Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Flavia gazed at the two-story house with a long sigh. The luxurious house that had been her second home for eleven years once again made her feel uncomfortable. For the past five years, the place always made Flavia nervous.

Carrying a paper bag with clothes she had intentionally chosen for this occasion, Flavia walked in following Gladwin. Instead of using the front door, they opted to enter through the side door that led directly to the kitchen. The housemaid who already knew her greeted her warmly.

“Is Mom already here?” Flavia asked, glancing towards the interior of the house.

“Yes, Miss. Mrs. Claire is in front of the house with Mr. Antony,” replied the housemaid, acknowledged by Flavia with a nod.

“And Abigail?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“She’s upstairs. Getting ready, she said.” Flavia nodded again and chose to walk up the stairs to her friend’s room. The room they always shared when they gathered there.

Flavia knocked on the door as a form of courtesy. She never wanted to open the door directly, fearing that her friend might not be decently dressed.

“Come in!” ordered the room’s owner. Flavia peeked for a moment and smiled. “Guess who.” Abigail teased and returned to her makeup.

“Mind if I take a quick shower? I feel a bit stinky,” Flavia said, placing her bag on the bed.

“Not going home first?” Abigail asked, looking at Flavia’s slightly dirty appearance due to her activities at the foundation.

“Uncle kicked Tobby out of the orphanage,” Flavia said briefly, instantly receiving a sharp look from Abigail.

Uncle Gladwin?” Abigail asked in disbelief. Flavia nodded. “Why did he kick Tobby out?”

Flavia shrugged. “Dr. Freddie suddenly couldn’t come to the orphanage because his child is sick. Somehow, uncle Gladwin became his replacement.”

Abigail squinted her eyes. Flavia knew her friend was having a monologue in her mind, contemplating what scenario might be happening between them. Abigail was like that-despite her fierce appearance, she was the melancholic type, immersed in the melodramas she created.

“Alright, no need to think too much. I’ll take a shower. Wait for me, don’t go down first,” she requested, and her friend nodded.

Flavia wasn’t someone who liked to spend a long time in the bathroom. It only took her five minutes to clean herself, another five minutes to apply body lotion, and five more minutes to fix her hair and makeup. So fifteen minutes later, they were already on the ground floor, heading towards where the event was being held.

“Lho, did you come together?” Mrs. Julie Hampton, Abigail’s grandmother and also Flavia’s step-grandmother, asked as she saw her two granddaughters coming down the stairs.

“No, grandma. I took a shower upstairs,” Flavia replied, kissing the elderly woman’s cheek.

“Where’s the leading man?” Abigail asked as she grabbed some food from the table.

“He’s here, chatting with his acquaintance,” Julie nodded toward the living room, where Gladwin was talking to a woman. They couldn’t see clearly as they were in a side view. “What do you think?” their grandmother asked them. Flavia looked at Abigail, puzzled.

“Think about what, grandma?” Abigail asked casually, aware of her grandmother’s intention to seek their judgment on their uncle’s potential ‘match.’

“What do you think about them as a couple? I heard they’ve known each other for a long time.”

Flavia and Abigail glanced at the person simultaneously. After getting a clear look at the woman who happened to turn her head, they exchanged glances again.

“Isn’t that…” Abigail hesitated.

“She’s also a doctor. My friend’s daughter,” Julie replied enthusiastically. “I think they look good together. Their ages are not too far apart.” Julie exclaimed with a radiant face. Flavia smiled, responding to Julie’s words with a nod. “Well, if you want to eat, go ahead.” Julie said, then walked away, leaving the two of them.

Flavia chose to walk to the kitchen, with Abigail trailing behind. “I never expected that Flavia already found her match,” her friend said suddenly.

“What do you mean?” Flavia furrowed her brow.

“Yeah, that Dr. Phoebe Madsen. She’s definitely a tough competitor. It’s been years, and she’s still faithfully pursuing Uncle Gladwin.” Abigail grinned mischievously. “Don’t let her beat you. As long as the wedding ceremony hasn’t taken place, you still have a chance to be with Uncle Gladwin.”

“What are you talking about? Be careful with your words; people might get the wrong idea,” Flavia cautioned.

“Wrong idea how? Isn’t it a fact?” Abigail sat on one of the barstools, and Flavia sat beside her.

