Luxe - 10 - Too Good to Be True

[Tavia’s Point of View]

I looked deeply into his eyes as we both pulled back gently. His breath was soft, his eyes seeming to be in a trance as he stared into mine. I couldn’t put the feeling between us into words, it is simply too good to be true. Raymond’s hands are still around my hips, gently holding me close to him. I’ve been close to guys before, but never has this feeling occurred to me. My heart seemed to have stopped completely in waiting for a response from him. Everything seemed to have frozen except for the two of us. The world seems to be revolving around us, and every moment we spent this way, the more we needed each other. I haven’t known Raymond for two long, but this feeling he has given me, it was as if heaven has given me a chance of being like any other girl. It seems I’ve found love.
His eyes were glimmering in mine, his expression soft and caring as he pulled a small, timid smile in front of me. I couldn’t explain why, but following his smile was mine. I guess the kiss meant something important to both of us, but this feeling called love is such a blur that I don’t know what else to say. Though at the current moment, I’m finally aware of everything around me. I wanted so badly to tell Raymond everything and wonder if he’ll accept me, but I was scared. I was scared it would ruin what already is between us. His father caused the death of my parents. Then someone who says they’re related to me, Damian Lau is working hand in hand with Dominic. Raymond is simply oblivious to all his father’s evil deeds, but yet he’s somehow landed a girl like me. In conclusion, his father destroyed my family and broke everything precious to me. He helped me fit into his higher society, and he took my heart with just one kiss. The Lam family seems to have a way with people, and I’ve tasted everything thanks to them. How ironic.

“I…I’m sorry…” Raymond suddenly began to speak. “I…I love you…” he spoke, scared to let those words be heard.

Silence. I was taken back by his sudden declaration of love, and of course my mind is still a little blurry from the kiss earlier. I don’t know if I should do anything now, but there was a strong part of me that desired another kiss from him, another reassurance that Raymond is not joking. I needed reassurance, and if Raymond went in with the kiss earlier, why can’t I?
Scared, I went on with it anyways. Standing on my toes to reach his lips, I pushed myself in for another lip lock. This time, I felt it again. Just the moment our lips touched, I could feel his deep presence in my heart. My heart has stopped, everything stopped for this moment. Raymond didn’t resist at all, instead I felt he was pushing us closer and closer than before. My eyes were closed, and I could feel him tightening his hold around my waist. Unknowingly I slowly moved my arms up his back, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go. I felt warmth with this man, I felt a great force that is just tossing and turning in me. I guess this was what they called “butterflies in the stomach”. This kiss of reassurance has just turned out into something so much more, not only am I reassured; I am determined. I need Raymond’s love. He just made me realize everything with that little kiss. Everything…

~*~
Three Days Later
~*~

This morning was similar to every other morning I have. Though there are some minor differences that to me are too good to be true. One difference was that I get to see Nancy more often now after she decided to move in with me, hoping her father won’t try to track her again like when she was at her last apartment. I can never understand their father daughter relationship, but I’m just glad that Nancy and I are closer again. Another difference would be that I’m no longer a fired bartender or delivery girl. Instead I’m a board member of AVC Insurance, and getting a ride to work with my boyfriend or also known as prince charming of AVC.
I turned to him and laughed as he got in the car with two cups of freshly brewed coffee. I just could never imagine my life to go this path, nor would I ever dream of dating the son of AVC insurance. Raymond and I have gotten along quite well, and we were more comfortable now than ever for some reason. It’s only been a couple days after he officially asked me, but there was no doubt or unsure feelings from a new boyfriend that I usually had before. This feeling with Raymond was true, new, and enjoyable.

“What?” he asked me, laughing. “Do I look weird this morning?”

I smiled and shook my head. Other than the milk or coffee moustache above his lips, nothing was wrong. I tried not to laugh at his goofy expression as he tried to find the keys, but a giggle was too hard to hold back.

“Hey can you go with me somewhere tonight?” he suddenly asked me.

“Yeah…I’m pretty sure I can.” I replied, still smiling at his silly face.

“Great. We’ll just go right after work then?” He laughed.

“Okay.” I smiled, laughing at his moustache he had no knowledge of.

“Okay…but what are you laughing at the whole time? Am I really that funny looking?”

I shook my head, reaching over and grabbing a napkin from the side. Gently I dabbed the top of his lips, wiping it clean of the milk moustache that Raymond had on earlier. I have to admit that Raymond is being awfully considerate of how I feel around his friends and social circle, but I also can’t deny that I’m adapting to it. I’m slowly feeling that there isn’t much of a difference between the upper class and me. I guess this is a good sign.

