Gemma accompanied Henry as they drove toward the Xintiandi district. Gemma remained silent, glancing out the window. Henry's phone rang and he quietly answered. Gemma only half-heartedly paid attention.
Soon they arrived at their destination. The Langham hotel. Gemma had heard of the restaurant inside—Tang Court. They served delicious but pricey Cantonese food. The chauffeur opened the door and Henry's son, Justin Gu came into view.
"Gemma! Long time no see!" He exclaimed excitedly.
"Nice to see you, Justin." She answered quietly. Henry was still engrossed in his phone conversation. He paused and loudly whispered for Justin to take Gemma inside.
"I'll be there in a few minutes," he mouthed.
Gemma shrugged and took the hand Justin extended and allowed him to escort her inside. Sure enough, they made their way to Tang Court. It was beautiful. Gold and elements of wood graced the traditional dining area. Justin led Gemma to their table.
They were immediately given a menu and Gemma perused it carefully. Growing up in her well connected family, she'd certainly eaten more expensive food, but $85 USD was a bit much for a noon meal. Nonetheless, she ordered quickly so that Justin could pick some dishes as well.
"The chef here is amazing. This restaurant has three Michelin stars!" Justin exclaimed excitedly.
Gemma stared at him a moment and then laughed weakly.
She studied Justin for a moment. They had grown up together. He was about five years older and she used to follow him around calling him, "older brother."
Yet as so often happens, they grew apart. Justin went abroad for schooling in Australia while Gemma was in high school. Then she was off to college in America when he came home to work in his father's company. They had not seen one another in nearly nine years. Justin had grown into a handsome young man.
Suddenly Justin spoke up.
"Gemma, do you remember what you said to me right before I went to college?"he asked.
Gemma stares at him quizzically.
"You told me not to get married abroad because when I came home you were going to marry me." He said with a chuckle.
Gemma's mind flashed and her eyes widened. She wanted to hide in embarrassment.
"I made you a promise. Do you remember?" He asked softly.
She did. She nodded in acknowledgement, feeling her cheeks blush.
"You said the only woman you would think of was me." She said softly.
"I kept my promise. I thought of you during the years we were apart." He admitted.
"Oh Justin, I didn't expect you to really do that. We were kids. I mean—" Gemma stammered and she was interrupted.
"But we aren't children now." He reached across the table and covered her hand with his and stared deeply into her eyes.
Before Gemma had a chance to respond, a voice like thunder sounded throughout the private dining room.
"If you would like to keep your hand, get it off of her. Now."
————————————
Charles had followed Gemma the whole way, following the direction of the man he'd assigned to watch over her. He knew she had gone to Henry. That didn't bother him. He knew of the closeness of the two families.
But when Gemma had gotten out of Henry's car at a hotel alone and was escorted inside by a handsome young man, he lost his restraint. They were only there to patron the restaurant but when he stood just outside the door and heard Henry's son confessing to her, he lost all sense of propriety.
His sharp words startled the two seated at the table and both stared at him.
"Are you deaf, stupid, or do you have a death wish?" He asked as he crossed the room, pulling Justin to his feet with one arm.
"I don't know who you are or what your problem is, but you are interrupting our meal." Justin said, pushing Charles away from him.
"You're putting yourself hands on my woman, that's my problem!" Charles growled, moving forward in a fighting stance.
"I believe you are mistaken. Gemma is my woman, promised to me before university days." Justin said sarcastically, taking a swing at Charles. Charles dodged the blow and charged forward, tackling Justin. They fell to the floor, punching, kicking, rolling in the floor.
In horror, Gemma jumped to her feet.
"Stop it! Stop! Both of you stop, now! I am no one's woman. I am promised to no one! I am not a toy for two children to fight over!" Gemma yelled above the melee.
In that moment, Henry entered the room and his voice thundered over them all, demanding an explanation. The younger men rose to their feet sporting black eyes and busted lips. Their hair and clothing disheveled.
"Your son had his hands on my woman." Charles spat the words like they were bitter medicine.
"I was under the impression that Gemma no longer regards you as her boyfriend. Now, would you kindly excuse yourself so that we can have lunch?" Henry spoke with condescending authority.
"Gemma, let's go!" Charles called looking past the father and son to where she sat.
"I'm not coming Charles. You can not treat me any way you choose. I demand to be treated with respect by the man I am involved with." She said without fear.
"How dare you?! You throw a tantrum like a spoiled brat and make eyes at the next man who pays attention to you? You are the young miss of one of the most prominent families and you act so shamelessly? You'll regret it Gemma." Charles turned on his heel, pushing past the other two men and left.
Gemma exhaled the breath she had not known she'd been holding.