“Abby…” Flavia warned again.

“Okay, I apologize. I won’t bring it up again.” Abigail replied with a guilty expression. “But, Via, I genuinely support your relationship with Uncle Gladwin. I’m at the forefront of supporters for both of you.” Abigail said with a sweet smile.

“Abby!” Flavia reprimanded her friend and cousin.

“What, love?” Abigail teased. She gently stroked Flavia’s head in a maternal manner. “My dear, what do you want? Shall I feed you? Aaa…” Abigail offered food to Flavia. Flavia squinted but still opened her mouth, and they both laughed together.

“Wow, you two are really close.” The voice of a woman behind them made Abigail and Flavia turn around. Gladwin and Phoebe were walking towards them. “It’s so nice to see a friendship like yours,” the woman said warmly.

Flavia smiled, but Abigail didn’t. “We’re not just friends, but also family,” she replied flatly. “Long time no see. The last time we met was when I attended your wedding.” She added with a sharp dig. Flavia looked at Abigail; she had no idea that the woman next to her uncle was already married. “But why are you here alone? Where’s your husband?”

“Ah, um…” Phoebe seemed flustered.

“Abby, get me a drink, please,” Gladwin requested, more to break the awkwardness.

“Spoiled, just asking for a drink. Before long, you’ll want to be spoon-fed,” Abigail grumbled, but despite her complaints, she got up from her seat and walked towards the kitchen.

Gladwin sat beside Flavia, taking Abigail’s place, and Phoebe automatically sat on Flavia’s left side, making Flavia feel sandwiched between the couple. Flavia was about to get up from her seat, intending to follow Abigail, but Gladwin held her hand. Flavia glanced at Gladwin and saw him subtly shaking his head. As a result, Flavia could only straighten her back and stay in her place.

“I heard you’re working as a model now?” Phoebe started the conversation as Abigail placed a glass in front of Gladwin.

“Yes, something like that,” Abigail replied casually.

Since the only remaining barstool was next to Phoebe, Abigail chose to stand across the table, facing Flavia. “Auntie, where are you working at the hospital now?”

Phoebe mentioned the name of a prestigious hospital. “But I’ve also opened my own obstetrics clinic,” she replied with a slightly proud tone.

“Oh, so you specialize in obstetrics?” Abigail asked again, and the woman nodded.

“You…” Phoebe frowned, looking at Flavia.

“Flavia, Auntie,” Flavia said with a smile on her face.

“Yes, sorry. I forgot. Well, it’s been a long time since we met. How are you? Working already?” Phoebe shook her head, trying to regain composure.

Flavia shook her head. “I’m still a freelancer, Auntie,” she replied, still smiling.

“Ohh…” Phoebe responded with a mocking smile that didn’t escape Abigail’s notice.

“Don’t underestimate yourself, Via.” Abigail waved her hand in front of Flavia. “Flavia tends to downplay herself, Auntie. Even though her cover looks like a teenager, she’s actually a successful businesswoman.” Abigail said with pride. She didn’t want her best friend to be mocked by someone like Phoebe.

“What do you mean?” Phoebe looked at Abigail and then at Flavia.

“Oh, Auntie forgot? When we first met five years ago? We met at Flavia’s younger sister’s birthday celebration.” Abigail reminded her. Whether Phoebe didn’t realize who Flavia really was or the woman thought Flavia was just a ‘good friend’ to Abigail, like Haisley, who was at the event earlier. “Flavia is the stepdaughter of Uncle Gladwin’s twin sister. She is the eldest daughter of Antony Quirino, the owner of Coskun Company. Auntie knows Coskun Company, right?” Abigail stared at Phoebe. The woman looked unbelievably shocked. In Abigail’s heart, she smiled triumphantly. ‘You lost big time,’ she thought. “And her family has been a donor to several charitable foundations and hospitals.” She continued with the intention of mocking the woman.

“Is that true?” The woman uttered with a pale face.

“Yes.” Abigail replied with the same tone as Phoebe’s earlier statement.

“You?!” The exclamation made all four people there turn to the owner of the voice. Claire with her bulging belly was waving her hand. “Come here, let’s start the eating ceremony.” All four nodded. Abigail took Flavia, leaving the two adults behind to follow them.

“What’s going on with you today, Abby? You’re acting strange.” Flavia questioned with a soft whisper.