| Fan Fiction |
by Hibiscus
“I wasn’t, actually.” Ariel slipped off her shoes and flexed her toes. They were sitting in the living room at the Palace. Arron sat beside Ariel who leaned against him.
“I can’t believe you lied to us!” Rosa was definitely angry.
“Technically, I didn’t lie to you. It was merely an omission of certain facts pertaining to my existence.” Ariel stifled a yawn. She wished the third degree would end soon so she could go to bed.
“Did you know?” Ceci asked Patience.
Patience shook her head. “I knew she was someone important but I didn’t know she was THAT important.”
“Being Edward Lin’s granddaughter does NOT make me important!” Ariel was getting irritated.
“You said your family is dead!” Rosa hissed again.
“And they are. I assure you, my family is quite dead.” A shutter fell over Ariel’s face as she uttered these words.
“Edward Lin-,” Rosa could not leave it alone.
“Is not my family.” Ariel was very firm on that point.
“Even so-,” Ceci interjected.
“You are treating me different now just because of him. Someone I don’t even regard as family.”
“Why not? He’s great.”
Ariel smiled and it wasn’t the least bit amused. “I assure you,” she said again, “I know him quite better than you do. And he fails to evoke any sort of admiration in me.”
“Why don’t you just move in with him?” Rosa was bitterly caustic.
“I won’t repeat myself. If I had wanted to be associated with him in any manner, I wouldn’t have been here to begin with. Don’t waste my time and your breath by quibbling unnecessarily. I see it as no great honor to be Edward Lin’s granddaughter. Besides, we have more important things to talk about.” Ariel didn’t mean to be cold, she really didn’t. But Rosa’s stubborn attitude was pushing her towards dangerous ire.
“You could easily crush Chun now,” Rosa returned the coldness.
Ariel narrowed her eyes and straightened up. Arron who had been quiet up till now put an arm on Ariel’s back. She nodded at him. He removed his hand and Ariel got up from the couch.
“Rosa, it Is useless for me to talk to you right now. Do you feel betrayed that you didn’t know this insignificant fact?” Ariel raised a hand when she saw that Rosa would speak up. “Yes, it is insignificant. We all have secrets, Rosa. Even you.”
Rosa turned her face away, resolute in her anger.
Ariel turned her gaze toward the other girls and arched an eyebrow. “Are you ladies planning to give on the revenge?”
“No!” Patience almost yelled out, her tone sure and firm. “No. I don’t care who your grandfather is. Actually, I think this sudden announcement will serve us well.”
Ceci nodded slowly. “You will be the most sought after actor in Taiwan right now.”
Ariel glanced at Rosa again but she was stubbornly avoiding looking at her.
Just then the phone rang. Rosa picked it up. As whoever was on the other line spoke, her eyes widened and she held the phone out to Ariel mutely.
“Hello?” Edward Lin repeated.
“I’ve said everything I wanted to say to you.” Ariel was uncaring of the others who were listening intently.
“Darling, don’t be so cruel. I’m an old man.”
Ariel laughed mirthlessly. “True though that might be, you are not just an old man.”
“Have dinner with me.”
“No.”
“No sentimentality involved, Yi Chen. Take it as a business meeting.”
“What business could I possibly have with you?”
“You won’t find out if you don’t come to the house.”
Ariel deliberated. Her curiousity, her damn curiousity was piqued. “Fine.”
“I’ll send a car.”
“Don’t bother. I have one.”
“7 sharp.”
Ariel hung up the phone to find four pairs of very curious eyes trained intensely on her. “What?”
“Well. It wasn’t some kind of big prank then.” Arron smiled his crooked smile.
“You really are Edward Lin’s granddaughter.” Patience looked wide eyed.
“Wow.” Ceci breathed.
“Enough already. I’m going to bed.”” Ariel stood up.
“Rafael, Ariel?” Rosa asked softly and this time it was Ariel who avoided her gaze. She walked out of the room.
