Ending with Forever (8 page)

The interior is kept as immaculate as the exterior. I can see the kitchen, living and dining room from where I stand at the entrance. The walls are painted a taupe color with pictures of Lil from all stages of her life. Her stunning smile is consistently present in all those pictures even at that odd childhood phase when no kid looks half attractive. There’s an old piano in the living room with diplomas and awards proudly displayed on top of it. I never knew Lil could play the piano. She’s never mentioned it once in conversation or in any of our pillow talks.

“Come. Have a seat in the living room. Would you like something to drink? Tea or coffee?” she offers.

“No thank you. Please don’t trouble yourself,” I tell her as I bend down to remove my wet shoes. It’s customary and respectful to take your shoes off before entering someone’s home in Asia. I’ve picked up this tip from living in Singapore where my father was stationed.

“It’s no trouble at all.”

“I’ll take a tea then,” I reply even though I’m not a tea person. The aromatic floral scent of jasmine is inviting and soothing. I’m coaxed to want a steamy cup. “Did Lil step out?” I ask as I wonder why I haven’t seen her appear and why the bodyguard didn’t notify me.

“She left to see her friend just a while ago. She’ll be back soon,” Lia replies as she prepares the tea in the kitchen.

I round the corner into the living as she instructed. Even though I already have the 411 on Lil’s background, I still want to see the diplomas and awards I’ve read about in her file. As I skim through years of Lil’s achievements, a sense of pride fills me. There are so many of them and most were for impressive recognitions. She’s an incredible young woman. I acquired my greatest fortune when Lil came into my life. Coincidentally, we both graduated with the same honors according to her high school diploma. I take a closer look at it and see that her middle initial, M, is spelled out—
Montgomery
—not Marie, Mary or May like I guessed. Is this another coincidence or what? The gears in my mind start to crank, rotating at a crazy speed. It can’t be. Why would someone have Montgomery as a middle name? It doesn’t make any sense, but I can’t think about this now. I have to push these questions aside. My only objective is to win Lia’s vote. I can’t be distracted.

Lia carries over a black plastic tray with tea and a slice of sweet bread and sets it on an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. “Let me know if you need sugar for your tea.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. I’m good.”

Slowly lowering herself, she takes a seat across from me. “You’re welcome. So you and Lily have been dating for three months? I wonder why she’s kept you a secret. She normally shares everything with me,” she confirms. Her slimming eyelids and searching tone tell me she’s having a hard time believing me.

“Mrs.…Lia, it might be the fact that I own a pharmaceutical company,” I explain frankly as I assess her reaction.

Her body stiffens. “I see. Your clothes disguise you well like a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” she mocks me. Her pleasantry immediately turns cold. “With all your money, you can have anyone you want. Why my Lily?” she challenges. “She’s pure. Her heart is fragile.”

“Why? Because I love her,” I tell her simply.

“You may think you love her, but a few months from now, will you still? I don’t see her as your type. You belong with flashy women who have no problem being displayed like trophies,” she stereotypes me. “My Lily isn’t that kind of girl.”

Ouch. That was harsh.
“I love her with all my heart. She’s everything I want and need. I know it’s hard for you to believe me and I get it. Lil’s explained it all to me.”

“How old are you anyways?” she confronts. “She’s just a baby—my baby. You two can’t possibly have much in common.”

“We’re very compatible. She’s more matured than most people twice her age,” I explain.

“Does she love you? Does she even understand what that means?”

“Yes. I believe she loves me sincerely.”

I can tell by her frail voice and tapering eyes that I’m upsetting her more and more with every word I utter. This isn’t my intention. I want to win her over, not piss her off.
Think Carson.
How can I approach her in another way?

“Lia, I’m not here to upset you. I apologize if I am. I’ve heard only good things about you from Lil and wanted to meet you in person. She loves and respects you completely and I can see why. You’ve raised an amazing woman who’s very bright and has a heart of gold. I witnessed her tenderness when she was doctoring ill children at the hospital after she rescued me from nearly drowning in the ocean. This was how we met. I didn’t seek her out like my prey. We were brought together by chance. You’re right. I can have my choice of women, but my heart only wants Lily. You and I know the heart wants what it wants. We can’t persuade it to change no matter how rational or irrational things are.”

