Mo Jinsheng didn't leave until, I was dulled up and ready. The gown that his grandma had chosen for me was unexpectedly English, a dinner gown. As I stepped into the hall arm in arm with Mo Jinsheng, all eyes was on us. The gown clung so much to my waist and hips and flowed down freely, a fish tail trailing behind me. There were pearls beneath my chest to my waist. It was initially strapless but Mo Jinsheng had insisted on something more conservative so the designer had added some chiffon around the shoulders making the neckline a V. A stunning diamond necklace sits perfectly along the v- shaped edges of the neckline twinkling like a star.
There were gasps and sighs her and there. Even I had been amazed by how meticulously dulled up I was, it stunned me.
At every gathering like this, familiar and unfamiliar faces will be seen, tonight not been an exception. I swept a quick glance through the crowd. They were all standing in honour of the occasion as we walked the aisle towards the head table were grandma Mo and Desmond's family were. Mo Jinsheng's parents were always abroad. Besides thehead table was another where my grandfather, my uncle, his wife and his two daughters(my cousins) were seated.
I went into grandma Mo's outstretched arms which were already waiting for me, said a polite greeting to Desmond's family and sat down.
The ceremony started. Everyone that could be considered noteworthy came to toast me. Although Mo Jinsheng had offered to drink in my stead, he was soon called aside by a business partner, an elderly whom he couldn't reject and I was felt to entertain this toasts. I soon felt light headed.
Feeling a little choked, I excused myself. Walking down to the left was a balcony behind the curtains as I approached I had two familiar, very distinct voices. It was Desmond and An Qiao. My eyes widened in excitement. I had not had the time to call my bestt friend since the accident. What a pleasant surprise.
"Desmond, I think we should make our marriage official now."
Marriage! Official? Didn't Xiao Qiao detest Desmond to the bone. Could their love have develop from hate like in the movies. I didn't expect that my friend would like someone like Desmond. I moved closer
"You promised that we will announce when she's well. She is now." It was still An Qiao speaking.
"Xiao Qiao, let's wait a little more. We can't afford to trigger her or the whole family will be displeased."
"Displeased! What about me. I have had to endure you guys playing that sick game of love for five years. You were supposed to be acting. Don't tell me ..."
"What are you saying? You agreed to it and even played her best friend too. We both agreed to act this out. Both the....".
I raised the curtain. I know I should have allowed them to spill everything but that sharp pain in my heart had pushed me forward. I couldn't wait. I didn't want to!
They both looked towards me.
"What a great plot." I was hysteric. "You two were acting all this while. You both deserve Oscars. Tell me, who put you up to this?" I was so angry that rationality kicked it. I stood there very composed, the alcohol wearing off, my eyes burning.
No one answered, those two just stirred back at me. I had expected an apology or a coaxing from An Qiao. I underestimated myself. Many thought ran through my mind all at once. The Wedding in Africa must have been fake. The accident must also have been a plot.
"I put them to it" that voice. There was no need to turn around.
"Grandpa Li. We were too carried away. I apologise" it was Desmond
"A'Hong, your infatuation was distracting. It was a measure."
"I understand it so well, grandfather. This measure... I just don't want to accept it." The conflict, the disappointment, the anger, the anxiety... They rushed into my brain all at once. At that moment comprehension and understanding clashes with rationale. All the trainings and teachings to become a leader and the filial piety. It was understandable for a man with so much weight to carry to make such business-like decision but as his orphaned granddaughter, it was not a justified cause. In my head, I could see the clouds gathering above my heart. Tears threatened to rain down but I held it in. 'The luxury of emotions is not something a powerful person can have' it was grandfather's last principle. Logically right but emotionally wrong!
I walked back to the hall. Mo Jinsheng was still busy. Grandma Mo had retired for the night. I sat quietly at the table which was now deserted.
"Li Chaihong, it's been a while"
"Su Lian"
Su Lian, the only daughter of the Su Conglomerate. A complete white lotus just like her name. She never wears any colour but white. We attended the same elementary and high school. We couldn't be considered friends as we were always the tools for comparison. Growing up as the wistful young lady of the Li Coperation, I didn't have a very good temper whereas, Su Lain was the virtuous, conservative young lady who was friends with every useful person there was. We couldn't be considered enemies per say until that very day...
***Flashback***
In the classroom during recess.
"Li Chaihong, let's talk"
"Speak"
"Did you make that post? I know you didn't have to do it yourself so we won't trace it back to you but must you do that just to win?"
The school forum had always used the notice board to disseminate information until the school forum took over as students now have access to a closed network within the school. Things started to change. People got bolder and any news could flow in at anytime.
"Su... What is your name again" some girls around stiffled there laughter but it worked the boys to see there beloved Lotus been dissed. It wasn't intentional, really, I just didn't know her full name.
"Su Lian!" She screamed, her face flushed.
"Oh. Su Lian, be explicit. I hate wrong accusations."
I was truly confused. Sensing my confusion, An Qiao had brought her phone to show me the content. It was a cooked up story of how Su Lian had gone under the needle to change her look. It was ridiculous and had so many loopholes. Something so trivial would not have bothered me.
"Su... Lian, I don't have time for this." I returned the phone to An Qiao and continued reading. Su Lian stood there, her face alternating different expressions but I didn't care.
Since then I had become enemies not only with Su Lian but half of the school over a stupid ridiculous beauty contest.
***End of Flash Back***