When Cadeau received the message from Akarui she was already at the mall shopping with Fleur and Natasha, though she was disappointed by Lijie's late coming she couldn't help panic if he was gonna make it on time to the venue to see if everything was according to what they wanted.
She picked a dress but then again left it, she looked at where Fleur and Natasha had been standing a moment ago and figured they where in the fitting room, she unlocked her phone and typed a message to say she had gone to the jewellery section, "we'll find you there," Tasha replied, she walked there and started looking for a pair of earrings or necklace she could pair with the evening dress she chose to wear for the appreciation party the night after the wedding. She was looking at the necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings, anklets and all other accessories displayed but still didn't like any, she moved closer to the necklaces looking gracefully one by one, everything was either to big or intemperately decorated, she didn't like any and nothing so far caught her eye. She hesitated to leave and promptly looked at the wall to find what she was looking for, a simple silver necklace with a blue twisted ruby lay there, shiny but the blue ruby radiated it to life, 'he is very choosy when it comes to jewelry but on this one he'll have to applaud me,' she smiled to herself as she pointed out, "that one please," " the one on top with the twisted ruby?" the girl on the counter called out, "yes" two women responded instead, the girl looked confused , she got the hook and removed the necklace but debated on whom to give-Cadeau or the governor's wife? Cadeau was busy on the phone and obstructed, she heard the woman next to her say yes to something but thought she was pointing at a different necklace."whom should I give the necklace?"Cadeau pointed first but the woman was friends with her boss- I mean, who never knew the governor's wife? even those that never knew her claimed they did- and should the woman complain to her boss that would be the end of the world_ "am afraid it's first come first serve, so I would be wrong if I didn't give it to her," she handed it to Cadeau but the two of them caught it at the same time, she frowned and raised her eyebrows to look at the woman but then realized what had just happened, she looked at the necklace and back at woman as if to say let go! but neither of them wanted to, she pulled a struggle but the necklace was tight like a thighcling on the woman's hand, she smiled and then let go to tell the shop keeper girl the woman could have it
The girl's eyes widened in disbelief,
"I said she can have it" Cadeau repeated, "hey?" Cadeau snapped her fingers, "Ohh" she cleared her throat, "she, l meant she can pay using the membership card or in Cash," she responded to pack the necklace, Mrs Wang Lei fetched for the card but couldn't find it she counted the money in her purse but it didn't add up either, "look, I think she can have it, I've left my card at home and the money I have here is not enough," she paused to look at the girl, "can't I pay using another card maybe?""No it's not possible,"
the girl got the necklace and handed it to Cadeau, "you can have it,"she didn't, instead, she got the card and swiped for the payment, put it back and said to the girl, "now you can give it to her,""I beg your pardon?"Cadeau was half way to the exit..
"does she know who I am?"
"if she did I doubt she would have paid" the girl laughed in disbelief"Cadeau? Ohh thank goodness you're here, we've texted you so many times but you're not responding,"
"What's going on? " Fleur looked where Cadeau was from,"it's nothing, am sorry I kept you waiting. let's go," Tasha nodded and looked at Mrs Wang Lei, "don't just get us arrested, okay," she knew she had been talking to the woman..The three of them walked out of the building straight to the car.
Once they got in Fleur turned to Cadeau "how do you know Takusan?""Fluer stop questioning Cadeau will you,?" she glanced from her wrist watch to Cadeau, "this is twelve already, will Lijie fetch you or we should take you?" "no, you take me," " alright. "- - - -
30 minutes later they were outside the Dance Season building.
Natasha pulled the car to a stop and faced Cadeau, "should we come and pick you up or maybe you'll come with Lijie,?"
Cadeau stepped out of the car and leaned on the rolled down window realm, "I'll come with Akarui, Lijie is not back yet, so I'll find you guys there," she tapped on the canopy for them to go,
" okay wait, but will he be coming to the Southern moon hotel?"
"yeah,sure,"" cause truthfully speaking he hasn't taken part in any of these preparations, It's almost like you're getting married to yourself, "Cadeau drew in a deep breath and breathed out, "don't worry he'll be coming," she fixed her dress and said,
"and just to be clear_ if Lijie hasn't taken part it's cause he wanted everything to be according to my taste. Lijie trusts my choices and he entrusted me with our wedding, so, do you now understand why he hasn't interfered? besides, he likes what I like,""fine I understand, I didn't say you become all defensive I was just speaking my mind, actually you know what, just go ...go, bye, I won't miss you," Cadeau laughed and just shook her head and walked away, "I know you love me!"