She sits down across from me, folds her hands together and appears to be reflecting what I’ve just shared with her. The silence is killing me. I’m not sure what’s going through her head. Her body language gives me nothing but anxiety.

“She’s all I have. How can I trust you not to break her heart?” she questions sincerely.

I pull out the document from inside my coat and lay it on the ottoman. “I’d like to have your blessing to marry your daughter. She’s the only one I want forever.”

“But you’ve barely known her for three months. How do you know you want to spend the rest of your life with her?” She doubts. “That’s a very long time.”

“I know what it’s like without her, and I don’t want to be without her. You want proof of my love for your daughter. I’m willing to give up my entire company to her if I fail to be faithful or loving to her in any way. It’s all here in this document. This isn’t a prenuptial agreement. It’s a vow of my love for her.”

She picks up the crumpled document and skims her eyes over it once before setting it back down on the same spot. “This is a lot of money. Are you sure you’re able to give it all up if you fail?”

“Yes. This is how sure I am of my love for your daughter. All I’m asking for in return is your blessing. It’ll make Lily happier than anything.” My response pleases her. I see a dim sparkle in her eyes.

“Promise me she’ll finish medical school. That was her dream, not mine,” she pauses, demanding my attention. “I’ll consider giving you my blessing when I see you two together. I want to hear her tell me she loves you. This isn’t easy for me. I have a hard time trusting people like you.”

“I understand. I truly do. Your terms are reasonable,” I accept and thank Lil’s laughing Buddha. I did it. I think I’ve convinced her mother. It couldn’t happen at a better time. The garage door opens and then I hear the sound of high heels clack into the house over ceramic tiles.

“Mom, I picked up the pink thread you needed to alter my dress,” she yells from the kitchen. “Who’s here? I don’t recognize that black SUV?” She unzips her boots and coat and walks around the corner to find me sitting in her living room facing her mother. There’s an array of emotions radiating from her face: surprise, guilt and fear, as she stares at me and then over to her mom. “Car…son, when did you get here?” she stutters.

Rising to my feet, I walk over to Lil to give her a peck on the cheek and whisper, “She knows,” and then tell her, “Maybe half an hour ago or so,” out loud. She doesn’t appear to be upset that I’m here without her consent—just stunned. Maybe it’s a front. I notice her left ring finger is missing my pink diamond ring. She had promised me that she’d never remove it for any reason. I force my pride to let it slide even though I’m far beyond my tolerance at this point.

Unexpectedly, she reaches for my hand before turning to her mother to explain. “I wanted to tell you the truth, but I was more afraid of upsetting you.”

“I know. You did try to explain to me, but I didn’t want to listen. I was too busy trying to protect your heart to hear you out. Are you sure this is what you want?” she asks in such a solemn tone that I can see it starting to crack Lil’s confidence.

Lil, don’t break, baby. Be strong.
Lil cranes her neck to face me, to talk to me with her wavering eyes. Her expression is unreadable. Fuck. For once, I’m nervous. What if she’s too afraid to say yes? Where will that leave me? I know where—back in Boston without her mother’s blessing. I can’t allow that to happen. I want her heart along with her happiness or else I can’t have her completely.

She finally speaks up and I’m relieved of my misery. “Yes. I love him. There’s no one else for me.” My heart swells up with bliss after hearing her finally profess her love for me to her mother. Those three words have never been easy for her and today, they flowed out naturally, filling my ears with pleasure.

“If this is your happiness, I’ll give Carson my blessing,” Lia tells us both, her voice faint and unsure. Thank God. I know that wasn’t easy for her. There’s still a lot of convincing I’ll have to do before I can win Lia entirely, but this is a good start.

Lil drops my hand and runs over to her mother to embrace her with as much happiness as she can wrap around her tiny frame. “You and Carson are my happiness,” Lil cries. “I love you both.” My heart tells me to join them, but my brain says back off. This is their moment. Let them cherish it.

I’m floored when I turn the corner to find Carson sitting with my mom in our living room. My hands tremble slightly, fisting the spool of pink thread. He’s still intact, no signs of blood or injuries, while mom’s expression is firm, but not angry. Panic is washed away with relief. What choice do I have but to tell her the honest truth? Carson breaks the tension by walking up to me with a kiss on my cheek. He whispers, “She knows,” to warn me in case I decide to continue lying to her and him. His eyes cast on mine. They’re tender, not abrasive like I expect them to be after all the bullshit I’ve fed him. How can he still be so patient with me is beyond my comprehension.