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Later that day, after a good three hour nap, Ariel went to the shooting range. Whenever her emotions threatened to take over, flow over, Ariel went to the shooting range. Yeah, guns were hardly meant to be soothing but for Ariel, the cold heavy weight of the metal in her hands was serene and comforting. As though, almost as though, her mother was singing her a soft lullaby.
Her mind drifted back to the parties after the awards had concluded. Everyone’s perception of her had changed. She had become infused with power. She was now dangerous and all because she was someone’s granddaughter. It was a fickle world, this. Status was determined by who you were related to, how much money you had and what friends you kept.Before, everyone had indulged her cynicism and brevity, now, everyone revered it almost to the point of worship. There had been those who thought she was easy prey, to use to get into Edward’s good books. They had approached her, oily words, fake flattery, trying to insinuate themselves into her life. Ariel had taken grim pleasure in ridding them of their expectations. And Mike. He had been shocked. Working together that closely had made them linger on the right side of intimate and perhaps as with Rosa, he felt a bit of the sharp sting of betrayal. But he had smiled it off. Even though he treated her a bit cautiously now, Ariel was sure he’d come around. However, the most surprising reaction had been Arron’s. “Cool,” he had said. “Let’s go eat. I’m starving.” Ariel had been surprised.
She had escaped the unending parties with Arron and they had bought burgers and fries from a drive through and pigged out at a part. It had been nice to hang out with someone who accepted her as she was. He hadn’t asked her a single question about Edward Lin. This was a new side to Arron that Ariel was seeing and she liked it.
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The driveway itself spanned a kilometer, winding and curvy, like a mysterious eastern woman. The lawns on either side of the driveway were well tended and maintained. The landscaping was artistic with trees and shrubs cropping up tastefully. The air was fragrant with the scent of summer roses. The house, which loomed up like a castle, no, it was a mansion. It had been birthed in some artist’s mind, grained tangibility on paper and then a final solid physicality at the hands of the skilled builders. It was a warm brown, absorbing the sunlight to grow even more enticing. Three floors. Three wings. Ivy roses climbing the walls. Large windows on one side showed a kitchen and on the other side, a living room. One of many.
Ariel rang the doorbell and waited. There was a wait of maybe thirty seconds and them there was a patter of feet. The door burst open and a young woman enveloped Ariel in her arms.
“Ew, get off me.” Ariel said her voice muffled. She gave Ella a look over. Ella was possible the only person able to live with Edward Lin and still retain her sanity.
“Let me hold you a second longer,” Ella said her voice muffled in Ariel’s neck.
“Ill give you half a second to move before I make you cry.” Ariel replied.
“Oh okay,” grumbling, Ella let go and stood back. The affectionate show was just that. A show. Ella was Ariel’s childhood nemesis and Edward Lin’s personal assistant. “My brother wasn’t able to make it but-.”
“I don’t recall being invited to a reunion.” Ariel entered the mansion, shrugging past Ella.
If the outside had been daunting with the wealth it screamed, the inside was absolutely terrifying. The paintings on the walls, the vases on the little side tables, the décor; all these illustrated the vast wealth of owner.
“Where is the old man?” Ariel didn’t seem affected in the least by her lavish surroundings.
“Ariel! Be respectful!” Ella looked shocked at the blatant disrespect.
Ariel walked into the drawing room and sprawled on an antique sofa. “My time is precious.”
“Aren’t you sweet as ever, my darling Yi Chen.” Edward Lin walked into the room. He was dressed as dapperly as ever but his expression was very different from the one he had sported the previous night. His eyes were shrewd, cold and calculating. This was the man who had carved a niche for himself amongst the richest in the world, this was the man to whom thousands of people answer. This man was the real Edward Lin not the façade he had played out the night before. He was not the harmless, doting grandfather he wanted everyone to believe.
Ariel looked bored. “You called me over for business and not because you missed my company. I suggest you get to the point.”
