Saturday, August 22, 2009

Always and Forever - Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen: The First Day




Ella woke up early the next day. She stood before the window, and looked outside the building. She sighed as she hugged herself. It's the first day that she and Calvin have married, and there are a lot of things inside her mind. She doesn't know what their future brings, that's for sure. She doesn't know if it's the right thing to open up her heart to him. She leaned to the window, and continued to stare outside. Starting from today, a lot of things will change in her life.

Calvin slowly opened his eyes, and found Ella gone beside him. He sat up, and saw her staring outside the window. He grabbed his robe, and walked up to her. Ella felt her husband hug her waist. She looked back at him, and gave him a faint smile. Calvin leaned on her head, and kissed her hair. “Anything wrong?” he asked her. Ella shook her head. “Nothing... I'm just thinking of some things...”
she said. “What things?” he asked again. “About our future...” she answered. Calvin just stared at her, waiting for her to speak. “Honestly... I'm scared. You know my story... I'm scared that one day... all of these would be gone in an instant...” she said in a low voice. Calvin only gave her a warm smile. “It's all in the past, Ella. I told you before, I'll do everything to make this marriage work.” he said. “But what if we can't? What if we realized that this is a big mistake?” she asked. Calvin placed a finger on her lips to silence her. “I know for myself that I'm not making a big mistake here, Ella. And I know we will stay married, and divorce will be out of the question...” he said to her. Then, he let out another smile. “I know you didn't want the past to happen again. I understand that. Would it be too much to ask of you to give this a try? We can live a new life, a happy one. Ella, I will never ever be like your father. I will never abandon you...” he said. Ella looked up to him. She could see the sincerity in his eyes. “Calvin...” she called in soft voice. He cupped her cheek and smiled at her. “You don't have to be scared, Ella. Let' see what will happen tomorrow. Who knows...” he said. He paused, and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Ella. I do... if I say those words to you, will you accept it? Can you learn to love me in the end? I'm willing to wait until you can love me... I'll help you heal that wound in your heart... I love you...” he wanted to say.

Ella rested her head on his shoulder, and hugged him. “Calvin... remember that day... when... when I asked you if... if we will fall in love with each other?” she asked. Calvin looked down at her. “I remember...” he said. Ella looked up to him, and stared at him for a long time. “Calvin...” she called again. Calvin just stared at her face. “What if... what if I... can... can you...” she faltered. Calvin leaned down to her, and captured her lips with his. He kissed her passionately, letting her know what's inside his heart. He wrapped his arms around her waist, as she pushed his neck towards her. Then, he broke their kiss, and he gazed at her face. “I will...” he whispered. He knows Ella wasn't able to hear what he said. He pulled Ella to him, and embraced her tight. “I wish you have fallen for me too, Ella... because I do love you... and I want to love you for the rest of my life...” he thought.

--

“So, where do you want to go?” Calvin asked as soon as Ella emerged out of the room. Ella just shrugged her shoulder. “I don't know... where do you want to go?” she asked. “Anywhere, as long as I'm with you.” he answered. Ella just let out a faint laugh, and shook her head. “I never thought that being married would make you this mushy.” she said. Calvin just smiled at her. “Seriously, where do you want to go?”
“You haven't been around Taiwan since you came back, right?”
“Yeah...”
“Then, would you like to go on a road trip? Let's visit some places here in Taipei, then maybe we can go visit other places in the next coming days.”
Calvin smiled at her, and nodded his head. “Sounds like a plan.” he said.

As the two were about to go, Ella's phone rang. She took it from her bag, and saw her father's number flashing on the screen. “What do you want?” she answered it in an annoyed tone. “I want you and Calvin to come here at the mansion. We have some matters to discuss.” his father said in an authoritative tone. Ella just sighed at his father's command. “Do we really have to? Calvin and I are going out...”
“You can go wherever you want after I talk to you.”
“Is it about the estate of the Tian family that you stole from me?”
“Let's discuss it after you've come here. I'll be waiting for the two of you.”

Calvin looked at his wife, and saw her sigh as she ended the call. “Anything wrong, Ella?” he asked. Ella looked at him. “Dad wants to see us.” she said as she sighed. Calvin only gave her an assuring smile. “Hey...” he said as he put his arm around her. “I think it's a good idea. Let's go pay him a visit and pay some respect to your father.” he said. Ella just rolled her eyes at her husband. “That old geezer doesn't deserve any respect from me.” she said angrily. Calvin sighed at her. He smiled again, and pinched her cheek. “Come on, don't be like that. I think your dad wants to see you because he misses you. Let's go see him, OK?” he said. Ella looked up at him. Upon seeing him smile, she softened up a bit. “Fine... let's go and see him.” she said. “Good girl.” Calvin said.

