AAE
For Better Or For Worse
Written by: Jamie
Contents
California, September 2003
Zhen Shan Mei’s fingers on the mouse stilled abruptly as she read the headlines
on the Korean Daily News, “Wen Rong Corporation’s CEO Yin Xiang Zhe and Lover
Xu Yin Mei arrested over Multi Million Dollar Drug Deal”. She stared at the
flat screen monitor unseeingly, frozen to the spot. It was to this scene that
Han Tai Xi walked into five minutes later. She looked so hauntingly beautiful,
it reminded him of the day they met. Tai Xi touched her gently on the
shoulders, gaining her attention.
“SM, what’s wrong?”
She lifted her head, TX’s heart contracted painfully when he saw the agonized
look on her face, and her eyes brimming with tears,
“Oppa, it’s time to return home.” SM whispered softly.
CHAPTER 1
Seoul
Yin Xiang Zhe stared at the ceiling, what could a person do when he was lying
on the narrow and hard bed of a prison cell? He laughed mirthlessly. Damn
Ricardo, he should never have trusted him. Shutting his eyes, and the familiar
images of the woman he loved filled his mind again. SM when she was crying,
laughing, angry, amused and loving him.
“Where are you, my love? I need you so much!” He repeatedly murmured to
himself, as if she’d appear in front of him by that sole act. How long had it
been since he last held her in his arms? He had made a decision one and a half
years ago, had he foreseen the consequences, would he have gone ahead with that
decision. Damn Richardo, for the thousandth time, he cursed that name.
“Director Yin, today’s newspaper, the headlines should interest you.” The
prison guard called out to him in mockery, and threw into his prison cell a
copy of the Korean Daily News. XZ bent to pick up the newspaper from the prison
floor. He stiffen when he read the headlines
“Former Newscaster Zhen Shan Mei, Estranged Wife to Wen Rong’s CEO, Returned to
Seoul with New Lover”.
There was a photograph of SM and a man leaving the airport. The man had his
arms wrapped around SM, his face turned towards her and gazing tenderly at his
wife!!! XZ’s fist clenched, he closed his eyes in despair. SM, he murmured the
beloved name again and again, as if by that act alone he could bring her back
to him. She had matured into a beautiful woman, her hair longer than he had
remembered. Her face had lost its chubbiness about her chin, to be replaced by
a haunting beauty. A silent tear escaped his tightly closed lids.
*************
At Gui Cheng’s House
“SM, what do you plan to do?” GC asked her daughter worriedly. SM sighed
heavily,
“I don’t really know, Daddy…”
“You have to tell XZ, he has a right to know, especially now.”
“Daddy, please give me some time, I need to think, my thoughts are now in
disarray.”
GC shook his head helplessly. He was a simple man with simple principles and a
simple way of life. He couldn’t understand what the younger generation was up
to nowadays. He must be getting old.
****************
“How have you been?” As soon as the question left her lips, SM realized how
stupid she sounded. How well could a prisoner be? Xu Yin Mei asked coldly,
“Still the Ms. Goody two shoes, aren’t you? Doesn’t it bother you that I am
your husband’s lover?” SM paled, pulling herself together with effort, tried
again.
“Oppa You Zhen would want you to be happy, YM.”
As if she hadn’t heard her, YM sneered, her face contorted as she spitted out
venomously.
“You are always that lucky, aren’t you? Not contented with being married to XZ,
you have now found yourself another heir to what, Escapade Group of Hotels, Han
Tai Xi, right.”
“YM….”
“Serves XZ right, still holding a torch over you! Who would remain faithful to
a runaway wife for so long….”
As if she couldn’t tolerate the sight of SM any further, she stood up,
indicating to the guard her intention to leave.
“Xue Zhang…” Tears fell uncontrollably down her cheeks; she was torn between
the desire to run into his arms and the dread of seeing him again. But wasn’t
that the reason she returned home, to be by his side.
“Go and do whatever you need to do now, to take care of You Zhen, and come back
to me when you can. Nothing else matters, as long as you returned to me again.”
His words came back to her, how much had it caused him to release her all those
years ago. She didn’t know his love for her ran so deep then, he had always
appeared like a tower of strength before her. Had she realized how vulnerable
he was, would she have decided to break off with XZ to take care of YZ.
SM stood up to leave. It’s pointless to dwell on the past now. When she left XZ
one and a half years ago, she thought she had good reasons. Trying to give him
the space he had given her before. To convince herself, she had uttered these
similar words repeatedly in her heart to XZ,
“Go and do whatever you need to do now, XZ, never let me be a stumbling block,
and return to me when you can, nothing else matters and needed to be said, as
long as we are back together again.”
Wiping her tears away determinedly from her cheeks, SM took a deep breath and
left. She had to be brave and courageous, Xue Zhang needed her. She had a lot
to accomplish she couldn’t afford to waste time.
Seoul Prison
“To what do I owe this honor?” XZ asked coolly, though his eyes were hungrily
drinking in every detail of her lovely features. She had lost weight. The pretty
child woman who left him more than a year ago, had grown and was now
transformed into a beautiful woman. One thing had not changed though, and that
was the stirring effect she still held over him. How he longed to take her into
his arms again, but the untimely image of Han Tai Xi and SM appeared before his
eyes.
