50

Sarah was born as an artist and. musician. She had a great talent for art, but ever since her husband passed away, she lost her interest in everything.
  However, she could see the expectation and eagerness in her daughter's eyes and couldn't bear to say no to her.
  Patiently, Sarah talked with Miya and suggested a few things that could be changed. Miya took notes, intending to work on it once she got home.
  Feeling tired and sleepy, Sarah yawned. The nurse came in and said with a smile. "How are you Miya? I was just about to take Sarah out for a little walk before bed. Lying in bed for too long isn't good for the body nor the mind, byou see."
  "Right. Shall I take her?" Miya asked.
  "Sure." The nurse said good night to them and left.
  Miya took Sarah's arm, and slowly they took the lift and went up to the rooftop garden. The moon shone gently tonight.
  "Mum, you know, I've always loved our little garden. You are the best gardener l know." Miya said cheerfully.
  Sarah nodded with a smile, yet there was sadness in her eyes.bMiya noticed, and quickly, shengave her mother a hug and said gently, "Mum, when I made enough money, I Will get our house back, and we can have our most beautiful garden again!"
  Sarah shook her head. "It must be different now. The new owner must have changed the place.
  And your fathers not here anymore. Even if we have our house back, it won't be the same anymore,"
  Then, we can buy a new house somewhere else and make it a new home. How about that?"
  Sarah smiled and patted Miya's head affectionately, "lt costs a lot, and I don't want you to put too much pressure.nnAnyway, how have you been lately?
  "I’ve been very good. I'm doing what I love and saving money."
  "You and Luke.." Sarah hesitated, looking at Miya closely, then went on, "Are you two alright?"
  "Yeah. We are." Miya muttered. Sarah sighed and said, "He came to see me the other day and told me that you two have separated. He apologized and said that he would help if there's anything we need."
  I 
  "Mum, don't trust him. He and his family are liars, stingy liars." Miya said sharply.
  Sarah patted Miya's hand and said with relief, "I'm glad you understand now. I've been wanting tọ tell you, but you seemed to love him very much, perhaps too much. Since your father passed awày, I've noticed how he and his family changed, or to be exact, how they have finally
  showed their true selves. Anyway, it's good that you are not with him anymore. I was worried that if you married him, the rest of your life would not be easy."
  Miya was concerned that it would upset her mother if she knew they had broken up. To her. surprise, Sarah actually felt relieved. "Mum, don't you worry. I'm sure I will meet someone as perfect as dad and live a happy married life, just like you and dad."
  "Right. I'm sure you will. You deserve the best, man. Now, I shall go and get some sleep."
  As they were walking back to the room, Luke showed up. "Sarah, Miya, here you are. I didn't see you in your room."
  "We went for a walk," Sarah said politely.
  "What brought you here this time?" Miya asked coldly.
  "Tiffany is sick and is also staying in this hospital. I thought I would drop by to see Sarah." Luke said a bit guiltily, "Miya, are you still mad at me?"
  Miya tried to stay as calm as she could. She replied indifferently. "I've never been mad at you. I was mad at myself for being so stupid. But anyway,thanks for the breakup so that I could be free from your torture."
  Luke looked embarrassed and said in a hurry, "Ah. Err... goodnight, Sarah. Good night, Miya."
  He turned around and left.
  "Don't feel bad for someone like him. It's not worth it." Sarah comforted gently.
  "I don't, mum. Not anymore." Miya smiled at her mother reassuringly.
  She was telling the truth. In the past sixteen years, Miya hand believed that Luke was the only one, that he loved her, protected her, and looked after her. He never said a harsh word to her,
  and whenever something went wrong, he would apologize first.
  She thought she would be happy with him, that they would get married and live life together as her parents did.
  However, during the days she hadn spent with Xenon lately, she started to see how different the two men were. Though Xenon could be dictatorial and aggressive, he never lied, ùnlike Luke, who would appear gentle and loving but was,in fact, the biggest liar. He always had his way of persuading Miya into going to the meetings that she hated.
  Luke had never forced her to havensex with her, but cleverly he had tricked her into being taken advantage of the clients. Xenon however, had bought her as a possession and would do with her whenever he liked, but if anyone else insulted her, he would be the most protective of her.
  It was a rather contradictory feeling that she felt used by Xenon, yet at thè same time, she felt safe with him.
  Miya intended to stay the night with her mother, but just as she was to go to sleep, Xenon rang and demanded that she had to be back within half an hour to cook supper for him.
  Reluctantly, Miya said good night to her mother and rushed back to Home for Sol. She made him some Chinese dumplings and. then spent another hour or so finishing the editing of the design.
  The next morning, all the shareholders gathered at the central conference room at the Uba Corporation. After a heated discussion, the came to an agreement they would keep both themes for now and would have a further discussion depending on the public reaction on the day of the press conference where they would display both designs publically.