Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
This image would be on every newspaper’s front page tomorrow morning.
That’s right, everyone. She’s mine. Don’t even think about it.
I stared into her eyes.
She waited for my response, again. . .that odd flash of fear appeared.
Hmmm.
Instead of speaking, I placed my hand over my heart.
She widened her eyes.
I kept my voice low. “Do you remember this?”
Chen looked from her to me and whispered, “What are you doing? Say it tastes good and let her move on.”
Ignoring him, I watched her. “Do you need me?”
My father leaned forward. “That’s enough, Lei. It is time to move on.”
I ignored him too. “Do you need me, baby?”
She nervously glanced at my father.
He watched us.
And then, she placed her hand on her heart.
Okay. I understand.
I took another sip of the tea and loudly spoke, “This is wonderful. You honor me, Mountain Mistress.”
Chen shrieked at my saying the title out loud and on camera for the first time. Of course this was not the way of the East. There was supposed to be a ceremony.
But anyone with eyes would know that I planned to never let her go.
Yes, everyone. She is my Mountain Mistress.
My aunts clapped.
The reporters scribbled notes, and more cameras flashed.
Rising from her bow, Moni exhaled a shaky breath and relief washed over her face. But as she returned to the pot to pour my father’s cup, her shoulders remained tense and the unease lingered in her eyes.
I set my cup on the table and couldn't stand to see her this way.
She did the signal so I’m stepping in.
Moni needed support and I had to be there for her, tradition be damned.
“I am sorry, everyone.” I stood up, drawing the attention of the room especially the reporters.
Everyone else at the table rose with me and bowed their head.
I gazed at the cameras. “I need to speak with my Mountain Mistress for a few minutes. It must be in private. . .I just can’t help myself.”
To my surprise, the giggling female reporters from earlier, gave me this strange knowing look as if to say that they thought I wanted to be alone with her to get a kiss.
Good. Let them think that.
With his head still bowed, Chen appeared to be having an aneurism. “W-what are you doing?”
Moni froze holding the tea pot.
“Something important has just come to my mind.” I kept my voice steady. “Therefore, the tea ceremony will have a small delay. Turn the cameras off.”
Aunt Suzi lifted her head a little and put on a fake smile. “This is live, Lei.”
“Then make it un-live.” I snapped my fingers. “Now.”
The reporters rushed to signaling their cameramen. One by one, the red lights turned to black.
Aunt Min frowned. “Whatever you need to talk about, Lei, do it later.”
“I agree with my sisters.” My father nodded. “The ceremony is too important for any delays.”
“This is more important.” I left the table and ignored the murmurs of discontent from my aunts as well as the reporters’ hushed whispers.
Seconds later, I made my way to Moni.
Her hands shook as she set the pot down.
You did the signal and I told you that I would always have your back when you did it.
Gently, I took her hand in mine, feeling the tremor that ran through it.
Yes, something is definitely wrong.
Her eyes met mine and I saw the relief and fear in them.
“I’ve got you.”
Her bottom lip quivered.
I guided her away from the table, away from the prying eyes and my relentless family.
Tradition was good, but Moni was more important and would forever be.
Now, let’s see what the fuck is making her so scared and nervous.
Chapter six
A Cruel Test
Monique
Lei and I left the elegantly decorated tea ceremony while news reporters’ murmurs and whispers faded into the background.
My hand trembled in Lei’s hold. Thank God he didn't say anything. Instead, he just tightened his grip on my hand slightly and guided us away.
How do I tell Lei his sister is dead? Do I say it now or after the tea ceremony?
In another city, those questions would have been ridiculous. Of course someone would tell the person of their sibling’s death.
But during my short time in the East, I was learning that everything was important—colors, traditions, symbols, etc.
This is crazy. What should I do?
Leo had put me in an impossible position by gifting me with his daughter’s head right before the damn ceremony.
What the hell, man?
However, I also had to remember that Leo was notorious for his constant mind games and tests. Every interaction with him was like navigating a minefield, where one misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
Fuck. Seriously. . .what am I going to do?
Silent, Lei continued to guide me away.
The house seemed to stretch on endlessly. The lavish decor and extravagant furniture blurred as we moved and my mind was too preoccupied to take in the details.
All around us, the staff engaged in a flurry of activity wearing crisp blue uniforms and carrying trays stacked with delicacies.