“Xue Zhang,” SM whispered softly. He had lost weight, she thought with heart
wrenching pain. She could see tiny fine lines at the corner of his mouth and
the side of his eyes. XZ was wearing his own clothes; he had been convicted but
not trialed, though he was refused bail. SM suspected Ricardo was behind that,
to protect XZ from Jin Cai Si, the man behind all the crimes, including the
murder of XZ’s father. He had an embittered look about him and SM wanted to
soothe away his unhappiness. Never would she have imagined that when they meet
again, they would be seated across each other in a visitor’s room of a prison!
Had she made a mistake leaving him all those months ago? At that time, she had
thought it was the best solution.
“Is there anything I can do to assist you?”
“Huh, trying to save the world again, true to the image of Zhen Shan Mei…” XZ
snarled. Her politeness hurt him.
SM winced at his tone of voice, pain gripped her heart, he
sounded so much like YM, had he fallen in love with her in her absence? SM
tried holding back her tears, sucking in her breath to control her feelings.
This is not the time for tears, she chided herself in silence, she had to be
courageous and strong for him. SM had not bargained on the effect XZ had on
her, he had always been a tower of strength for her. Seeing him again brought
back those memories like tidal waves. The time they met, became buddies,
quarreled, made up, fell in love, broke up, reconciled and got married. He had
always been gentle and tender with her, treating her as if she was made of
porcelain, easily breakable. Uncontrollable, tears poured down her cheeks. Her
fears, her loneliness, her struggle to contain her feelings and so much more,
those conflicting emotions she was trying futilely to control chasing across
each other and expressly revealed to XZ. He could read her like a book and the
burden he had carried so long within his heart lifted. No matter what, she
still loved him. That knowledge alone overpowered him with joy. No matter what
her physical appearance suggested, Zhen Shan Mei had not changed an iota.
XZ gazed intently at his wife. She was still a crybaby, his heart melted with
love for her. He could not bear to see her cry. SM had not given up on him. She
had appeared to offer assistance, at a time when he most needed her.
“I am sorry,” He apologized. He leaned forward, cupping her face in his large
hands, wiping away her tears with the pad of his thumbs. “Hush now, I couldn’t
bear to see you cry, have you forgotten what I told you, that it is the most
heart wrenching experience for me if you cry?”
“Xue Zhang…” SM sobbed even harder. She could see through her veil of tears the
deep and intense love in his eyes; could feel them through the fingers cupping
her face. She wanted to bury her face in his chest, to embrace him tightly. Her
thoughts echoed his. He wanted nothing more than to enclose her in his arms
again, to stroke her hair, to kiss away those tears. To once again feel the
warmth of her body against his. But he had noted the way the prison guard was
geared to pounced on him if he even tried to attempt such a move.
“SM, sweetheart, listen to me…” He implored. SM pulled herself together with
effort. Where was her resolution to be his strength in times of adversity?
“I understand, I know you are innocent.” SM said earnestly, lifting her hands
to hold his, which were caressingly both sides of her cheeks. He was so starved
for her he just needed to touch her in some way.
“I want you to act as the acting CEO of Wen Rong Corporation in my absence,
with my father gone, you are the only person who has the right to do so.”
“Will the shareholders agree, we have been apart and the rumors reportedly in
the newspapers …” XZ seized the opportunity to question her,
“Are they rumors, SM?” XZ glared at her searchingly. SM met his searching look
without flinching, she had not betrayed their marriage vows, not in thought nor
in body.
“I have never been unfaithful to you, TX is like a brother and was there when I
needed assistance...”SM halted halfway; it was not yet the time to reveal her
secret to him. It was fortunately XZ was so relief over that piece of
information he had not noticed her hesitation. He wanted to jump with joy, he
grinned joyously. SM returned his smile. Yes, he still care for her if her
relationship with TX meant so much to him.
“Xue Zhang, I am going to interrogate Ricardo over this.” She said
determinedly.
“What? SM, how do you know…”
“Why do you think I left? I didn’t want to be a stumbling block to your
mission…I wanted you to be happy!”
“SM, don’t you know yet I could never be happy without you?”
“Xue Zhang, you wanted to avenge your father’s death, you were filled with
guilt, I wanted to help you but you were so engrossed in protecting me you
concealed so much from me. I felt so helpless. Ricardo told me I was the
weakest link, the syndicate behind your father’s murder might strike again and
he wanted me out of the way. It was no secret you doted on me and that was a
powerful weapon to handover to our enemies. And the fact he wanted you to court
YM he was sure you would not be convincing if I was hanging around to distract
you….” YM was someone they had not spoken of, but the crucial reason which
finally decided for her to give in to Ricardo’s arrangement was entirely
something else….
“Do I mean so little to you that you could hand me over to YM like a dish?” He
asked, unable to keep away the bitterness from his voice.
“It’s not like that, I trusted you…” she couldn’t complete her sentence. His
adorable wife wanted reassurance about his relationship with YM though she was
trying hard to sound indifferent and trusting, he wanted to laugh at her but
refrain from it. This was a subject matter which was as delicate to handle as
the one she had with HTX.
