Married To My Sister's Husband novel Chapter 25

Shanghai,

PENELOPE

After much deliberation with my family, my dad finally agreed to let me get a job.

At first he insisted I worked at his company- Ager automated, one of China's best automation control companies- 2years in a role, but I refused.

I knew my father so well, he would have just had me sit in a pretty office all day without giving me any real or serious task to handle, and that would be even worse than staying home all day.

Being the only daughter and the last child with 3 older brothers, my life have literally been a bed of sweet roses and I didn't like that much, I needed to challenge myself.

I was never allowed to do anything meaningful, and was always babied even though I'm already 23.

I've always envied and longed to be like the women in 2 of the most popular families of Minnesota- the Luthels and the Winfreys, so industrious and independent.

So, after college I tried running away to a smaller country and live a while there in solitude, but my father found me and there I was again, asking for my freedom.

My brothers didn't help matters as they took the roles of big brothers to a whole different level.

So, even at 23 I still never really had a life or pretty much a love life- in general, my life sucked.

That was until I blackmailed my way into convincing my parents that I'ld work for a year before getting married to whomever they've chosen for me, unless I'll just have to tell the whole of China that Ager automated exports faulty products.

Since the Xiang family take great pleasure in deciding who their children's life partners would be, mine was already decided at the age of 17.

But, unlike my cousins and aunties before me, I had the privilege of a year of freedom from my hellish family, so I took it.

I went for an interview at S.Group for the position of Creative Executive that just opened up, and I got the job.

But, the day that was my happiest was my family's saddest and I loved it. I needed space from them, and I wasn't turning back now.

I was also thinking of getting an apartment far from home for the next one year, completely and totally dependent on only what I earn as an office lady.

My plan was simple, get a job, move out, make friends I can drink and have hot-pots with on weekends, go clubbing and stay out late without anybody sending troops of bodyguards all over the city to search for me, and I had just a year to do all these.

I was beyond excited, not just because I was about to take my first step into womanhood, but also because I was about to meet one of my favorite celebrity in the world- my idol, Heather Winfrey.

You can only imagine my disappointment when I found out that there was a new CEO at S.Group. And worse of all, he hated everybody and always yells when something wasn't done right.

My first week here, I had already done an all-nighter 3days in a row, and as the creative minds of the company, it sucks staying up 3nights in a roll.

But today, I still got up from bed, took a shower and hurried to work, because I wasn't going to let a horrible boss ruin my perfect one year plan for freedom and independence.

I presented the pitch my team and I had had to redo for the 3rd time this week, while he just sat there grumpy and ready to judge.

"And what if the cost of projections declines due to the current phase in distribution, what then do we do?" he asked in a serious tone, immediately I finished my presentation.

"Well, the marketing team will have to push up the distribution channels and make it wider, that way even though the cost of projection declines, it won't hurt us. But we cross our fingers and hope there will be no decline in the projection, Sir." I concluded, setting relief in the hearts of my co-executives present.

I looked at him sternly, praying he doesn't ask for a redo, and thankfully for the first time this week, I got a well-done from my overly serious, always yelling boss, Mr. Daniel Winfrey.

But right there and then, he gave another task that we had to present on Monday. I mean it's freaking Friday, and spending my weekend doing work wasn't part of my plan.

I have to do something about this before it turns into an every weekend thing- like, what is the hurry?

It's always as though he's trying to finish a year's work in just one month, and it's starting to take a toll on everyone at the office.

I decided to stay behind after work hours and work on the task alone, while giving my team an off from the week's stress. No way Mr Winfrey was going to ruin my weekend and theirs too, I won't let that happen.

I finished by 2am and was about heading out when I heard him talking to someone on the phone.

Wow, he even keeps late night at the office? What a workaholic.

"Livy, I won't let anything happen to you, but you have to calm down and tell me what is going on?"

"You are not going to be alone, never."

"You need to calm down and listen to me please, you can't... hello?! Hello?! Livy?!..." he yelled through the phone.

Wow, it seems like trouble in paradise, and my curious mind couldn't help but wonder.

Could it be his girlfriend on the phone? I wondered what she had just told him that sent him into a panic.

I was lost in my own imagination that I didn't see him coming out of his office as he bumped into me, throwing me down on the floor.

Why is he always in a hurry all the time?

"Ms. Xiang? What are you doing here at this late hour, shouldn't you be home?" he asked suspiciously, like I was a thief.