Emi’s encouragement is working. My tongue isn’t bound by guilt or fear anymore. Reaching for his hand, I turn to my mother to face her wrath. Surprisingly, she only wants to know if Carson is the one for me. Her reaction is so unforeseen that I’m left speechless.

I reply, “Yes. I love him. There’s no one else for me.”

At once, the resistance around my heart unshackles, freeing me from the insecurity that has held me back all these years.
I love him
. Those three words continue to echo in my head. I’ve always known that I loved him, but was afraid to say it out loud. No longer will I deprive his ears from hearing these words. I’ll tell him every day until his heart expands out of his chest and even then I still won’t stop.

Mom’s eyes well up with tears as she gazes at me. She knows me better than anyone. She can see right into my heart and it’s telling her Carson makes me happy. This must be the confirmation she needed. She turns to face him and tells me, “If this is your happiness, I’ll give Carson my blessing.” I nod willingly. Carson lets out a soft exhale of elation. I drop his hand and reach for my mom to assure her that my heart hasn’t changed. It’s now bigger and has room for two.

L
ia prepared Lil’s favorite dish, pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup for a late lunch and insists I stay. Of course I put up no fight. The fragrant aroma, perfectly seasoned with star anise, cloves and ginger, made my mouth water with craving hunger. My stomach would never forgive me if I deny it a taste. Over our meal, I decide to do a little prying to appease my curiosity until I can get Owen to investigate any connections between Lia and the Montgomerys. I ask Lia if she or Lil plays the piano. I wanted to lead them to Lil’s diploma so I could inquire about her unusual middle name.

“We both do,” she replies from the kitchen. “I taught Lil how to play since she was five. That piano is older than you and Lil put together. We inherited it from an elderly lady who used to live next door.”

“I never learned how to, but I love piano music. Will one of you play for me?” I ask.

“Lil will,” Lia volunteers with a grin. “She plays much better than I can.”

“So not true, Mom.”

“Come on, Lil,” I encourage. “Do it for me, babe.”

Lil trapes over to the wooden piano bench, sits down and lifts the fallboard to expose worn black and cream colored keys that were probably white at one time. Her fingers dance gingerly over the surface of each key without sound and then beautiful, boisterous notes enclose the room, transporting my mind to a concert inside the Symphony Hall in Boston. I can’t believe my ears or eyes as I watch her play so passionately. Melodies burst out of her dainty fingers with ease. Once again, she amazes me, but troubles me at them same time. Something doesn’t add up. No one with a disadvantaged background can ever teach another to play piano this brilliantly.

“Well…what did you think?” Lil asks, pulling my perplexed mind back into the room, now insipid without Lil’s music.

“It was beautiful. Everything about you is beautiful,” I compliment and slide down next to her on the bench. “What did you just play?” I ask.

“Fairy Tale,” she shares. “I fell in love with the title.”

“I can’t imagine why.” I grin. “Why haven’t you told me you could play the piano?”

“I don’t know. I guess it’s never been relevant to anything we’ve talked about.”

“Just like your middle name is Montgomery?”

“How do you know that?” she asks, alarmed.

I point at her diploma. “It says it right there.”

“Oh.”

“It’s not a common middle name,” I stress.

“It isn’t. It’s my father’s surname. I don’t know much about him besides for the little details my mom has shared with me. See this necklace,” she pulls out her jade pendant. “It’s the only thing that connects me to him.”

There can be no other explanation. Lia is Marcus Ly’s missing daughter which makes Lillian his granddaughter. Did he already know this? Was that the reason he was so interested in her mother’s whereabouts and Lil’s pendant when we were in Hong Kong? Kevin and I will have a man-to-man talk when I see him. Against order or not, he’s going to tell me the real reason he was sent here.

“Carson….hey, where are you?” Lil waves her hand in front of my dazed eyes.

“I’m here, babe.”

“Something’s bothering you again. Your eyes tell me, but you won’t,” she whispers so Lia can’t hear her from the kitchen. “Why can’t you be honest with me? What is it?”

“Angel, I don’t mean to upset you. I’ll explain everything as soon as I understand it myself.”

“Carson, I’m tired of you feeding me the same crap. I want to know what’s going on.”

“And you will. I promise.”