“I was never unfaithful to you SM,” he mimicked her earlier speech but added,
“You are the only one for me, past, present, future and forever, in this life
and the next to come.” He vowed seriously. SM was moved to tears again, where
did she get so much supply of it, XZ wondered. She whispered, “I love you, Xue
Zhang, so much…”
“And I love you, sweetheart…” They pledged their love for each other again,
right inside the visitor’s room in a prison, after being separated for more
than a year. Time apart had not lesson their love for each other, but
intensified them to a love that would bring them through good and bad times,
better or worse, and it’d be everlasting.
“I am getting you out of this prison!”
“I don’t want you to endanger your life.”
“Don’t worry, I have too much to live for, you and our….” SM broke off
abruptly; she had nearly revealed her secret.
“Our?”
“Our family, silly! Papa, aunty etc etc..”
“Well, well, bella mia, the knight in shining armor had
returned to save the damsel in distress, except the princess is playing the
role of the knight and the high and mighty had been condemned to the role of a
damsel.” Ricardo laughed heartily as SM walked into his office.
“You promised you will keep an eye on him, you promised he will not be hurt!”
“He was doing pretty well until you left, bella mia. Then he acted like a
wounded lion.”
“You should have informed me!”
“Were you in any condition to come back then? THAT was the reason you left,
wasn’t it? YM was never a threat to you.” Ricardo asked mockingly, a twinkle in
his eyes. SM blushed.
“XZ would be proud of them, SM.” Ricardo Valenza said seriously.
A sturdy built Italian, Ricardo De Valenza was the person who masterminded the
plan in an attempt to capture Jin Cai Si, the tycoon behind the murder of XZ’s
father and who was responsible for a nest of drugs dealing activities. XZ had
been insane with rage when his father was brutally murdered, vowing to avenge
his father’s death. With his desire for revenge, XZ was easy prey to Ricardo’s
persuasion to be an undercover agent. The tricky part was to get XZ agreeing to
an affair with YM, Jin Cai Si’s mistress, thereby obtaining reliable
information on Cai Si. SM had unwittingly found XZ and YM in a compromising
position and discovered XZ’s part as an undercover agent when she overheard XZ
and Ricardo’s conversation. She had been in a dilemma, on the one hand
understanding XZ’s desire for revenge and justice, on the other wondering if
she could ever tolerate XZ and YM having an affair. In an uncharacteristic act
of Zhen Shan Mei, she had sought out Ricardo for an explanation.
Ricardo studied SM’s appearance, she had indeed matured into a beautiful woman,
her transition into motherhood had been a difficult one and he was proud of
her, so would XZ when the time was right to reveal the news to him. He swore
beneath his breath when he caught that determined look, her chin raising
challengingly towards him,
“I want my husband out of the prison, Ricardo…”
“Now, now, bella mia..” He raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, “You
know that is not so simple..”
“He is innocent, XZ will never deal with drugs, you know very well that was
Jezebel’s dealings.”
“SM, if he had followed instructions, JCS and YM would be the ones caught and
hung, instead he got caught and that scoundrel escaped!”
Ricardo slammed his fist on his desk in anger and frustration. Then glared
accusingly at SM.
“Why did you get yourself entangled with HTX, XZ went berserk after reading that
report on my desk that day!”
SM stared at Ricardo disbelievingly, “You had me followed? I kept you well
informed of my whereabouts.”
“I had to be sure XZ got his wife back, SM.”
“Just get him out of the prison as soon as possible, will you? You had no
business throwing my husband into a 10’x10’ prison cell. And when I next visit
my husband, I do not want any prison guards present!”
“The prison guard got in the way in you hugging, kissing and making up, did
he?” He mocked. Then explained seriously,
“SM, I had to protect XZ when JCS is still capable of creating mischief. JCS
would let his guard down with XZ locked inside a prison waiting for a trial to
be scheduled. Wen Rong is in a vulnerable position and it suits JCS’s purposes,
it’s too good an opportunity to miss. XZ’s capture is also a blessing in
disguise as it allows me to set another booby trap for JCS. I promise it will
not be long. XZ is getting VIP treatment for a prisoner, so don’t you cry your
eyes out over his imprisonment.”
“Just get him out there, will you?” SM threw the words at him over her
shoulders as she walked out of his office. Ricardo shook his head helplessly,
what was it about this child woman that could send him doing her bidding? He
was chief to the police’s Intelligence Agency, damn it!
***************************
Conference Room, Wen Rong Corporation
SM and Uncle Liu, Liu Yong Xi’s father, sat beside each other. Today’s board
meeting with the Board of Directors was called to announce SM’s new appointment
as the acting CEO for Wen Rong. She was very nervous but screwed her features,
acting calm. Uncle Liu patted her shoulder consolingly. XZ had instructed Uncle
Liu to back SM up, obtaining the consent from the directors to temporarily act
as the CEO.
Uncle Liu stood up to address the directors.
“I would like to formally introduce you to the wife Yin Xiang Zhe, our CEO,
whom at his request should temporarily act as the CEO of Wen Rong.”
There was an uproar of dissent. SM rapidly stood up, bending her head slightly
to address the directors,
“Ladies and gentleman, I understand your concern over my ability to take up
this task as the acting CEO. I’d like to stress that I am here at the request
of my husband, who had been unfairly arrested over something he didn’t do. I am
sure all of you present have great confidence in my husband’s integrity and
believe in his innocence. Wen Rong Corporation, under his leadership and
foresight, had ascended into a class of his own. Along with that achievement
also attracts competitors and enemies who are envious of that achievement. Wen
Rong’s shares had taken a plunge since my husband was arrested; this left the
company in a very vulnerable position, and exposed to takeover bids.