"no i don't !" Tasha shouted back whilst starting the engine to drive back, "I'll miss Cadeau when she goes," "that's my fear to," Fleur soported,a part of Cadeau wanted to believe what Tasha said but she couldn't let her instil doubt in a love she had grown for so long, not now, now ever.
Cadeau stepped out of the elevator and freed her hair, she looked at her watch and realized she was 10 minutes late though she hoped Akarui wasn't there yet, he was always punctual and she couldn't help feeling guilty for having stolen hours of he's time each day for the whole past week, but again she was grateful for he's tireless commitment or never having to complain about anything. She opened the door and the first thing she saw was Akarui, standing in the corner talking to someone on the phone, she charged in and closed the door behind_he looked very tall and strong in sweatpants and a muscle shirt such that he reminded her of a freedom statue, she had to admit he looked handsome,Akarui turned and immediately she lowered her gaze, "Hey, hope am not late,"
"no, though you look like you're at your funeral,"" do I?" she laughed and set her purse down "and how do people attending their own funeral look,?" she said poking he's chest with a finger, "Ouch! " he pretended to be hurt and closed the distance between them, "you know what? yes you look like a ghost at a funeral," she laughed even louder, " you're such a pervert, who told you ghosts attend funerals," "Ohh and am a pervert,?" he crossed his arms, "fine, mess up tomorrow and see what Lijie does to you," he faked to leave, but she quickly hugged him from behind, "Okay am sorry...you're just half a pervert, no! sorry, I mean you're not, how can you be one when you're a saint,"he knew she was joking but it's how she touched him, He looked at her small fragile hands on his chest and how perfect they looked,it almost felt like she was clenching on to his soul and not his skin,
Akarui's chest was more hard than Cadeau expected, not that she ever thought about it, but as he inhaled and excelled she could feel it rising and collapsing like a squeezed sponge, but what she didn't know is that the more she talked and breathed down he's spine the more Akarui's body became warm and he knew he was gonna lose it if she continued, he turned instead and smiled, "so am not a pervert?""Mmmmm..just a little" she measured with a hand and they both laughed, he hugged her and told her, " you're lucky I've forgiven you, now come," he broke off to kick he's slippers off and took her hand, "time to practice," he clapped he's hands twice and the music began, the same song they had been dancing to the whole week."you remember the moves,?" he asked as he unbuckled her shoes but Cadeau's gaze said it all.They stood facing each other as she placed her hand on his shoulder and joined her right hand to his left, he affixed he's hand to her tiny waist and pulled her closer sensually, she took a step back and he followed; he moved to the left, right_two steps back_three steps forward and he let go; she fell on her left sweeping her hair to the ground and pulled her up; he raised her hand to a spin_on one leg as she rotated like a spindle rod, he moved closer as she put her leg down and fell on his left handhe patiently tressed her hip-up her waist and kissed her forehead instead of her mouth as supposedly; she stretched her arm as he tressed it too,- reaching her palm with his face close uptide to her lips; she slowly got up with his help without letting go of his handshe turned to a force leave as he pulled her back and both swayed with the rhythm,she fell on her back and he caught her with an arm as he heaved her to the sky and slowly paced the floor in a circle to put her back on her feet as the music came to a stop!Cadeau and Akarui both were left panting and just when she was about to speak a crowd burst in through the door. They had been watching them through the silver static cling glass walls of the room the entire time.
Cadeau and Akarui looked at each other and back to the crowd as a tall slender man made his way forward, "everyone back to class... come on." One of the teachers they supposed."That was lovely," he told them and turned back to crowd of pupils, "I said everyone back to your classes, now." The man followed behind."seems like they loved it"
"yeah," Akarui sat down and pulled a bag from the corner, "some water or yoghurt?""Yoghurt will do, thank you." she sat opposite him.Akarui opened one for her and got one for himself. "You know what Cadeau," he began, "I think I have spent so much time and effort teaching you this dance you'll have to pay me,""mmh..how so? I thought I paid with a thank you?""A thank you,?" Akarui laughed, "that's not enough you'll have to pay me more,"
she laughed and took a sip, "how much are we talking about?" "Mmm..?" he scratched his head, "you'll have to pay me 20 genuine smiles each year after you're married so I know you're happy ohh and don't worry I already told Lijie the same,""that's easy, I'll pay," she got he's hand and massaged it softly, "I promise you, me and Lijie will live happily ever after."