--

“Good morning, young master, young mistress...” Ah Li greeted as soon as they entered the mansion. Ella looked at the governess, and let out a faint smile. “Good morning, Ah Li. Is my father around? He's expecting us.” Ella said. The old woman smiled at her. “He's a the dining room, having breakfast with the mistress and young mistress Genie. He's expecting the two of you.” Ah Li said. Calvin looked at his wife, and saw her sigh again. “Thank you, Ah Li.” he said to her. Then, he turned to face his wife. “Let's go and meet your dad, OK?” he said, smiling at her. Ella sighed again, and nodded his head.

They went to the dining room, and saw Ella's family having breakfast. “Jie! You're here!” Genie said as soon as she saw her sister walking up the dining table. Ella walked towards Melinda, and kissed her on the cheek. Then, she walked towards Genie, and sat beside her. Calvin took the seat beside Ella's step mother. “I'm glad the two of you were able to visit us.” Melinda said. Genie looked up at her sister, and smiled at him. “I missed you, jie!” she said. Ella turn to Genie, and smiled at her. “So, did you move in to my room?” she asked her little sister. Genie smiled and shook her head. “I told you I'll only move in to your room if you'll get to stay with me.” she said.

“I'm glad the two of you were able to come. As I said over the phone, there are some matters that we still need to discuss.” Robin said to his daughter in a formal tone. “Robin, can you at least let Ella and Calvin have their breakfast first before you speak with them?” Melinda said. Ella looked at her step mother and smiled at her. “It's OK, Melinda. Calvin and I took our breakfast before coming here. I guess dad and I can already talk, whatever it is he wants to talk about.” she said. She then gave glare at her father. Robin stood up from his seat. “Follow me to my office, Ella.” he told her. Ella stood up from her seat, and followed her father.

“What do you want to talk about?” Ella asked as soon as she closed behind her. Robin went over to his leather seat, and sat on it. “Have a seat first, Ella. You don't need to be formal to me.” he said. She walked over to the chair and sat in front of his father. She watched him as he opened his drawer, and took a brown envelope out. He placed it in front of Ella. “Open it. It's my wedding gift for you.” he said. Ella took the envelope, and opened it. She read the papers inside it, and she realized that it was the documents regarding her mother's estates. “Consider it as my wedding gift for you. For being such an obedient daughter.” Robin said. Ella looked up at her father, and let out a smirk. “How can this be your gift to me when my mom was the one who originally owns this, and I was supposed to be the legal executor of her estate? These are mine right from the start. You stole this from me.” she said to him. “I told you, you can only take hold of the Tian estate if you follow me. And since you followed me when you married Calvin, then it's all yours. Everything, including Ming Tian Corporation which comprises 50% of my company. You should be thankful I was kind enough to give it to you.” he said. Ella let out a mocking laugh at him. “I should be thankful? You stole it to me! You used your powers so that I won't be able to get everything that I'm supposed to get!” she shouted at him. Robin just smiled at his daughter. “If I have the will, I would have kept everything to myself, especially your grandfather's corporation. But I am still kind enough to hand it over to you. I know that if you take control of that company, it will fall down.”
“And who said it will fall down? I won't let that happen!”
“For someone who doesn't know anything regarding business, I know if you handle Ming Tian, it'll go bankrupt. After all, the only thing you know is to party, right? You couldn't even finish your damn major, and I have to bribe the dean at your school to let you graduate.”

Robin stood up from his seat, and walked towards her daughter. “Unless, of course, you will let your husband run that company.” he said to her. Ella let out a sigh of exasperation. She could feel that it's another order from his dad. “What if I refuse to? You're going to take it back?” she asked. Robin let out an evil smile at his daughter. “I just don't trust you, Ella. I don't trust you can do it on your own. I'm just giving a mere suggestion to let your husband handle this matter.” he said. Ella looked at her father, and glared at him. “And what? You will control Calvin to do what you want? My husband is not your puppet, dad!” she hissed at him. Robin just let out a laugh. “You're a smart girl, Ella. You know what to do if you don't want your money bag to run dry...” he said. He took a document from his table, and placed it in front of Ella. “I've worked hard for that damn corporation, Ella. I can't let someone like you to be the reason for its downfall, and my downfall. It's either you will let me have that company, or let your husband control it. Your choice...” he said.

