[Ron’s Point of View]
The look in her eyes gripped my heart tightly. In all my life, and of all the times I’ve been with Nancy, I’ve never seen this look. The sense was different, like for once in her life, this could be the one thing she really wanted and would come to the sense of almost pleading for me to say yes. Yet I knew clear and well that if I did answer her, everything will still be a big gamble to us both. Nancy will still have to face Kenneth, I’ll have to face Bernice, and after that we’ll still have to face our child and Nancy’s life.
“…yes…” I sighed, wondering if this was the right thing to say. “We’ll keep the baby.”
A smile widened her face, and for once the feeling of love and comfort has finally fallen back into me. And that feeling was given and replaced by no other but Nancy Wu.
“But you’ve got to promise me,” I began, recalling her past medical history in my mind. “No more alcohol, no more drugs, no more partying, and no more dangerous joy rides.”
She laughed, resting her head on my chest. “Do I look like I need any of that anymore? We had bigger things to worry about. Such as how I’m going to face Kenneth and how you’re going to face Bernice.”
“I’ll go and cancel the wedding with Bernice, and tell her the truth. She’s asked me who the child in your stomach belonged to, remember?” She nodded. “Then Kenneth stepped in and took the blame, so I still have to thank him. But, don’t worry, as long as we’re together things will be fine.” I hugged her tightly, afraid that if I let go she will leave me again.
“What about all your plans?” she suddenly asked. “I know that you and Bernice were trying to help Raymond with his company, how will that turn out.
A lump of guilt suffocated my throat when I realized how slim of a chance we have at success. “I’m afraid there’s not much left I could help Raymond with. I would’ve bought up all the shares of AVC, but Damian won’t sell them. Instead he’s gotten my company in a chain too with the debt we still owe after our last recovery.”
“Let me help.” She suddenly spoke, her voice soft and gentle. I could feel her soft sighs on my chest. “Wu Enterprise hasn’t fully stepped into this circle, and I’m sure if I did now they will make me choose a side. Tavia, she’s my friend and I know her well, even after we’ve grown apart. Damian would try to get her to convince me into helping them, and Tavia would try to throw me subtle hints so I won’t end up hurt. I’ll make it seem like I’m with Damian, and during that time try and help Tavia out of this. Also with my dad’s money, we might just be able to tip the stocks on our side.”
“Are you sure you can do this? Damian is a sly man, and I’m just afraid if he found out your real intentions…”
“What can he do? Remember who I was before? I can still handle it. Please let me help.” Nancy’s words sounded convincing, but fear still drifted around when I realized how many times she’s putting her life at risk, as if it meant nothing to her at all.
“He could kill you,” I reminded her, hoping to drive some sense into Nancy’s stubbornness.
“So what do you suggest I do? Steven already told me everything, and I can’t just sit around while all of my friends are worked up over a bunch of numbers.” She sighed.
“Help me out, because I think Tavia is planning something, and I have a good feeling about it. Sometimes, it’s better to just sit back and let things fall into place. The more we tamper with it the more we’ll just mess it up.”
“I don’t believe that Tavia has changed completely. I’m with you. We should give her some time, and a chance.” She hugged me tight, slowly falling asleep in my embrace as I kissed her gently.
“I know.” Relief comforted me when I realized that the woman lying in my arms right now was Nancy. She fell asleep quickly, her lips slightly curled upwards as her arms were draped around my body. I could feel she’s tired, and I could feel her desperation to help, that was Nancy. But hopefully we’ll both have enough patience to just sit back and watch as Tavia’s plan unfolds. For some reason, I trust this woman, and with Nancy’s words in my head I trust her even more. Hopefully in the end, we won’t regret it.
~*~
[Tavia’s Point of View]
This was possibly the very first time in my life I felt a complete warmth that was traveling through my entire body. Lying still, I could feel the warm brilliance of the sun rays, as the soft lights seeped through the open window. Whatever I’m resting on, it was soft and comfortable, providing me with a refresh that I haven’t had in a while. This feeling that engulfed me was so new yet so old at the same time. I could still remember this gentle, fragile care, back when I still lived with my parents. But I haven’t had that for such a long time, and now here is the feeling, back again.
Just then, a strong yet gentle arm wrapped around my chest, pulling me into a loving embrace. I could feel myself smile, and as I opened my eyes slowly, I met his. His entrancing black pools that looked protective, soft, caring and tender. I was looking into Raymond’s eyes, and all the memories of last night rushed back into my head.
“Good morning,” he smiled. His voice caressed my senses as I awoke.