"Hey," she cleared her throat, "that reminds me, you said you would tell me the meaning of the mohabbat dance on the last day of our rehearsal. So here we are"
he gave her a light pinch on the check to look in he's eyes, " you surprise me you know? you're half Indian yet you know nothing, first of all who even suggested it to you guys? "
"it was Lijie," she blushed, "he said he learnt it some years ago and had always wanted us to perform it on our wedding. Though it's a shame he had to leave before edifying me, " "Yeah what a shame, But? thank God I know it otherwise that dream of he's wouldn't have come true,""and for that we're grateful" she hugged him and she sat back down, "now will you tell me it's connotation already? "
He shook his head, "it's nothing that important, it just entails the process of love and it's meaning or should I say it demonstrates a couple can go through pain and sometimes even separate But if two hearts are mastered then their love is found in each others soul"
" And I assume that's the part I pretended to leave and you pull me back,? "
"exactly, and the part you fall on my hand means if you fall I'll catch you, and if you jump I'll hold you to the sky,"she looked at him, "and the part you made me spin on one leg? what does it mean,?"
"that represents the sacrifices and choices we make to sustain the one we love, It also means that for you I can suffer and go through any challenge even walking on one leg but to support you," he took a sip, "but there's also trust you know cause you let me lift you without doubt,""Ohh..so it's a thing like I trust you with my body, blah blah blah?""Damn! you're so intelligent."
"But then they're no good moments it's just sacrifice and trust? " "of course not," he sighed, "the good moments are represented by a kiss on the mouth and the close encounters," " Ohh I get it..."He stood and helped her up. "So, what would you like to eat for lunch?"
"Mmm is that necessary?" she said halfway to the door. "yes, this is our last day together if am not mistaken or should I say before you're officially married?"
" if you say so, but stop making it sound like after today I'll be caged forever,""you will, Actually, " he wispered, " I heard it's it's worse than prison, everyone wants out,"
"stop kidding me, will you," she pushed him out of the elevator, "that only happens if you're married to a demon and not an angel like Lijie,"
"Mmm....Is that so.? " he opened the car door for her....
- They ate lunch together and drove to the Southern moon hotel.*
Some minutes later, Akarui and Cadeau arrived at the hotel.
They got out of the car and went straight to the ceremonial hall.
"I have a little surprise for you," Akarui said as they stepped in,
"really?? what is it,?" Cadeau's eyes were already searching,
"look around you'll see it."
She took a step further.... but everything was okay, the chairs, tables, chandelier in place, flowers-though she noticed something; next to each flower vessel on the tables was a different frame with a different picture of her and Lijie in it, she looked back ^and her eyes landed on the wall.....
Cadeau's veins lightened as the blood stopped flowing up and away from the ground she was standing...ohh my God Akarui,"...her unconscious twitching hands moved to her heart, "how did you do that.." her eyes welled up in salty water, "I..i don't know what to say? I love it ..ohhh my God...It was her favorite picture of her and Lijie at the beach when he had tried to kiss her for the first time.. and on top it read 'Lijie Weds Cadeau 4 love' and the shock in Cadeau's eyes is what he treaded for, a smile twitched on he's lips_ " you like it,?"
..it's the whole wall!..she tried to surpress her happiness.."and those words..I..I told Lijie on our engagement, wait! were you listening,?"Akarui pretended not to have heard and walked away,
"of course you did, come back here!"" You're welcome-Cadeau!" he shouted back.