~*~

Mid day already, I thought to myself. Today has really flown by. Same goes for all the days before that. I couldn’t help but smile as I washed my cup in the sink of the break room. Sometimes I would think that I’m dreaming and all this was too good to be true, but every time Raymond tried to talk or move closer to me, I could feel my heartbeat rising, and that this was reality I’m standing in. I guess sometimes life isn’t as bad as I had always imagined.

“Got a lot on your mind there Miss Yeung?” a male voice suddenly asked.

I turned around and suddenly saw Damian Lau standing behind me with an empty coffee mug, waiting to use the sink. I’ve never really seen him smile, but there was just something familiar about it that I can’t explain.

“You left the water running for the last three minutes.” He pointed out.

“Oh…I’m sorry.” I apologized, moving to the side as I got out the coffee mix.

“No need.” He laughed. “I don’t pay for the water bill around here. So…I find your views on stocks and business quite interesting. Business must be in your blood.” He commented.

I didn’t exactly know how to respond, but I’m certain this man probably means me no harm. “Thank you…I guess because my father was a business man that’s why.” I stopped myself. Was I not thinking? Why did I suddenly mention my father? Why did I suddenly mention my father in a casual way? I was so confused, who exactly is this man that could make me forget all my precautions that I bring to the office every day?

He simply gave me a smile after my response. “Oh…then I’m sure you’ve heard of Michael Yeung haven’t you?

I froze, listening closely for what more he had to say.

“He was a brilliant business man…too bad one mistake cost him and his family such great destruction.” He shook his head. “You seem like you could be his daughter. The way you think is similar to him, and besides, his daughter should be around your age by now.” He smiled but I could see that he was doing more. He was searching for my real expression.

I wonder, could this man standing in front of me know about my family background? Could he have known about Dominic Lam’s wicked deeds? Even if he did why didn’t he stand up to defend my father back then, and why is he at Dominic Lam’s side now? He probably knew nothing. Maybe he was just trying to start a conversation with me.

I pulled a pleasing smile on my face. “Are you acquainted with Michael Yeung?” I asked, feeling a bit weird mentioning my father’s name without an emotional breakdown afterwards.

“Actually…believe it or not…I’m his brother.” He answered me, beginning to walk out of the break room. “But it’s our little secret.” He turned back and smiled, giving me a little wink I’m guessing.

I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe he could say something like that, and I couldn’t tell if he was lying or not. Even if Damian Lau was dad’s brother, how come I have no memory of him when I was younger? I don’t even know if he’s telling me the truth or lying. Yet something tells me that I’d rather he be lying. After all, finding out dad has a brother, and he’s working alongside Dominic Lam peacefully, isn’t really something I like to think about. I still wonder how Dominic Lam can lead the perfect life even after all his wicked deeds. Karma has probably somehow skipped over that evil man.

~*~

[Nancy’s Point of View]

It was a normal day, normal routines, and normal phone calls one after another. I gripped my cup of coffee tightly in my hand, careful not to drop it like I did the other one. What a mess. My phone was in my other hand, held up to my ear as I made my way down the busy, crowded street. I was looking around for a shortcut, but there seems to be none.

“So what are you planning to do with these records now that we found them?” Kenneth asked over the phone.

“Burn them.” I answered, pushing my way through a crowd of people. “I don’t want to make it known to anyone, and as for my dad…I’ll tell him later. The two million dollars we’re short of…I’ll find a way to cover it up.”

“Okay… but are you sure? Two million dollars isn’t a small amount, and even if you take that money out of your personal account, wouldn’t you parents notice something?” Kenneth asked.

“I have a second personal account that my parents have no knowledge of. I need you to do a check up on it. The number is 868-9187-3439. Call me back once you’re done. I have to go…bye.” I spoke, hanging up the phone as I began to cross the street.

I was in such a hurry that I didn’t even notice I was the only person crossing this busy street. My phone was still in my hand as I tried to shove it back into my bag when suddenly loud honking rang in my ears. I looked up and there was a pair of bright yellow headlights even in the day, rushing towards me. I could smell the tire burning and the wretched sound of tires screeching to a stop. This was when I realized this truck is still moving, and it’s moving towards me. I froze, taken by such surprise.

“Nancy!” a familiar voice yelled out.

