The Unfilial Daughter - Chapter 6

Inside the confines of the apartment she shared with her fiance, Gillian sat motionlessly on the couch as she watched as the smoke from her cigarette slowly ascended until it disappeared. The day's events kept replaying in her head as she tried to digest the reality that had been bestow upon her suddenly.

After she had left the cafe, she went immediately to find her brother. She refused to believe that Chung Enterprises was failing just because Edison Chen told her so. She had to find the truth for herself.

But reality was cruel. Her brother had confirmed the fact.

Chung Enterprises had become nothing more but a glorified shell, staying afloat through constant loans, there was no profit to speak of whatsoever. The news struck her hard, dashing her last hopes of waking up from this nightmare.

Despites her brother's desperate calls, she ran as fast as she could, fleeing back to the only salvation she had.

What was she going to do now?

Marry Edison Chen?

Did she run for six years just to come full circle?

Could she be selfish once more?

Her head spun, torn between desire and obligation.

Perhaps there was never a choice to begin with.

Her path was already paved.

It didn't matter how hard she fought to take control of her fate.

It was predestined.

*

The brisk wind blew against his warm body as he stepped out of the balcony doors. His attire was the same from earlier today except for the removal his suit jacket and tie, leaving his navy shirt half buttoned and untucked, brushing against his black dress pants.

Resting his wine glass on the balcony edge, his eyes gazed upon the night-lights below.

She was as beautiful as ever.

The years had only enhanced her beauty.

The little princess had grown into an elegant queen.

He knew he had pushed her into a corner. The helplessness in her eyes that were masked by anger did not go unnoticed by him. That moment had almost undid the desire to carry out his plan, to force her to marry him, but another look at her beautiful face, he knew he had to have her by his side.

The ringing from his cell phone reached his ears; he flipped his phone open and greeted the caller. Moments later a satisfied grin appear on his previously expressionless face.

They will have the grandest wedding ever.

He wanted the entire world to know that Gillian Chung had returned to him.

*

Weakly, her two hands pressed together, closing her cell phone, disconnecting her call.

Dragging herself up from the couch, she walked from one room to another, recalling all the wonderful memories that had filled the apartment, in her short stay with Daniel.

At times the memories became so vivid that she tried to reach out and touch his grinning face, only to realize in disappointment that he wasn't really there.

Scanning the compounds of the den absentmindedly, her eyes rested on the blue curtains hanging on top of the wide windows.

He had lifted her up by the waist to hang those curtains. She had squirmed from his ticklish touch. It was many giggles and kisses later before the curtains were successfully hung up.

A small smile appeared when she ran her hand on the cool smooth leather exterior of the couch by the door.

She had dragged him all over Hong Kong for that couch, he whined from store to store. In compensation, she made his favorite pasta dish for dinner.

Slowly, she made her way to the bedroom. Holding the heavy comforter close as she sat on the bed, she tried to sniff for his scent, wishing and imagining that he was beside her at the moment.

Hot tears burned her eyes as she recalled all the passionate nights they had spent on this bed.

She didn't have the courage to face him.

Curling her body into a ball, she buried her face into the heavy comforter and allowed her tears to flow freely.

*

Several days later.

Tick. Tick.

The sound of the grandfather clock resonated clearly through the Victorian-styled living room where Tony and Carina Chung sat in silence, anticipating the return of their children.

The moment the loud chime of the doorbell was heard, they jumped from their seats and looked toward the double mahogany doors expectantly while the maid made her way there.

News of Gillian's agreement to marry Edison reached their ears a day after the actual event. The news had surprised the household but brought neither joy nor excitement for they all knew the reason behind the marriage.

The sacrifices that were being made.

The first to appear through the double doors was their eldest son, a large suitcase in each hand, then their daughter with the assistance of their daughter-in-law.

They watched as her dreary eyes gazed over the surroundings in recognition.

Mere days since she had last seen her daughter, Carina cried out, seeing how pale and weak she had become. Drawing her daughter, into her arms, she wished for nothing more than to suffer in her place, much like any mother in her situation.

Silently, Tony watched from several feet away, as his daughter stood numbly in his wife's arms. For a split second his tired eyes met her tearful ones, instantly he had gathered her in his strong arms.

His princess.

He had failed to protect her.

"Why did you come back?" he asked regretfully, tightening his hold around her fragile body. "I disowned you. You were free. Why did you come back?"

"I'm sorry, Daddy," her weak voice made his tore his heart, "Sorry for running away and leaving all the burden to you."

No.

No, it was him that was leaving her the burden.