My Birthday!!!

Hey everyone,

I am so happy!!! Today is my birthday and I received Raymond's 2010 DVD concert and his movie, TJATP in the mail today!!! Yeah, I was so surprise...I waited for awhile and hope it will arrive before my birthday. When it didn't came on Tuesday, I sort of lose faith...but I was so happy! It is like my birthday present to myself!!! Argh! I just finish the first disc...what can I say...it was wonderful!!! Amazing! Exciting! I can't wait to continue to the next disc and then the movie!!! Haha...I am going to spent my birthday watching everything!!!

For my readers, I am sorry...I still have not written anything yet... but I won't give up. Sometime in the future, you will see another chapters from Breeze!!! Thanks for the patient!

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Ironic Fate

*Note* Somehow my password at Winglin didn't work, so in the meantime, I will post it here. If I can't resolve the problem, I will probably have to repost every chapters at Winglin again after creating a new account. *Sigh*

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Ironic Fate

“Raymond?”

He looked up from his soup. “Huh?”

Myolie looked at him closely. “Everything is going to turn out fine tomorrow.”

Raymond avoided Myolie’s comforting eyes. He felt a slight tug of guilt. It wasn’t what will happen tomorrow at the meeting that was on his mind…but what happened just before he came here.

“We did everything we could. Moses is right. There is nothing else to do.” She smiled softly at him. “So relax.” She chuckled.

He stared at her. Gosh, did she know that her eyes sparkled beautifully against the dimmed light when she smiled like that. He continued to watch as she dipped her spoon into her bowl of vegetable soup and brought it back up. Placing it slightly against her lips, she sipped it up.

Raymond swallowed hard and looked away.

“How’s the wedding preparation going?”

He relaxed at the safe topic. “Crazy. Last night, the designer was feeling me up.”

“Huh?” She thought she heard wrong.

“The Italian wedding dress designer Aunty hired from oversea.” He lowered his voice. “He scares me.”

Myolie laughed. “Come on, nothing scares Raymond Lau.” She said in a joking manner.

“Well, he does. He…” Raymond looked embarrassed. “He…” Myolie leaned closer in order to hear his words. “He kept pinching me.”

She roared in laughter. “No!”

“Yes.” He frowned at Myolie’s amused look. “It’s not funny. The guy is sexually harassing me every chance he got. Did you know what he did last night?”

“What?” Myolie was blushing from humor.

“He was measuring me for my suits for the wedding.”

“Oh no…” Myolie laughed, knowing where this story would lead to…

“Oh yes…It was a miracle that I got away with my virtue intact. You won’t believe what his hand is capable of…”

She grinned in mischief. “Gosh, I got to meet this designer of yours.”

“He is not MY designer!” He pouted in disgust.

Myolie laughed. “Whatever.”

***

The car slowly eased onto the curve of the sidewalk and stopped. Raymond hesitated with both his hand on the steering wheel.

“Thanks for the meal.” Myolie grabbed her purse. “Get a good night sleep.” She smiled and patted Raymond’s hand. “We will overcome whatever obstacles there is tomorrow but ‘Essence’ will be okay.” She turned to go when Raymond’s hand flipped around and pulled her back inside the car.

Myolie frowned and opened her mouth to speak when Raymond’s mouth was on hers. She was speechless as he kissed her. It was the gentleness and sweetness behind it that shocked her the most. Before she could respond, he released her. “Sweet dreams…” He whispered against her and gently stroked her cheek before he settled back in his seat. In daze, she stepped out of the car. Behind her, Raymond’s car zoomed onto the highway…

“Yeah…sweet dreams.” She entered her apartment in confusion.

***

He should be happy as he watched the other members of his act entered the board room. He smirked knowingly, watching the ignorance smile on their faces. They think they have the upper hand, yet, little did they know…he will always emerge the winner. They believe that since Moses Chan inherited the last 2% of the shares, they will have the power to overcome him. Fools, they are all foolish beings. You never show your hand, not until the last minute… Take the opponent by surprise, that’s what his father taught him. And wouldn’t it be a huge surprise when Raymond Lau realized that one of the board of directors had already betrayed him. His heart should be fill of joy and the taste of success in minutes away.

Yet…strangely, he felt nothing. There was nothing. Even when he knew he was going to win, the sense of satisfaction and the happiness he expected to feel from the start of his plan was different. He expected the sweetness of victory because of the years he spent, the hours he planned, and the sacrifice he made, in order to bring down ‘Essence’. However, when he was only minutes away from achieving his life long goal, he felt…he felt an unknown emptiness.

He frowned as he watched the closeness between the three people that was a completely unacceptable combination. The nobody who grew up from the deepest and darkest pit of hell, the well-brought up classy lawyer, and the washout movie star. A trio that never should have worked but somehow…Ron watched the encouragement they communicated from their gestures and glances. It should be completely wrong. Yet, it worked.

