Money they say is the root of all evil. I disagree, love is.
'Born with a silver spoon', that's the one word everyone associates me with. Eventhough my parents died when I was a teenager, they left me with so much assets and properties that I became the wealthiest teenager in the country but a few years later my grandfather banished me to Africa because I had requested to marry Desmond Mo.
We met at a party and he caught my soul. He sent the Cupid's arrow right throw my chest and I was hooked. I was so infatuated that grandfather said he sensed bewitchment. We would argue not stop and I became more like a vagabond, until he was pissed.
Grandfather and I signed an agreement that half the assets be given to me and my boyfriend but we had to go to Africa.
Love struck, there was no thinking twice. Off we went to Africa. We got married and I made him beneficiary to all the money. We started a business and it was growing. It was heaven on earth for us. He had also fought tooth and nail with his parents.
It wasn't a total gigolo and the rich heir story. He was the only son of the second branch of the Mo family, the wealthiest family in China. He had some properties in his name.
Three peaceful years went by like the waves of the sea. Not long after the business finally stabilised, Sandra, an African girl came knocking. She was carrying Desmond's child. It was supposed to break me but it didn't. I just filed for divorce and sued him.
My lawyer had suggested we add a simple clause to the beneficiary rights. With that I could turn the table. He just had to cheat!
It wasn't as easy as I surmised. It took seven months to get the whole thing over with. I cried, went on hunger strike, overworked myself and fell ill then came to terms with the melodrama.
Thinking back now, I was quite foolish. Who says there's love at first sight? It's all fake.
Work and money are still the best assurance a woman can get.
*****
The office door swung open hitting the wall with a loud bang. There are only two people who can make my door that miserable, my ex- husband Desmond and myvbest friend lawyer, An Qiao. By the clack clack of the stilettos, it can only be An Qiao. A subconscious sigh escapes, relieving the breath I didn't know I was holding. Desmond has been tailing me these days. Threaten calls, desperate bangs on my door at home, public tailing... Desmond just doesn't know when to stop.
"Xiao Hong, it's time for lunch. Don't skip meals any more. It's been a year and six months now. Eating only when necessary! What nonsense! Get up right now"
Receiving no response she continues
"Li Chaihong!
Ignoring me now? How bold"
She walks towards my desk and whispered something in my ears which send shivers right down my spine.
"That was spooky, Xiao Qiao. Okay let me round up. We leave in 5" I almost screamed.
Ghost story always do a good job in keeping me obedient and An Qiao never fails to use them. It works every time.
"Excuse me ma, there is an urgent call we cannot put on hold. It's on line 5"
"Okay. Hello"
The next few sentences sucked out all my breathe. I Couldn't bring in or out! Dashing out of my office. I ran swiftly down the stairs. The worst had finally come. All along, it was odd that Desmond had only been doing so and so. It was unlike him to not take revenge. I had known he was cooking up something when he changed from threats to the soft approach. The guy never sent a single flower during the three years we were married but he has been sending a bouquet unfailingly every day for four months now. Knowing Desmond, he most have had some help this time.
Who is targeting me? For what purpose? Why start so seriously?
As I approached the underground parking lot, my phone started ringing
" Hello grandpa. I have something on. Can I..."
"Return to China" the voice on the other end was my uncle's.
"Uncle, is..."
Du du du... He had hung up.
Something is definitely wrong!