She looked at him and back to the picture before walking to her mom who was now standing with the workers."Mom?""princess," she excused herself, "is everything okay,? she raised her chin up "where you crying?""no it's nothing..it's the picture, nevermind,""ohh..I see you liked Akarui's surprise. But tell me, is the rest okay,?""yeah, am not even concerned about that_it's about you, you know am going to miss you?_ with no one to wake me up, scold me for missing breakfast, complaining about work, who will be there Mom,?" She faced the herm of her dress "there's a lot of things we do together and am going to miss each and every one of them. Yes, I might be coming to visit every weekend but that won't just equate it cause am scared everything I'll do will remind me of you,""are you saying goodbye my love?," Mrs wan held her daughters face_with battling demons of emotions forcing their way through the cornea of her eyes tears
"He has gone? How rude." Natasha protested after he disappeared, "he didn't even greet me or anyone else, you were busy talking like me and Akarui don't exist. He didn't even greet his mother-in-law over there,"pearls of laughter escaped Cadeau's mouth and she looked at Akarui, "she doesn't know everything is invisible to Lijie when he's talking to me.." she clasped her chest; "poor thing- Lijie only sees me, the rest are shadows,""what? you mean am a shad.. ?Cadeau come back here!" she spran after her, "wait till I catch you..."suddenly before Cadeau could dodge Tasha for the third time_ she slipped on the glass pearls, sending her body to the ground^"Cadeau!!" Tasha's leg muscles instantly tightened with adrenaline as everyone's eyes turned, It was dead silent for seconds..But luckily Akarui caught her before she could kiss the floor...Mrs Wan was the first one to come back to her senses as the shock of what almos
_When they reached home Fleur and Guerrier were saying goodbye to Akarui just there at the door step before they could go in. Cadeau got out and walked to them as she let her mom reverse the car into the courage, "I'll walk you out," she told him as he turned to walk to he's car."you shouldn't have bothered..." he said as he reached he's car and opened the driver's seat,"I know, but I wanted to. Actually I just wanted to talk to someone I've been feeling tense the whole day, ""wait, have you been crying?""No,of course not-i just had a pretty long conversation with mum and tell you what? she's more worried about tomorrow than i am." " don't worry everything Wii be okay," he pulled her in an embrace, " you'll see, it will be like magic.."she relaxed in he's embrace and mumbled a "thank you.""it's alright," he whispered back. "what colour are popcorns?""what popcorns?..Akarui stop messing with my hea
- - - -In the wash of the new light, Rani's face was all over the kitchen.She had prepared enough for this day to handle the heat of a family lunch party for her daughter. Everything was set, she took the bright coloured bowls and set them in fridge next to each other. She finished and handed the huge covered thick peached icing decorated cake to Remice to put in the other fridge and told her to follow behind as she took the small heart shaped one to Cadeau's room Instead.She first piped and slid the door open, "good morning, heard my two princesses are sleeping in this room" she walked across and centered the tray on Cadeau's bedside table next to her study lamp at the moment Remice opened the windows to the outside, allowing the cool fresh morning breeze hit the tiles."mom please it's too early" Fleur mumbled nudging under the covers followed by Cadeau who said nothing.."look at them Remy?" she turned "they loo
She climbed down and helped Yu Yan open all the suitcases. She opened the wardrobe doors and the two of them began loading things in."I thought Remy packed all your clothes yesterday?""No those were for donations." she pulled out her lingeries and thongs she bought and packed them all by herself. She walked to the bamshort pajama suits and held out two the thought of Fleur and Natasha's words echoed and she almost laughed."Hey, do you also think a newly wedded bride should sleep naked,?""not that I've been married before but what's there to hide if you've sworn yourself to each other."She imagined her first night with Lijie that evening and a quick palse rushed to her spine. she pushed the thoughts aside and handed the pajamas to Yu Yan. One thing was for sure and that was to look as succulent as possible, "miss Cadeau are we or are we not packing that one?"she stared for a moment without saying then nudged
They were all silent no one dared to breath as she slowly sunk to the ground and fell at Lijie's feet to hug he's knees. "For all the times you said I love you Lijie, or I love you too, please am begging you to not go. stay with me one more night- just one more and I'll remind you am the same woman you fell in love with, but right now don't abandon me. for the sake of our childhood memories Lijie," she probbed her chin between he's legs and gasped the more. "you're all I have Lijie, am not Cadeau without you.."Her face slank in pale as if pulled by strings. "Lijie you're the only one who makes my world beautiful, without you am just an old pair of shoes," Cadeau's lips trembled with suppressed hiccups. "remember you said your love will always find and gravitate me back to you, so why do you want to go? why leave me now.?" Her sadness grew more with he's silence. She franticly got up and clutched he's hand to the exit, "look let's just go out and this cold feet will go yo