His assistant started the meeting but Ron’s mind was not focus. He kept thinking back to his conversation with Nancy. He calmly listened as Nancy explained that she didn’t want to see their lives consumed in hatred and vengeance. What happened in the past should stay there. It doesn’t matter who was right or wrong anymore but the only thing that should matter was the future…Their children’s future.

Ron pulled himself away from his thought and concentrate on the meeting ahead.

“As you all know the purpose of this meeting is to vote on the future outlook of ‘Essence’ in regards to the mergers with Dominic Enterprise. For the pass two weeks, I believe you have significant time in making your decision.” He looked around the conference table as the atmosphere raise to a new level of intensity. “We will start the voting process now. As we go around the table, please state your decision.”

One by one the board of directors stated the position they are taking, allying themselves with Raymond and Myolie or bended under the power of Ron Ng. As the seconds ticked by, both side of the balance scale bounced back and forth. Ron watched with extreme confidence as the decisions were revealed one after another. In his heart, he couldn’t wait to see the expression on those losers face when their fate and the fate of ‘Essence’ was seal permanently. His heart raced in anticipation as the finally moment arrived.

The only decision left would seal the fate of ‘Essence’. The person looked nervously around the room until his eyes landed on Ron. With only a slight nod, Ron signaled the person to proceed.

This was it.

Ron smiled as the person opened his mouth to give the final verdict…

***

Nancy sat calmly with her hand folded across her lap. In her hospital gown, she was outside the white hallway in an elegant posture…but inside her mind, she was in turmoil. Her head was down with her long hair hiding half her face. Tears were threatening to break out anytime. She was so stiff, it was impossible not to notice.

“Nancy.”

Her head snapped up and tears finally leaked down her cheek.

She ran toward him. “Oh, Ron…”

He embraced her and tried his best to smoother away the fear. “They won’t tell me anything.”

He nodded and they both settled down in the chair Nancy occupied second before. However, this time he was there with his arms around her. “She will be fine.” His heart pounded in fear as he stared at the double door and beyond. “Remember how she fought her life into this world.” He stroked her hair in a comforting gesture. “Our baby girl is too strong to give up now.” He said, giving Nancy and himself reassurance. “Everything will be fine.”

He tasted fear before…but never like this. Never did he felt this intense fear that caused his entire body to shake uncontrollably. He acted brave in front of Nancy but his mind was screaming in agony. His little baby girl was in there. He could still remember when she came into this world, crying with such powerful lungs. Now she was beyond those doors, fighting for her life. It would be so cruel if he was allow to experience true happiness just days before with this new life in his hand and now it may be taken away from him.

Please…

He never prayed. He never believed…but if he was blessed with this one request, Ron was wiling to give up anything. Even his life.

For the first time in his thirty years of life, he realized the true meaning of being a father. He experienced with unconditional love for a being and he realized that this tiny being was more important to him than anything in this world. As long as she won’t be taken from him, he was willing to give up anything…simply name it.

“Ron…”

Hearing Nancy whisper his name, he looked up and saw the door opened.

***

It was fate.

Quite ironic, actually. Alex Chan, the last person to speak up and the person he bribed to change his vote the last minute, was about to open his mouth and seal the fate of “Essence.” At precisely that split second, the conference room’s door opened. Chris entered and hurried toward Ron. He recalled he was frowning at the interruption but he knew Chris was competent and smart enough not to interrupt him. Therefore, something was seriously wrong. He waited as Chris stopped in front of him and leaned down to his level. He whispered in his ear, “Mr. Ng, there was an emergency. Mrs. Ng called a moment ago that your daughter is in critical condition. You are needed at the hospital.”

There was a second there. A second… where Ron pondered whether Nancy was lying to him. He knew of her plan to stop him from destroying ‘Essence’. Yet, he wiped that doubt from his mind immediately. Nancy would never use their daughter as a tool like this. There was never a mean bone in Nancy’s body. Not his Nancy.

Therefore, it only meant one thing…his daughter is in trouble.

At that moment, he spared only one glance at the meeting room. He could do this. He can finish want he started now and win. Yet, as he stared at all the familiar but strangers in the room, he did not even have to choose. Without hesitation, Ron stood up and walked out the room.

He actually heard a few grasps when he closed the door.

Ironic, wasn’t it?

He had spent a large portion of his life waiting for that one moment in the meeting room. His life long goal will finally become reality and he can finally revenge for his father. However, he gave all that up without any doubts.

It was meaningless.

It took his daughter’s life to make him realize the purpose of his life. It wasn’t to continue his father’s vengeance. It wasn’t to bring down ‘Essence’ nor was it to destroy Raymond Lau.

He smile as he stared at his daughter’s sleeping form.

There.

There’s the purpose of his life.