“Tsk, you are entirely unfeeling.” Edward Lin made a moue of disappointment.
“I could return the comment but I would rather not indulge in petty verbal riposte.”
“Yi Chen,” the tone was reproachful, “I am a weak old man.”
“Hurry up and die already then.”
“Ariel Lin Yi Chen! How dare you talk to your grandfather in that manner!” Ella’s voice was akin to a whip lash. Ariel didn’t flinch.
She simply looked at Ella but Ella was injected with false bravado at Edward’s presence. “Apologise right now!”
Ariel’s eyes emptied. Dead eyes, she called them. Few could stand to look into them. “Do you forget who I am? Do you forget…what I am, Ella?” She said softly.
Ella went white, looked at Edward and then fled the room.
“You scared the poor girl,” Edward sound amused.
“Pat her on the head. She’ll be panting and ready to please in no time.” Ariel was intentionally crude.
“Tsk, Yi Chen.” Edward settled more carefully onto the cushions.
“What is this business you want to talk about?” Ariel itched to get out of the house which sought to smother her with its atmosphere, with its opulence.
“We’ll talk about that later. Let’s talk about Goh Kiat Chun right now.” Edward pulled on a cord that was attached the side of the curtain.
Ariel looked blank for a second and then her expression cleared. “Him again? I thought you knew very well my response to whatever you have to say about him would be.”
“Funny, you didn’t seem to have any trouble spending time with him,” Edward drawled. A maid appeared and he requested some tea and snacks.
“What did you say?” Ariel was frowning.
“You heard me. Goh Kiat Chun. Wu Chun – isn’t that how you know him as?” Edward watched Ariel’s face closely for a reaction.
“Ah yes, him.” There was no reaction. Ariel shrugged.
“I’m sure his grandfather is please. As am I.”
Ariel smiled that amused smile that often lingered on Edward’s lips. She got up and stretched. “Your business will have to wait, Grandfather. I believe I’ve just lost my appetite.”
“I thought you would.” Edward smiled.
Ariel smiled back. She slammed the door on her way out.
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Ariel walked down the driveway, melding in with the darkness of the night, deep in thought. But she still noticed Rafael shadowing her. She stopped in the middle of the road and turned back.
“Quit following me around, Rafael.” She spoke to him in English, no longer feeling the need to address him in his mother tongue.
“Bella…” Rafael said softly and Ariel hissed. “I mean it, Rafael. You crossed a line when you chose to call Edward.”
Rafael didn’t reply and Ariel turned back and continued walking. So. Her mind was calmly sorting through the facts, filing them. Goh Kiat Chun. Wu Chun. One and the same. Things made so much more sense now. Her greatest enemy (at the moment, if you were Ariel, it tended to change and often) was her betrothed. Ariel well remembered the day Edward had broke the news to her. She had been sixteen years old, skirting the edges of wild. She had been having dinner by herself in the large dining room when Edward had walked in and taken his place in the chair opposite her.
“Yi Chen.” She remembered what had been on the menu. Crème Bruelee. Sautéed potatoes. Ribs. The chef had outdone himself. And Ariel had been hungry. She had just come in from a job. “I have something to tell you.”
Ariel had not paused eating but she had looked up.
“Do you remember Goh Kiat Chun?”
“No. Is he important?”
“Yes. You’re engaged to him.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
Then Ariel had remembered. The snotty nosed, chauvinistic kid with a chip on his shoulder and a boorish attitude. Ariel had loathed him at first sigh. And then he had dared to snap the head off her doll. The doll her father had given her. So she had beaten him up.
“You have been betrothed to him ever since you were born. Are you going to ask me if I am joking because I assure you, I am entirely serious.”
Ariel had put down her fork, swallowed and then drank a sip of water. Wiping her lips with a napkin, she had pushed her plate away and stood up. As she turned to go, Edward Lin’s words had stopped her. “What? You have nothing to say?”
