Chapter 8 - The Empty Soul

As the news showed their dating, Yuliya held onto Junjie's hand. As they faced the press conference, Junjie did not say anything. They were arranged to marry each other. He disagreed at first but then it wouldn't look good for the public. All he thought about was Huiling. Yuliya squeezed his hand and signalled him, "Yes. We are officially dating." Yuliya was happy. She's a Russian royal princess dating or maybe be engaging to the world's most handsome CEO.

Few days later, they booked a luxurious hotel room. It was the night of her life. Yuliya held onto Junjie without letting him go.

"Andy, I love you." Yuliya caressed Junjie's face. Junjie's eyes were soul-less, empty, cold. He aggressively pushed Yuliya against the wall, he kissed her.

"Andy, slow down." Yuliya was breathless. She's been dating Andy for half a year but he made no love with her. Every time they kissed, he whispered Huiling

"What's wrong, Andy?" Junjie stopped. He lowered his head and said, "Yuliya, it's enough. You may leave."

"Andy, we've been dating for so long. Why are you still thinking about her? She abandoned you! She never loved you! I love you and I wouldn't dare abdandoning someone I love. Andy, please. Don't leave." Yuliya backhugged him.

"Yuliya, you and I are different. I never loved you. I never seen you as a woman. You are beautiful but you can never replace the woman I loved. Please, leave. I don't want to repeat myself. I still have work to do." Yuliya was upset and slapped him on the face.

"..."

"Andy, remember this. She abandoned you. You will regret it." Yuliya slammed the door and left him in the room.

"AGHHHH!" He punched the mirror until his hand bled.

"Huiling. Where are you? I'm waiting for you." Junjie closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. He thought about Huiling over a year.

"Mr. President, watch the news." Junjie's assistant turned on the TV.

"Good evening, today we have news about England's most influential CEO, William Li. His secretary, Miss. Elizabeth Feng will now speak to the public."

"Morning, ladies and gentleman. My name is Elizabeth Feng Huiling. I'm the secretary for CEO William Li. Today, in front of everyone, I would like to announce that we are officially opening another special hotel for familes and tourists and it will be very close to major tourism attractions. It will be opened in three days. We welcome visitors all over the world to come and visit. All of the attractions will be taken care of by our CEO. It will be free for the first three days for those who did not purchase the pass. It will be starting from the opening day. For those who wants to stay longer can purchase a hotel pass. At last, we welcome our CEO, William Li."

"President Zhang, Miss. Feng is currently in England. Do you want to see her?" Junjie didn't say anything. He stared at the screen, unable to look away... Huiling was in front of him, smiling at William. She will be his rival. His first love.

Huiling. You are alive. I'm relieved. I don't care that we are rivals. Most importantly, you've grown beautiful.

"Turn off the TV. I have no use for her." His icy cold personality made him scarier than any others.

"Yes, sir. How about Lady Yuliya?" His assistant asked.

"Tell her father I apologized. We won't be marrying. Break off the engagement immediately. I won't repeat myself." His assistant hurriedly bowed and left the room. No one can understand him, his cold and icy personality.

"You did well up there." William supported Huiling by the waist.

"It's all thanks to you." She smiled. She's been dating William for three months. She can tell he's a good guy who's very supportive not at all forceful. He's a fine gentleman. Tonight, he arranged a special dinner.

"Elizabeth, I would like to congratulate you. You deserve this special dinner. Mind having a toast?" Huiling smiled.

"Cheers!"

"William, I never heard you talking about your past. And the fact that President Zhang is your older brother." She asked.

"Well, we were separated at birth. My mother had a weak body so I didn't live in with her. I was adopted by a very nice couple. My father took my older brother since he can only take care of one kid given his salary. My older brother's name actually changed when he got older. His older name was Li Ruohan. I knew this because my biological mother told me since I was a bit older and I visited her once. He had a difficult childhood from what I've heard. I've only seen his pictures. I was out of the country when he moved in with my mother. We never contacted each other. I studied a lot and wanted to compete with my brother since he was already aiming for the top." He chuckled, "I was pretty lucky to have great foster parents who loved me. Took care of me and brought me to amusement park. I was given many chances to study as well." Huiling stopped what she was eating.

"Ruohan? He sounds very familiar. Sorry, my memory isn't too good." She smiled.

"No worries, it's been a long time. Anyways, do you have any plans tonight? My house is really close to here, want to visit?." She nodded and smiled.

"Sure. I would love to." As they got up, he paid the bills.

"Thank you." He said to the waiter.

"Thank you so much for tonight!" Huiling smiled and William held her hand.

"For my wonderful girlfriend and secretary."

As they got into the house, it was big as expected. She looked around at the photos.

"You never had pictures with your brother?" He shook his head.

"Sad, right? I wish I did." He smiled sadly, "When I came back, he already moved out. These are my foster parents. This is my real mom's photo and my father. I don't have any of my older brother's photo here. Here, have a seat. I brought some nice wine and we can chat until morning if you wanted." He laughed.

"That's nice. I'm kind of tired tonight." She sat down on the couch.

"I'll make your bed. Stay here." She nodded and heads to the washroom.

"Ruohan. Ruohan. Who is he? My mother mentioned his name before. Wait... could it be... him? Can't be... if it is him then... Ruohan was with her all along?" She finally remembered Ruohan. Some bits and pieces were coming together. President Zhang was Ruohan and she never realized it. She regretted everything she said to him. Even when she was forced to have sex with him, he had his reasons. His childhood wasn't all that perfect like William. She doesn't remember anything else about him except saving him from killing himself.

She felt guilty that she did not remember everything about Ruohan. She wanted to see him but he is far away. She wanted to know if he is doing alright. She missed him. Suddenly, she felt sick to her stomach.

"Huiling! Are you okay?" Huiling vomited up the food she ate.

"Just a stomachache. I think the food wasn't friendly to my stomach. I feel nauseous." William supported her to bed.

"Here's some hot water. Drink carefully." He rubbed her back.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't let you eat all of that." She shook her head.

"No, it's not your fault. It's been happening a few times. Nothing big. I'm okay now." She slowly laid on the bed and William said good night to her.

"Let me know if you need anything. I'll be in my room typing up stuff." She nodded.

Huiling did not have sex with William after they dated. She felt she wasn't ready. William was understanding and very nice.

"Could I be pregnant with President's child?" She shook her head because her period was regular after coming back. As she toss and turns to find a comfortable way of sleeping, she felt her abdomen was a bit enlarged and breast felt swollen. Huiling didn't think too much and hoped next day will be better.

But, it didn't.