-The music instantly stopped the moment they footed in the room. The lights surrounding the canopy lit and everybody stood up.one and all were staring, taking pictures, smiling, and clapping as every different petal fell from the sky.Mr and Mrs Lï walked to escort them to the mandap as Guerrier joined them."For a moment I thought maybe you two had skipped to the honeymoon part," Mrs Lï said in an undertone,"I would say cold feet honey," her husband corrected.Bomal prowled up and patted Akarui on the back, then helped Cadeau take the two stairs up the canopy."Is it because of the wedding, or your shoulders have become more broad,?" Mrs Lï stated lifting the garlands of the sereul. Guerrier quickly blocked her view. "It's probably the texture of the suit aunt, otherwise I would suggest we waist no more time and start the ceremony," he gently pushed Akarui to join Cadeau."Today I don't know if it's just me
-They arrived at the Southern moon hotel..One of the biggest, and the biggest in the southern part of the country. The wedding was to begin in 40 minutes and as per custom the bride's family must welcome the guests as they walk in.Both cars drove in and went straight to the lower parking lot. Lijie's car was already there shortly Akarui's car also pulled over to the side."Is that Akarui's car?" Natasha leaned against the window. "Ohh my God..." She"Tell me that's not Akarui?" Fleur also pushed back.Akarui stood tall, shoulders back in he's blue Sherwani suit. He's hair was neatly combed giving he's face a clear dimpled smile he possessed. Not forgetting he's •duppata that matched he's shoes.He really looked like the guy next door. "This man should've been a worshipping Idol in he's previous life I swear," Fluer pointed looking at Cadeau.She was suddenly embarrassed about their last encounter
* * *Meanwhile, Akarui flicked the Jeep's headlights and continued down the road. It was getting dark, and by the time he would get back to the apartment, Cadeau would be asleep.Still focused and determined to set things right between him, Cadeau and his ex-fiance Endian Cheng, or rather his current fiance cause given the circumstances he hadn't had got the time to break up with her.The two had set to marry on the same day as Lijie and Cadeau's wedding, but a month before Endian Cheng received news that her father was found with cancer and was in a critical condition, hence she had to fly out to attend to him.Akarui glanced towards the box lying on the seat beside him, it was a welcome gift to cheer Endian Cheng up, and then break the ice on her head to her say he had gotten married to Cadeau instead.He took a slow breath, remembering their conversation as they sat watching a serie
It was almost eleven fifteen as Cadeau sat there, her foot tapping slowly as she sank in the wooden dinning chair the following morning. The coffee was going cold next to the beacon and bread set out on the table, the fire was crackling softly, Fei Hong was in the kitchen, and for the first time she felt blank.She kept on replaying the images from the previous night, and wondered if Akarui was really trying to win her heart or he was trying to get her in his bed? All over sudden he was attentive and caring, when days before he was rude and didn't care, he even tried to kiss her by force. But again, she could not overlook the fact that he apologized for everything and wanted to restart things over.The voice at the back kept saying he was still Lijie's friend, what if he also woke up one day and decided he was nolonger in love with her, what would happen then. She lifted the cup and set it back down. "Fei Hong?" she called out, "can you please bring me an
"Yeah, sure," Cadeau found herself responding.Akarui opened the door to the rooftop, he poked his head first and led her out."Wow, did you ask them to do all this?" Cadeau asked, taking slow steps next to him."Mmh not really per say," he responded with a crooked smile.Though she could clearly see he did. the place was fairly bright with ferry lights dancing around the tent house shielding from the cold to form a huge sleeping pad like.The fire lighted at the center danced in flames creating a camp like glow that made everything seem romantic, and make Cadeau to start fantasizing about turning to Akarui and kissing him to passion stretching out on the floor beside him and making love in the shadows of the flames facing the spaced stars above.No. Cadeau shook her head. this was probably because Lijie's picture of making love to Amanda was stuck in her head and she couldn't get it out.Rather than sitting around t