“Morning,” I smiled in reply as he wrapped his other arm around me. “Last night,” I began.
“It was my fault. I shouldn’t have drank so much.”
“No, I’m not looking to blame it on anything,” I defended. “I was just…happily surprised.”
“Listen Tavia,” he began with the serious expression in his eyes. “I will and want to take responsibility for you. I want things to go back to the way it used to be, and I want us to be together again. But I just don’t want this all to be a mistake like Ron and Nancy’s relationship.”
I smiled. Raymond was always thinking ahead, but this one time I couldn’t agree with him more. Yet last night, I had some conscience of my own, and I could still remember him talking to me about something, something important that I’ve forgotten. Deciding to do whatever it takes to make this moment last, I agreed with whatever Raymond laid out, to a point. “It’s not a mistake.”
“Do you trust me?” he asked, with still the stubborn seriousness in his tone.
I nodded, and with all my heart ever wanted to say, “Yes.”
A smile widened his face and it just seemed to brighten my world. This rare moment, felt like I’ve just fallen in love with him all over again. “Let’s just forget everything, and it’s just us from now on.”
What I’ve secretly desired all along, Raymond spoke the words right out of my heart. I closed my eyes and nodded gently, tightening my arms around him as we pulled closer. I didn’t care about what will happen afterwards. All I cared about is how long I can make this moment last, because the longer this lasts, the longer we both can be happy, for once in such a long, long time. “I love you,” he whispered, and I trusted that his words were true.
~*~
[Raymond’s Point of View]
Hours must’ve passed since the first crack of dawn fell on our faces. Tavia’s hands were on my shoulders, her eyes staring down the black tie around my neck to make sure it was aligned evenly. She smiled once my lips curled upwards, and I ran my hand gently through her beautiful silk-like hair.
“How come you never learn how to tie a tie properly?” she asked, making the final adjustment.
“Because I want someone else who loves me enough to do it for me.”
She only smiled. Then she slung her bag over her shoulders and fixed her hair quickly. It was time for us both to leave, and it was time for the moment to be over. It was so beautiful yet so quick, and I wished it could’ve lasted longer. But no matter, all happy things must end, and right now the guilt was starting to build up inside of me, again.
I watched her wave, and I watched her shadow disappear out the door. My sliver of a smile immediately vanished once she was gone, and in its place now was only a bottomless pit of guilt and shame. I fell back onto my bed, confused as to what I should do next. When I made the plan with myself, I never knew I could actually get this far and not break down to her. Now that I have, I’m caught in disbelief. I couldn’t believe myself. I was using my love in order to get what I want. What am I but a heartless liar?
A knock on my door pulled up my attention, and from the small opening my mom stood. She looked neither amused nor saddened, but she still forced out a humorless smile anyways. “Can I come in?” Michelle asked gently.
I nodded.
She strolled in casually, yet with each gentle step there seemed to be a heavy burden weighing her down. My heart suddenly felt like lead when my mother sat so close, her eyes soft and gentle but foretelling something else.
She sighed, “I just saw Tavia leave the house in a rush. Don’t tell me you and her are back together.” She didn’t sound surprised for some reason.
I pulled a nervous smile, sitting up beside her. “Aren’t you happy for us?”
“Of course, I would be happy…”
“So what’s the problem with that then?”
“I would be happy for you two, if you were together for the right reasons. Raymond, I’m your mother, I know you. You’re far too stubborn to satisfy all her wishes, especially ones involving AVC, and Tavia staying over tonight was intentional.”
“So are you saying I shouldn’t try to get the company back? Mom I don’t get it. This is the safest plan I could think of. I want Tavia back, and I want our company too…”
“You’ve got to find a middle ground,” she cut in. “Raymond, in life you can’t have everything you want, and in your situation right now I’m afraid you have to choose one or the other.” Her gentle hand touched my shoulder. “Tavia’s truly a great catch, and your struggle for the company is good too…”
“What are you suggesting I’m doing, Tavia, or my company?”
Michelle looked down, her eyes avoiding mine. I could hear a sigh leave my mom’s lips as she looked back up again, with even softer eyes than before. “I think I need to clarify everything with you,” she spoke. “Can you go somewhere with me this morning?”
I nodded, satisfying her wish as we headed out of my room.
~*~
[Nancy’s Point of View]
Ron’s car dropped me off just at the entrance of Kenneth’s apartment building. I asked him to stay there and wait, wondering if I’ll be able to do this to Kenneth. My conscience felt heavy as my heartbeat froze at the thought of hurting Kenneth. He’s helped me and been with me through so much, and now telling me to go and break his heart is just a heartless thing to do.
