Chapter 586 - CAPPADOCIA III

Marian went to the counter first with Victoria. They were both holding little items that they like from the shop and was prepared to check out. Marian was really keen on buying the heart-shaped lock with a very intricate design. There were many heart-shaped locks in the world but Marian felt that the item she got this time was special.

"I'd like to have these." She said while she put her items on the countertop. Veronica also placed the items she got which included the vintage mirror that was said to be previously owned by a princess. Whether this was true or not, she didn't mind. She just wanted to have the mirror to herself because it looked beautiful.

The old man, who was sitting on a rocking chair at the back of the counter, pressed some button under the table and moments later, a middle-aged lady arrived from who-know-where.

"Are these all your items?" she asked Marian and Veronica while looking over at the things on the table.

"That's for both of us. Our friends probably picked some things as well." Marian answered.

"Alright." The lady started scanning the code of the items until she saw the heart-shaped lock on the table. Her hand paused mid-air for a sec and she looked at Marian and Veronica with a frown. "Didn't you have the key to this lock?"

"They key? What key? I didn't know that there was a key."

The lady's frown went even deeper and she looked really bothered. "This should have a key. We've been told that anyone who owns the key and the lock will have a lifetime of happiness and that if they die, they will meet again in the next life."

"I don't believe in such thing." Marian replied. "I just wanted this for collection or something. I don't need anyone to – "

"Is this the key?" The interruption was so sudden but it wasn't what stopped Marian from speaking. She stopped talking because she just came face to face with her ex-boyfriend. Right now, he wasn't even wearing the mask, the glasses or his cap. He fully exposed himself in front of her. "I really wish this is the key."

The middle-aged lady picked up the key and opened the lock right in front of them. "Yes, this is it! Such fate! Such destiny. You must be destined for each other." She said happily but her voice slowly fades when she noticed Marian's expression – unhappy. "Do you still want to get the lock?" she asked.

"No. I don't like it anymore. You can give it to him if he likes it. I'll pay for the others."

"O-okay."

John wanted to speak to Marian while the cashier packed up the items but he felt a little hesitant when he found Veronica glaring at him. Veronica's glare was something he can ignore but Marian didn't even spare him a glance. She looked angry, even.

Cayenne and Stefan also arrived with few things in hand. Cayenne spoke to Marian as if nothing happens and successfully diverted the latter's attention.

"It's rare to meet someone from the same city here. Let's have dinner together." Stefan suggested and since it was him who will pay for their food, Marian just let him be. When they finished shopping and went to have dinner in the nearest restaurant, John was accompanying them openly. He was no longer stalking them.

"You told him about this trip, didn't you?" Marian whispered to Cayenne while waiting for their food.

"I did. I'm really sorry." Cayenne whispered in apology. "I know that you're having a hard time after I have read your letters but I also realized that before it's too late, before you regret everything – it would be better if both of you will have closure. If you can no longer love him, isn't it better if you tell him the words. Isn't it better if you let him know of your decision. Based on your letter and based on what I have observed, I can see that he hasn't given up his feelings for you. There must be some kind of misunderstanding." Cayenne whispered, trying her best to explain her side while giving Marian the choice of the next course.

When their food arrived, Marian ate quietly. She'd answer if she's asked but she no longer initiates any subject for conversation. She often fixed the collar of her blouse as well – afraid that John would find something beneath her clothes.

From the beginning 'til the end, Marian didn't look at the man that she missed the most. She didn't say a single word to him.

On their way back to the resort, they stopped several times to take pictures of the night view as well. Cayenne and Stefan had lots of photos together and Stefan uploaded it on his account while Cayenne uploaded random pictures of them; including Veronica and Marian. John didn't take pictures with them but he was silently stealing pictures of Marian.

They all went back to the resort around nine in the evening. Cayenne still wanted to enjoy the scenery but Stefan had planned for their next day to be enjoyable and packed with adventure. In the end, she could only agree to rest the night away.

It wasn't the same for the people in the other room, though. Veronica was watching Marian with worry reflecting her face while the latter was looking outside their floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought of what she should do.

She did say that she will no longer love him in her letters but over the years, she wasn't still able to move on. She still continued to hang on to her feelings while continuously avoiding him. Marian took a deep breath for the nth time and sighed once again.

"Stop thinking too much. Let's rest for tonight because we will do lots of things tomorrow according to Ms. Yen. If you want to talk to him, I won't stop you." Veronica stated while arranging the bed where they'll sleep. "I just hope that you won't regret anything."

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

"No big deal. Come here and let's sleep."

On the other hand, John received the itinerary that Stefan prepared for the next day. To spend more time with Marian and possibly get a chance to talk to her, John relied on Stefan for information. He needed to match his activities with their to never miss a chance again.

"Tomorrow, I'll make sure to get some words out of her. Even if it's a single 'hi' or an angry 'back off', I wouldn't mind." John told himself.. He has prepared himself for the worst already but none of them prepared for her illness to get worse.