Ella looked at the paper in front of it, and found that it was a deed of sale for Ming Tian Corporation. Then, she glared at her father again. “How could you do this to me?” she told him. Robin turned away from her, not wanting to see the hatred in his daughter's eyes. If only she could understand that he's only going this for her good. “Decide now, Ella.” he said in a firm tone. “Sell your shares to me, or let your husband handle it.” Ella took the paper, and tore it apart. “No matter what, I won't let you have my grandfather's corporation. Not you, Robin Chen.” she said. Robin looked back at her daughter, and let out an evil smile. “Either way, I will still get hold of it.” he said to her. He leaned towards his daughter, and whispered to her ear. “I was able to held up your inheritance, then this matter is just a small thing. I can take Ming Tian away from you whenever I want...” he said. Ella looked at her father, and glared at him again. She was trying her best not to cry in front of him. She felt as if her own father was trapping him again. “I despise you most, you greedy old man!” she hissed at him. “The feeling is only mutual.” he said. Ella stood up from her seat, and stormed out of his office. Robin let out a sigh, and only watch as his daughter leave. He's only doing this for her own good, and Ella couldn't understand that. He's only doing this so that she won't get tied up with their business. He knows there are other things that Ella wanted to do than be the CEO of their corporation.

--

Calvin looked up the stairs, and saw Ella rushing down. He stood up from the couch, and went to his wife. “Ella?” he said. Ella didn't look up to him. “Let's get out of here.” she told him. Calvin got confused with her reaction. “Did something happened between you and your dad?” he asked. Ella turned away from him. “Let's... let's just get out of this damn house...” she said in a low voice. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked at her face. There was sadness in it, and he knows that her father caused that sadness. “Ella, tell me if there's anything wrong... I have the right to know... because... because I'm your husband.” he said.

Ella looked up to him. As she opened her mouth to speak, she heard her father call Calvin's name. “Calvin, can you come to my office, please?” he said. Ella looked up at him, and gave him a glare. “You and my husband have nothing to talk about!” she shouted at him. Calvin looked up at her father, and then back to Ella with confusion. “What's wrong?” he asked. “We need to discuss something, Calvin. It's regarding your father's company.” her father said. Ella looked up to Calvin, and held his arm. “Don't come to him, Calvin. He'll only trap you into something. Listen to me.” she pleaded. Calvin looked up at Robin, and let out a sigh. “Ella, your father and I have to talk...” he told her. He let go of her, and followed her father. Ella looked up at the two men, glaring at the elder one. “Fine! Do what you want!” she shouted at her father. Robin paused, and looked at his furious daughter. “You can have the goddamn corporation, I don't care! All I want is my summer house, that's all! I don't give a damn what the hell you will do to get hold of Ming Tian!” she shouted at him again. Robin could only smile evilly at her daughter, and went on his way. Calvin tailed behind him, still confused with what's happening.

“Have a seat.” Robin said to Calvin as soon as they got inside his office. Calvin just looked at the elder man, and remained standing. “Sir, I don't know what happened between you and my wife, but whatever it is, my wife is upset right now. If you have to talk to me about my dad's company, then can we talk about it some other time?” he said. He turned his back to leave, when he heard Robin speak. “I just want you to take this, and give it to my daughter.” he said. Calvin looked back, and saw Robin handing him an envelope. “Eventually, my daughter was too upset with me that she forgot this.” he said. Calvin took the envelope, and opened it. Inside it was documents regarding the Tian's estates. “Honestly, I am at fault here. I trapped you to marry my daughter to save your company from bankruptcy. I trapped my own daughter to marry you so that she could get hold of the summer house, as well as all of the Tian's estates.” Robin explained. Calvin looked up at him, confused with what he was saying. “You might be wondering why all of a sudden, my daughter wanted to marry you. It's because I threatened her. I threatened her that I will sell the summer house if she won't marry you. That house is very important for her...” he continued. Calvin could not believe what he heard. “How can you do this to your own daughter?” he asked him. “She asked me the very same thing before. And my answer is, I'm only doing this for her own good...” Robin said. Calvin shook his head. “No, you're not. You're only hurting her.”
“I wanted to make up for all the things I did in the past.”

