| Fan Fiction |
by Zaire
Chun kept re-reading the lines. He threw a glance at the girl on the armchair. How could his father consent to this crazy request? It’s his other half they’re speaking about. How could he possibly marry a woman he hardly knows?
“Hebe?” It was no good poring over this ridiculous arrangement. He should at least get to know this girl. Maybe she had other plans? Or maybe she wouldn’t want to marry him. The girl looked up from the catalogue and quickly put it aside. Her head bowed low, as though she had been caught for doing something wrong.
“Don’t be scared. Your name is Hebe Tien, am I right?” Chun asked and she gave a feeble nod in return.
“Your mother Dolores…she wants you to marry me. Are you sure you want to do this?” Chun went straight to the point and Hebe blushed. Chun chuckled at the abashed girl.
“It is okay if you don’t want to. I wouldn’t force you.” There might be just some hope that this woman will not accept this marriage. Chun looked expectantly at the girl only to receive another ambiguous nod.
“Does this mean you do not want the marriage?” Chun probed as he moved to the armchair.
Hebe looked up sharply. There was a tinge of disappointment when she heard Chun’s unwilling tone.
“Can you answer me? Don’t just look at me like that.” Maybe this is the reason why he hated kids. They just do not want to tell you what’s wrong with them. Just like what his betrothed is doing now.
Hebe shook her head violently. Chun was very puzzled by her refusal to speak. Distressed, Hebe looked around frantically and found the pencil Chun left at the side table. Picking it up, she scribbled furiously onto the wine catalogue and passed it to Chun.
The words on the catalogue kept flashing in front of Chun. He couldn’t believe what he’s getting in. He was almost on the verge of chasing the girl out till he recalled his father’s last words. No, he had to do this. Tossing the catalogue aside, Chun slumped into the chair. Hebe looked frozen with trepidation. Her eyes roved everywhere but at Chun. All in all, she resembled a child caught stealing waiting for the teacher’s punishment.
“Take a rest in the guestroom next door. After my father’s funeral, we shall get registered.” With that, Chun swept out of the room, leaving the startled Hebe in the lonely, cold room.
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"Even the tastiest broth becomes poison when forced."
Thank you for reading!