I suddenly felt my entire body jolt backward, the most force and pain occurring at my left shoulder. The large white truck sped by me my mere inches as I stared at it in shock. I turned around and there he was, standing there looking like he was about to pass out.
Ron was the one who pulled me back, and he was the one who called my name. I hate to admit it, but I owe him for saving my life. I quickly came to realize that life is full of surprises, and even just by sheer coincidence your life could end like that, quickly and unwarned. I looked up into his eyes, and I was taken back at the sight.
In all my life, in all my time with Ron, this was probably the second time I’ve seen these eyes of his. These reflections in his eyes, it showed pain, worries, secrets, it was just a vast and endless pool of thoughts. I’ve only seen them on him once, once before he left and now is the second time. He settled down, seeming to be more scared than I was even though I was the person standing three inches from a quick and unsuspecting death.

“What were you thinking?!” he yelled at me as we walked back to the sidewalk.

“I was crossing the street.” I replied strongly.

Arguing with him was something I’ve always missed but never came to admit. I knew I always win every argument with Ron, but for so many years I haven’t had the feeling of satisfaction when he admits he’s wrong and he only worries about me. Now the feeling is so much different. I was glad to see him yell at me for being careless and stupid, glad that he still cares, but I felt an awkward sensation.
We both know that we’re nothing more that ex lovers. Ron is engaged to Bernice Liu, and I am starting off on a nice and solid relationship with Kenneth. We look like we’re moving on, but I can’t lie to myself. At times I would sit down and think, knowing that there is always something left inside me that yearned for Ron’s presence, yearned for his love. We both know actually. We both know that there is something still lingering inside of us that have a bitter desire for one another that we can’t seem to let go of.

“At least watch out before you cross the street. I can’t be here every time to pull you back.”

He was right. Ron won’t be here to pull me back anymore and I’ve got to fend for myself. But yet I wonder if I’m willing to let him go just like that. At least now we’re friends. At least now my heart doesn’t rip to shreds and my world doesn’t shatter into pieces when I see him. I guess that’s an improvement.

“Come on…” he sighed coldly, suddenly taking my hand.

I felt a sudden jolt of piercing pain in my left shoulder. I shook his hand off, staying back and unknowingly wincing from the pain. He turned around at me, his eyes turning from confusion to worries.

“Did I sprain your shoulder?” he asked, his voice soft and caring. “I’m sorry…”

I froze. Ron has said the two words “I’m sorry” before, but this is probably the very first time that it touched my heart. This was the first time his apology meant something so much more. I wonder what was happening. First a truck nearly killed me and now Ron is here, connecting my heart to his. What is he trying to do? All I want is to let go of the past, and I thought I did until feelings begin to reveal themselves. Life is just too hard for me.

~*~

[Tavia’s Point of View]

I was just sitting in Raymond’s office like usual, drowned in loads of work just like Nancy’s dad had promised. It reminded me that I haven’t seen Mr. Wu for a very long time, but I guess that’s just how the business life is. I leaned back in the soft cushion of Raymond’s office futon, looking through a pile of papers wondering what Raymond wanted me to do with these. He only gave them to me, told me to come up with our next step in the plan, improvising to what he’s been doing. Honestly I think Raymond is messing with me.

I suddenly heard a soft, muffled ringtone coming from his desk. I knew it was his phone as I searched for it, thinking he was probably careless and left it here after going into a meeting with his dad for some reason. Finally I’ve found the phone, the same model matching mine. This made it easier as I answered the call.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Um…excuse me but who’s this?” a soft female voice asked on the other line.

“I’m Tavia Yeung…Mr. Lam’s assistant.” I replied formally to a voice I couldn’t recognize.

“Oh Tavia Yeung…aren’t you friends with Nancy Wu? I heard that you two go to the club together quite often before.”

I was a bit surprised. I don’t know who this person is, but yet she already knows enough about me to recognize who I am and what my status is. “Yeah…” I replied hesitantly. “May I ask who I’m talking to?”

“Oh…I’m Bernice Liu.” She replied, forgetting to even mention her name before. “Since you’re Nancy’s friend, can I ask to talk with you in person sometime tomorrow?”

I see no harm in her request and chose to agree to it. After all, what can someone by the name of Bernice Liu do to me? “Sure I guess…where do you want to meet?”

“How about Café Evanescence on Causeway Bay…have you been to that place?” she suggested.

“Yeah…I’ll see you tomorrow at noon then.” I replied before we hung up.

As I set the phone down, I couldn’t help but wonder. I wondered who this girl is, this girl named Bernice Liu that called Raymond’s phone to ask about Nancy. She seemed a lot more informed than any casual friend, and I didn’t mind the fact that she seemed close to Raymond, I just worried how she got a hold of who I am, and my relationship with Nancy. Could she really be that informed? Or is she just one of those rich princesses that hang out at the places Nancy and I used to go together?