"Actually, I was about to head home when I saw your door slightly open and the lights were on, so I came closer to make sure you were the one in there." I lied.

I was eavesdropping, and now I've been caught.

"How long have you been working here?" he surprisingly asked me.

I...have been working here for the past freaking month, how could he not know that? He employed me after all. Am I that dispensable and irrelevant?

"Over a month now, sir." I replied feeling abashed.

Now, I'll really get an ear full for eavesdropping on his phone call. I could tell he's all tensed up, so a yelling is well on its way.

"Ah, so it's been that long. How time flies when you're trying so hard to catch it. I have stayed away too long, and now I'm afraid some damages might have already been done." He stated, catching me by surprise.

First of all, it's how time flies when you are having fun. And secondly, I was expecting some yelling at, not this. This is my first time seeing him tensed and calm at the same time.

Now, I was dying to know what that call was about and who that was Livy? It's a problem I have, my curiosity most times gets the better of me, but what the hell...

"Is Livy the reason why you always act like you are running out of time every single time?" I asked.

Shit, Penelope not again...

"I knew it. Ill have you know that it's rude to eavesdropping on your boss's conversations. Next time this mistake repeats itself, it won't be forgiven. I promise you that" he replied angrily.

Good job Penelope- just perfect.

Now your boss thinks you are a creep, when he's actually the weird one.

I gave up, so I just bowed and let him have the last words as he walked out from my presence.

I might be going insane, but now I'm really interested in knowing what was going on behind that mean and rude demeanor of my boss.

Minnesota,

JUDY

(2weeks ago)

Frank had returned with clues as to who had given those pictures to Livy, and it turned out to be Daniel.

But Daniel didn't start investigating until after he got the pictures from someone else- which he later handed over to Livy, so we had to find out who sent him the pictures in the first place.

I had to call Livy over to talk about it, because if someone else knows about the incident that happened almost 4months ago, then we have bigger problems than we thought.

"Does the name Carlos Gillian ring a bell?" I asked her, as I passed some photos to her- Carlos Gillian's photos.

She looked at the pictures puzzled for a moment, then looked back up at me.

"Yes, it does. He and Sophy used to date, but that was before her marriage to Markian 2years ago...Why are you having him followed?" She asked me curiously.

"Well, it seems this man was present the day of Sophy's accident. She had been seeing him behind Markian's back and was going to run away with him if the accident never happened." I revealed, and I could see the color lift from Livy's face.

"So...this is some kind of revenge?" She asked anxiously.

"Daniel was just a start. I believe he plans to get these pictures to Markian next." I stated.

This threw Livy into a frenzy as she suddenly stood up from her seat. She tried to brush her hair from her face with her fingers, but somehow her hands just froze in her hair as she paced back and forth.

I could see she was suffering as beads of sweat made their way down the side of her face. She was panicking and pacing around my desk without saying a word.

"Livy, we..." I started, but was interrupted with a rather confusing question.

"Why would I kill Sophy, mother? She was my sister and I loved her! I keep trying to fix this puzzle, but no good reason comes to mind as to why I would what to hurt her... Mother, please- please, I need my memory back." She pleaded.

Not this issue again, I thought we were way past these already? I'm suddenly feeling very agitated as to her lack of understanding of the situation we're facing now.

"Why?! Why would you want the memory of you killing your sister back?! Whatever would getting back such a sickening feeling change? Do you think that I just enjoy putting you in harms way? Livy, it was a dangerous decision I had to make that your painful memories be repressed. If I could take your place and forget all the terrible things you've done, I would because it's driving me insane!" I exploded in a fit of anger.

Shit...that came out wrong- no, it shouldn't have come out at all.

"I know that you don't trust me and that you're hurting from my past mistakes. I...know that each time I screw up, it must have been bothersome that you always have to save my ass and cover up my crap. And I know that I'm a terrible person...but I did not kill Sophia. All I'm asking for is just to have my memories back and prove that I didn't do it." she requested eagerly.

"And what if you did?...How would you live with yourself? I can't take that risk, you are too valuable." I stated irritatedly.

"Then tell me what you want from me- I'll do anything in return for my memories. Please mother, I beg of you" she pleaded with watery eyes.

"At least, now you're thinking like a business woman. Fine...I'll give back your memories under one condition... that you take over Luthel Inc and my seat at the Verc." I obliged to her need to strike a deal for her memories.

