Her Fake Lover

Chapter 12

Corbin did not answer Mr. Guillaume's question immediately. He cleared his throat once, then seemed to be contemplating—though subtly—what he was going to say carefully. For people who already knew Corbin's distaste for the kind of business they were talking about, like Emmeline, she could see that Corbin's reaction was a form of reluctance to talk, rather than just taking a break from having had a lot of conversation. Emmeline felt a little guilty.

"I understand a little about watchmaking, Mr. Karfis. My father used to be a watch designer, but not a big player. He only worked for a small company, and stopped doing that job when he decided to leave and take another job at an advertising company, until he died."

Corbin's gaze seemed to indicate that his mind was drifting and wandering to another world from his past, and the great thing about Corbin was that other people could easily get carried away into his narrative. No one interrupted his words at that time.

"Ever since my father quit being a designer, he hasn't fiddled with watches anymore. But after Dad died, my brother brought back memories of my dad's world, and he built a little cottage near the house for him to turn into his workshop." Corbin was heard sighing with a faint smile. "I know he's talented," he sighed softly.

"Oh," said Mr. Guillaume. He seemed lost in Corbin's story. "Then where is your brother now?" he asked. "I think that talent does run through your family, then."

Corbin looked away with a heavy facial expression. Emmeline could feel as if the memories from the past had left a deep mark on his soul. "He's dead too," Corbin said. "He went to France on one occasion, and ... he managed to get a job in a big company as a watch designer. It was a match for his talent. We kept in touch for a few years, until one day ... " Corbin glanced doubtfully at Emmeline's parents.

"What happened then, son? asked Jeanne. "What happened to your brother?"

“Hh,” Corbin sighed with a faint smile. But Emmeline knew it was a half forced smile. "It's been a long time, Mrs. Karfis. I can only tell you he died in an accident." Corbin took a sip of the drink in his glass, making the glass cover the expression on his sad face—Emmeline could see the sadness clearly just before Corbin lifted his glass.

"Oh, you make us all want to cry," Lea interrupted.

"Why cry?" Corbin said still smiling. "Remembrance of the people we love deserves to be done with a happy heart. They don't leave leaving scars, but sweet memories."

"Ah, son. You," said Mr Guillaume. He straightened his back, still in his seat, took a deep breath and released it hard. It was obvious that he was too absorbed in whatever Corbin had to say. "How can you change a heartbreaking story to be so beautiful to sound. You give refreshment to my old brain," he said, which Jeanne also agreed.

While the chat continued with some light pleasantries, Darren was seen sipping his drink. It's not clear what he was thinking. Dunno if he felt the same sympathy as the others. But clearly, he hadn't been heard interrupting anything since Corbin started talking about his family. Emmeline also began to pay less attention to Darren's response.

Emmeline was now beginning to correct her own attitude. She felt it was presumptuous to say that Corbin would make a watch for Karfis & Vin. Hearing Corbin's story about his family history, Emmeline could tell that the line of work that Corbin hated was one that reminded him of many things in his past, which would never return. Emmeline seemed to be able to feel, along with the rhythm of her heartbeat, Corbin would feel the pain deeper and deeper, if he did activities related to that work. How could she just say such a ridiculous idea without asking Corbin's approval?

"Emmy, what are you thinking, honey?" asked Mr. Guillaume. Emmeline gasped.

"Oh, sorry, Dad. I—I didn't think of anything," Emmeline replied. She turned to Corbin, showing an expression of sympathy and regret, and Corbin stared at her in silence for a moment.

"Then about what Emmy said, Corbin. Really, you're going to make a watch for Karfis & Vin? Is this some kind of gift for Emmeline?"

Corbin glanced briefly at Mr. Guillaume, before then at Emmy. The man was silent in his mysterious expression. For God's sake, Emmy wanted to know what he was thinking. "I'm still thinking about it, sir," Corbin said without taking his eyes off Emmeline. "Karfis & Vin recently released their flagship emerald jewelry set. I know Emmy really likes it. I doubt that my watch will ever match one of those special jewels. For example, the emerald ring?" Emmy glared. Corbin's words seemed intended to insinuate Emmy for the incident that had just happened to them. "Emmy's just too enthusiastic, sir. Actually we're still considering it," added Corbin stifling a laugh. It seemed that he had managed to piss Emmeline off.

"Ah, all right. You'll consider it. And eventually you'll work on it. You know, son, Emmeline usually always gets what she wants. Be careful. She's just like that," said Mr. Guillaume calmly.

Corbin glanced swiftly at Mr. Guillaume at the warning, then smiled calmly.

The Karfis house continued to fill with warmth, until the dinner was over. It's time for the guests to leave the house.

Emmeline, walked with Corbin to his car. For the sake of propriety, she had to do it out of concern, but more than that, didn't Emmeline really need to talk some things over with Corbin after their play?

When they got to where Corbin had parked his car, Emmeline was surprised to find that Corbin had apparently not come in the car that Chloe had prepared for him.

"That's not necessary," Corbin said when Emmy asked him. "I can borrow this car for a while, before giving it to Annaliese."

"You just bought it for Annaliese?"

Corbin said yes.

"This is what I find odd, Corbin. And now I feel like an i***t. You've confused me about a few things. And now I'm having a hard time deciphering the questions about you."

"Oh, what's wrong?" Corbin asked casually.

Emmeline put her hands on her hips. "Now explain to me! If you're not in financial trouble and can pay the compensation money without difficulty, why are you acting like you need time to pay it off? And what's even weirder is, if you can afford the money, then why did you accept my offer for this play? Look, I feel ridiculous now."

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