431 WITH PEACE OF MIND
ASTRID went to school with a much better mood than when he just woke up this morning. It was all because of the news that Ellis told him regarding Olivia. Well, he still really didn’t care much for that woman, he only cared what would happen to Livi. That’s why he was so relieved after hearing that news from Ellis.
Apparently, Olivia made the best decision of her life by coming clean to her husband and apologizing. Which then turned into a huge pay-out because her saint of a husband forgave her and even suggested on faking the deaths of the their family so they could have a fresh start.
Now, Livi could live a normal life with his father and mother. Hopefully, this time, he could get all the love and happiness he deserved.
Truthfully, the MVP of this whole situation was none other than Benjamin Thornley. If he didn’t have such a generous and forgiving heart, Olivia’s honest confession could turn into something more disastrous. But the fact that he forgave Olivia after everything showed that he truly loved the woman. Not to mention, the fact that he didn’t even hesitate to leave his noble heritage for her and for their son.
Astrid couldn’t help but be reminded of his parents because of that. The only difference was, Olivia’s family faked their death in a very much legal way. Unlike his parents, whom one was still a wanted ‘fugitive’ in the Empire.
Anyway, since things had already come to that, he just hoped that Livi would have a better life. Of course, that was not in terms of financial things, but in terms of family and just the general joy of life. Just like how he and Reas grew up with love and care from their parents. He wished that Livi would also experience that. And maybe, someday, the two of them could meet again under better circumstances.
With things ending in such an almost perfect way, he was able to go to school with peace of mind.
———-
Lunch break, Astrid, Kiran, and Snow were finally able to eat together again.
.....
“I watched the episode of [Noble Lawyer] last night,” Kiran said as they were eating. “You were amazing, Snow!”
“I agree. You did well, Snow,” Astrid seconded.
Despite how he was worrying with the whole Thornley family affair, he still didn’t forget to watch [Noble Lawyer] to at least support Snow’s first appearance in a show. And just like he said, Snow did incredibly well.
Of course, there was still a lot of room for improvement, but considering as how that was Snow’s first public appearance, his performance was definitely much better if compared to other rookies.
The corner of Snow’s lips went up. Even though he barely showed any reaction, both Astrid and Kiran could tell that he was very happy by their compliment.
“I’m far from being amazing,” he said, humbly. “I still have a lot to learn. At least, I think I’m still far from Astrid’s level.”
“Hey, don’t compare yourself, not with me nor with anyone,” Astrid quickly said. “Something like that could hinder your own growth.”
“I agree,” Kiran also quickly said after. “We should only strive to be a better version of ourselves.”
Snow was silent for a moment before chuckling. “Yes.”
He was a bit surprised because he was mostly thinking the same.
But he must admit that he was a bit disappointed that his guest appearance barely made any noise. Granted that there was a much bigger news, like the Thornley family scandal. Still, as a human, he couldn’t help but have expectations. And when those expectations were not met, of course, he would feel sad about it.
It’s not something he would lose sleep over though. After feeling disappointed for a bit, he regained his usual vitality and thought that he would do even better once he was given another opportunity.
On that note, he suddenly remembered that Thornley boy who guested with Astrid in that baby program. Since the two got along so well, he immediately called Astrid this morning after seeing the news about the kid’s accident. The three of them, together with Kiran, video called together.
Weirdly enough, Astrid told them that there’s no need to worry about him. The other didn’t say much, he just told them that there were some things that he couldn’t say. Snow then couldn’t help but think that there’s some conspiracy and the boy didn’t really die.
As someone familiar with that kind of experience, he knew that it was certainly possible. Kiran was probably also thinking the same thing. That’s why both of them didn’t even try to talk about it.
“By the way, how about you, Kiran, have you finished the songs Polaris has commissioned you?” he asked, changing the subject.
Kiran grinned and gave them a ‘v’ sign. “I’ve already finished them. The only thing left is putting lyrics to the melody I made.”
“Are you still going to be in charged of the lyrics for all the songs?” Astrid asked curiously.
Because there were times when a composer and a lyricist were two different people or two different groups of people. Besides, he already heard one of the songs that Kiran would send to Polaris. And it was already a complete song, one that had a lyrics and not just a melody.
That’s why he asked that. Because he was wondering if Kiran did lyrics for all the songs.
“I did write lyrics for all of them. But it would still be up to Polaris if they would use it,” Kiran said with a shrug.
“I think as long as the head of Polaris’ music department is in their right mind, they would definitely use your lyrics,” Astrid said with certainty.
“I agree. You do have a knack in combining words together to form beautiful phrases,” Snow said.
A hint of blush appeared on both Kiran’s cheeks. He scratched the back of his head, feeling all shy. “What, is this a day for us to praise each other?”
“Then, should it be my turn now?” Astrid said in a joking manner.
Both Kiran and Snow turned to look at him.
“Fishing for compliment is not just it, Aster,” Kiran said, shaking his head.
“It lowers the value of the compliment,” Snow added.
The three of them then looked at each other and then they all just burst out laughing.
After they finished eating lunch, Astrid told the other two that he would have to take a leave for a couple of days this week. It’s because the promotions for [The Great War] would start fully this week. As one of the cast members, he had to participate in it.
The first episode of the show would air next week. That’s why the show needed to pump up promotional materials. Which they should have done much earlier in Astrid’s opinion.
———
And at that night, the concept photos for [The Great War] were finally released to the public.