“What are you thinking about?” Raymond suddenly asked me, not only announcing he’s in the room but pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turned to him. I couldn’t deny that his face looked especially adorable today. Even though we haven’t been dating long, I could fall for his sweet smile any day, kind of like any normal girl out there. I smiled at him. “Nothing…it’s just that a friend of yours called but she didn’t say anything.”

“Oh…well then…let’s get going!” he smiled.

“Sure…let’s go.” I smiled, grabbing my back and my stack of papers.

We headed out the door and Dominic Lam was standing there, waiting for us. It seemed that he well be needing a ride, but I couldn’t help but worry. The question is still on my mind whether he remembers me or not, and also after that man Damian Lau gave me the idea he could be my uncle, my mind has been all over the place today. I needed to know more about this Damian Lau, and I need to know now. I also need to confirm whether Dominic Lam is aware that I’m Michael Yeung’s daughter or not. They seemed like two simple tasks, but it’s much harder once I actually try.

“Tavia…I really liked your proposal of the new marketing tactic this morning.” Dominic smiled.

I responded to his smile with one of my own. Though mine was forced and his seemed more natural. Maybe this was because he’s been so experienced with putting up a face that it was so easy for him. Hypocrite, I thought to myself.

“Dad are you riding with us or are you taking you car?” Raymond asked.

“I think I’ll be taking my own car. Leave you two alone.” He smiled.

“Um…Mr. Lam…I was wondering if you know much about Michael Yeung.” I asked him, nice and soft. There are only two ways he could respond to my question, and depending on which I could determine whether he knows my background or not. This was a simple stir of wit that I’ve suddenly thought of, and it probably has helped me.

“Michael Yeung…we used to be business partners once. But…well let’s just say he got into some trouble with the government.” He smiled as if it was nothing.

I balled my hands into fists, but carefully let loose not to lead up any suspicion. I didn’t worry about Raymond, I trusted him. But as for Dominic, there’s no guarantee.

“I am though aware that Michael had a wife and a daughter. But…sadly I believe they were pronounced dead in a fire years ago.” He shook his head. “It’s a pity because when I saw his daughter, she seemed to have her father’s blood. It would be interesting to play a game with her.” He smiled, his smile sending me a signal that it’s something more than his usual act.

He was challenging me. He was literally challenging me, but in his eyes, the daughter of Michael Yeung died in a fire. He is fully unaware that the daughter is standing here right beside him, dating his only son and holding five percent of a company her stole from her.
We continued walking onward into the elevator. I gave him another forced smile as I rewind his words. Just as I thought. He admitted that my father was once his business partner, but of course keeping out all the minor details that could change things drastically. He would then act as if he had nothing to do with any of it, and that the fire back then, twenty years ago was merely an accident that he wasn’t detailed in about. This man is truly something, and there is just something inside of me that is urging for a game with him to see who would win. It’s funny when I think about it, but I actually am my father’s child. I would ask Dominic about Damian next, but it would only make him put up precaution against me more if I ask too much. The only thing I can conclude right now is simple. To Dominic Lam, I am pronounced as dead. This is a good thing that can only serve to my favor.
I then turned to Raymond, wondering why such a nice, charismatic gentlemen have a father like Dominic. I guess the only explanation is life, just as difficult and hard to comprehend. I tried to clear the line for myself. I knew since that very day my mother left me forever, I wanted to make Dominic suffer. But then, now, standing here between Dominic and Raymond, I don’t know what to choose. I know if I hurt Dominic then I will hurt Raymond, and if I want to stay as Raymond’s girlfriend then I have to somehow put away my hatred for Dominic Lam. It was such a difficult decision. I could say I love Raymond Lam, but I can’t set away my hatred for Dominic either.
The elevator dinged and the door slid open slowly. Once I saw the light of day hit my eyes, I knew that I’ll have to come to a decision soon. I was prepared, especially after knowing that Dominic Lam wasn’t even aware of my existence and how close I am to him. Raymond, Raymond Lam will be a hard choice. But maybe, just maybe there is some way around this?
A lot has been going on in my head, especially with all the office work and I could say I’ve matured in terms of wit. I know I need guidance, I need help from someone who is more familiar with this so called “game” than I am. I turned to Dominic, remembering his words spoken earlier. There was no doubt he was challenging me, and putting all other thoughts aside, I am prepared to play this “game” with him.