Kenny could only shrug and smile at the giddiness of the two women. Almost eight years since their last meeting, the exchange between Cecilia and Gillian resembled two endless water streams, flowing over events that had brought them to the present, as well as selective moments from their worriless youth.
It had been his baby sister's idea for them to come for a visit. Having lost touch with their childhood friend for so long, she automatically extended the invitation to Cecilia. But concerning their newborn relationship, she did not comment. He knew exactly why.
Both Cecilia and Charlene were dear to her heart.
What more could she say?
As the day progressed, occasionally he would tease the two women for their talkativeness, earning a glare from both but a grin from his brother-in-law. And eventually, even the younger man added a few playful remarks.
"Kenny Chung, don't you dare corrupt my husband," his baby sister cried when the two men were beginning to team up.
Who would have thought there would be a day the two brother-in-laws would joke and laugh together?
It certainly didn't seem possible over a year ago.
When in good company time really flew.
Soon enough, the sun was beginning to set. His younger sister suggested that Cecilia and him take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunset while Edison and her prepared dinner.
He heavy-heartedly agreed; a bit hesitate of being alone with Cecilia.
But once outside, his reservations were temporarily forgotten while the beautiful sight captured his heart. Like an image taken from a painting, the scene was truly gorgeous.
The sun was on the verge of disappearing into the mountains far away. Overhead, the normally white clouds were outlined by shades of red and pink while the sky slowly darkened. To his front, the continuous sea breeze gently blew into his thick hair while the loud crashing waves rang soothingly into his ears.
Unknowingly, his body began to relax. The tension in his aching shoulders began to slip away. But his mind was still far from cleared of troubles. There were too many issues plaguing his tired heart. Among them was undoubtedly, Chung Enterprises.
They had just passed the first inspection. Still a long way until the resort would be complete. If anything were to go wrong, Chung Enterprises would collapse. Generations of hopes and dreams would be gone.
And of course, there was his soon-to-be ex-wife.
Should he have used the key that day?
Should he have tried harder to convince her to return to him?
Or should he have not let her go in the first place?
So many questions.
So many doubts.
More than anything else, he wanted them to be together again. But yet, he knew he could not force her. Above everything else was her happiness. Until she can forgive herself, he knew she would not be able to face him.
More and more he became absorbed in thoughts of her.
But a coarse female voice from behind suddenly startled him. "Even though you are with me. You are still thinking about her."
Swept away by the serene surrounding, he had forgotten Cecilia's presence.
Even though her face was expressionless, her eyes were accusing.
His silent admission only fueled her anger.
"What does she have that I don't? Don't you forget that she betrayed you. Now, she finally got what she deserved."
He couldn't bear to hear even a single disrespectful word about the woman he loved. "That's enough, Cecilia."
"Well, isn't it true? You treated her like a princess and she just left you for another man," she continued, each word stabbing into his already bleeding heart.
"Cecilia, stop it. Her and I are already over. Please don't insult her anymore."
"Her! Her! Her! All you ever care is her," her voice began to rise. "When she's in trouble you go to her without even thinking. Would you do the same for me? Would you?"
Momentarily speechless, he recovered quickly. "Of course, if you were in trouble I would do my best to help you."
"Is that really so?"
Just as her sentence ended, she was already rushing toward the turbulent waters, making his heart jump.
She didn't know how to swim.
"Cecilia," he called, running after her.
The water had already reached her chin by the time he caught her arm, preventing her from proceeding further. They struggled for what seemed like an eternity before he was able to drag her back to the safe shore.
His usual calm was gone. "What has gotten into you? Are you crazy? You could have died."
He expected her to argue with him again but instead she flung herself into him and began to sob."Kenny. Kenny, I can't live without you. Please don't leave me."
Before his eyes, the last rays of sunlight disappeared.
*
Inside the lively kitchen, a comfortable silence enveloped the husband and wife in its safe serenity. The former was chopping some peppers while the latter sprinkled some seasoning into a pot of tomato sauce while another pot filled spaghetti was coming to a boil on the side.
Dinner was spaghetti with meatballs.
Her brother's favorite.
This was the first time she had ever cooked for him. Privileged as they are, cooking was always done by the small staff hired by their parents. It was not until on her own in New York, did cooking become essential to her survival.
After all these years of practice, her skills were definitely worthy of a little boast.
The surreal feeling of reuniting with her childhood best friend continued to linger, at the same time stirring many other mixed emotions. Cecilia was like a sister to her. They had grown up together and shared many secrets. Among the many were her plans to run away from her arranged marriage numerous years ago. And as always, she was able to rely on Cecilia for her support. It was unfortunate that they had lost touch. Life was more than a challenge on her own, constantly relocating until she found a suitable place to settle down, juggling between work and school; time became scarce.
After so long, they finally found each other again.
It was a time for joy.
And also, worry.