Robin turned away from him, and stared outside the window. “Have Ella told you our family's story?” he asked. Calvin paused, not knowing what to answer him. He doesn't know if he should tell his father-in-law that he knows how much Ella hated his father. “Even if she doesn't tell you, I know you can tell that Ella hates me. That she was more than willing to ruin her own life to get back at me for my own mistakes...” Robin said. “I know that Ella hated you.” he said. Robin turned to face him, and Calvin saw his face softened up. “I did this so Ella would stop ruining herself for me. You don't know how it hurts me to see Ella living such life. I know everything is my fault, and I feel it's my duty to fix what I have ruined. I have to fix my daughter's life.” Robin said in a low voice. Calvin lowered his head, and looked at the envelope in his hand. “We had a fight regarding the Ming Tian Corporation a while ago. It was said in her mother's last will and testament that once Ella turns 25, she would be able to take control of everything, especially Ming Tian Corporation. All my life, I worked for that company. Not that I don't want to give it to Ella, but I know she will only use it for her revenge on me. I don't know what's on her mind, but all I know is that I can't let Ella ruin her grandfather's legacy just to rebel against me. And besides, I know Ella is not into this kind of business. There's something else that she wanted to do... so I asked her... to sell the corporation to me, or to let you handle it...”

Calvin looked up at Robin, surprised at what he said. “You... you want me to handle Ming Tian?” he asked. Robin nodded his head. “I know your capabilities are, Calvin. I know that if you run it, it will stay the same. I can't make Ella understand that I'm doing this for her own good, so that she could do what she wants in life.” Robin said. “But do you think you're only making her hate you more because of what you're doing?” Calvin asked. Robin nodded his head. “But this is the right thing to do, Calvin. Maybe, one day, Ella will understand why I'm doing this...” he said. Robin walked towards him, and placed his hand on his shoulder. “It's all up to you, Calvin. I'm giving you this chance to have everything and more. Convince your wife to let you handle Ming Tian. Think about it.” he said.

--

Calvin looked at his wife, who was staring outside the car window. Since they left the Chen mansion, Ella have been awfully quiet. “Hey...” he said, trying to break her silence. “It's our first day together, try to cheer up, OK?” Ella looked at him, and gave him a faint smile. “I'm gonna be OK...” she said. “Look, you should be happy that you got the summer house. As for Ming Tian...”
“Did my dad asked you to convince me to sell it to him, or did he asked you to convince me to let me let you handle it?”
Calvin turned his eyes away from him, and made a turn at the next corner. “He told me he wanted me to handle it.” he said. “Ming Tian is mine, and I will decide if I will run it or not.” she said. Calvin looked at her, and nodded his head. “I understand, Ella. You have a lot of time to decide on it, so I think we should enjoy this day, right?” he said. Ella turn to smile, and nodded her head.

He made a stop in front of a temple. “I heard that newlyweds should come to this temple so that they will be blessed.” he said to her. Ella gave him a confused look. “You made a research, didn't you?” she asked. Calvin smiled and nodded his head. “I did. I made my research, and I asked Auntie Melinda about it.” he answered. Ella could only smile at him. “For a new husband like you, you did your assignment well...” she said. Calvin nodded his head again. “Of course. Anything to make this marriage work.” he said. Ella looked up at the temple, and sighed. “Why do you want to make this marriage work?” she asked. Calvin looked at her, and smiled to himself. “It's a secret.”
“Why do you have to keep it a secret? I mean, if you want this thing to work, you would tell me the reason...”
“I will tell you. But I will only tell you if you tell me what you wished for at the fountain yesterday.”
“I can only tell you that if it came true...”
“Then I will tell you why when your wish comes true.”

Ella looked at her husband, and let out a smirk at him. “Do you think that you're being unfair to me, Mr. Chen? You told me yesterday you will tell me what you wished for at the fountain if my wish comes true, and now you will only tell me why you want this marriage to work if my wish comes true?” she asked. Calvin let out a laugh, and nodded his head. “My wish and my reason are somewhat connected. So, you won't be able to know what is it unless your wish comes true.” he said. Ella folded her arms, and smirked at him. “You're not playing around with me, Mr. Chen?” she asked. “Why would I? I'm serious about this.” he said to her. Ella just sighed, and rolled her eyes at him. Somehow, he could not understand what's inside his mind. “Whatever.” she said monotonously. Calvin could only laugh at her reaction. He put his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her closer to him. “Come on, don't be mad at me now.. It's our first day as husband and wife, and seems like you're getting pissed off at me.” he said. “I am not pissed off at you, it's just that...” Calvin looked at her, and placed his pointer finger on her lips to silence her. “Let's just enjoy this day. Don't think of your conversation with your dad a while ago. Let's not ruin our honeymoon, OK?” he said. Ella smiled, and nodded her head.