***

Nancy watched Ron’s expression in wonder. Standing outside the glass panel with a view of the recovery infant room, Nancy turned toward Ron who was staring at their daughter.

He came.

When she made the call, she told herself not to have too much an expectation.

However, when Ron appeared in the hospital hallway, she almost broke down. She continued to watch in wonder as Ron touched the glass tenderly.

She never saw this side of him. Not once.

He had shown affection that he never shown to anyone before…it seems like this little girl will have him wrapped around her little fingers.

She smiled in hope.

***

“Cheers!”

The three champagne glasses came together and made a loud ringing sound.

With a sigh, the three partners settle down each on an individual sofa around the small table in the club. Raymond closed his eyes and lay back on the sofa. He took a sip from his glass. “Am I dreaming? Cause this seems unreal?”

“Maybe this is a dream. Yet, I rather dream about a room of Hawaiian girls dancing… which I often did.” Moses added.

Raymond laughed. “Good dream. I have a few of those.” He leaned over to Moses in a carefree matter. “But a little advice…never ever dream it in your lady’s presence.”

“Hm…Hm…” Myolie cleared her throat. “Another little advice…never talk about your dream in a lady’s presence.”

“Sorry.” Both Raymond and Moses apologized sheepishly like schoolboy caught with a playboy magazine in front of the teacher.

Myolie relaxed against her chair. “It was kind of unreal.” She paused. “I never expected Chris to come into my office with a proposal. Ron Ng actually made an offer to sell ‘Essence’ back to us.” She swirled her glass of champagne in triumph.

“What are you going to do?” Raymond asked softly. He watched as her lips gradually curved into a smile. “Never mind, of course, you will.”

“You bet. This battle was too long and tedious. I haven’t had a good night sleep since…I don’t even recall when.” Myolie sighed in joy. “I was quite disappointed that I didn’t get to help Aunty with the wedding preparation. I even have to turn down planning for the bachelor and bachelorette parties tomorrow night. Good thing Linda was able to help out.” She picked a french fries and started chewing on it.

“Wait…wait…” Raymond grabbed Myolie by the shoulders. “Are you telling me you just gave the key to the devil?”

“No.” Myolie moved away from Raymond’s panicked expression. If it wasn’t the fact that Raymond looked dead serious, she actually wanted to laugh at the fear on Raymond’s face. “I said I asked Linda to help out with the planning of the parties.”

“Do you know what you have done?” Raymond exclaimed.

Myolie shared a “What is wrong?” look with Moses, who shrugged in humor.

“Myolie!” Raymond yelled to get her attention back to him. “Do you even know Linda?”

Myolie frowned. “Yes, I know Linda. Your friend. My brother’s girlfriend.” She still didn’t see what she did wrong.

“Argh!” Raymond shook his head in agony. “Why am I asking you this? Nobody…Nobody know Linda as I do and what you just did is condemned the entire wedding.”

“Huh?” Myolie managed to say and glanced at Moses helplessly.

Moses laughed. “Come on, Raymond, stop talking in riddles. You are scaring the poor girl silly.”

Raymond sighed. “Okay. Linda may look sensible and normal…” He paused. “Actually, she doesn’t.”

“Raymond!” Myolie laughed and hit him on the shoulder.

“Okay…” He whined and moved away from her. “What was I saying? Oh yeah, Linda is an animal.”

Moses burst into laughter.

“It is true. Linda is a wolf under the disguise of a sheep.” He glanced over at Moses who was trying hard to suppress another laugh and then at Myolie who looked angry of what he was saying about Linda. “You don’t know her like I do, especially when she is at a party. She is crazy! You wait and see…tomorrow’s party will be a freaking circus.”

“I like circus.” Myolie defied him.

Raymond shook his head. “Not this circus. If you like a Rated 4 adult movie into reality, you would love this party.”

“Come on, Raymond, it’s not going to be like that. Linda work very hard for the preparation. It is going to be wonderful.” Myolie was firm with her assertion.

“You will see tomorrow.” Raymond popped a peanut into his mouth. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Moses watched them in humor as Myolie glared at Raymond who had an arrogant smile on his face. He smiled knowingly.

Didn’t they feel it? He wondered.

It was so obvious.

The attractive was so obvious for anyone to see. Yet, the two people involved were clueless. He continued to observe as Myolie gave Raymond a final glare and went to join another group of people near the bar. Raymond was about to follow when a lady sat down in the seat that was occupied by Myolie only seconds ago. Moses hid his amusement behind his glass of champagne when Myolie glanced at Raymond, who was flirting with the unknown woman, with a troubled expression. The second Myolie turned back to her group of friends, Raymond happened to glanced over at Myolie, who was laughing at a joke with one of her unknown male friend. He frowned.

Well…well…Moses thought in delight. It should be fun seeing those two sort it out among themselves…

Moses sipped his wine with a smile.