Ariel had raised a cool eyebrow. “You want me to wail? Rant? Protest? Maybe curse a bit? Behave like a teenager? Will that make you change your mind?” She had glanced at Edward’s impassive face. “I don’t like to do meaningless things. Well you know that, Grandfather. As for Goh Kiat Chun, you already know my answer to that. I refuse to waste my breath reiterating what you already know.”
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Sometimes friendship was an excuse – just because – no, that didn’t make sense. Rosa had clutter in her head so she sat on the couch, in the dark, waiting for Ariel to come back home. She had offered Ariel, true, no secrets kept friendship and had expected to be given that same unconditional friend. Ah screw it. Rosa frowned. She couldn’t think about it reasonably or with calm logic. All she knew was that she was pissed off. And that she wanted Ariel to know exactly how much she was pissed off.
Her ears perked up as Sebastian pulled up at the curb and Ariel parked. The engine was turned off. Rosa felt her brows furrow in anger and took two quick deep breaths to calm herself down.
Ariel opened the door, came inside, closed and locked it. She noticed Rosa standing in the kitchen with a scowl on her face. “Did you wait up to glare at me?”
“Shut up.” Rosa was mad. Oh yes, she was.
“Well, we are making progress here. At least now you are acknowledging me existence.” Ariel slipped off her sneakers.
“Don’t make me change my mind. And your feet stink.”
“Do they?” Ariel hopped onto the kitchen counter and sniffed at her foot. She made a face.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Ah, there it was. The crux of the matter. “Us” meaning “me.” Rosa was the one Ariel was closest to.
“I didn’t think it was important.” Ariel shrugged.
“Wasn’t important?!” Rosa couldn’t believe her ears.
“Look, I’m a cliché, all right? Poor little rich girl. Misunderstood by her peers, caged by her family – shaped by events when she should know better. Sue me for wanting to be normal. For wanting to live as others do. To be known as Ariel Lin, me. Not as Lin Yi Chen, granddaughter. I wanted an identity!” Ariel raised her voice, sounding passionate in her defense. She was so convincing, she almost believed herself.
“Oh,” was all Rosa said.
“Yeah.” Ariel looked exhausted.
“Okay, I’ll forgive you-.”
“How big of you.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.”
“Is there anything else you wanna tell me right now?”
Ariel cocked her head and smiled suddenly. “Yes.”
“What?”
“Y’noe Chun?”
“Who doesn’t?” Ariel gave her a look. “Sorry. What about Chun?”
“He’s my betrothed.” Ariel said blandly.
Rosa choked on her words. “What?”
“You heard me.” Ariel flopped on the sofa.
“Betrothed? As in a marriage contract of the dark ages?”
“Oui.”
“Wow. I didn’t know people still did those things.”
“People don’t. My grandfather is an unfortunate exception.”
“Are you going to marry him?”
“Does Mike have fashion sense?”
“I’ll take that as a no.”
“You’d be wise to.”
Pause.
“But what about the revenge plan?”
“What about it?”
“Are you still going through with it?”
“Of course. This just means the revenge will be so much sweeter.”
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Ariel stirred the sugar in her tea. They were at John’s coffeehouse. Patience, Ceci, Rosa, Ariel and Arron. A party. They had secluded themselves in a booth; Ariel and Arron on the inside to detract fans from interrupting.
“Tell us about Chun,” Ariel said to Arron before taking a sip of her tea.
Arron rubbed the side of his head and looked thoughtful. “Chun was the last person to join our group. He got discovered during a fashion show. Steven was quite taken with his looks. He’s not a very friendly person but earlier, before he became a ‘superstar’ he did name an effort. Actually, he’s not that stuck with the guys, just aloof – as though he doesn’t know how to behave. One of those prince locked in a tower kind. But with women – tch, it’s an entirely different story.” Arron fell silent until Rosa poked him.
