Union (3)
Union (3)
The chairman staggered back, eyes wide, trying to understand what he was saying. But each word was clear, and he knew that he didn't misunderstand his message.
"What are you saying?" he responded, voice filling with rage.
Yuan Shun sneered. "I will tell you more clearly," he countered. "You've told me that Yuan Bank is mine so long as it merges with Shi Group. Well, it is." Yuan Shun paused to grab hold of Shi Yen's hand. "Shi Yen and I got married this morning. I'm sorry you didn't get an invitation. We wanted a more private ceremony."
The chairman shook with rage and anger. It was true that he agreed to have Yuan Shun hold every power related to the bank, but he didn't want him to share that power with Shi Yen.
"Chairman," Yuan Shun interrupted his thoughts. "The only reason you never wanted Shi Yen around was so that I can hold both companies in my hand, and perhaps marry some other woman so I can take her power too."
The chairman gulped.
"But I'm not that selfish or ambitious. I never was like you or father," he continued. "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm quite happy to have Shi Yen by my side."
The chairman gritted his teeth, and he balled his fists. He then pointed at Shi Yen. "You're a leech!"
Shi Yen flashed her eyes. "I don't care what you think of me," she said, taking a step forward. "But Shi Group had always belonged to me, and fuck if you think differently. You're a grandfather, and if you cared about your family, then you'd be happy for Shun. He still has Shi Group in his hands, but with me—together, as husband and wife. If you can't accept that, then you're far too ambitious for your own good."
The chairman reddened with rage, not appreciating the way Shi Yen spoke to him. He straightened, sneering at her with disdain. He then turned to storm away with some of his companions.
Once he'd gone, Shi Yen released a breath. She faced Yuan Shun and asked, "Are you all right. I'm sorry about your grandfather. I know how much you wanted him to accept us."
Yuan Shun smiled at her. "I'm fine," he replied. "I expected it. The men of my family haven't ever been warm, including my father."
Shi Yen frowned.
He turned to cup her face. "It doesn't matter," he continued. "I love you, and we're together."
Shi Yen smiled. She then leaned onto him, and she kissed him.
They got married that morning.
Shi Yen was the one who proposed the marriage. She had asked him one evening because she knew that this was the best opportunity for both of them.
They could merge Shi Group, and no one had the right to complain or oppose. Competitors would fear, but there would be nothing they could do to prevent it if it were done in secret. Shi Yen had asked Yuan Shun to marry him in terms of business. Yuan Shun then asked her to marry him based on love, and Shi Yen accepted that, too.
The night at the Yuan Estate was their engagement party. But they held their marriage ceremony and exchanged their vows in their house, in front of their small circle.
When their friends left, they made love and then they got ready for the evening. Not only was Shi Group restored in Shi Yen's hands, but she was also married to Yuan Shun.
It took all their guests a moment to register what had unfolded, but once they saw Shi Yen and Yuan Shun behave affectionately on stage, the news sunk in.
…
Shi Ailin couldn't hear what was going on inside, but she knew that Yuan Shun was speaking. She figured that he finally told the crowd about Shi Yen's succession and their marriage. It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony and very memorable. She was happy that they were finally public while Luo Tian stood in front of her.
"What is it, Tian?" she questioned.
"Ailin. Are you all right?" he asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because while you're outside, Li Biyu is indoors with my brother." He took a step forward, and she backed away. "I understand how that could upset you."
"Of course it upsets me," she replied. "But that doesn't mean I'm upset with him."
Luo Tian furrowed his brows. "Luo Wanting is inside with her. I know you've been seeing him, and it must be to spite me. But that's okay. Ailin, we can end this now. We can be together."
"Why would I ever want you again?" she snapped.
Luo Tian was taken aback. He lowered his gaze, pursing his mouth. "I understand that you're mad at me. But, given our history, it's always been you and me."
"Tian," she said, voice harsh. "We've been friends since we were children, and yes, we were always together even before you asked me to be your girlfriend. And I did love you, but I think it was different." Her expression softened. "I thought I loved you with my everything, but I think I've only loved one facet of you, the one that was always kind. But there was more to you that you didn't allow me to see."
Luo Tian clenched his hands. "My brother keeps many things from you. Would you be truly okay to be with someone who can't tell you who he is? What he does?"
"And what about you?" she countered, taking another step forward. "Why did you break up with me?"
Luo Tian clenched his fists, holding back, not knowing what answer to give her.
Shi Ailin gave him a grim smile. "That's the difference between you and him. Even now, when I gave you the chance to tell me, you still refuse. Luo Wanting has been nothing but honest to me since we first met. I know all his secrets, but you. I don't know anything about you." She turned, walking away from Luo Tian. She then paused after a few steps. "I wish you the best," she said, leaving him to realize why he lost, where he went wrong.
Shi Ailin was told to stay away from Luo Wanting many times before, and yet that was something she could simply not do.
Inside, amid the shocks and gasps that followed the announcement of Shi Yen and Yuan Shun's sudden marriage, Shi Ailin found Luo Wanting's tall frame in the crowd. She went up to him, and Li Biyu stood up to get in her way, but Shi Ailin pushed past her. She then cupped Luo Wanting's face, kissing him on the mouth, surprising him. It took him less than a moment for him to respond, pulling her against his body, making out with her passionately in front of gawking eyes.