____________________________________________________________

Hi,

I’m back! Hopefully, my readers are still here. LOL! Anyway, I know I am gone for awhile and I can’t promise regular updates but I did promise to finish this story. In the meantime, I want to thank with the bottom of my heart for those readers who keep coming back and checking up on me, you are all just wonderful! I think it is all your persistence that keep me writing this story…Thank you all so much! Love you all!

Now, this chapter take me exactly months to complete because I keep coming back to type only a few sentences at a time. Honestly, I am not too satisfied but I am looking forward to the next chapter… The Bachelor and Bachelorette parties! How will it turn out?! Stay tuned.

By the way, I am happy that so much is going on with my favorite idol Raymond Lam! Did anyone went to his concert? I wasn’t able to…However, I was able to watch GTL in Mandarin. I just finish the entire series yesterday and it was just wonderful. It was different from typical TVB series and sometime it can be a little boring but the acting and dialogue are great. I really love Raymond’s character there and it was quite a heartwarming and touching story. I wish TVB version won’t disappoint me because I know scenes would be added and deleted to fit HK’s taste. Currently, waiting for his concert and movie’s DVD on sale!

Thanks for all your support,





Breeze *(^v^)*



Copyrighted to Breeze.Dated on August 4, 2010.

Raymond Lam's 4th Album Come 2 Me

Wow! This album gave me quite a scare. Why? Okay, let's start at the beginning...I received the package this afternoon and I was so happy! I was waiting for a week and I had been to youtube to hear all the songs but it is not the same as owning your own album. Anyway, so I opened the package (Always love that feeling) and I was surprise with the 24 cards of the special version. I was actually expecting smaller cards but it was actually pretty big, the size of a book. It was totally worth it to own this special album...plus I love the entire album because all the songs are so different. My favorite so far!

Anyway, so I was listening from my CD player because my laptop was otherwise occupied. Starting from the midway of the theme song of MOL, it suddenly stopped. I wasn't scared at that point...so I quickly get on my laptop and started ripping the songs into my computer. Again, it stopped at the exact song...No matter how many time I tried, it still didn't work for the last three songs. I was scared at that point. I hate returning items. I thought it is just my luck that I got the defected item. So...at a last resort, I opened my brother's computer and tried it one more time...

...

Oh! Thank god it worked! That was quite a scare! Anyway, I am very satisfied with this album all together. Now I am going to go listen it some more...maybe later I might post some pictures!

Breeze's Update

Hey,

So what is Breeze's up to lately? I am sorry for disappearing for a while now but my life was loaded with stress and work. I finally finish school but I have so much to do. However, I still continue my writing. This is something I have a passion for and I can't help but think up stories and scenarios. Still, I have stopped for a long period of time. I am afraid I am a little rusty. Anyway, so how am I doing? Well, I tried to write the next chapter of Illumination...halfway through...I couldn't really continue...I can always force myself to continue but I felt I need more inspiration. Hopefully, it will come soon or else...I will have to make myself write... As for Dusk of Dawn, I keep going back and forth with one story to the next... However, thank god, Raymond's fourth album came out. I can feel my stories from each of his songs. I absolutely love his latest album!!! So I think this would be my next project...and god knows, when I will update Lethal Clash.

Lastly, I want to thank my readers who still remember me and I must apologize for the long wait. I will do my best!

Love,
Breeze (^v^)

Official Launch of HK Fanfictions Forum

Hey,

Since Winglin had been down for awhile, I had been working on a forum for fanfictions. I am happy to say that as of today, I am officially launching the HK Fanfictions Forum. This forum is create for writers and readers to post and read fanfictions. Hopefully, you will find it interesting enough to go back. Please drop by and check it out!

http://hkfanfictions.forumotion.net

Please spread the words to others! Thank you!

I will be posting my stories there in the meantime!

Illumination_ Chapter Thirty-Eight: Inner Admittance

Note: As you may know Winglin has been down for awhile now. Therefore, I had kept this chapter for awhile but each time I go check...the link is not working. So...I decided to post it here in the meanwhile. I don't have the heart to make my readers wait anymore...(^-^) By the way, through to the unreliability of winglin, I plan to create a site with my fanfictions. It is still in-process and I was hoping to copy and paste my chapters from winglin into my own site...since I am too tried to organize it in my computer. LOL! Well, after such a long wait, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

=====================================

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Inner Admittance

It wasn’t everyday that something as impossible as what he just experienced happen. He seriously wanted to laugh about the irony of life. In his thirty so years of life, he never experienced something so ridiculous…so bizarre.

Afterward, he drove aimlessly on the road, searching and seeking for something…anything to understand what was going on. When a person was forced to face what he had been doing for his entire life, he was thrown into a pool of confusion. It was worst when he was forced to realize what he had been doing…was questionable.