“Steven has had to clean up a lot of his messes. Chun has worked hard to create a humble, loving image for his fans – his fans matter the world to him – their adulation gives him a sense of worth. He loves them for their adulation while hating himself for being so dependent on it. And because they make him hate himself, he uses women, hurts them. He is a complex man. I don’t know why he does this when it’s common knowledge – at least amongst us boys – that he has a fiancé tucked away in Brunei.”
Rosa shot Ariel a quick look but said nothing. They had decided to keep the betrothal drama to themselves for the moment.
“I know what we’ll do.” Patience smiled suddenly.
Ariel nodded. “I agree.”
“Um guys? The rest of us aren’t telepathic like you two apparently are. Care to fill us in?” Ceci raised a questioning eyebrow.
“We’ll destroy his…” Patience started.
“Image in front of his fans.” Ariel finished.
“How?” Rosa propped her face on her hands.
Ceci looked troubled. “I don’t feel good about doing this, guys.”
Ariel glanced at Arron. She stood up and pulled him to his feet. “You need to go.”
“What? Why?” He protested.
“Conflict of interests.” Ariel replied.
Arron sat back done, folded his arms and looked stubborn. “I have valuable input in Operation Chun.”
Ariel looked exasperated but Arron refused to budge. So she sat down with a huff. “Ceci, you don’t have to be part of this.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll get over my goody two shoes tendencies.” Ceci replied with a quick smile.
“Pride – that’s his biggest weakness. Humiliate him and we’ll hit where it hurts the most.” Ariel said softly. Then she looked at Arron. “What’s the name of the girl who threw her drink at Chun that day at the bar?”
Arron frowned. “Hmm…Oh yea. Michelle. Why?”
“Could you get in touch with her?”
“Yeah. She’s the sister of the girl Chun dated and dumped.”
“Thanks.”
“Ariel, you have a drama offer from Angie Ling. The Purple Daisy. Guess who’s listed as the male lead?” Rosa leaned forward.
“Chun?” Ariel narrowed her eyes in though. Then she smiled. “Let’s do this.”
---------------
Steven could hardly contain his excitement. Ever since he had seen that picture of Ariel in Chun’s arms at the DBSK concert, he had been convinced of their compatibility. And now that she had been revealed as Edward Lin’s granddaughter - ooooh! He had urged Angie Ling (not that she had needed much persuasion) to pursue Ariel for the female lead in her drama that Chun was signed to do. And now he had received news that Ariel Lin had actually agreed to do the drama. Oh the official contracts weren’t signed yet but that was just details. Minor details.
Chun was lying in his hammock when Steven called him. “I told you not to call me on Wednesdays.” He said by way of greeting.
“The female lead for your new drama has been confirmed,” Steven giggled, his enthusiasm apparent.
“Who?” He’d have to romance another twit who thought she could act.
“Ariel Lin!” Steven chuckled.
“Say what?” The shock made Chun think he had misheard.
“Ariel Lin!!” Steven repeated.
“Are you sure?” Why on earth would she agree to do a drama with him? Last time he had checked, she had hated him. Ferociously. Some things never changed.
“Positive.” Steven’s glee could not be contained.
“Cool.” Chun hung on Steven’s vapid giggling. He frowned. What was Ariel up to?
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“A talk show? A live talk show?” Jason frowned. “A live talk show that is usually taped?"
“Yes. A cubic yes.” Patience smiled her killer smile. Rosa and Ariel exchanged glances. They hadn’t realized she had one.
“Well there’s T.R’s talk show, ‘Hello.’ It’s usually taped but they want to try doing it live once – why?” He looked suspicious. “What are you planning?”
Patience sidled closer to him and Jason gulped, his gaze on her lips and his question forgotten. Ariel and Rosa got up and walked out of the living room. “Our cue to leave.” Rosa smirked.
Ariel took out her cell phone and Rosa dialed.
