Chapter 104: Yohan’s Responsibilities
Vivian’s eyes narrowed the moment Yohan stepped inside.
"Yohan, who is that woman?"
"Can’t you tell? She’s a police officer," he said casually, brushing past her.
"But what exactly is your relationship with her?"
Yohan exhaled heavily. "She’s just a friend I made recently... Why do you even care?"
Vivian hesitated. "I was just wondering if she was... your girlfriend."
"Okay, well—she’s not."
"But you... you spent the night with her, didn’t you?" Her voice trembled, the question spilling out before she could stop herself. She knew it was out of bounds, yet her curiosity pressed harder than her restraint.
Yohan blinked at her, startled. His aunt never pried into his personal life, he never expected her to start today, of all days, after learning her husband was headed to prison.
"I—I just wanted to make sure you’re safe," she muttered, turning away, cheeks flushed with guilt. "I mean, she says she’s a police officer, but... do normal police officers drive cars like that?"
Yohan leaned back against the wall, arms crossed.
"If you’re worried about me, there’s no need. I can handle myself... How’s Cassie taking the news?"
Vivian’s shoulders slumped. "She was really sad, but I know she’ll calm down in time. For now, I’m thinking of getting a part-time job—just so I’m prepared to handle the bills." Her sigh carried both frustration and weariness.
Yohan shook his head firmly. "Don’t worry about the bills. I’ll take care of them from now on. And if there’s anything else you need, just come to me."
Although there wasn’t a hint of humor on Yohan’s face, Vivian still found it hard to believe he was being serious.
"T-thank you, but you don’t have to," she murmured, forcing a small smile as if to downplay his offer. Deep down, she couldn’t imagine letting Yohan carry the weight of her and her daughter’s burdens.
It wasn’t his fault they were in this mess, and she couldn’t allow him to shoulder the responsibility. He was already doing more than enough by letting them stay in this house after his uncle had tried to burn down the massage parlour.
’I’ll find a way...’ she promised herself silently as she slipped into her room.
Yohan watched her leave, he could see that she had a lot on her mind so he simply left her alone.
Then he changed his clothes and left the house, his destination was the massage parlour.
By now the professionals he had called to clean up the gasoline his uncle had poured, would have already gotten there and began their job, so he wanted to see how far they had gone.
When he arrived he found the three girls waiting outside, they rushed at him immediately they spotted him.
"Yohan are you okay? We heard something happened here last night?" Mia asked with concern.
"I’m fine. It was my uncle who tried burning the place down for the insurance money, but I managed to stop him. Now that I think about it, I should’ve called to let you guys know there wouldn’t be work today."
He had thought of it, but somewhere between everything that happened, and the time he spent with Helen last night, the thought slipped away.
"How could you forget something like that?" Chloe grumbled. "I could’ve just stayed home."
"I’m sorry, guys..."
"It’s fine, boss. I’m just glad you’re safe," Remi said with her usual cheerful smile.
"Yeah, and nothing bad happened to the shop," Mia added.
"Well, I’m not fine with it," Chloe kept on, crossing her arms. "It was already hard enough coming to work today. I had a bunch of stuff to do at home."
Yohan sighed, then brightened. "How about I make it up to you three? Why don’t we go somewhere today?"
"Somewhere like where?" Mia tilted her head.
"I don’t know..." Yohan admitted.
"The amusement park!" Remi burst out excitedly. "I’ve always wanted to go there."
Yohan chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Okay. Let’s do that."
"Fine, but I’m riding every single ride," Chloe agreed, lifting her chin stubbornly.
Remi clapped her hands together. "Yes! That’s the spirit."
Mia sighed, tugging at her ponytail. "You two can do whatever you want, but I am not getting on one of those drop towers. I don’t trust anything that dangles me hundreds of feet in the air."
Yohan smirked. "So you’re fine with roller coasters but not the drop tower?"
"There’s a difference," Mia shot back.
"Sure there is," Chloe teased. "You’re just scared."
"I am not!" Mia snapped, her face flushing red.
Remi leaned over to Yohan, whispering just loud enough for everyone to hear, "She’s totally scared."
"Am not!" Mia protested again, but her voice cracked, making everyone burst into laughter.
"Alright, alright," Yohan said, holding up his hands. "No one’s being forced to ride anything. But Chloe—you’re going on every single ride? Even the kiddie rides?"
Chloe froze, then narrowed her eyes. "...Don’t test me, Yohan."
That only made Remi laugh harder. "I want to see Chloe on the merry-go-round with all the little kids!"
Mia finally cracked a smile, covering her mouth. "I’d pay money to see that."
"Keep laughing," Chloe said darkly, "because when we get to the haunted house, I’m making all of you go in with me."
Yohan groaned. "Great. Just what I needed—three screaming women clinging to me in the dark."
Chloe wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh? And that would be such a problem for you?"
Yohan pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is already a mistake."
The laughter lingered between them. While on the far side of the street a different mood hung in the air.
Two men in black leaned against a parked sedan, faces shaded behind dark glasses. One was old and neat; the other was a very big man, all broad shoulders and slow movements.
"Boss — should I go get him now?" the big man asked.
"No need. I’ll handle him later," the old man replied, voice steady. "He’s just a kid. He’ll be easily scared."
"His uncle already promised to sell me the place," the old man said. "So it shouldn’t be difficult. We might not even have to pay as much now," an evil grin appeared on his face.