Her friend's crush on her older brother was apparent since their early adolescent years. The two coming together had been her dream.
But now.
Cecilia's heart may not have changed but Kenny's heart was already occupied.
At times she wondered had she not ran away, would Kenny and Cecilia eventually become a couple?
Would he have still met Charlene?
It was hard to say but yet, she felt responsible for the turn of events.
What would happen now?
Was this really the end for Charlene and her big brother?
And the beginning for him and Cecilia?
Somehow, the notion brought her no joy. Perhaps because she knew better than anyone else, love could not be forced.
The result could only be pain.
With a sigh, she looked up from the simmering pot and met her husband's lowered handsome face across the counter. He was chopping some vegetables for the sauce per her instruction.
Who would believe business prodigy Edison Chen would be chopping vegetables?
An unexplainable warmness rushed from her heart to the rest of her slender body. Despite all the hardships, she had endured. She couldn't help feeling lucky, lucky because fate had given her a second chance at love. Despite turbulent past shared by the two, love greeted them and the days in the beach house had been her happiest.
There was no denying that Daniel continued to hold a place in her heart. After all, they had shared two wonderful years together. He had accompanied her through her darkest days. Their romance was nothing short of a fairytale. He was her knight in shining armor. But circumstances had torn them apart.
Perhaps they were never meant to be.
With Edison, there was no romance. And their story was far from a fairytale. But with time, they had learned to lean on one another. While Daniel had been her protector, she had never been able to reciprocate the gesture because there wasn't anything he could not handle. With or without her, he would be able to live on and find happiness.
While Edison too, protected her, she also protected him.
They needed one another.
With him, she would travel the rest of her days.
With him, she would see through sickness and in health.
Her eyes continued to stare intently ahead, into the love that had taken so long to come. She found herself wanting to be closer to her husband. Afraid that their happiness would suddenly slip away.
A scenario that she could not bare.
Slipping her arms around his waist, she leaned against his back and felt him tense with surprise.
His voice was gentle, filled with curiosity. "Gill?"
Her eyes closed, wanting to remember the feeling of his body against hers. "Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just want to feel you beside me," she replied with her eyes closed, tightening her arms around him. "I love you. Promise you will never leave me."
Gently, her husband twisted around and pulled her into his secure arms.
"I'll never leave you," he said, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
She buried her head into his welcoming chest. "Seeing Kenny's situation. I really feel lucky."
His rely came in the form of a tighten embrace.
"I wish we can stay like this forever."
But unfortunately the moment ended quickly when the balcony doors opened to reveal Cecilia and her older brother; both drenched to the bone.
Instinctively, she walked forward, out of her husband's embrace. "Oh my god, what happened to you two?"
Cecilia shifted from side to side, avoiding their eyes, while her brother chuckled uncomfortably. "We just wanted to try out the water."
But Cecilia didn't know how to swim.
From the look on her husband's face, she knew he didn't believe them either. But both decided not to press on.
Dinner was served after the two showered and changed. The party of four ate quietly. The lightheartedness from before seemed to have evaporated. Instead a dark cloud hung over the dining table. Once finished, Cecilia and Kenny both excused themselves, claiming the need to turn in early.
Something must have happened. But what?
Long after the stars filled the dark skies. The entire house was quiet with the exception of the whispering winds and crashing waves. Still dressed in the same as before, Gillian walked to the balcony, wanting to ease her restless mind.
But to her surprise, the balcony was not vacant. Someone else had already occupied her favorite spot by the banister, leaning over the side while the smoke from the end of his cigarette slowly disappeared as it ascended.
Her brother.
"I thought you wanted to turn in early," she said, walking toward the banister while her eyes fixated on her old brother's defined features.
"Wasn't as tired as I thought," he said, his lips curved into a forced smile.
The last time she had seen a real smile on her brother's face had been over a year ago when she returned to Hong Kong. The last few months, particularly after his separate with Charlene, his lips were rarely graced with a smile.
Her eyes filled with worry. "What happened at the beach today? Tell me the truth."
"You're a married woman now, Gillie. Can't be so nosey anymore," her brother teased, but his voice sounded tired and strained. Then with a flickered of his finger the cigarette in his hand flew forward and it dropped into the sand.
That was the way his older brother has always been; the first to aid someone else but his own pain and troubles laid buried within his heart.
She remained silent, knowing too well that his lips were locked.
"How's that brother-in-law of mine treating you? Need me to teach him a lesson for you?" He chuckled.
The first time since their conversation began, she saw a twinkle in his bright eyes.
"We have been doing well," she answered in a quiet voice, still wishing her brother would open up to her.
"Andy Chen resigned from Chen Corporation," he said suddenly.
Her lips pursed together in unease. "I know. Edison's uncle is temporarily taking over as CEO."
"They should be knocking on your door soon."
She nodded slowly.
Would her husband answer?
Would that be the end of their peace?
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