…And his very existence and perception of life had been turned upside down.

It was three A.M. in the morning until he stepped into his empty house, and the coldness overwhelmed him. Staring at it as if it was all strange to him, he closed his eyes. With a sigh, he walked up the stair to his bedroom and on the way, he stopped at his sons’ bedrooms. Needing and wanting their presence and innocence, he approached them and gently buried his face on their shoulders. Inhaling their warmth and love, he kissed them each individually before he walked out and closed the door.

At last, he entered Nancy’s bedroom…for the first time.

Since they separated their bedroom, Ron had never entered her bedroom before, respecting her privacy. However, on this night, he had to ask her something. He wasn’t sure what he hoped to find but he want to know…

…Why?

He approached her bed slowly, afraid to woke her up. Yet, when he was standing there, looking at his wife, he realized if he wanted answers, he will need to wake her up.

“Nancy…” He barely whispered as if he was afraid to wake her…afraid to ask the question. “I…” He hesitated, watching Nancy’s peaceful form. “I know what you did.” She stirred but settled down again. Ron let out the breath he was holding. “I don’t know what to say.”

Honestly, he didn’t even know what he was doing…and what he wanted any longer. With an unseen force weighting down his shoulders, he turned to go when Nancy’s arm shot out and grabbed him.

It wasn’t the abruptness that shocked him. It was the strength her fingers digging into his skins that alarmed him.

“Nancy?” He settled down next to her and gently held her hand. Sweats were beaming on her forehead. He touched her cheek. “Nancy darling?”

“Ron…” She sounded like she was breathing through pain. “My water broke…”

“What?!” He exclaimed. “I…I will go get the nurse.”

He was about to run out but Nancy held him still. “Mimi…Mimi is not here. Her daughter got into a minor accident. I let her go home to take care of her.”

“Ambulance!…” Ron shouted and started dialing. Afterward, he pressed the intercom.

“Power!”

No respond.

“Power!”

Nothing.

Where could his driver be? He was about to press the button again when Nancy tugged his arm again. “He’s not here.”

“What?!”

“I just told you…”Nancy swallowed the pain. “His daughter got into an accident.”

Ron was confused. Is the pain causing Nancy to hallucinate? “Nancy…You just told me Mimi’s daughter is in an accident. Now you are telling me Power’s daughter…” He trailed off when he saw Nancy smiled through her pain.

“Ron.” She whispered softly. “Mimi’s daughter is Power’s daughter.”

“Huh?” His confusion at the moment lessened his worry.

Nancy smiled. “They are husband and wife.”

Ron was shocked. When did his nurse and driver got together? “They are married?”

Nancy laughed. “For five years, Ron.”

He smiled but when another contraction hit Nancy, Ron’s panic returned. “How are you feeling?” His hands were trembling.

“Ron…I don’t think I could wait for the ambulance.”

The contractions were coming too close. “Come on, we will get to the hospital.” Lifting Nancy into his arms, he started for the stairs. “Wait.”

“Nancy, we can’t wait.” He was getting impatient.

“Get Mary.”

The nanny? “Good idea!” Ron shouted for the woman, and she appeared in less than a minute.

“Yes, sir.”

“Accompany us to the hospital.”

“No.” Nancy whispered. “Mary…” She held out her arms to the sixty years old woman. “Look after Mitchell and Mikey for me. When they wake up… tell them I will have a surprise for them when I come back…”

The nanny nodded in reassurance. “You go and give birth to a health baby, madam. I will look after your boys.”

“Thank you.” She smiled beautifully at her, even in such a state. Ron quickly hurried Nancy outside and into his car. Glancing at Nancy from the backseat of his car one more time, he started the engine.

“How are you feeling, dear?”

Nancy looked very pale but she was putting on a brave front while Ron tried to remain calm. He would constantly glance at the rear mirror to make sure Nancy was doing alright. “We will be there in no time.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Hold on…” He prayed.

As if god was angry with him, the car jerked and the engine started echoing a very disturbing noise. “No…No!” He continued to drive while yelling at the car…until it finally slow down and stop. “No!” Ron hit the steering wheel with his palm. “F*king useless piece of crap!”

Behind him, he heard Nancy burst into laughter. Ron continued to turn on the engine, hoping for a miracle. He didn’t give up until he heard the painful gasp behind him. Rushing out the side door, he pulled open the back door. “Nancy…” Helplessly, he watched Nancy breathing through the pain.

She looked so pale, Ron thought. Terrified, his trembling hand held her clutching hand. He ignored her fingernails digging into his skins. “Relax…Relax…”

He didn’t know what to do or say. He had never been in such a situation and it terrified him to the point where his brain wasn’t even functioning coherently. He never thought about the process of childbirth. The first time it happened, he was away from a business trip. By the time he came home, both boys were in their cribs. He never worried about the pregnancy because he hired the best medical care for Nancy. Now…

“Ron…” Nancy’s weak whisper penetrated his mind. “Do you have your phone with you?”

