IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER - SEASON 9 EPISODE 12

Amidst Mike’s hesitancy, Tim was quite aware of what his question was truly about.

In fact, he knew very well that Sharon was the problem. Tim was no stranger to the fact that Greg’s stepmother did not like Greg very much. ‘She must have treated Violet terribly, ‘ Tim thought to himself.

“Is something wrong? What’s the matter? Why are you so reluctant to tell me? C’mon, tell me what’s the problem.” Mike persistently asked as he stared directly at Tim, his eyes full of urgency.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong,” Sensing Mike’s strong desire to know, Tim immediately answered. Knowing he would not be able to dodge Mike’s string of questions, he kept going, “I’m pretty sure you’re well informed about Violet and the Xiao family by now. So I guess you and Lawrence formed your own opinions and judgments already.”

Tim tried to beat around the bush, not giving direct responses to his questions. The implication behind his words was enough to affirm Mike’s assumptions, though.

Mike chose not to respond. Instead, he quietly took a sip of his wine; still looking at Tim.

Under Mike’s dubious gaze, Tim tentatively asked, “So, what are you planning to do?”

Mike absentmindedly swirled his wine and ruefully replied in a low voice, “How could we have allowed anyone to intimidate and torment Violet?”

After hearing Mike’s response, Tim was suddenly alert. He realized that Mike and Lawrence might be planning to make a move. He had no idea what those two big shots could be capable of doing next.

“Greg would never hurt Violet. He’s innocent. He loves his wife,” Tim said. He felt the need to defend his best friend, bothered that Mike and Lawrence might be thinking about making Greg suffer.

“I’m well aware,” Mike said, his voice hardened as he looked back up at Tim. “I have never doubted his love for Violet. I don’t think anyone ever did.”

Satisfied that Tim clearly acknowledged his reply, Mike went on, “We have been back for several days. I think it’s time to meet Greg.”

Mike turned around and took his leave. Tim watched Mike’s back, as the latter retreated and walked away from him. He had no idea what Mike would do now. He did not have an opportunity to answer to Mike’s last statement. Tim took comfort in knowing that compared to Lawrence, Mike was the more easygoing one. But at the same time, he knew how unfathomable Mike could be. No one could ever read his mind and figure out the guy’s intentions.

With the party nearly over, Tim looked around for Alice. He spotted her in the midst of mingling people, drinking her wine. He quietly approached and bid her goodbye. He uttered a quick congratulation to her, noting how successful her show had been. Then he hurriedly took his leave.

Tim purposely drove straight to Greg’s apartment. He got out of his vehicle and headed for his best friend’s house.

Inside, Greg had been doing nothing the whole day. He had been sitting on his couch for a while now, just staring at the screen of his phone. The whole house felt abandoned. Greg did not seem to notice pretty much anything, as he longingly gazed at Violet’s photos. He kept looking at their honeymoon pictures, at his wife. ‘She looked so carefree and cheerful. She’s an angel, ‘ he smiled at the thought.

“I miss you, my Violet. How are you doing? I truly hope you’re fairly well considering everything you went through,” Greg emotionally murmured, knowing that Violet would never hear all he was saying.

Instantaneously, the door bell rang, interrupting him out of his reverie. He lifted his head, looking confused. He glanced at the clock on the wall. ‘Who would come at this hour?’ he wondered.
Disoriented and puzzled, he rose and edged towards the front door. He reluctantly opened the door ajar and peeked out first.

Upon seeing who it was, he unbolted and opened the door fully. “Tim? Hey, what brings you here?” Greg inquired, startled to find his best friend outside his place.

“Shouldn’t you be attending Alice’s fashion show? Did it end early?” His brow furrowed as he glanced at the clock behind him.

“When I left, the show was about to come to an end,” Tim replied as Greg stepped aside to let him in. “Though, I guess that’s done by now, too,” he added thoughtfully, glancing at the time. “I was worried about you. You’ve been home alone for a while. How are you holding up?” Tim asked. The concern etched on his face as he sat down the couch.

Greg frowned and snapped in response, “You’re thinking too much. Who says I’m anything but fine? I’m good.” He turned away from Tim’s concerned look.

“You’ve been drowning yourself in alcohol these days. You refuse to fix yourself. I was afraid you might be in a drunken stupor again,” Tim continued, ignoring Greg’s rebuttal. He was bothered because his friend had been a mess since Violet left. No matter how he tried, Greg did not want to leave the house. His friend stayed in and wallowed in his misery but refused to do anything about it.

Greg refused to acknowledge Tim’s words. He remained silent. He walked away and sat at the other end of the couch, away from his friend.

Tim, however, was determined to talk some sense to his friend. He transfixed his eyes on Greg. “Did you know that Violet’s brother had been back for a few days already?” he asked, tilting his head.
“Yes, Tim, I know. I heard that he took over the JC Group. It’s all everyone talks about,” Greg replied with a hint of annoyance. Although Lawrence tried to lay low and keep it quiet, the news spread was out of his control. His takeover was all over the news, and it had been the headline for days. People all over the city was curious about the mysterious inheritor of the JC Group.