She had just come from an exhausting day at the office, to her home--the Xin Residence that never felt like a real home to her. If it was not her Bà's wish (father) she would have never called this majestic place her home and home was where the family was. This was indeed a beautiful mansion! In all County B, one would not find a mansion as glamorous and startling as this one. But there was no warmth of home.
She strode towards her father's favourite place in the fascinating mansion and found him where she had expected, in his study with another not-so-favourite person, Mr Cao Kung who she believed had definitely briefed her father on the little incident. She knew he was worried about her but again he was always anxious as if she was going to disappear the moment he closed his eyes.
He saw her coming toward him and one could imagine how his heart warmed when she beheld his gaze. She hurried towards him and hugged him sweetly.
Yes, the merciless and cold-bloodedqueen had a heart too but only a few people were capable of melting it.
"Bá?" She said.
A sigh was the answer.
"Master, young Miss Zhenyi, just arrived. She must be hungry it's almost time for dinner. I will instruct the staff to set the dining table," said Su Mei the housekeeper." She had an aggrieved expression on her face. Then Zhenyi realized that the housekeeper followed her. Su Mei was an elderly lady who took care of her after the demise of my mother. She spoiled and pampered her like no one else. She couldn't bear to see her sad. She had heard about her accident and since then her heart was in her mouth.
Xin Yichen's mouth twitched but didn't say anything, only giving her a quick nod. It was clear that the old lady had no plans of letting him nag his precious for endangering her life once again. Those who knew Xin Yichen knew he was not capable of love and affection but it was a different story when his children were associated.
"Okay, You start digging on the Bai family. I believe the person who might have left have some pieces of evidence. As long as the Bai family agrees to cooperate with us, it's more than enough." He ordered his assistant, stood up from the Chair, and gestured for his daughter to follow him for the dinner. "Your grandfather is waiting for us in China. We are leaving tomorrow morning."
Her father and Su Mei left the room but her feet were stuck in the same place. She now realized that She had miscalculated her father. He was very sure to get her hitched to Long Jie. But no matter what she would never agree even if it means she had to visit china with him. If he was her father, then she would show him she was his daughter. The one who surpassed him long time ago.
* * * *
She sat on the chair beside her Bà while Su mei went to instruct servants to serve them dinner. The dinner was delicious but the topic of marriage and Longs made her wanted to throw up.
"Are you ready to come with me to China?"Her father asked bluntly. She could tell that her father knew about her stance on marriage but for some reason he was ignoring it which was irritating her because he never said no to any of her demands.
I am," She said simply. Of course, she had no other option she could never reject her father and moreover, she could not let him go there alone. Sure, others were also there to look after him but after the death of her mother, he left the country and brought her there. If her mother had been alive, things would have been completely different, her father would not be the same person he was now. He would not be so lonely and isolated from the real world.
"Sweetheart?"
"Bà."
"I know what you're thinking. Child, I don't ask you for anything but give this marriage a chance. Long Jie is not a bad choice. I know you are just blinded by your hate for the Longs, but you can trust me. You know, your Bà will never give your hand to just any man," her father finally said.
" Bà-
"Let me complete. Zini, you can't stay hidden forever. You are my heiress and I would never want you hidden from the world. I am proud of what you have achieved so far, but love it's time to move forward and see the world with clear eyes" Her father added. He was aware of her predicament but somethings were bound to happen. And her marriage to Long Jie was inevitable.It was her hate for Longs which was blinding her judgement.
"Hate is... It's too easy. Love. Love takes courage." He further added. He suddenly recalled the days he was in love with his wife. Now that she was not here, he still couldn't move on.
"Not all of us are allowed to be in love Bà" She answered honestly. Love… these four alphabets were too heavy for her.
What She said was right not all of us were allowed to be romantic and she was no romantic either. She had seen what love had done to her father and she would rather be bitten by a snake than fall in love with someone. His love for her mother always tormented him. But still, he never moved on and thought about starting a new life with someone else.
"You don't have to be in love to marry, child. I won't ask for more but give it a thought," he said and walked towards his daughter to pat her head and wished her good night.
But unbeknownst to him, sleep was last thought on her mind. She had yet to find some answers.