I am sure all of you present are aware that my husband’s arrest is very likely
linked to someone who would like to create mischief at Wen Rong. The murder of
my father-in-law might very well be associated to what transpired with my
husband…”SM gained confidence as she spoke, wondering where she got the
inspiration for such a speech.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that contrary to
newspaper reports, XZ and I are not on the verge of a divorce. I went overseas
to further my studies in order to assist my husband…it was a mutual decision. The
rumors so widely spread about my relationship with the heir of Escapade Hotel
Chains is unfounded, we are good friends. I’d not be here if my husband had
believed otherwise. At this stage, it is critical for someone to hold the fort
together, to avoid falling into our enemy’s trap, I know that you’d make a wise
decision.” SM sat down and awaited the response from the directors.
The Board of Directors were all shrewd merchants and were aware of the
vulnerable position at Wen Rong, they were indeed relieved SM would temporarily
take up the reign of Wen Rong. YXZ was a tough act to follow and no one would
like to be compared with his brilliant achievements over the years. Apart from
one or two who doubted the move, the majority voted in favour and SM smoothly
took over the position of acting CEO.
SM slumped into the chair when she returned to XZ’s office. She felt as if she
had been bulldozed in a battlefield. Was this how XZ felt after a meeting like
this. She squared her slim shoulders. Her gaze fell on the Peter rabbit at his
desk. Tears welled in her eyes again, “Xue Zhang…”
************************
XZ was jolted out of his afternoon nap. SM was calling him, he felt it within
his heart, and silently send her his telepathic message, encouraging her and
attempting to infuse some of his strength into her. It would be a tiring
afternoon for her with the Board of Directors. Who would have thought she’d
have completed her MBA in California when they were apart. Was this Divine
Providence, assisting them without their knowledge in their hour of need? He
got up to freshen himself. SM was visiting him today, though he could not do
much about his attire, he at least want to appear tidy and clean. At the
thought of her visit, his heartbeats raised with excitement and longing.
*************************
SM scratched her head as she studied the pile of financial reports, business
proposals and miscellaneous contracts on her desk. How did XZ manage all these?
Her MBA course in California hadn’t prepared her for this. After the meeting
with the Board of Directors earlier, this was just too much for her. Her
expression brightened as she thought of XZ. He must be silently sending her his
strength. Taking a glance at the clock hanging on the opposite wall, she noted
that it’s three thirty in the afternoon. She had time to return home to change
into something more comfortable and attractive for XZ. She was still staying at
her father’s house. When XZ was out of prison, she’d return home with him to
the home they had shared together.
The phone rang. She picked up the receiver automatically.
“Hi, Mrs CEO, how is your day?” The cheerful voice of HTX transmitted across
the line.
“Oppa, you have called to brighten my day, how have you been?”
“Pining for you, my sweet lady! What about dinner tonight, I will pick you up
at 7.30pm.”
“Make it 8.00pm, I am visiting XZ.” SM told him happily. There was silence at
the other end of the line. Then TX said quietly,
“Okay, I’ll see you at 8.00pm then.” And hung up the phone.
SM stared down thoughtfully at the phone. Why did she get the feeling TX was
not precisely over the moon over her reconciliation with XZ? She was grateful
to him for being there when she needed help; he had not attempted to court her
in the past. Chiding herself for being oversensitive, she shook off those
unwanted thoughts. As she turned, the pile of paperwork on her desk fell into
her vision. Sighing, she packed them into the briefcase and left the office.
SM waited for XZ in the visitor’s room. She had butterflies
in her stomach, she was so nervous. She was facing the blank white wall at the
corner of the room, her back against the other door where XZ was to make his
appearance. Her legs were wobbly and she bit into her fingernails. What’s the
matter with her, this was the moment she had yearned for and she was acting
like a schoolgirl in her first date. Not the matured married woman who had
shared many intimate moments with her husband.
XZ had a clear view of her slim back as he entered the room. She was wearing a
cream collar sleeveless blouse with straight cut pants. The door closed behind
him. XZ was surprised that the prison guard had not followed him into the room.
Hearing him entering the room, she swirled round wide eye, her gaze fixed on
his handsome face. XZ no longer wore that embittered look on his face. He
appeared relax and lighthearted. XZ opened his arms wide, SM didn’t need a
second invitation; she flew into his arms, hugging him close to her, her face
buried in his chest. XZ closed his arms tightly around her, his eyes wet with
happiness.
For long moments they remained locked in each other’s embrace, reveling in the
contentment of being together again. Then he bent his head to search for her
luscious lips. SM shut her eyes, his lips hard against hers. It was a kiss
which spoke of their loneliness, their yearning for each other; how much they
had missed each other and the pain they experienced when they were apart.
“Hey, I am not made of stone you know.” XZ gently reminded her as SM pressed
herself closer to him. She blushed prettily.
“I wasn’t thinking of that…” She protested. “And what was that?” He returned.
SM jabbed him on the chest.
“I have missed you.” She admitted in a small tearful voice. Oh no, XZ felt his
heart contracted painfully, “You are still that crybaby I met eight years ago.”