His expression looked so grateful for the suggestion, he could almost weep. Searching his pockets, Ron frowned. He couldn’t find it. He started fanatically looking for his phone…but nothing. “I…I…think I was charging it on my desk.”

Nancy patted his hand and smile reassuringly. “Everything will be fine.” She took a deep breathe. “It shouldn’t be so hard. I did this before…I know what to do.”

Ron relaxed slightly. Thank god…because he had no idea what to do. They are stranded on this road, miles away from town. There was no way of communication.

Nancy was trying to give him instruction but his mind was clouded in fear…fear of Nancy and their unborn child. He jerked unconsciously as Nancy screamed in pain.

“Oh god…oh god…” He sat there uselessly with Nancy gripping his hand. “Breath…Take slow deep breathe…” He wasn’t sure he should be giving advice but…he was at the end of his rope here. “Nancy…”

“Ron, I think I will be having our baby here.”

“No…no, the ambulance will come.”

“Ron…” He raised his head to her demanding tone. “I will be having the baby here. Right now.”

“Oh god…” He took a deep breathe. “What…what do you want me to do?” He looked around in panic.

“Listen…” Ron paid close attention to what Nancy was saying but his face turn whiter and whiter by the second.

“Ron, it’s going to be okay.” She smiled awkwardly. “We will have this baby together.” He nodded and his eyes turned soft.

Nancy was the one in pain. Nancy was the one losing all the blood and fighting for both her and the baby’s life. Yet, she was the one who was reassuring and comforting him. His eyes started to tear up as Nancy experienced another wave of pain. “Hang in there, baby…” He whispered as he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. Pulling away, he smiled at her and she smiled back. They both silently communicate their thoughts. They will get through this. Their eyes and gestures spoke of unconditional comfort to each other.

Settling back at his instructed position, he watched in fascination and terror as a miracle happened. He watched as Nancy moaned and groaned until he saw it.

Holding onto the tiny being, he looked as if he was dreaming as he hugged the little creature in his arms. Honestly, it looked nothing like those two adorable fresh babies he held; instead this baby looked wrinkle and reddish. Yet, he knew the instant it was in his arms…he love this tiny being with all his heart.

Nancy stared in wonder at Ron’s expression as he held their daughter in his arms. He looked…awe, like he suddenly struck by lightening. She watched in glittering tears as Ron’s finger gently caressed the baby’s cheek and he started counting her fingers and toes.

“Ten…Ten…” He mumbled happily. Every fear…every doubt vanished when this little baby girl appeared in his world. It was amazing...how it fights its way into this world…into his arms. It was truly a miracle. He had never seen anything like this. With watery eyes, he looked into Nancy’s understanding eyes. “Thank you…” He whispered softly and moved toward her with the baby wailing in an unfamiliar environment.

Miles away, a siren echoed loudly as the ambulance strolled down the road. When they finally stopped at a stranded car in the middle of the road, the paramedics found a pair of loving parents comforting a wailing newborn baby…

***

He watched through the glass window as the nurse monitored their daughter’s heartbeat. His finger lingered on the panel, longing for the feel of his daughter’s soft cheeks. There was a rare kind of happiness and contentment in his heart he never felt. He smiled softly as the nurse nodded to him, informing him that everything was fine. He watched as the nurse went off to check on the other babies. Yet, his eyes continued to watch his child fidgeting on the crib. As his eyes took in the innocence and curiosity of his daughter’s round bright eyes, he sighed. Leaning against the glass, he recalled the event before all this happen…to the day before…

***

He entered the shop in eagerness and nervousness as the bell rang above him when he opened the door. It was a familiar coffee shop he often came with her, with the heavily coffee scent swirling in the air. He always enjoyed the relaxing and smoothing atmosphere of this shop, only a few blocks away from his office. Standing near the doorway, he scanned the customers until his eyes landed on her.

As he approached the table, he noticed that she was still the same. In a blue laced blouse and skirt, she was sitting straightly on one of the bench. He smiled when she was playing with the ice in her drink with her straw. Her hair was much longer and it was settled loosely on her shoulders. Yet, as he neared her, he felt that she was not the same. He couldn’t place his hand on what changed but…

She finally looked up when she sensed his presence. “Hello, Ron.” She smiled at him.

Settling down across from her, he absorbed her appearance. She was really here.

“Tavia…”

She smiled at how much emotions were expressed through that deep voice. “It is good to see you again.”

“Why?” He looked at her and ached to touch her.

Tavia pushed her drink away. “I wasn’t planning on coming back, Ron.” She looked out the glass window onto the street below with a sad expression. “I know I owned you a goodbye but…” She shrugged. “I guess you can blame me for leaving like that. However, our relationship was never normal…” She smiled. “Yet, I still believe it was for the best.”

