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)
“Many times.” Lei's posture shifted, his shoulders tensed and his free hand fidgeted with his pocket. “We grew up together so. . .she’s been to many of my properties.”
“Yeah. That makes sense—”
“But they never greeted Chanel in this way. They simply served her like any other guest.”
I looked away.
His words hung in the air, creating a mix of emotions inside me. Jealousy, relief, confusion. Yet, I couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of satisfaction—of victory.
It was stupid, but sometimes I unnecessarily felt like I was competing with a dead woman. Of course I would be winning, since she was dead, but that didn’t stop me from feeling a little bit triumphant.
You can’t keep doing that, girl. She is his past. Move on.
“Anyway, let’s get away from here, before they try to kidnap you from me.” Lei had us step up to the large, double blue doors and they opened on their own, displaying the grand foyer that was the size of two huge rooms for absolutely no damn reason.
Yet, the space was breathtaking—high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that sparkled like captured starlight. The floor was a polished blue marble. Rich tapestries hung on the walls, depicting serene coastal scenes that complemented the view outside.
Unlike Lotus Blossom or the Palace, it felt more like a relaxing vacation home.
As we moved further into the mansion, I couldn't help but replay Lei's words about Chanel in my head.
The idea that I was somehow different, that I was being welcomed in a way that no other woman had been, filled me with pride.
But beneath that pride, a darker emotion still simmered; jealousy. It was ridiculous, really.
Chanel was part of Lei's past and she was gone now.
Yet, I couldn't shake the sting of knowing she had been here, in this beautiful place, with him. And even more, I couldn’t stop wanting to compete with this ghost from his past.
Why do we get jealous? I hate it.
It was such an annoying emotion, born from insecurity and fear.
Completely irrational.
Petty even.
I wished I could be the type of woman who never got jealous, who could rise above such base emotions. But here I was, feeling the burn of jealousy over a woman who wasn't even alive anymore.
I wanted to be better than that.
I wanted to be someone who could hear about Lei's past and feel nothing but understanding.
Who cares? Let it go.
As we continued walking, I glanced at Lei.
He was deep in thought, his jaw set in a way that told me he was also dealing with his own emotions.
What’s on his mind?
I didn’t even dare consider the fact that he might be thinking about her.
Instead, I took a deep breath and calmed the turmoil inside me. While jealousy was a natural part of being human, I wouldn't let it define me or my actions.
Fuck you, jealousy.
We walked on and the foyer opened into a large living area with expansive windows that offered a panoramic view of the ocean. The furniture was elegant yet comfortable, with plush sofas and chairs probably arranged to encourage relaxation and conversation. Surely, my ladies-in-waiting agreed because they lounged there with Duck, Chen and Hu hanging on to their every word.
I had to hold back my grin as I whispered to Lei, “I don’t know which two it will be, but. . .somebody is going to be fucking by the end of this month.”
Lei took them in. “My bet’s on Hu. He’s silent, but we have a nickname for him.”
“What is it?”
“The Vagina Sniper.”
I frowned. “No.”
“Yes.” Lei shrugged. “Once Hu wants a woman in his bed, he gets her fast.”
“Hold up now. He’s not sniping any of my ladies, but he can have a romantic, passionate night with one of them if she chooses, but no sniping.”
Lei chuckled.
I looked at Hu with a new perspective, his stoic face not betraying any of the playful pimp menace that Lei attributed to him. “But, what an interesting nickname.”
Alright, Vagina Sniper. Don’t you play with their hearts.
On the couch, Hu leaned in slightly towards Fen, whispering something in her ear that made her laugh. It was strange to hear, being that Fen tended to be super shy and almost always quiet.
Lei followed my gaze. “See what I mean?”
“Hmmm.”
Lan spotted us, stopped her conversation with Chen, rose, and hurried over.
Lei waved his hand. “Enjoy yourselves. We’re just being nosy.”
She stopped and looked at me.
I nodded. “Yeah. We’re fine.”
Chen stood and headed over.
“No.” Lei shook his head. “I’m taking Moni upstairs and we’re going to be alone until it is time for the cookout, so go back over there.”
“I understand, but I must tell you something.” Chen rushed up to us with his phone clutched tightly in his hand. “Lei, Monique, you need to see this.”
Lei scowled. “See what?”
Chen got to us and handed his phone to Lei. “Uncle Leo made a big speech before ending the tea ceremony himself.”