Saving the Villain

"They updated me. They arrived in their homes safe and sound, so you don't have to worry about them." Maxen shoved his phone inside his suit pocket, lifting his eyes to the columbarium.

Inside it was an urn where Cosette's ashes were kept. There were pictures inside, fresh flowers, and even some accessories like their wedding ring. The entire floor of the Interment was empty, as if it was only meant for Cosette, with a table and chairs on the side for her visitors to sit on.

Maxen raised his hands, opening the columbarium ever so slowly. His lips curled up into a subtle smile, taking out Cosette's portrait. He then walked to the chair nearby and placed the picture on the small round table.

"Though Amie cried a lot until her eyes were swollen," Maxen chuckled, telling her how the early dinner went. "Sarah is also dating now, she said. It seemed she was quite serious about this girl… haha. Now that I think about it, Sarah is your first kiss. I wonder if that has got something to do with her newfound self?"

Maxen leaned back, resting his leg over the other while his elbow was on the armrest.

"Fay is still the same. You know her. She always knows how to figure things out on her own and she prefers it that way. Remo as well." He rocked his head, thinking of anything that went down earlier. "About Luke…"

He cleared his throat, snapping his eyes back to his wife's portrait. "Well, among our friends, he was the one who was the most hurt. Until now, he was… angry at this world. I can't blame him. You know how much he loves and cares for you."

"But he will be fine. It might just take some time, but he will be fine." Maxen smiled subtly. "We… will be fine, hopefully."

Because right now, Maxen couldn't confidently say he was fine. It had been two years since he lost his wife, but until now, the pain she left was as fresh as new. This wouldn't be an easy journey.

"But he cooked most of the dishes," he recalled, snapping his eyes back to the portrait, only to catch a figure over the frame. Maxen slowly lifted his eyes to confirm the person approaching him.

"I purposely came late, knowing all the visitors she would have today had gone home. I guess I was wrong."

"Asher."

"How are you, Maxen?" Asher smiled until his eyes squinted slightly. "It's been a while, isn't it? Two years? Since the funeral?"

Maxen let out a faint sigh, assessing Asher. Although the latter looked a lot simpler, one could tell he was a man of exquisite taste.

"She's right there." Maxen cocked his head in the columbarium's direction.

"You still haven't changed, huh?" Asher shrugged, twisting his body as he dragged himself in front of where her ashes rested. He shoved his hand inside his pockets, eyes ahead.

"Cosette." Asher smiled. "Until now, I couldn't understand what you saw in your husband. There's nothing special about him."

Listening to Asher's sarcasm, Maxen just shook his head. He didn't interrupt Asher until the latter stopped complaining about Cosette's preference.

After some time, Maxen glanced up while Asher invited himself to join Maxen. Asher shrugged as soon as he sat down across from Maxen.

"You don't mind, right?" asked Asher, jerking his chin toward the portrait on the table. "I was talking to her urn, but it feels weird that her photo isn't there."

"Didn't you volunteer on a medical mission abroad? When did you come back?" Maxen returned, ignoring Asher's nonsense.

"A few hours ago." Asher shrugged. "I might stay here for good. Luke has no interest in the family business, which is understandable with his company's statistics."

"You're giving up your profession?"

"No way." Asher laughed. "Why would I do that? If you haven't heard yet, the Quinn Holdings bought the TKA Group. In other words, the TKA Medical Center is now ours."

Asher cocked his head to the side. "You really didn't know? That's strange. How come the man who is now known as the king of the business industry didn't hear such obvious news? Don't tell me you're neglecting your duties now?"

"It's just that your company is too small for me to even bother."

"Cozie, didn't you say I was arrogant?" Asher turned Cosette's frame slightly so the two of them could see her beautiful smile. "Have you ever seen this side of him?"

"She had seen my worse," answered Maxen, setting his eyes on Cosette's photo. "Stop asking stupid things. I'm already being lenient with you. Don't push your luck."

"That temper… Tsk tsk." Asher shook his head while clicking his tongue.

Maxen kept his eyes on Cosette's portrait, keeping quiet. When his lips parted, a question slipped past them.

"Did you ever regret meeting her?" he asked, making Asher raise his brows. "You used to have it all. You get everything you want, but then, no matter what you do, she won't budge."

"I was wondering… if you ever regret meeting her?" he added, slowly shifting his attention to Asher.

Asher bore a slight surprise on his face before his expression softened. His eyes fell on Cosette's portrait.

"The honest answer?" he asked, but continued even when Maxen didn't reply. "There were times I wondered what was the purpose of meeting her. All she did was give me heartache."

"But then again, if not for her, I don't think I would be in the place where I am today." His smile softened. "If not for her, my dream to pursue medicine will remain a dream. I can imagine how suffocating my life would be."

"Cosette gave me courage — though I wouldn't deny there was this small urge to impress her with my decision back then," he continued, drawing a deep breath as he smiled peacefully, looking back at Maxen. "So, the answer is no. I don't regret meeting her, even though she crushed my heart over and over."

"I see..."

"Since you asked me a question, it's only fair if I also ask one." Asher's smile stretched mildly. "How are you holding up, Maxen?"