“I am not a crybaby!” She denied spiritedly. Her eyes cleared of the storm
clouds which were apparent a few seconds ago.
“Just let me hold you another five minutes, and we will get down to business
alright?” She nodded obediently.
XZ released SM unwillingly. A thought struck him and he lifted her left hand,
staring at the silver wedding band she was wearing with a self-satisfied smile.
Then squatted down to check her left ankle, yes, the anklet made of out of his
birthstone, peridot enclosing his sweet pearl in the center. He had presented
the gift to her on her birthday, the first he had celebrated with her. On that
day he had revealed to her his desire to celebrate her birthday together every
year and his hope to meet her again if there was another life to come.
“What are you doing?” SM asked uncomprehendingly.
“Just checking.” He responded innocently. SM narrowed her eyes, so he wanted to
know. Well, two can play the game. As he straightened, she in turn lifted his
left hand to see if the wedding band was still there. She smiled in
satisfaction, peering up at him through her lashes, “Just checking.” She said.
XZ laughed, he was so happy he couldn’t contain his joy without expressing it.
XZ stared at SM in amusement. Her face was buried deep in the pile of reports,
her nose wrinkled and her brows knitted together in the middle. He was reminded
of that curly short hair schoolgirl he first met. He sat back on the chair in
contentment. Prison life was not so bad when he got to spend so much time with
his wife daily. Ricardo visited him in the afternoon and they were in agreement
XZ should remain in the prison, until that Jezebel was caught. He had moved XZ
into a comfortable quarters; giving him the VIP treatment.
“I don’t understand this….”SM began in confusion. XZ smiled encouragingly,
“Take your time, now let’s go through this together. They spend two hours going
through Wen Rong’s business activities, XZ patiently tutoring SM. It was a
difficult task for her to shoulder.
At 7.00pm, XZ called a halt to their work. He could see SM was getting tired.
“Oh, I didn’t realize the time, Oppa TX is picking me up for dinner.” SM said
guilelessly. XZ’s face immediately darkened with temper.
“I don’t want you to go out with him alone.” He voiced his displeasure.
“Xue Zhang,” she protested, “Oppa TX is a friend. I am grateful to him, when
you meet him you will understand you have nothing to be jealous about…” she
said lightly, attempting to appease him by teasing him a little.
XZ could not agree with her views, though he did not attempt to oppose further.
His little angel might be naďve enough to think TX had no ulterior motives, but
he didn’t think so. He had seen the photograph in the newspaper; there was no
doubt in his mind HTX was in love with his wife.
*************************
Over the next few weeks, SM would spend the mornings with XZ going through Wen
Rong’s business activities, and the afternoons at Wen Rong’s office. Business
decisions were made by XZ and executed by SM. She would brief him on Wen Rong’s
activities, content of meetings and progress reports. They were working as a
team and XZ was pleasantly surprised at his wife’s astuteness in certain areas
of the market. She’d worked late into the night in order to catch up on her
inexperience in the corporate environment.
SM missed her twins terribly, they chatted with her over the phone. Her babies
were just starting to speak when she left California. And the chatter over the
phone was barely audible but it brought tears to her eyes. She was so proud of
them. How she wished Ricardo would speed up his process, but that scoundrel JCS
had so far proved to be elusive.
SM stepped into her father’s house and closed the door behind her. Her back
leaning against the door, she was exhausted from the day’s work and depressed,
pining for XZ and her adorable babies. She didn’t know how much longer she
could continue. Her father had called earlier to tell her he would be at the
site for a few days, reminding her not to work too late. She closed her eyes,
tired.
XZ studied the exhausted profile of his wife. He was silhouetted in the dark
and SM had not noticed him when she entered. He crossed over the room quietly,
gently gathering her into his arms, one hand stroking her hair consolingly, the
other caressing her back. SM opened her eyes in alarm, panicking, then her body
relaxed as it registered the familiarity of that embrace. For long moments,
they were locked in each other’s embrace, reveling in the contented and
peaceful feeling.
“How?” SM finally lifted her face to query.
“The scoundrel JCS was caught red handed this afternoon.”
“Why didn’t Ricardo inform me?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
SM buried her head into his chest again. She smelled a delicious aroma coming
out from the kitchen.
“You cooked?” She asked joyously, she was starving, her exhaustion disappearing
like magic.
“Now I know food has more effect on you than me.” He laughed happily. It’s so
good to be home again, SM nodded in agreement giggling gaily. Dancing out of
his arms to the kitchen.
SM lifted the pot cover, breathing in the delicious aroma with her eyes closed
in appreciation. XZ smilingly wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his
face against her nape, breathing in the scent of her silky black hair.
“We shall have our dinner, then I’ll bring you back to our home.” He stated his
intention. SM nodded her head shyly.
XZ inserted the key into the keyhole to open the door. They
had returned to the house they shared together for a year after their marriage.
He was here earlier to clean up the house and change the sheets. His arms were
on the small of SM’s back as he guided her in. XZ switched on the lights and
bright lights illuminated the whole living room. SM surveyed the house she had
left nearly two years ago and sucked in her breath in disbelief. The
arrangements were just as she had left it. The furniture, the decorative
ornaments, everything in it was just as she had left them.
“I wanted to keep them as they were, the way you left it. I knew you’d be
back.” XZ told her simply. SM hugged XZ wordlessly.