Ron frowned.

“I know…I know what kind of man you are Ron. If I informed you of my intention, you will move heaven and earth to keep me. Even as we speak, the only reason you found me today is that you hired a private detective to track me.”

“You expected me.” He stated.

“Yes. The moment I entered Hong Kong, I knew you will know.”

Ron straightened. “If you didn’t want to come back…why?” He swallowed the sudden bitterness and pain emerging from the pit of his heart. He was expecting Tavia to be glad to see him. He was hoping that he could convince her to stay with him. However, one look into her eyes, he knew…it was too late.

Tavia sighed. “I knew it won’t do us good to see each other. We had a very complex and emotional history. Some are happy memories…others are…” She trailed off. “But it was our experiences and I won’t change any of it. It was what shaped us. Ron…” She placed her hand on top of his. “No matter what, you are a very vital part of my life. I am not what I am today without you. Therefore, it took me awhile until I agree to come back.”

Ron ignored the feeling of being on the edge of grasping his heart’s true desire and it was sudden pulled from his reach. “Agree?”

Tavia smiled. “When I left you, I went to search for myself. I traveled as far as Finland, wander a few days in Canada, and went to see the sunset in Australia…until I finally settled down. I never expected anyone to find me…but someone did.” She smiled knowingly. “I never met her. But I only knew one person in my past that was pregnant.” Ron gasped. “Never in a million years would I expect to see the woman who I had an affair with her husband standing there.”

“How…? What…?” Ron was too flustered to talk.

She shrugged. “How? Apparently, she knew someone in the U.S. who hired a P.I to track me. As for why she seeks me out…” Tavia looked away in sadness. “She knew, Ron. She knew we had been having an affair for years behind her back. Yet, she didn’t came to look for me as a justified wife. She asked me for a flavor.” She looked straight into Ron’s eyes. “She believed I am the only person in this world that could convince you to stop what you are doing.”

Ron was speechless.

Tavia shook her head. “She believed I would be able to stop you from hurting yourself and everyone around you.” She chuckled softly. “But no one can, Ron. No one…except you. You have always told me that fulfilling your father’s wish was everything to you…but look around you. Just like your father, you would lose everything that is important. You won ‘Essence’ but tell me, Ron, are you happy? Your brother is hiding from your reality, your sons are being isolated from you, and your wife… only a desperate woman would go so far as helping you.”

Tavia looked away. “I never expected to come back…but when a pregnant woman almost begged me to go back to her husband, even someone as cold as ice would be moved. Ron…” She leaned over toward him. “Don’t take what you have for granted. You have a family. Your wife loves you. Turn back now and cherish them…Before it is too late. Before you realize that when you finally turned around, there is no one left.”

Ron couldn’t…wouldn’t accept this…because if he did, it meant that everything he every strived for in life would just be ashes. “Nancy doesn’t love me.” He looked away.

“You keep telling yourself that but answer me…” She waited for Ron to turn toward her. “If she doesn’t love you, would she came all the way to the U.S. to convince me to come back? If she doesn’t love you, would she be carrying your child? Ron…no women in this universe would have three children with a man she doesn’t love and agreed to stay in a loveless marriage.” When Ron was about to argue, Tavia stopped him with her hand. “Do you know how I realize how much she loves you?...I asked her. I asked her why she was doing this. Do you know what she told me? She looked me in the eyes and told me ‘Because you are the only woman Ron had ever loved.’.”

Tavia paused. “There were tears in her eyes…and a steel determination that I would be able to help. Yet, from woman to woman, I saw…I saw the despair in her eyes. When I asked her why she would stay in a loveless marriage with you… She told me… ‘Not every woman is as lucky as you, to have someone who loves you. Some women just have to accept what there is…’.”

Watching the stunned look on Ron’s face, Tavia turned to leave. She had came and said everything she intended.

“Look into your heart, Ron. You could have the whole world…but when you looked down from the top from your position, you would realize…you are all alone.”

With a finally advice, she stepped out of his life… and never turned back.



***

Confidence.

That’s the difference in Tavia, Ron realized. She was no longer that sweet, helpless girl he met and fell in love with. She had discovered herself. A part of his heart was happy for her, yet, the selfish part of him was grieving that Tavia no longer needed him. She had found her life and it had nothing to do with him.

Ron closed his eyes, letting past memories dissolve in his mind.

…And let what he had learned enter his mind.

If he had any doubt of what Tavia stated, it was dash the instant he watched Nancy gave birth to their daughter. It was at that instant he realize what Tavia meant. Yet, admitting that Nancy had feeling for him could only add to the mountain of guilt he felt in her presence.

Lost…

He had never been lost in his life before…and now…

Standing at an interaction, he was forced to choose between the two roads ahead of him.

