Amati returned to Holo with a signed marriage document, and without the bag of coins. She feigned a smile, though she felt deep anger. That idiot Lawrence fulfilled the contract with Amati. Holo would get married to Amati with Lawrence gaining some coins. Holo hugged Amati, finally kissing him. A few tears rolled down her cheek that she couldn't hide.
"What's wrong, my dear Holo?"
"Nothing. I am just so happy that my bonds of debt have been broken and I have met my prince"
"That fool Kraft Lawrence would have never done this. He is cowardly and cruel, trapping you with debt."
They walked together back to the inn, arm in arm. She still had some coin that Lawrence gave her. She regretted those words that she had said to her companion
"There is another who loves me"
"Who are you to me?"
She gently tapped on Amati's shoulder when they arrived at the inn
"Yes, my dear?"
"I would like to see my companion once more before I leave."
"Do as you wish, milady."
"I will be back shortly. Wait for me here"
Amati stood outside the inn, waiting for Holo.
Holo opened the wooden door and stepped inside.
The innkeeper gave her a smile and called for her when she entered
Holo turned to him, and walked toward him. The innkeeper handed her a folded paper.
On the top of the folded paper, there was his name: Lawrence
What did he write this for?
Why?
She gently took it from the innkeeper, and told him that she would like to read this first herself.
She hastily unfolded it. The paper was the same used by Lawrence when they were planning his shop together, in a previous town. Holo grew sadder and angrier as she read the note. There was even his tears that fell on the paper. That kindhearted fool Lawrence had written such a note. She wanted to cry in his arms, after slashing his face with all her might. She grabbed the paper and rushed upstairs. He will pay for his mistakes. He was going to end his own life. She burst through the door, and heard those words.
"I am sorry, my beloved Holo…"
Holo quickly slapped him, and removed the rope from his neck.
"I didn't know, you fool. I thought you didn't love me. I thought all you cared about was coins…"
Holo looked at their belongings and the bag of money placed neatly on their bed.
"You better be sorry, you fool." Holo ran to him and hugged him tightly.
She quietly sobbed in his arms, he ran his hands through her hair to calm her down.
Lawrence gently nudged Holo's face towards him, and wiped her tears.
"You look so cute when you are crying, you know."
Holo blushed and looked away, but Lawrence pressed his lips on hers.
"I love you, Holo…"
"Yes, I read the note you fool." Tears came to her eyes once more.
"You were really mean what you wrote? You are willing to give up everything, run away with me, and want me as your bride?"
Lawrence turned a deep shade of red,
"Yes I do. I mean every word. I don't want to open up a shop, Holo."
"So you are going to give up on your dream just because of me?!" Tears ran down her cheek
"No, my dream is to belong with someone. That someone is you, Holo. I can open a shop, but I want to open it with you."
"You are such a kindhearted idiot. You say the sweetest things. I accept your offer."