked.

I already knew the answer to that. But I wanted to hear it from her. I've grown fond of hearing her stories, and I never miss any chance to get her to share more about herself. There is something captivating about the way she talks about her past.

“Brace yourself, it's a long and sad story.” She sighed and adjusted her sitting posture.

“In my freshman year of high school, I had just gotten to Korea and wanted to join the chess club. I got into an argument with a senior, the chess club champion. She refused to let me join, calling me dumb. I challenged her to a match in front of the whole school. Long story short, I lost and was humiliated."

Dallas chuckled.

"But Lisa encouraged me, and I decided to learn the game to beat that senior. I challenged her at the school's competition and won. Since then, I've never entered another competition, only playing against Lisa.

Her eyes held a distant look, and I could sense her deep longing for her best friend. I realized that her reluctance to return to Korea was the same reason she tolerated Lucien’s ridiculous demands after her mother's death. It was because of the will. I vowed to change that soon.

"You two must have been inseparable."

A faint smile crossed her lips.
"We were. Still are, despite the distance. She is the only friend I've ever had." her voice softened. "I just feel sad whenever I remember she'd be getting married soon and I might not be able to attend.”

I noticed her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the chessboard.

“What about you? Where did you learn the game?” She asked, putting a smile on.

“My father taught me. He was a champion during his time and passed in on to me. We bonded over the game.”

Dallas's gaze softened, noticing the sudden change in my mood.

“You miss him, don't you?” She asked, her voice gentle.

“A lot. He was the best parent anyone could ever ask for. But he didn't even get to live for long.” I paused “because of me.”

I felt a sudden pit in my stomach as the memories we shared together flashed through my mind. He was truly the best parent ever. Unlike mum, he always made up for being absent in my life. But I was always a jerk to him, until his last breath.

“I'd be lying if I say I understand what you're going through. But I'm certain about one thing. Your father loved you, and he would do anything to protect you. That's what parents do. His death wasn't your fault. You can't blame yourself for something that was beyond your control.”

She stared at me, her expression soft and full of compassion.

“Besides, someone once told me, you shouldn't feel bad about something you can't control.”

Her lips tilted into a smile, and I got the context behind her words.

“I'm pretty sure my exact words were ‘you shouldn't feel bad for fighting for something that was stolen from you’. It's totally different from what you just said.”

“Heh, close enough,” she shrugged and laughed.

I can never get enough of the sound of her laughter. It always awaken something in me every time.

A smile etched on my face as I stared at her face.

“Thank you.” I said.

She stood up and made a dramatic now.
“It's my pleasure, sir.” she settled back on the chair.

I pressed my lips together to refrain the laughter that rose in my throat. She had successfully lightened the mood.

It was the first time I had ever admitted to missing my father. My actions have always portrayed it but I've never said it out loud. Somehow I don't mind showing emotions in Dallas's presence. It's like I know she would never judge me.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” She asked suddenly.

My brows creased as I stared at her. I had no idea how to respond to that. I couldn't even remember the last time I watched a movie.

“Why do you look so startled? I'm not asking you on a date. We're watching right here in the house.” She chuckled.

I wouldn't mind if she asked me on a date. Infact I would love it. Going on dates have always been a very tedious task for me. A task I had to do just to please my mother. I'd have to sit for a long period of time and listen to women spurt rubbish about their lives with the hope that they'd impress me. I always tune them out just after the first few minutes, but even then, I'd still get tired. The longest date I've ever been on lasted for an hour and half.

But if I had to go on a date with Dallas, I'm certainly going to lose track of time. Sometimes I convince myself that Dallas isn't a human being. She is different from everyone, just like me. Our only difference is that we have entirely different personalities.

That's the only sane explanation to why she was the only woman I can tolerate for more than five minutes. I could just go to my neurologist and find out why she was my cure like I planned, but I just kept postponing the appointment. A big part of me doesn't want to know the reason. They say ‘ignorance is bliss’.

“Hello! You're not answering me.” She waved her hand in my face.

Only then did I realize I had been staring at her the whole time without giving her a response.

"Yes." I said immediately. I didn't even hear her question.

She seem surprised for a while before she said, "Wow! I didn't peg you for a romance guy. "

Say what now?

"What?"

"I asked if we should watch a romance movie and you agreed." She shrugged.

She stood up and strolled towards the door.
"I'll go get the popcorn. Come downstairs when you're ready."