“Sooner. Not later.” She bears her gorgeous brown eyes on mine.

“Yes,” I agree. “So what’s next on Emma’s agenda for you?”

“Hair and makeup rehearsal,” she tells me as her eyes roll and her head shakes disapprovingly. “I’ve never heard of such a thing, but then…this is Emi. She’s a perfectionist.”

“Sounds fun. I guess I’ll meet you at the rehearsal dinner then?”

“I guess. I’d rather be showing you around my hometown than getting dolled-up.”

“Maybe after the wedding you can show me your favorite hot spots,” I trifle with a sly arch of my brow.

“Hot spots, huh?” she giggles. “Maybe.”

Leaning into her ear I whisper, “You’re not getting off the hook that easily. You lied to me. I’ve tallied a long list of punishments for when you return with me to Boston.”

Slanting her eyes seductively at me she murmurs, “I’m not afraid.”

“You should be. I won’t hold back this time.” She doesn’t know how determined I can be especially when it comes to conquering her wickedly hot body. I’ve wanted to do things to her that I’ve never considered with anyone else. Her body belongs to me now and every night or day I will have my way with her for the rest of our lives.

“I deserve everything on that list,” she replies with a defiant grin. Damn it. I’m losing my touch. She’s not the least bit intimidated by my threats. I’ll have to show her who’s the alpha in this relationship. But first, I have to get over that adorable smirk on her face.

“Trust me. I will go through that list with a fine-toothed comb,” I assure her. “One more thing before I forget. I need you to put my ring back on your naked finger. I want everyone to know that you’re already taken and mine.” Her cheeks redden, feeling her guilt rush in. “No need to explain. I’ve already forgiven you.”

“I’m sorry,” she tells me and digs into her pocket to pull out my ring and places it back where it belongs.

“What do you think, Miss Polly? How do I look in this suit?” I ask after trying on ten other ones. Apprehensively, I pace around like I’m walking on a bed of sharp nails. It’s been over three years since I’ve had a taste of Bridgette and I’m more than ready to make up for all that lost time. I insisted on picking her up at the airport and escorting her over to the Montgomery mansion for my father’s dinner party. She’s traveling a long way just for fancy caviar, hors d’oeurves and drinks, so it’s my job to welcome her and be as hospitable as possible.

“You look handsome in any one of those, dear.”

“But I need to know which one will turn Bridgette’s head.”

“I don’t think you’ll have any problem keeping her attention.”

“You think so? She’s been giving me the cold slip for what seems like an eternity.”

“Sometimes people make sacrifices for others that require a lot of love and courage. For instance, your biological mother. She gave you and your brother up for a better life instead of keeping you both trapped in a hopeless one.”

Miss Polly is undoubtedly always my voice of reason. I’ve benefited from all the wisdom and advice she’s imparted to me over these years. I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without her guidance and rearing. She was overjoyed with tears when she heard my reunion with my mother was successful. She even offered us a special prayer. I’ve never been religious because the idea of believing in something you can’t see or feel is confusing to me, but I welcomed her kindness.

“I understand but it’s hard to accept sometimes.”

“Be patient. God is always listening. His timing isn’t the same as ours.”

“I’ll keep that in mind and will try my best. Thanks Miss Polly,” I tell her and then kiss her forehead.

“You better get going. It’s not polite to be late, especially when you’re trying to impress a beautiful lady.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Miss Polly called the valet to park my Bugatti at the front of the building, but I’m reconsidering. I think I might need a limo. That hour drive to my father’s place will shatter my resolve. I know I can’t sit in the same vehicle with Bridgette without touching her. It’s impossible. I’ll need room if she’ll allow me to have her before we get to our destination.

“Will you call my driver and have him pick me up at my usual place?”

“Sure thing,” she replies with a wink, making me blush internally which doesn’t happen often.