“Is Mrs. Yin ready to make Mr. Yin happy now?” SM wrapped her arms around his
neck as her answer. And he swept her up into his arms, climbing the stairs two
steps at a time in eager anticipation to their bedroom.
***********************
A Week Later
SM had just send XZ off to work. She had handed over to him what they had
worked together the last six weeks. XZ had offered her the position as a
Business Development Manager for Wen Rong Group but she had requested to begin
her new job in two months. She needed time to tie up some loose ends. She
searched her mind for a way to break the news of their twins to him, and only
came out with an idea yesterday morning.
There was a silly smile hanging at the corner of XZ’s lips. What an incredible
night they had together. She had promised him a candlelight dinner tonight. He
got down to the day’s work enthusiastically; he just couldn’t wait to see her.
Just before SM entered the boarding gate at Kimpu Airport, she retrieved her
handphone from her traveling bag, and she SMS XZ. “Meet me at home tonight.”
She had written him a short note, and send up a prayer that he would soon
follow her to California.
The meeting adjourned at 6.30pm, XZ smiled joyfully when he read the SMS
message. What was the little mischievous imp up to now? He quickly packed his
briefcase, getting ready to leave. As he drove into the driveway, the house was
in complete darkness. There was a feeling of dejavu, NO, she couldn’t do that
to him twice, she just couldn’t. He ran into the house, slamming the door
behind him. When he spotted the little yellow envelope propping up on the
dining table. He retrieved the letter with shaking hands, reading the content
hurriedly.
“To My Beloved Husband Yin Xiang Zhe
I am so sorry, but you will understand my reasons if you so wish to find out. I
have left for California. Xue Zhang, the time we had been together was the
happiest time in my life. A lot has happened these past few weeks, I do not
know if it’s because you still love me, or if I am still the burden you cannot
let go.
You had gotten to know YM when we were apart, you might have fallen in love
with her during this time. Just because I was back to assist you in your time
of need, you do not need to feel obligated taking me back as your wife.
And so I am leaving you. If I am wrong and it’s me you love, please come for I
will be waiting for you here.
SM”
She scribbled a California address at the bottom. Oh God, what was she trying
to do to him. He groaned in exasperation. Couldn’t she tell he was crazy about
her? Did she have to make him fly half the globe to California to convince her,
it’d serve her right if he let her stew in her own petard for a few days. But
XZ knew he could not. She meant too much to him to risk losing her.
He picked up the phone to call the airlines, making reservations for a flight
from Seoul to California in the afternoon the next day. He read the letter
again, then noticed the family tree stand made of pewter on the table. There
were five oval shapes frame hanging on the family tree, SM had inserted his and
her photographs on the oval frames and they are hanging at the top left and
right branches of the family tree.
Without thinking, he took it up, dashing upstairs to pack his bag. When he
caught up with SM, he would spank the living daylights out of her for being
such a brat.
*********************
Chen Shu was giving SM a lecture. SM was playing with her beloved twins who
were now glued to their mummy. They were little and could not understand why
their mummy had disappeared for such a long time. Yin Di Di, her younger son
was the first to spot his mummy when she arrived earlier this morning. He had
cried with excitement, “Mummy, mummy..” Then promptly burst into tears. He ran
over to his mother with his chubby little legs. SM scooped up her younger son
with tears of happiness in her eyes. How she had missed them. Then she saw her
elder son Yin Ge Ge over the shoulders of Yin Di Di, standing very still
watching his mother. His eyes bright with unshed tears. He stretched out his
hand pitifully. SM’s heart melted with love, with Yin Di Di in her arms, she
dashed over to hug her elder son. Kissing their little faces joyously.
“What feeble excuses did you conjure up for XZ, it will serve you right if he
doesn’t turn up.” SM stared at Chen Shu in alarm. Aunty was right, she had not
been thinking straight. Of course she didn’t think XZ would still need time to
decide whether it’s YM or SM he loved. Nor the load of rubbish she had written
in the letter. However, she had wanted to tell XZ of their twins’ existence in
California, and she had to prepare the twins for the arrival of their father.
Chen Shu sighed and relented, “Though the way XZ feels about you, I am sure he
will be in hot pursuit of you.”
“Thank you, aunty.” Both Chen Shu and Gui Cheng were not informed of the
existence of the twins until they were nine months old. They had flown over
immediately. Chen Shu had stayed on to assist SM to take care of the twins,
allowing her to concentrate on her studies. They were hurt SM didn’t reveal her
whereabouts for the first 14 months. SM knew XZ had searched for her when she
left. Ricardo had given strict instructions she should not disclose any
information to anyone, not even those closest to her. The phone calls she made
were from public phone booths.
SM estimated she had another 2-3 days before XZ would make an appearance. He
would need to rearrange and reschedule his work and meetings before making such
a long trip. She would have sufficient time to get her twins familiarize
themselves with the looks of their father. She pointed to the photograph of XZ,
teaching them, “This is daddy, come, call da-ddy.” The twins mimicked her,
gurgling with laughter. From time to time, they would run over to hug her
tightly, as if afraid she would disappear again. Her heart ached at the
thought.
*********************************
“Excuse me, may I know if Zhan Shan Mei is staying here.” XZ checked the
address again. Two toddlers were playing at the front porch of the house; the
middle age woman had her back facing him. SM couldn’t possibly be staying here,
could she?