My request must have shocked her to the bones as she looked at me with pure terror in her eyes.

She had sworn years ago, never to seat as Chairwoman of Luthel Inc or have anything to do with the Verc, since she detested the entire idea of what the Verc stands for.

If she refuses to my conditions, then she'll just have to wait until nature takes its course and she regains her lost memories naturally. But if she agrees, and I restore her memories, I hope her sense of responsibility would compel her to serve anyway.

Livy isn't strong but she is capable. So, most times responsibilities are the only things that tend to draw out her uttermost grace and strength, and I pray they would be enough to keep her sane.

I had met with Dr Joe- Livy's psychiatrist, a few days ago and asked if it was possible for Livy to regain her memories naturally, and he said yes.

When I asked how that can happen so I could avoid it? He just said that the body had its own way of doing things, and since her memories were forcefully repressed, it created a shift of balance in the mind.

And to regain that balance, the mind would work it's hardest to heal itself as a defense mechanism. Which would result in all hidden memories dug up to the surface.

He also gloated that he tried to warn me but I wouldn't listen.

So, for the future of Luthel Inc and our Legacy, this was my last chance to set things in place since I don't know exactly how long I've got.

"Just because you're sick doesn't give you the right to just dump everything on me like this." She voiced out, surprising me yet again.

"How...did you...find out?" I asked nervously.

"Markian told me. He said I'm the only who can convince you to have a surgery...Now I know exactly what I mean to you- just another pawn in your chessboard. I kept thinking how could I possibly be able to convince you to have a surgery- like...why wouldn't you want to live? And now it all makes sense. You were planning to guilt-trip me into taking over from you from all along. I- mean absolutely nothing to you, other than a valuable asset. This company, the Luthel family name is all you care about and not once did you stop to think of how much losing you would make me suffer!" She yelled, trying very hard to hide her tears from falling but failed.

She was a mess and it broke my heart to watch her suffer like these. But he who wears the crown, bears the crown. This is her destiny.

"Fine!...I'll take over Luthel Inc and the Verc since it means so much to you than your family. Just give me back my memories and do the damn surgery. I- really want you to live and see the monster you created." She concluded with gritted teeth maliciously before walking out of my office in a haste.

Guilt... do I even have the right to feel guilty at this point? I didn't ask for any of these, I never did. But I got it anyway.

And if creating a monster is what it takes to protect my family, I'll do much more than that. Hell, I'll even sell my soul to the devil himself if I have to.

Shanghai,

HEATHER

(2weeks ago)

The epic date between Livy and Markian was well on the way to being successful. The only thing missing was the key ingredient which was Livy.

The date was suppose to be simple since Livy wasn't one for elaborate and loud events.

So, I figured first: they'ld go for a walk at the Glenwood dog park- Livy enjoys watching dogs but I'm not sure if she likes petting them.

Then secondly: they both would go to the museum of Russian art, to see some arts. Thirdly: a drive to Northside Lake for a little packed picnic box experience.

Forthly: after their picnic, they could go see a play at Guthrie theater, and then wrap up the evening with homemade candlelight-dinner and wine at the comfort of their home.

Pretty simple right? I thought so too, until Markian called me to tell me that Livy wasn't planning to show up.

All that work and for nothing? I couldn't let that happen, so I called Livy on the phone. She didn't answer, not until I called for the 3rd time did she pick up.

"Livy, where are you?" I asked clearly upset.

"I'm at home, why?" She questioned obliviously.

"Isn't there someplace else you should be- with your husband?" I asked again.

It's Saturday, and it was a perfect day to have a date, also it was the day in the week Livy wasn't busy. Markian had asked her to keep this Saturday open, and she agreed, so why was she acting so eccentric all of a sudden?

Livy I knew would be leaping for joy at the mere idea of a date with Markian. What has happened to her all of a sudden?

No one changes so drastically, not unless they've been lying about who they were all along.

"So it was your plan after all? I thought Markian have been acting rather strangely and nice lately, it's been your influence all along, am I right?" She questioned dramatically.

"You are the one acting strange, and I'm dying to know who's influencing you. The Livy I knew would have already called me a hundred times just to ask me for an assurance that she wasn't dreaming. What happened to you?" I asked curiously.

"Like you said, 'the Livy you knew'... she is in both our past, so stop bringing her up every single minute. If you don't have anything meaningful to say, I'll be hanging up now." She replied crudely.