I pace down two hallways to catch the elevator, hop in, and then descend into the lobby. Transparent through the glass frames is a black limo parked outside waiting for me. In twenty or so minutes, I will hopefully have Bridgette back in my arms again.

~~~~

Past an intimidating, tall metal gate, the chauffeur drives up a semi-circle path leading to the Montgomery mansion. This is unimaginable luxury at its finest. It’s hard to miss the elaborate gas-burning urns on stone pedestals, one on each side of the entrance. Bridgette’s focus has been outside the limo the minute she stepped in and never once drifted her eyes over to me. I didn’t get the warm reception that I had hoped for. Her tone was distant and lifeless when she spoke just four Cantonese words to me at the bottom of her jet’s steps.

“
Wei. Lei hou ma?
” Hello. How are you?

She paid no attention to my response and rushed to claim her seat to the far left. Her tight ass has been glued to that spot until now as she disregards my every attempt to converse with her. By far, this is the most bitter treatment she’s ever given me. I thought the separation from her granddad would help loosen his grip on her, but it didn’t. In fact, it’s tightened his tyrant hold on her even more. Regardless of how shitty she’s behaving toward me, I’m still putty in her presence. In my heart, nothing can diminish her perfection or beauty. I’ve never been able to resist any part of her, especially her sexy signature red lips and sovereign light brown eyes. One look into them and I’m under her power without mercy. 

It’s time for us to exit. I fasten the bottom two buttons on my jacket and adjust my sleeves before stepping out. “Ready?” I offer Bridgette my hand as I force my absorbing eyes to relax. This is definitely not going the way I had planned it. I’ve either lost my appeal or maybe she’s really over me. Fuck. I can’t face either defeat.

“Yes,” she replies and then tightens her ebony mink around her shoulders to shield her from the wintry weather. The rest of her slender frame is cloaked in a shimmery, black dress with leather accents around the bodice, offering the appearance of dragon scales. It’s obvious she’s making a statement with her extraordinary dress, flaunting her confidence. Though she may seem tiny in stature, she refuses to be unnoticeable. She commands attention and respect and will accept nothing less.

As soon as our fingers fall into each other, her discipline is broken. Bits and pieces of my moon illuminate through her resilient dark barrier like a rare lunar eclipse. I call her my moon or
yue
because our secret rendezvous were mostly in the evenings. Instead of looking forward to a sunrise, I longed for a beautiful moon so I could have her by my side. Abandoning her need for my affection, she resumes her aloof demeanor and gracefully walks up a flight of white stone steps in killer heels. Elegance is what she exudes. Men gawk their ravenous eyes at her the second she enters the reception.

Mimi, dressed like royalty in the latest couture, stands by father’s side greeting incoming guests. The phony smile on her stunning face matches the phony warm gestures she offers each attendee. I’m overly familiar with her cunning tactics. It’s killing me, forcing my eyes not to roll in disgust. She gravitates to Bridgette without delay. Mimi is aware of Bridgette’s influence and position in the chain of supremacy. She practically bows down like a servant before Bridgette showing her respect.

“Mother, Father,” I nod and bestow Mimi an artificial sign of affection as I lean into her and then shake my father’s hand.

“Wes,” they both acknowledge me briefly and then focus all their attention on Bridgette. “Miss Longley, it’s an honor to have you here. I hope your flight was pleasant,” Mimi flatters.

“It’s an esteemed opportunity to have you attend our dinner party,” Dad adds as his eyes admire her undeniable beauty. It’s no secret that he’s a womanizer.

“The honor is all mine,” Bridgette replies unemotionally as she allows her mink shawl to glide past her toned shoulders, taunting me. “Thank you for having me.”

“You’re welcome. Please do give your granddad my regards,” Dad insists and then seizes the opportunity to kiss the back of her hand.

“I shall,” she replies and withdraws her hand from his grip in haste. She’s never cared much for my father. Marcus’ hatred for my family became hers. I was the exception, so I used to believe.

“Wes, make sure Miss Longley’s visit is as pleasant as possible.”

“Of course, Father,” I assure and then walk Bridgette to the opposite end of the room before she loses her patience with them. It’s not pretty when she’s annoyed, and it’s apparent that she can see through their intentions. “Can I get you the usual to drink?” I offer. She nods in response. Fuck. What will it take to loosen up her red pursed lips? I saunter away in frustration, leaving her to stand by the fireplace.

Stewart and Andrew, his lover of several years, intercept me before I reach the bar. “Hey, Wes. When did you get in?” Stew inquires with a hard, brotherly pat on my back.

“If you didn’t ignore my calls, maybe you’d know that I’ve been in town for a while,” I banter and offer Andy a handshake. “Your mom, my favorite aunt, has already come to see and spoil me.”

“Wes, you’re full of shit,” he laughs. “What have you been up to? The last time we spoke your company was under some heat. Did you get that issue resolved?”