The Devil's Good Girl
Chapter 68: Heaven and Earth

Chapter 68: Heaven and Earth

After Jackson’s fall and the drama he pulled off in the living room, the family spent dinner together. Irene gave Jackson extra attention, almost spoiling him with food. Seeing that he genuinely enjoyed her cooking and the side dishes, she happily offered more. Elijah and Fil, on the other hand, were equally amazed and puzzled at how well Jackson got along with their parents so well and so quickly.

They were as though treating a long-lost son. Not that it warranted their envy. If anything, Elijah was just glad his attention wasn’t on him. Fil was relieved that Jackson seemed pleased with her parent’s company and care.

When they finished their meal, Irene hurriedly cleaned Elijah’s room and changed all the sheets and pillowcases. She made sure everything was clean. Meanwhile, Fil had to borrow her father’s clothes for Jackson to use for the night since Elijah’s clothes were too small for him.

"Hey, sis," Elijah called, lying flat on the floor beside the bed. "Are you sleeping?"

"Not yet." Lying on the single bed, Fil stared blankly at the ceiling. "I almost forgot the last time I stayed overnight in here."

"You always leave the same day," he remarked quietly. "The last time you stayed over the weekend was last year. 14 months and 9 days, to be exact."

Fil raised her brows, turning her head to the side. "That’s the exact date?"

"Mhm. I’m counting."

"Why would you count that?" she murmured, setting her eyes on the ceiling. "Don’t tell me you missed me that much?"

Elijah didn’t answer, but his silence was enough.

The two of them might banter like children every once in a while. However, they were also close with an unbreakable bond. They used to be together, but when Fil went to the university, she had to move to the school dormitory. But back then, she would still go home every summer vacation or on long weekends. Although she managed to keep visiting them even after getting hired by the firm, Fil’s schedule last year was too hectic.

It wouldn’t be if she only didn’t go far and beyond for Vincent’s good-for-nothing friends.

"I’m going to study in the city," he said after a moment of silence. "And I might also have to stay in the dorm if things went well."

"You are at the top of your class. I’m sure things will go well."

Elijah kept quiet again. "I’m just worried about mom and dad," he confessed. "You are already living far away and when I get into college, it will be just the two of them."

Unlike Fil, who went to college without such worries, Elijah couldn’t help it. He was the youngest and the last one living with his parents. Thus, he was a little worried and was reconsidering the college in the area so he could stay.

"They will be fine," she reassured with a subtle smile. "I understand that you’re worried, but Mom and Dad won’t forgive themselves if you hold back from getting what you want."

"Graduating from Imperial University will secure your future," she continued. "I know because I’ve been out there. Graduating from a good and respected big school is an advantage. Harsh as it may sound, but most companies look at the university you graduated from before assessing your skills."

That was probably the only good thing that came out of her relationship with Vincent. Because of Vincent, Fil attended one of the most prestigious universities through a full scholarship. Thus, she was given more opportunities at the beginning of her career and was able to showcase her capabilities. If not for her love for Vincent, she would’ve chosen a different school that was close to her house.

"Mom and Dad wouldn’t want you to attend a school close to them because you were worried about them," she added, "Not that they would stop you either. As long as you want to stay just because you want to, they won’t mind. But it’ll be in their conscience if you stay because of them."

Elijah remained quiet, but he listened to his sister’s advice attentively. "I see."

"Don’t worry," she reassured. "I plan to visit Mom and Dad, and then save up a lot of money so I can retire early."

"Sis, are you really going to break off your engagement with Vincent?" he asked out of plain curiosity.

He didn’t to bring it up, but since she brought up retirement, he couldn’t help it. Fil always had Vincent in her dreams and goals in life along with them. But now, she was speaking as though the future she was now seeing didn’t have Vincent in it.

"Mhm," she hummed.

"Why? I was right, right?" this time, Elijah quickly sat up and faced the bed. "He’s cheating on you, right?"

Fil blinked slowly, wondering if she would tell Elijah. However, knowing her brother’s temper, she hesitated.

"Vincent and I... have been together since I was a teen," Fil shared with a soothing voice. "But sometimes, Eli, being with a person for a long time doesn’t make you stronger. Time changes people."

"What does that mean?"

"It means not everyone is like mom and dad." Fil turned her head to look at her little brother. "I am no longer that old Fil, Eli. I can’t choose other people first other than myself. And I can’t afford to put another name above mine on my priority list."

Elijah tilted his head to the side, a little confused at his sister’s remarks. However, he somehow still got a grasp of it.

"Well, if he didn’t cheat on you, that’s okay, I guess?" He shrugged before he hurriedly moved to the edge of the bed. He rested his arms on it, looking at her eagerly. "How about Jack? Do you like him?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"You don’t like him?"

"Why would I like him?" she muttered, her words coming out of her nose. "He’s my client. He might’ve been a friend now, but I don’t think we should touch that area."

"Why not?"

"What do you mean, why not?" Fil sat up in disbelief. "Eli, don’t tell me you like Jack?"

"Well, compared to that arrogant fiance of yours, he’s much more tolerable. He might be dramatic, but he fell over the railings. I don’t think that’s an act. I would be crying if you pushed me off there too!" Eli justified. "Also, how many men of that caliber would wear dad’s worn-out clothes? And willingly sleep on that old couch without a fuss? I think he’s cool."

"You’re crazy." Fil shook her head as she collapsed on her back again. "You said it. Jack is of a different caliber. He can be humble, but you have no idea just how high the surface he walks on. We’re talking about Heaven and Earth. Stop talking nonsense and sleep."

As soon as she said those, there was a tinge of sadness in her eyes. ’That’s right. Jack is on a different level than me and even Vincent’s circle. He’s an elite of the elites. We’re like heaven and earth.’

’Why do I suddenly feel sad about that?’ she wondered, shaking her head to get rid of the idea. ’Wake up, Fil. This is not the time to worry about that.’

*

*

*

"You said it. Jack is of a different caliber. He can be humble, but you have no idea how high the surface he walks on."

In the other room across from Fil’s, Jackson was leaning against the side of the small window. His lips curled up, listening to the conversation from the other room. The walls in here weren’t too thick, after all. What made those siblings think he wouldn’t hear their conversation?

"Heaven and Earth, huh?" he whispered, staring out of the window. "I already came down to Earth and took her to heaven, though. I should’ve known being dense and pretending to be one is two separate problems."

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