Slowly I made my way through the sliding glass doors and into the empty elevator. Each second that passed me by was heart-wrenching, and I almost couldn’t take it any further. No matter, because of the child in my stomach, I can’t hurt Kenneth any longer. I guess it’s better to end it now than drag it out, and in the end everyone will be hurt.
The elevator opened, and in its way, there he stood. A smile parted his lips. “Nancy,” he sighed. “I was so worried about you. I was about to go out and look for you.”
The awkward hug I gave him probably triggered something in his senses. “Kenneth, thanks…”
“What’s wrong?” He asked me, pulling back and looking into my eyes.
I couldn’t look into them. Avoiding his eyes, I made my way out of the closing metal elevator doors. Guilt enveloped me, and I’m lost wondering what to say next. A sudden pain jolted in my stomach, and I flinched. But from the pain, there suddenly came a warming feeling.
“Are you okay?” he asked, walking over to me.
“Yeah, it’s just a kick. Kenneth,” I began, struggling to let the words out.
His waiting eyes drove deep into me, making it harder than ever.
“Thank you. Thank you so much for everything…”
“What do you mean? There’s no need to thank me.” He cut me off.
“I have to, because I’ve hurt you and caused you a lot of trouble in the past. And now,” I stopped to look up at him. The scary thoughts aroused my mind, but there’s nothing left to do but ignore them. “I don’t want to trouble you any further, and I don’t want to ruin your life any longer. I…I don’t want my baby to be born without his real father, and Ron and I have worked out everything…”
“So you’ll be staying with Ron now?” he asked me, his tone cold and low.
I nodded. “I know I’m really hurting you, and I know you’ll think I’m stupid, but trust me and let me make my own decision for once this time okay? You’ve helped me make decisions throughout my life, during childhood, when I’m working for my dad, everything. Just let me choose for myself this once, please?”
The look in his eyes inevitably drove guilt into my mind. He showed me a mixture of emotions, love, hate, sad, anger, and something else. It was quiet for such a long moment. During that prolonged silence, so many thoughts and worries raced through my mind. I couldn’t stand it any longer, but waiting for Kenneth’s response is important, and soon I’ll probably have to give him a proper explanation for everything.
Kenneth’s lips slightly quivered, and the long awaited response was suddenly coming so soon.
~*~
[Raymond’s Point of View]
I followed closely behind Michelle as we stepped out of the black sedan. In front of us laid a vast, endless cemetery, quietly nestled in the serene forest clearing. It was peaceful and quiet here, a place where I too would like to rest when the end came. Suddenly, I heard soft sighs coming from her breath. I turned to face my mother and her saddened face as she seemed to reminisce many memories.
“Look at the marble stone ahead of you. What does it say?” she asked me gently.
I walked forward, peering closer into the engraved letters on the smooth marble. “Crystal Tin-Yeung, Beloved Wife and Loving Mother,” I began to read, word by word.
“Do you know who Crystal is?”
“No, a distant relative?” I asked my mom.
She was quiet for a moment, her back turned to me and I could tell that so many thoughts were going through her head. “Raymond, did I ever tell you why I favor Tavia over AVC?” Another pause.
“No,” I shook my head.
“Crystal Tin and Michael Yeung, famous business investor were married. This company of ours, belonged to them, and it was their hard work that began what is known as our great era today. Your father was business partners and close friends with Michael. I don't know what caused your father to change back then, but by unfortunate events, we're now the holding family of AVC. Damian was simply a victim of this incident, he was Michael's brother. As for Tavia,” she paused again, taking in a deep breath. “She's the true heiress to AVC, and no matter what, she deserved everything.”
I was mute, listening to her shorten Tavia's long background as my eyes stared at each and every little character on her mother's tombstone. My heart suddenly ached and burned with more guilt than I could ever imagine.
“Because Michael was clever enough to keep all the bank notes and documents proving that the transactions made into the company was from him, it proved he was the true owner of AVC. Your father wanted them, so he went to Crystal, and ironically that day she died in a fire, and Tavia was left an orphan,” Michelle continued to explain the sad history.
“So what happened to those documents? Did dad ever get his hands on them?” I asked, somehow feeling my tone was colder than ice. I still couldn't believe how much I owe Tavia, my entire life.
“Those documents,” Michelle began. “Are in my possession.”
“And her father? What happened to him?”
No answer. Absolute silence enveloped us both, and when I saw Michelle's face, I knew it all. I knew everything and the only thing that could save this mess from exploding any further. I knew it all.
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