I was completely abashed at her rudeness, but before she could end the call I asked,

"Was it all a lie? Was there never a time when you loved Markian? Were you only pretending and telling me what I wanted to here back then?"

"What do you know about love? You like to get involved in other's business, don't you? Could it be because you're too pathetic to handle your own shit so you try to manage other people's own? How dare you ask me if I ever loved Markian! Who are you to ask me about my personal life, huh?! If you cared about your cousin so...much, then you should want what is best for him, right? Do I look like what's best for Markian? Can't you see I'm slowly destroying him?!" she yelled angrily.

She called me pathetic because I tried to help she and Markian?

"Yes, I know I have no right to meddle but Markian asked for my help. And I might be pathetic but at least I don't hurt the people I claim to care about. No matter what Markian had done in the past and how he had treated you so far, it's not enough reason for you to hurt him in such a way. You are right...you're not the best for him, but he deserves to hear it from you. If you ain't a coward, then go on a date with him today, sit through it all, then look him in the eyes and tell him his efforts at futile. Tell him to his face that you don't love him and that he should stop trying to fix your marriage. I'll only stop meddling if you're bold enough to say those words to Markian. So stop being a coward and follow your heart like you always have. That's what I admired about you the most" I challenged calmly before she hung up.

Her words might have been filled with anger and it did sting a little, but there was a certain bitterness and sorrow in them too.

Why is she trying so hard to hate everyone and everything? But most importantly, why was she trying to getting everyone to hate her.

Well, I don't know what part of what I said got to her, but she went to meet Markian that day and they had their date.

I could tell it went really well because Markian called to thank me for my help, and he sounded very happy making me feel proud.

But I was still sad even after I left Minnesota for Shanghai because, what Livy had said was actually true and that's why it stung a great deal.

I tend to give really good advice but, terrible when it comes to following them myself. Which was why I decided to make things right with Kevin no matter how pathetic I might look doing it.

(Present day)

Being back at Shanghai have been the worst experience for me so far.

What can I say? I don't think I've ever humiliated myself as much as I've done this past week. I'll be returning to Minnesota soon, but I kept having this sinking feeling of regret.

So, instead of ignoring it and making excuses to forget it, I chased it in hope that maybe, just maybe something good might come out at the end.

I don't know when or how it happened, but I may have really liked Kevin a whole lot than I actually thought I did. And believing that he was always going to be around, I took him for granted.

So, since I decided to follow my own advice, I had to be true to my feelings at last.

Kevin was the first person I wanted to see the moment I got off my flight, but I had a lot of meetings and follow-up meetings to attend, I also had some work I needed to turn in before leaving S.Group for good.

Our investors, shareholders and marketing team needed to be introduced to their new CEO personally, and it was my job to do so.

It took a while, but I was finally standing in front of the hospital where Kevin works. I could see my reflection from the glass door and was amazed at myself.

Even though it was already evening and not much people will recognize me, I still had a disguise on. I had a scarf that covered my head and neck, and I had my dark shades on at night.

I had already asked for Kevin to be called out if he wasn't busy, so all I just had to do now was to wait.

Few minutes later I saw him step out in his white coat. Damn...I suddenly remembered why I fell for him in the first place.

I had gone for my regular blood sugar check-up at the hospital when I first saw him standing at the reception desk.

He was chatting away with one of the ladies over at the receptionist desk, something about a patient's mother creating a scene earlier.

Even though my Mandarin wasn't very good, I was still able to understand with the way he gestured as he explained.

I caught myself staring at him until our eyes met and I immediately blushed. I quickly finished signing off my examination file and took on my heels only for have him follow me.

He was so bold and I liked that about him, so I gave him my card.

Before the day ran out I got a call from him and we met up at a club, then later I took him to my place.

Who would have thought that something that had started out as a fling was going to turn into whatever I was feeling now, which is compelling me to do things I've never done before.

On seeing me, he was shocked as he took me by the hand to the parking lot like he didn't want to be seen with me by anyone.

At first I was abashed, but I remembered that that was the plan, at least until he left my place that night in anger.

"Heather- what are you doing here?" He asked worried or should I say anxious.

He kept looking behind our shoulders like we were doing something suspicious or wrong, and I didn't quite understand why.

"I came to see you. Since you've not been returning my calls or messages, I thought I should come personally." I answered.

He shook his head in protest. But I was here to say something important, and he was being distracted with continuously looking to see if anyone was coming.