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)
Beyond the boundaries of the estate, I could see the majestic silhouette of the palace against the backdrop of a sunny blue sky.
Leo came to stand next to me, his hands clasped behind his back. “This is a fitting view for a Mountain Mistress, that may need a break every now and then.”
“Did your wife love this view?”
“So much that she tried to either be here or in the garden at least once a day.”
Without saying a word, I nodded in agreement.
The breathtaking sight before me was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Exhilarating because it was now within my reach; nerve-wracking because with this newfound beauty came unknown responsibilities that I had to fulfill.
This is now. . .my life.
Leo’s next words pulled me from my thoughts. “And remember, the altar spaces in many homes are sacred. Always approach them with respect.”
I nodded again, absorbing his advice like a sponge.
It wasn’t just about learning to navigate a new cultural landscape; it was about embracing it, understanding the nuances that made the East and its people who they were.
This is a lot, but. . .I think I can do this.
Leo let out a long sigh. “And now for more answers to your questions.”
Stunned, I looked at him. “Okay.”
This odd sadness hit his eyes. “I brought a book with all the answers that you will ever need. But. . .you’ll have to look at it yourself. I. . .I can’t anymore.”
“What book?”
He turned around and pointed.
I moved my view in the direction of his finger.
A large blue book lay on the bed.
What could be in it?
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it when I walked in. Probably cause the room was so insanely huge and opulent.
I walked over to the book. “This has the answers I want?”
Leo remained by the window as if terrified to get too close. “It does. I believe many answers will be in there.”
But how could that be true?
My nerves flared as I slowly approached and realized that it wasn’t a book, but a large photo album. The album looked like any other, bound in worn blue leather with gold gilded edges.
But if Leo’s reaction was anything to go by, this was no ordinary collection of photos.
What could be inside of there?
Letting out a long breath, I sat down next to it.
Alright. Finally, I will know what the hell has been going on.
Slowly, I opened the heavy cover with trembling fingers.
Let’s see.
I realized that the first page held a single, large haunting photograph that reached into my very body and gripped my soul tightly.
Oh no!!
A cry escaped my lips as tears welled up in my eyes.
“W-what?” I jumped up from the bed. “N-no. No. I don’t understand. I don’t.”
Chapter eight
Suffering in Silence
Monique
I hugged myself and edged away from the bed. “W-what? H-how can that be?”
Still standing by the window, Leo shook his head. “Go back over there. You want answers. Here they are.”
“But. . .”
“Go back to the album, Monique.”
“That photograph.” I shivered and took a step forward. “How?”
“It’s clear. Look through the album.” His voice was a whisper, barely audible above my heart’s booming in my ear. “Go ahead, Monique.”
I moved toward the worn, leather-bound album. The photograph in question was still right there.
I took a deep breath and landed my gaze on the photograph.
Mom. . .but how?
A surge of grief washed over me, so potent it threatened to sweep me away.
There, in the vibrant hues of Lotus Blossom’s garden, sat my mother, her usual vibrant aura dimmed by the cruel clutches of cancer.
I had a good idea of the time too.
She was bald from the chemotherapy that stole her locks but never her spirit.
Tears spilled from my eyes.
Mom. . .
She was wrapped in a blanket.
A weak smile graced her lips.
But even more. . .beside her, Jing—Lei’s mother, Leo’s wife—the woman I had only known through stories. . .her arm was protectively around my mother.
I whispered, “B-but how? This is impossible.”
“Look at their eyes,” Leo urged from behind me.
Wiping tears, I squinted, forcing myself to focus on the ghostly faces.
Then I saw it.
Love.
So much love.
That was what I saw when I looked into their eyes.
They absolutely cared for each other.
Both of them smiled for the camera. The intimacy of the gesture, the warmth of their poses, spoke of a bond I had never known existed.
I backed away from the album and bed.
More tears spilled from my eyes.
What could I make of it?
Regardless of any answers, nothing about life would ever be the same.
I had not been prepared in any way for that photo.
In fact, it felt like some physical force had swept through the room and knocked the very breath from my lungs.
My hands instinctively flew to my stomach, clutching at the fabric of my top as if trying to hold myself together, to contain the turmoil that threatened to spill over.