May god help him for he had lost all sense of direction…

***

Meanwhile, across town, two people were engaged in a serious discussion of how to defeat him.

She crossed her legs and opened the file in front of her. “I went over my father’s documents and all those transactions he recorded in his files as the attorney of this company.” Myolie frowned. “It was strange. He recorded a transaction of transferring 3% of its share to a woman called Elizabeth Mai. However, there was no specific contract or even the sales on record.”

“Maybe Aunty might know something about this woman. At that time, aunty was still an active member of ‘Essence’.” Raymond was picking up the phone when Moses entered with three cups of coffee.

“Here…” Moses placed the cups on the conference table when Raymond hanged up.

“She is not picking up.” He smiled. “I guess the wedding is taking up all of her time…but I will ask her when I get home tonight.”

Myolie nodded while Moses scanned through the files on the table. He sipped his coffee and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Myolie asked when she caught the frown on his face.

“What is my mother’s name doing on this document?”

Instantly, Raymond and Myolie stared at each other and then turned their heads toward Moses simultaneously.

“What?” Moses looked at them with a clueless expression.

“Elizabeth Mai is your mother?”

“Yeah, Mai is her maiden name.” Moses frowned. “Now can you tell me what is going on?”

Myolie explained to Moses that his mother owned 3% of ‘Essence’ shares. “Moses, do you know what happened to those shares when your mother passed away?”

He shook his head. “My father handled all my financial matter and I doubt we can ask him…but maybe Steven knows since he is my lawyer.”

Myolie nodded and started dialing Steven’s number.

“Do you know what this might mean?” Raymond said to Moses.

“Yeah…” He smiled and took a sip from his cup. “We might win this.”

Myolie hanged up. “Steven said he will look into it and call us back.”

“Well, I guess all we can do is to wait now. The meeting is tomorrow. Essence’s fate would be determined then…” He unfolded his arms and stood up. “As for now, I am going to pick Maddie up from school.”

As Moses closed the door behind him, Raymond laughed out loud. “The irony of life. One moment we were discussing ways to save ‘Essence’… the next we are doing something as normal as picking up our daughter from school. So… what do you say… Dinner?”

Myolie was busy organizing the files when what Raymond said penetrated her mind. “Dinner?” She looked at Raymond and frowned. “Well, I guess we can discuss our strategy for dinner tonight…” She stood up. “Sure. I’ll tell Moses.” She turned to go when Raymond placed his hand on her arm.

“Myolie…”

She turned around toward him.

“I mean dinner as in you and me.”

She frowned. “What are you getting at, Raymond?” She looked at him suspiciously.

“It’s just dinner, Myolie.” He sighed. “I know there are many unresolved issues between us…but we are still very good friends.” He said sadly. “Would you…would you have dinner with me tonight?”

Myolie desperately wanted to say no. Why add salt to a bleeding wound? Yet, looking into his adorable and silly expression with a hint of anxiety to it, she smiled softly at him.

“Yes.”

His face relaxed and an unexplainable sense of pleasure spread through his chest.

***

He was whistling when he entered the house. With his keys still dangling in his hand, he closed the door behind him. Turning around, he continued whistling with his mind on where he was planning to take Myolie tonight.

As he turned toward the dinning room, he sudden stopped in his track.

The key dropped onto the carpet without making any noise.

He watched in complete stillness as the person sitting in his living room stood up and turned toward him.

“Hello, Raymond.”

===================================================



Well, what do you think? This is sort of an intense chapter and I hate to post it in such a way...does it ruin the effect? (^v^) Anyway, please leave a comment on what you think!



P.S. Hm…I am not even going to count the days…months…when I updated. Hopefully, someone still remember this story. I need to apologize because my update won’t be frequent. I promised to finish this story and I will…In the meantime, I guess look out for my inconsistent update.

Your dear,
Breeze (LOL!)

An Uninvited Date: Red-Eyes=Red Apple=Satan?

Picture credit to raymondlam.info

Yesterday, Raymond participated in the costume fitting for his latest drama, An Uninvited Date. Honestly, this character is like a dream come true for me. For those who know me, I am a crazy fan on supernatural themes and stories. Imagine my surprise when Raymond have the role of a Satan-like character who are not only supernatural but he is evil!

The costume was a little disappointment because I was expecting something more...unique. However, I love the red eyes. I was kind of expecting a 'punk' like Satan with a dark gang member costume but judging from his outfit, he is probably a sophisticated Satan with polish...

Overall, this will be my most anticipated series so far. I can't wait for more news and pictures of this drama! Wonderful! (^v^)

Black Amber Poster

Hey!

I finally found time to make a poster for the short story, Black Amber! Hope you like it!

By the way, I am squeezing time to work on the next chapter on Illumination. Hopefully, you will see it soon...