As the two went inside the temple, they were greeted by a young monk. “Good morning. Welcome to our temple.” the monk greeted. “Good morning.” Calvin said. “Are you two here to be blessed as well? I assume that the two of you are newlyweds.” the monk said. Ella and Calvin looked at each other, then they turned to the monk. “Yes, we're here for that, and we just got married yesterday.” Calvin said. The monk smiled at the couple. “I knew it. Aside from newlyweds, those who wishes for marriage also comes here for prayers. We've been seeing people coming here to wish for marriage. Finally, we have newlyweds who came here.” the monk said. He paused for a while, and gazed at the two. Then, he turned into a smile. “I can see that the two of you are really meant for each other. I can see the love between the two of you. I guess the gods have destined the two of you to be together.” the monk said. Ella looked away from him, while Calvin gazed at her, smiling to himself. “I guess we really are meant to be together...” he said in a low voice. Ella turned to him, and saw him staring at her. Again, she was seeing the love in his eyes. She looked away from him, trying to deny to herself what she have seen in his eyes. She knows that it's impossible for Calvin to love her, and although she have married him and that she loves him, she could not bring to herself to show him how she feels. She was scared of what will happen next if she does. “And I guess you're meeting is not just merely an accident. It is by twist of fate.” the monk continued. Ella looked up at the monk, confused at he was saying. It seems like the monk could see what happened to them in the past. “I know right from the start when I saw my wife that it's fate.” Calvin said, still gazing at Ella. “I can see that. But you know, married life is not a bed of roses. There would be a lot of obstacles and problems that the two of you show go through and face together. Those challenges will either break the two of you apart, or make your relationship much stronger. It's up to the two of you to decide if you will stay in this marriage or not.” the monk said. Calvin smiled and nodded his head.

The monk then turned to Ella, and smiled. “I can see confusion in your heart. I can see that there is hesitation within you. All I can say is that you have to follow what your heart says or you will regret it in the end.” he said. Ella became even more confused with what the monk said. It's as if the monk could see through her. “I... I don't understand...” she said. “Oh, you understand, you know what I'm saying, xiao jie...” he said. Then, he looked at the two, and smiled. “So, shall I lead you inside so that you could prayto the gods?” the monk asked. “Yes, please.” Calvin said. The monk nodded his head, and lead the two inside the temple.

The monk left the two so that they could pray. The two of them lighted up the incense, and prayed silently. As Ella placed her incense sticks on the altar, she looked up to the image of the gods, and began to pray again. “i don't know why you brought Calvin into my life...” she thought. “But all I know is that I'm scared now that he's here in my life. I don't know why I fell in love with him... but I just pray that I won't get hurt because of this love... I pray that I won't end up with a broken heart, just like my mom. Still, I'm thankful that you gave Calvin to me, because for the first time in my life, I felt how it was like to be cared for... not to be toyed by anyone... for the first time, I met someone who was trying his best to understand my feelings. I know I'm not yet ready to open up my heart for him, and I know he still loves Selina... I hope one day I can let him know what's inside my heart. I hope he won't get tired being with me... I hope... I hope one day he could love me too...” she prayed silently. Calvin looked up to the images, and began to say his prayers as well. “I used to question you, why you took Selina away from me. Now, I understand why. I hope Ella could see that I have fallen in love with her. I pray... that she could also feel the same way for me. Please give me more patience with her, especially during the times that she pushes me away. I love her... and I want to be with her for the rest of my life...” he said.

After a while, the two of them looked at each other. Their eyes met, and they gazed each other for a long time. “Ella... I love you... will you give me that chance to love you?” he thought. “Calvin, I love you... but I know it's Selina that's still inside your heart. Will you give me a little space in your heart?” Ella thought. Calvin looked down, and then took her hand. Then, he looked up at her again and gazed into her eyes. “Ella...” he whispered. Ella quickly turned away from him. She felt herself blush with the thought that Calvin is still gazing at her. “Don't look at me like that.” she said in annoyed tone. Calvin smiled at her. “Why? Do you feel awkward whenever I gaze at you like this?” he asked. Ella slowly nodded her head. “I'm sorry, Ella. It's just that I couldn't help it...” he said. Ella looked back at him, and saw him smiling at her. She felt herself melting with the way he smiled at her. She felt like a giddy school girl being noticed by her crush. “Stop it, will you...” she said. Calvin laughed, and shook his head. “Fine, I'll stop... for now. But forgive me if you find me staring at you like this always. It's just that, your beauty always mesmerize me.” he said. Ella could only laugh at him. “Are you always this corny, Mr. Chen? That's so lame.” she said. Calvin laughed again. “No, I'm not like this. Only when I'm with you...” he said. “You know what? I think you're just hungry. Come on, I saw a food stall just a block from here. My treat.” she said. She then gripped Calvin's hand, and pulled him out of the temple.

Labels: Always and Forever, fan fic