"You know," Lijie began, smiling. "Mum was asking me what we were thinking to name the baby after me and Akarui," he bounced deliberately, to entertain the baby in his arms. "Dad did too," Amanda said grinning, she tossed her long hair carelessly and added, "but it was because I love the names, like they just rhymes in my mouth, Lijie Akarui_Hero light," As if in answer, the baby clapped his tiny hands and chortled in a giggle. Amanda kissed his forehead with a playful tone and curved her mouth slightly, "see he agrees, besides, I wanted him to have the best of both worlds. You and Akarui are amazing," she stepped near as his breath hitched in her throat. Her right arm went around his neck and drew him closer to whisper in his ear in a sexy tone, "this child is going to be the most spoiled brat they'll ever see cause he's got you and Akarui on his side." Lijie whistled softly, as he and Amanda took the seats opposite each other. "You got it on tha
"You know," Lijie began, smiling, "Mum was asking me what we were thinking to name the baby after me and Akarui," he bounced deliberately, to entertain the baby in his arms. "Dad did too," Amanda said grinning, she tossed her long hair carelessly and added, "but it it's because I love the names, like they just rhyme in my mouth 'Lijie Akarui_Hero light," As if in answer, the baby clapped his tiny hands and chortled in a giggle. Amanda kissed his forehead with a playful tone and curved her mouth slightly, "see he agrees, besides I wanted him to have the best of both worlds. Yours and Akarui are amazing," she stepped near as his breath hitched in her throat, her right arm went around his neck and drew him closer to whisper in his ear in a sexy tone, "this child is going to be the most spoiled brat they'll ever see, cause he's got you and Akarui on his side." Lijie whistled softly, as he and Amanda took the seats opposite each other. "You got it on t
Today Cadeau woke up happy, by eight o'clock sharp she made sure she was inside the Li family company gates.She knew Lijie was back and in he's office and that was the best part. She had purposely told Tasha to stay back for today so she could properly talk to Lijie with no disturbances.She fixed her dress and hair properly and hurried to the downstair cafe to grab two cups of hot chocolate one for her and one for Lijie. she walked to the elevator and before she could press it open a tall bold man with a handsome physic pressed it for her.She didn't pay attention and walked in and like he also knew where she was going, he pressed for the 5th floor and stepped back, not having seen Cadeau behind and trying to avoid her, he's foot foot suddenly connected with the kerb and stumbled back plunging everything he had in his hands on the ground."Am sorry," he quickly said and knelt down to pick them, then something caught
It was early in the morning around six, Akarui was shut behind his office door, going through the documents Ying had provided.After an hour or so, he stewed in his chair for a moment, looked as though he would like to punch something then ploughed to his feet, listening to his phone on the other end then talked."Interrogate each and every observer that was present and find out what really happened," He swallowed and commanded. "I want a full detailed and honest report Mr Hans if you still want to keep your job are we clear." He hung up.His eyes narrowed, and dropped the phone from his hand to the table.He had to admit to himself that Cadeau did it on purpose. There was no accident, she staged everything with Mr Hans. But the thing that still angered and tormented him the most was the extent she was willing to go to kill herself to leave him.He took the chair behind his desk and began signing the files for he's a
X x x IGNORE THIS CHAPTER!! #Inker It was early in the morning around six, Akarui was shut behind his office door, going through the documents Ying had provided. After an hour or so, he stewed in his chair for a moment, looked as though he would like to punch something then ploughed to his feet, listening to his phone on the other end then talked. "Interrogate each and every observer that was present and find out what really happened," He swallowed and commanded. "I want a full detailed and honest report Mr Hans if you still want to keep your job are we clear." He hung up. His eyes narrowed, and dropped the phone from his hand to the table. He had to admit to himself that Cadeau did it on purpose. There was no accident, she staged everything with Mr Hans. But the thing that still angered and tormented him the most was the extent she was willing to go to kill herself to leave him. He took t
It was early in the morning around six, Akarui was shut behind his office door, going through the documents Ying had provided.After an hour or so, he stewed in his chair for a moment, looked as though he would like to punch something then ploughed to his feet, still listening to his phone on the other end then talked,"Interrogate each and every observer that was present and find out what really happened," He swallowed and commanded."I want a full detailed and honest report Mr Hans if you still want to keep your job are we clear?" He hung up.His eyes narrowed and dropped the phone from his hand to the table.He had to admit to himself Cadeau did it on purpose, there was no accident she staged everything with Mr Hans.But the thing that still angered and tormented him the most was the extent she was willing to go and kill herself just to leave him.He took the chair behind his desk and began signing the files for h