When I entered the seaside mansion, I tried to pull away from my thoughts from the earlier events and Kang Xianliang's rude behaviour. He was nice to me after I saved him, so I had forgotten his real self for a while and how unpleasant his personality was. It was my mistake to do it, and I would make sure not to forget ever again. Thinking about it would only ruin my Christmas Eve mood, which was unforgivable. I didn't intend to look upset and grumpy when everyone else was happy.
The living room was brightly lit and lively. The table was set with delicious meals, and there was an appetising turkey in the middle of it. I started salivating shamelessly like some barbarian who hasn't seen food for days. I almost lost control over myself but using my last straw of will I managed to stay still. However, when I saw the chocolate cake with almonds, I was defeated.
I made sure my mom was busy cooking and slowly approached the delicious dessert. Unconsciously, I licked my lips, anticipating the melting sweetness in my mouth. I grabbed a plate, a knife and a fork. But I couldn't wait until I cut a piece, so I used my finger to take some of the whipped cream circling the cake's ends. After I licked my finger, I closed my eyes drowning in pure delight. Too bad most sweet things weren't healthy. I took the knife in my hand and was just a few centimetres close to the chocolate when somebody made me jump from my skin.
''Aunty, Luo is secretly trying to eat the cake!'' Yan Si, this traitor. How could he spill the beans to my mom? Didn't he fear death?
''What?!'' Thundered her angry voice. I shivered mentally imaging the angry storming figure of my mom. Then I glared at my supposed cousin, promising him a slow and painful end. He only smiled contentedly and started whistling innocently.
''It's not what it looks like. I only wanted to have a taste.'' I tried acting pitifully as if I was wrongly accused. But my mother wasn't born yesterday.
''Oh, really. What is this plate doing in your hand?'' I looked at the incriminating evidence and hurriedly put it down.
''Yan Si told me to hold it.'' Lying was a must. If I suffered because of him, he was going to suffer too. However, karma came for everyone, and my small lie had its consequences.
''Did I spend twenty – three years of my life teaching you how to be a shameless liar?'' Before I can react, she was next to me, twisting my ear painfully. Oh my, this last happened when I was ten.
''Sorry, I regret doing it! Mom, stop!'' After a few seconds when she made sure I really regretted my action, she finally realised me. I took my phone and opened my camera to see the damages. Oh, God, my ear was as red as a tomato.
''I think you should go and kneel if you want to show your regret sincerely.'' Said Yan Si thoughtfully. I gave him a bloody stare then I smiled wickedly.
''I think your cheeks are too pale. Maybe I should pinch them a little bit.'' He retreated a few steps when I shortened the distance between us. Horror painted his face as if a demon was going to suck his soul from his body.
''Aunty!'' He whined.
''Don't bother me. I still have to finish the other dishes.'' Ha, he was alone now counting on my mercy. His back hit the wall. Seeing his helpless disposition, I laughed cruelly.
''Now, now, come here to your older cousin.'' I did my best to twist my facial features in the most maniacal psychotic countenance. His trembling was the proof I did well.
''Stay away from me!'' He screamed, rushing past me. I had to follow him if I wanted to catch him. We ran through the whole first floor like kindergarten children, but I didn't care. This childishness brought me happiness I hadn't experienced for a long time. I didn't have time to take off my high heels, but they didn't bother me much even though they slowed me down. After a turn, I almost collided with butler Che. Seeing me panting and perspiring with dishevelled hair, he took a deep breath.
''Young Master and Young Miss, I think you have been long past the children age.'' I felt a little bit embarrassed but forgot about it when I saw Xi An with huge bags in hands and Yan Si hiding behind her.
''Are you such a coward to use another woman to protect you?'' I asked begrudgingly with arms on my hips.
''What did Yan Si do?'' Xi An looked at both of us showing a wondrous expression.
''He snitched on me when I tried to eat tonight's cake.''
''He did the right thing then.'' My mouth was agape after I heard this. Of all people, I never expected Xi An to take his side. And there I thought we were friends.
''There are only traitors in this house.'' I murmured gloomily. Then the doorbell rang, and butler Che went to open the door. After seeing who was standing outside, I smiled widely brimming with happiness.
''Dad!'' I ran to him and hugged him tightly. He laughed in my hair, stroking it with one hand.
''What a welcoming. I'm happy to see you too, small one.'' I stepped away to give him space and holding his wrist I pulled him to the living room where the rectangular table with food was. Grandfather, uncle and Han Wei didn't celebrate Christmas so only the living room and the kitchen was decorated and sparkling with white and red lights.
''Mom, dad is here!'' I just finished my sentence when she came from the kitchen and wrapped her hands around his neck, kissing him deeply. I thought this would be only an innocent peck on the lips, but I had to cough a few times when I noticed they got carried away.
''Xi An, did you see? Can we do it like them?'' I turned indignantly to look at the blushed face of my soon to be cousin – in – law and Yan Si this jerk.
''Can you have some respect for the lonely dogs here?'' His face became dark after hearing me, which made me smile. ''I'm kidding. Christmas is for the family and to express our love towards each other. Go ahead, bravely.'' He took another look at his fiancée but seeing how shy she was in front of everyone decided to let her be.
''Uncle Shane, did you take us presents?'' Yan Si asked expectantly.
''Of course, I did.'' Dad was holding a few big bags in one hand. ''But you will open it tomorrow on Christmas.''
''Why should I wait?'' Yan Si lamented, and I smacked his head.
''You will be happier, that's why.'' Then we sat down and had Christmas Eve dinner. Xi An, Yan Si and I weren't Christians in comparison to my mom and dad. But this wasn't a big problem. In my opinion, the most important thing during holidays such as this was to be with the people you love and cherish. To be able to smile, laugh and create memories with them. And I prayed to have many more in the future.