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Steven was handing out the schedule to the guys. “Jiro and Calvin, you two have a charity ball to go to. Be on time and consult the stylist on your choice for clothes before you leave. Arron, you are hosting Entertainment Tonight Alan Luo this evening. Be on time and please, try to refrain from spilling embarrassing secrets about yourself or the rest of the boys. Chun, you have a taping of ‘Hello’ schedule for this evening at 7 sharp. Any questions?”
“Can I go to the ball instead?” Arron made a pleading face.
“Any OTHER questions?” Steven replied rolling his eyes.
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T.R’s show, Hello, was immensely popular. The ratings of the show had soared this season and the secret to his success lay in the often scandalous avenues and directions the conversations between the host and the celebrity took. He was known to be blunt with his questions, no matter the sex of his guest. “Are you a virgin?” or “Do you have a crush on your costar?” were some of the questions he would ask without missing a beat. He was very dangerous and composure was the one thing all his guests strived for on his show.
Chun got ready with care – a black shirt, satin to sculpt his muscled chest and dress pants which shaped his hips and tapered down his long legs. He wanted the women watching and he was confident there would be many; he wanted their mouths to water at the sight of him.
He waited backstage until T.R called him in. he stepped out, smiling and throwing kisses at the audience which consisted mainly of the now screaming women.
“As I was just telling you guys, I have Wu Chun here are our very special guest because women were getting tired of seeing my ugly mug every week.” T.R, an attractive man in his early thirties, faux pouted at the audience.
Chun laughed. “Thanks for inviting me to the show, T.R. It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has. Do you know how many of your female fans have called and written to us? Alternating between begging and threatening us to have you on the show.”
“I love my fans.” Chun sounded humble and sincere.
“And they love you too, rather obvious from the lineups that started at dawn today.” T.R pretended to be jealous and everyone laughed. “The last time you were here you told us you hadn’t found yourself a special lady yet. Is this still true?”
Chun smiled affably and ducked his head as though he were shy. “Give me some time and I’ll truthfully answer your question.”
“Oh, so there IS a mysterious lady, eh? Speaking of mysterious ladies, let me introduce you to our second guest today.”
Chun looked surprised. ‘Hello’ was known for having only one guest at a time, more time with the wolf, as the guests put it.
“This lady is certainly mysterious, beautiful and talented. She is also the winner of two awards at the recent award show. She’s the granddaughter of Taiwan’s most revered man and is on her way to becoming Taiwan’s sweetheart. Please welcome, Ariel Lin Yi Chen!”
Ariel walked out onto the set amidst wild applause and catcalls. Dressed in a demure white peasant dress, high hells and a smile, she looked young, fresh and innocent.
T.R shook hands with Ariel and Ariel shook hands with Chun. Chun would have loved to keep hold of her hand but he didn’t want to cause too much controversy just yet.
It was a perfect opportunity for Chun, one he chose to ignore. He needed to talk to Ariel before he revealed to the whole world that she was the mystery woman. Looking at her, Chun smiled, more to himself than to the others. She looked so controllable. Things wouldn’t be as difficult as he had imagined after all.
“Your performance as Zee was incredible, don’t you agree, Chun?” T.R was ready to begin his rapid fire questionings.
“Yes, it’s not usual to see a first time actor give that caliber of performance.” Chun could afford to be nice. He had to be nice. She was his woman.
“The flattery is going to go to my head, gentlemen.” Ariel smiled her thanks.
“You seemed pretty comfortable on the motorbike. Did riding it make you feel sexy?” T.R was incorrigible.
Ariel winked. “Breathing makes me feel sexy. Riding is just one part of it.”
“Chun, what do you think of Ariel driving a bike? Is it sexy or not?”
“Very sexy.”
“So she is your type then?”
“What?” Chun laughed to avoid the question. He looked over to Ariel who was smiling. There was nothing in her eyes to suggest that she had hidden motives but his skin prickled with a sense of danger. Well, if things did turn bad, they could always edit the part out before airing. He had the clout to make it happen.