Chen Shu turned around slowly, meeting XZ’s astonished gaze.
“Aunty, why are you here?”
Yin Di Di lifted his head to glance at the stranger when he heard him speaking.
He is the nosy twin. “That’s da-ddy…?” He enquired hesitantly. He had
recognized the man in the photograph mummy had shown him earlier.
XZ dropped his gaze, staring at the upraised curious little face, his breath
caught at his throat painfully. Then the other twin walked clumsily over, his
chubby little feet taking him towards his twin, both identical faces looking up
questioningly at XZ.
“Da-ddy?” The twin voices asked in unison. XZ was stunned as he stared at them,
their faces the spitting image of himself. The intense look on the stranger’s
face frightened the twins.
“Mummy..” Yin Ge Ge called out to his mummy. That jolted XZ, he knelt down and
gathered the twins into his arms gently. “My babies…” he choked out.
SM was in the kitchen preparing the twins’ lunch when she heard the commotion.
She stiffened when she heard XZ’s voice. She quickened her pace to the front
porch, frozen into inaction as she took in the scene before her. XZ lifted his
gaze at that instant, meeting her beautiful eyes, shimmering with unshed tears.
His own were wet too.
“You little fool, why didn’t you tell me?” He straightened, carrying both
twins, one in each arms. Yin Ge Ge stretched out his arms for his mother when
he spotted her. SM lifted him from XZ, moving naturally into XZ’s embrace as he
stretched out his left arm to envelope his family into his protective embrace.
***********************
Later that night, after the twins and Chen Shu had gone to bed, XZ and SM were
sitting together in the living room’s sofa. She told him about her life in
California. How lonely she had been when she first arrived, not knowing a soul.
The knowledge of her pregnancy had kept her sane. Ricardo had enrolled her into
a local university to study MBA. In her pregnant state, she knew she could not
have completed the course and switch to a correspondence course, but arranged
with the university to attend their lectures. She had met Han Tai Xi in the
university. He came up to introduce himself to her one day. He was a lecturer
in commercial arts. As they got to know each other, TX had poured out his
feelings about the girl he loved who had died many years back. She had offered
him comfort just by listening to him.
SM went into premature labor when she was seven months pregnant. TX happened to
be there, sending her to the hospital. After 14 hours in the labor room, the
twins were born. She fell apart after learning from the genealogist the twins
might not survive. They weighed only 3 pounds and tiny like the size of her
palm. She had sat vigil, day and night, staring at the twin incubators, willing
her sons to live. HTX had forced her to eat, drink and to rest during those
torturous weeks. Nursing her silently. She barely realized his existence, able
to focus only on her twins. It was only after the condition of the twins was
stabilized, that she was able to cry with relief on his shoulders.
“Do you understand now why I am so grateful to Oppa TX?” XZ nodded. He didn’t
like it, but he understood and was grateful to HTX.
“Do you know how I feel knowing I wasn’t there for you and our twins but HTX
was?” XZ didn’t want to conceal how he felt from her. SM squeezed his hands
comfortingly.
“No matter what, you are the twins’ father and my husband, Oppa TX could never
be that, I hope you understand this?” XZ nodded his head in agreement.
“What should we do with YM?” For YZ’s sake, she would like to help. XZ shook
his head.
“She’s guilty of all the offences she’s been charged of. Xu Yin Mei has not
changed. The only time she resembled a human being was the short period after
YZ’s death and the time when she suffered amnesia.”
“Didn’t you find her attractive?’ SM wanted to know. XZ shook his head again,
“Not unless you like a woman who resembled a cobra, I am not YZ.” He added
pointedly.
“That’s a mean thing to say, Oppa YZ didn’t like cobra, and YM is very
beautiful and sexy.”
“So are you, my love.” She smiled delightedly at his comment.
“The only time YM had been close to me was when she pretended to trip and fall
into my arms. Do not mistake she’d have any loyalty towards me even if we had
an affair. Her intention was to thwart you and observed who’s the highest
bidder. Your father and Chen Shu understood after a while even if you, my
little simpleton, don’t.” He teased. She jabbed her fist on his chest in anger.
“I’m not a simpleton.”
XZ stood up, retrieving the family tree stand from his suitcase and passed it
to SM. She took out the photographs of their twins from the drawer, measuring
against the sample of the oval frame, then cut them into little ovals shapes.
She passed them carefully to XZ and he inserted first Yin Ge Ge’s, then Yin Di
Di’s into their respective oval frame. Hanging them on each side of the family
tree branches, just below the photos of SM and himself.
******************
As HTX entered his office, the newspaper headlines caught his attention. “Wen
Rong CEO returned to Korea with Wife and Sons”
Enclosed was the picture of YXZ carrying a son in one arm, hugging his wife
protectively in another, and SM was carrying the other twin. So they had made
it. HTX’s feelings were bittersweet and mixed. He sat down and picked up the
phone.
*********************
YXZ and HTX scrutinized each other coldly. No, HTX was not weak like JYZ,
thought XZ. TX noted the possessive arm around SM’s waist. He had no doubt XZ
was trying to make a point to him via his body language. They measured each
other up.
“Oppa TX!” SM moved forward to give TX a light kiss on his cheek warmly, much
to XZ’s displeasure and astonishment.
