Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Aunt Suzi breathed in the fresh air. “So, Monique, don’t you have more than two sisters?”
“Oh yes. Last but not least, T.T. is twelve going on fifty-five. She may be the most mature of all three, but absolutely adorable.”
“Twelve?” Aunt Suzi’s eyes lit up. “Every Sunday we’ll have tea parties—lace, diamonds, and stuffed animals. It will be gorgeous.”
Aunt Min nudged me. “You have just messed up. My sister will now spoil her to no end.”
I laughed then stopped as the house fully came into view.
Oh my. . .
The three level structure stood in serene majesty amidst the lush greenery. It was a sight to behold, a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern grandeur.
This place is fucking huge.
I counted the windows, imagining at least five bedrooms, each likely to offer views of the garden's sprawling beauty.
Now Jo and Chloe won’t fight over space and I can actually sleep in during the morning.
The roof, with its edges curving upwards in a graceful arc, was adorned with blue tiles that shimmered under the sun's caress.
The house's architectural beauty was further accentuated by embellished gables and beautifully carved wooden panels that framed the windows and doors.
As we approached, I noticed that the trees near the stairs were oddly covered in black crows. There, those birds crowded the branches.
That’s weird.
It reminded me of the first time I met Leo and how tons of them were in a tree and watching him.
I returned my view to the house.
Aunt Suzi, noticing my awe, beamed with pride. “This will be your family’s new home, Monique. A place for you and your sisters to grow, to be happy.”
Aunt Min added, “Jing loved this place dearly. She poured her heart into making it a sanctuary, not just for her but for all who came to visit. Now, it's yours to love, to fill with new life and new memories.”
“I sure will.”
The idea of my sisters and me living here, away from the hardships we had known, was overwhelming. T.T. exploring the garden, Chloe celebrating her birthday in grand style, and Jo perhaps finding a new chick in the East—it was a future so bright it was almost blinding.
We walked toward the house, and the aunts stopped.
I paused.
My ladies-in-waiting got to my side.
Aunt Min gave me a sad smile. “This is where we will end for now.”
Aunt Suzi bowed. “Enjoy your tour of the house and we will meet back up for breakfast—”
“Wait. What?” I quirked my brows. “You’re not going inside with me? I thought that’s why we came out here.”
“Well. . .” Aunt Min sighed. “I would have rather enjoyed giving you the tour personally, but. . .some can be rather convincing.”
“Some?”
A man’s deep voice sounded behind me. “I wanted to share this time with you, Monique.”
Hold up.
A cold chill ran up my spine.
No. . .it can’t be. . .
I slowly turned around.
There, Leo stood on the porch wearing a spiffy blue designer suit and dark blue hat.
My nerves frazzled.
Uncle Song stood next to him, holding the door open and wearing his usual dark blue robe and wooden cross.
Leo's hawkish eyes were fixed on me, his lips holding back a smile that hinted at secrets only he knew. “Don't be afraid.”
I stared at him in utter shock. “D-don’t be afraid?”
“Who else would be the most proper person to welcome you to the Lotus Blossom?”
“You. . .k-killed my father.”
He tipped his hat. “You’re welcome.”
“That wasn’t a thank you.”
“I’m sure you have questions.”
“I do.”
“Then, come.” He gestured for me to get on the porch. “As we know, you are part of my big plan, so you know I won’t hurt you.”
“And. . .” I tensed. “And what if I decide not to come?”
“Then, I will hurt them.” He pointed to my ladies-in-waiting.
One shrieked and inched back.
Aunt Min sighed. “Leo, that’s enough.”
“It was a bargaining tactic.”
Aunt Min jabbed her finger in the air. “Be nice or it will be me hurting you.”
Leo gave a dramatic bow. “Yes, sister.”
Then, all turned to me.
God damn it.
Chapter six
The Ways of the East
Monique
My heart pounded as my ladies-in-waiting and I approached the porch and climbed the stairs.
Please, God. Don’t let this get too crazy.
The sheer magnificence of the estate, Leo’s imposing aura, and the unknown possibilities waiting ahead mingled together to create a potent cocktail of terror.
Once on the porch, I took a moment to appreciate the darkened blue wood and ornate carvings of dragons bordering the door. It was impossible not to relish in its beauty despite the uneasy feeling rising within me.
I swallowed and kept an appearance of calm serenity. My ladies-in-waiting followed suit. Painted smiles masked their faces. Every step closer to the entrance felt heavier than the last, yet onward we treaded.
Leo watched me as the space between us began to close. Then, Leo’s gaze shifted past me to the women following in my wake. And there was a calculating look in his eyes.