“Ariel, what kind of men do you like?” T.R was like a dog gnawing on a bone. He would not give up until he got the answers he wanted.
“Nice men, I suppose. Men who know how to treat women well. Who give them respect and courtesy and of course, love.” Ariel blushed a little as she discussed this.
“Chun, isn’t she describing you?”
“Of course.” Chun winked suavely.
“It’s time for “Ask Your Idol a Question.” And today, we have a Michelle Yan who has a question for her favourite idol.” Audience questions were an integral part of Hello. It brought the star like idols down to earth for the people, made them a bit more approachable.
A pretty young girl of maybe eighteen walked down from her seat in the audience to the stage. Chun blanched as he recognized her. Jolene’s sister. He glanced around and said to T.R in a fierce whisper, “I can’t talk to her. You will have to edit out this section before the show is aired.”
T.R looked surprised. “This is a live show. Did no one tell you?”
“What?” Chun’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Please introduce yourself.” T.R smiled at Michelle.
“My name is Michelle Yan. I’m the second daughter of Brian Yan, the owner of Yan Dutch Ovens.”
“And you are a fan of Chun?”
“Fan?” Michelle laughed a bit bitterly. “I suppose you could call it that.”
“And what would you like to ask Chun?”
Michelle turned to Chun and began speaking in a loud voice. “Did my sister mean anything to you? Did you love Jolene even a little bit?” Her eyes were glittering with angry tears.
“This is hardly the place to be talking about this.” Chun flailed, trying to defuse the situation. Ariel looked wide eyed and surprised.
“Please continue!” T.R urged Michelle on, his interest piqued. Controversy was the soul food of his show.
The audience was deathly quiet. “You destroyed her, you know?” Michelle was crying now. “She loved you and you destroyed her! If you didn’t want to be with her, why couldn’t you have broken up with her in the proper manner? Why did she have to discover you in bed with another woman? Sleeping with another woman?” Michelle breathed heavily. Chun was stunned. He could do nothing except stare at her. “And what did you tell her? That women like her were good for a *censored* and nothing else? That you could get any woman you wanted! Why, you bastard, why? She loved you so much! My beautiful jie has been reduced to a shell of the woman she was because of you!”
Chun cast out a desperate glance at the audience, the members of which sat in a shell shocked silence.
“Call security,” he hissed to T.R.
“No. I will go on my own two feet but I think it’s about time your fans knew what kind of man you really are! Why would they believe me? Hah. I have proof. I have pictures. I will destroy you just like you destroyed Jolene.” Michelle turned and started walking away.
“Ahem.” The cameras focused on Ariel and T.R. “I heard you were signed to do a drama with Chun?” T.R said, belatedly trying to soothe nerves. Chun was still standing looking at Michelle’s retreating back but at T.R’s words, he glanced at Ariel. Simultaneously, Michelle changed her mind about leaving peacefully and rushed back. She made a fist as though to punch Chun. Chun dodged, lost his balance and fell, landing at Ariel’s feet.
“Act in a drama with a man like him?” Ariel’s tone was horrified and disgusted in equal parts. “No, of course not.”
They went straight to commercials after that. Chun sat up dazedly, still at Ariel’s feet. The studio was in an uproar. Michelle was escorted out. But Chun was stunned. In a matter of minutes, his reputation had been ruined, his career jeopardized and he had been humiliated and rejected. All on national television. He would be a laughing stock for days to come.
Ariel leaned down and whispered close to his ear. “How do you like them cookies now, huh?” She smiled at him. Got up and then walked away. Serenely.
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Author's note: i haven't even read it after writing the above, so please excuse typos, spelling errors and whatever else you find in it. forgive. i'm so sick of chapter 27. i've been living it for a week now. another 5200 word chapter. ugh. the next chapter. look forward to that eh? last update for a while. tell me what you think? please and thank you.