“I thought you’d forgotten your Oppa TX with such a handsome husband around.”
He teased.
“As if I would.” She laughed cheekily.
“Let me introduce you to my husband, Yin Xiang Zhe. Xue Zhang, this is my Oppa
Tai Xi.”
They were shown to their table in the cozy Italian restaurant. SM chatted away
most of the time, the two men sitting quietly listening to her. SM excused
herself to powder her nose. Leaving XZ and TX, facing each other in tense
silence.
“I’ve never been a threat to you, you know. She loves you and I knew that from
the beginning…Perhaps it’s fated I’d always fall in love with a woman who is in
love with someone else.” He smiled self-mockingly.
“I’d like to thank you for taking care of SM, I’d always be grateful to you.
Maybe in time we can be friends.” He allowed.
“Maybe.” TX raised his wine glass for a toast. That YXZ loved his wife was
apparent to him. It reflected in the way he touched her, his angular features
softening when he glanced at her. The indulgent smile he gave her. No, Zhen
Shan Mei would never leave Yin Xiang Zhe’s side. It’s blissful thinking to ever
dream she would.
**************************
“Mmm…alone at last!” Sighed XZ contentedly. They had fetched the twins from
GC’s place after dinner with TX. The twins were now soundly asleep in their
nursery upstairs. SM studied XZ for a long, searching moment. Yes, it was still
there, the fact she had left him and given birth to their twins alone still
disturbed him.
“Will you forgive me for leaving you?” She asked quietly. He nodded his head
slowly.
“Will you forgive me for not being there for you when you most needed me?”
He enquired in return. She nodded, moving towards the mini hi-fi, retrieving
Shania Twain’s CD from the rack, inserting it into the disc player. The
soothing tune “From This Moment On’ flowed into the living room as SM walked
towards XZ, taking both his hands in hers, as she sung with Shania Twain,
looking deep into XZ’s eyes, her deep love for him reflected in her eyes. XZ
returned her gaze, his own tender and loving as he sang the part by Bryan
White.
(I do swear that I'll always be there.
I'd give anything and everything and I will always care.
Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow,
for better for worse, I will love you with every beat of my heart.)
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is
where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait
to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as
long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up
above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn’t give
From this moment
I will love you, I
will love you, as long as I live
From this moment on
“Xue Zhang, although it’s dreadful when it’s happening, but in the long run,
we’ll have a better marriage because we have been apart. I’ve learned a lot
these past months.”
“You have matured into a wise and beautiful woman.” XZ smooth a log of hair
from her temple.
“Thank you.” She said with sheer happiness.
“I feel I can trust in your strength, I can depend on you, you’ll never let me
down.” XZ continued, gazing proudly at the child woman he loved so intensely.
“That’s the most lovely thing you’ve ever said to me.” He had always treated
her like a child, someone to treasure and hold, but never to share his burden.
She leaned her head on his shoulders, both hands wrapping around his waist. XZ
tenderly held her, then took her hand, turning her towards the direction of the
stairs …
*****************************
Nine Months Later
XZ was carrying a bouncing baby girl in his arms, one large hand supporting her
head, and the other under the baby’s butt. He walked back and forth the
hospital bedroom anxiously. SM looked on from her bed in amusement. She was
prop up with a pillow supporting her back. XZ stopped pacing, noticing her
laughing eyes. He moved towards her, placing the baby gently back in her
mother’s arms.
“Why doesn’t she look a bit like me, does all new born babies look like this?
Her face is so red.” He peered down at his daughter again.
“Oh, she has my eyes, my nose, my mouth, my dimple, my smile and YOUR FROWN!”
“Minx!” He laughed indulgently.
“I feel as if I have given you back something I once took from you…” She was
referring to the time the twins were born. XZ didn’t get to enjoy fatherhood
when they were babies.
“Don’t say that, what we loss we loss together…” He gazed sincerely into her
eyes, referring to the time he was separated from her when she most needed his
support, then at their daughter, “and what we gain we gain together.” Just at
that moment, the door opened and two excited twin boys burst into the room with
Gui Cheng. Witnessing the tender moment between husband and wife, GC closed the
door quietly behind him. Leaving the twins together with their parents and baby
sister.
“Mummy! Daddy!” Both climbed onto the bed, rocking it like a boat.
“Gently, gently, your sister is asleep, you will frighten her being so rough.”
XZ stopped them. They quieted down, staring curiously at the baby.
XZ moved to enclose all of them into his arms. His family, they are his world,
his happiness, centered round SM, his adorable angel. He closed his eyes in
contentment as he held them tightly to him.
Yes, theirs was an enduring love that had been tested through trials and
afflictions, and it would be everlasting.
~THE END~
YAHOO!!! I can’t believe it, I have actually finished writing this story.
Toasting with a bottle of champagne (^-^). It’s more difficult to write than
Chapters 3 & 4, perhaps because of the emotions displayed by XZ and SM, and
I had to tie up the loose ends. What a relief! I shall sit back and rest now.
Have a great weekend everybody! Thanks to all for your encouragement, Irene,
Margie, TS~*, KY, uyen, Jules, neelie, aurora, pink, Tammie, JNKY, Tess,
ltheng2000, poni, JacquelineN, midid, les, Madymei, firefly and all silent FB
friends! (((((A VERY BIG THANK YOU)))))!!!