Zhong Xiu was meant to be the next leader of her Father's company. She was Groomed to be a cutthroat businesswoman who would grow her family's wealth and honor. But instead of greatness Xiu gets diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. Every goal she has ever set for herself has gone up in smoke and she feels like she has dishonored her aging Father by having such a weak body. When an American woman shows up offering a chance at life Xiu decides to walk away from all her Father's lessons. Follow along as Xiu travels across the galaxy to be healed and find love.
View MoreAs the song ends, Moor gives me another easy grin and offers me his arm, but before I can take it, Modok appears beside him. "Xiu of Earth, I would be deeply honored if you allowed me to escort you back to your room," Modok says, and Moor seems to straighten his spine. He glances to the other side of the room before looking back at me and I realize he has decided I am not worth the trouble of fighting Modok. He has another female. Our dance together and conversation were nice, but I didn't win him over completely. I bow my head a little toward Moor before wrapping my arm around Modok's elbow. Modok covers my hand with his own and immediately walks away from Moor. "I'm glad he surrendered his claim to you. I would have destroyed him in the tournament," Modok says and the gravelly tone of his voice sends a satisfying chill down my spine. Modok just admitted that he would fight for me. Something no one has done for me not even my Father. Father always provided for me, not for my
"I am happy you have been cured... How many children would you like to have one day," I ask as I extend my arm and twirl her. Her elegant body spins beautifully, and when my arm brings her back in, I don't keep her at a respectful distance. I pull her in close, and when her chest meets mine, my world seems to stop. I hold her to me tight, but gentle as I look down into her dark eyes. She is an absolute wonder. Her flawless pale skin and perfect cupid bow have captivated me. Every curve on her body looks delicate and fragile, but there is a fire just behind her dark eyes that I want to dive into. I knew I liked how the females from Earth looked, but I never imagined one of them would call to me so strongly. I guess Nole was correct when he said our instincts would know who was meant to be our mates. "Xiu, a human from Earth," I whisper in absolute wonder. The song ends, and I know my time with her is up, but I plan on being the one to escort her back to her room, so parting wit
I twist my hands anxiously. It's just Fiadh, and I left. I might not get asked to dance this round which isn't a good sign. I have seen some males talking on the sideline with comrades. Maybe they are taking a breather and thinking over their first two dances. Maybe they have already narrowed down who they want to fight for. It makes sense number-wise that some of us wouldn't get asked... or does it mean they won't even waste a dance on someone they know they aren't interested in? Or maybe the partner they do want is already dancing. I can feel my chance of getting chosen by an honorable, and prestigious male slipping through my fingers. I draw in a shaky breath just as someone gives my shoulder a light tap. I turn around fully intending to see Fiadh, but the man standing behind me makes all my thoughts about failure disappear. The breath I was taking leaves my lungs and my cheeks begin to heat up. "Good evening. I am Lieutenant Modok from Gaimo. Would you honor me with a dance,"
"Any luck," Nole asks as he reaches my side. I glance at him for only a second. He is out of breath and it's clear he rushed back to my side to report on his experience with the Puelos. In between each song, we have a minute and thirty seconds to escort our old partner back to her group and choose another partner to dance with. The pace is rapid but it keeps the evening moving along without conflict. Many champions have complained over the years about how short our time is with each female, but the Keas have been strict. They know some females or males might be more desirable and they have to keep it fair amongst everyone. No one gets more or less time. It eliminates the threat of disagreements. "No. She wasn't the one. But the Keas seem to be a variable option," I reply and he nods. "The Puelos are too status driven. I will approach Shikaz next," he responds, and I peel my eyes off the group of returning humans. "I doubt you will have better results. At dinner, they seem
"Wow," Jia says quietly as the Keas efficiently change the large room from dining hall to dancing hall. "Very pretty," Fiadh whispers back and Krystal nods. I let my eyes travel over the line of champions, discreetly trying to see if anyone is looking at me in particular, and I am surprised to see a champion from Cok smiling at me. His gaze is practically fixed on me and I know he will be the first one to ask me to dance. "The rest of the evening is all about enjoying each other's company and getting to know one another on a more intimate level. Have fun," the male Kea says, and I watch the Cok champion as he cuts across the floor toward me. "Would you care to dance with me?" he asks as soon as he stops in front of me, and I nod slightly. I hear someone asking Zuri to dance as well, but I don't glance over. I need to focus on my opportunities at the moment. My friends will be just fine during this part of the tournament. He offers me his sand-colored arm and I drape my hand ov
I take another bite of food and discreetly look at the females across from me again. They seem to be less nervous now that most of the champions are busy eating, but the one in the white dress still looks a little too anxious for my liking. It's as if she is waiting to be attacked. The brown-skinned female who looks as if she is from Vaal instead of Earth, keeps glancing at her too. I swallow my bite of Makskin gult and reach for my drink. I have looked over all the females here and I have decided I like the look of the female humans. Each of them is uniquely beautiful. Plus they keep checking on one another just like my comrades and I do when we are in a difficult situation. That kind of behavior is something I can relate to. I also like the thought of mating a female from Kea. They are cordial and beautiful a hundred percent of the time. The Puelos and the Shikaz ladies are very beautiful also, but they might only care about my status. I will have to pick their behavior apart
As I walk into the large room I take in the new tables and atmosphere instantly. The colored tables have been removed, and elegant lights are now hanging from the ceiling giving the room a more romantic feel. Two long tables are now running the length of the ballroom, and the female side of the room is already filling up. I quickly find a spot against the wall and avert my eyes from the door. If, by chance, they seat us randomly, I don't want to risk sitting next to my gorgeous friends. While their words from lunch were wonderful it doesn't change the fact they could hinder my match. No one looks at me as I take my spot, and I realize no one looks as confident as they did during lunch. They actually look as nervous as I feel. Suddenly I spot Krystal heading my way. I try to hide, but it's too late. My bright-colored dress is like a draw. "What," Krystal demands after reaching my side and evaluating my face. I sigh. I know that I am about to hurt her feelings, but I have to
"They were nice," Fiadh says softly as we walk away from the table of Puelos. And my annoyance grows. I liked the blue women just as much as they did, but there is no point in getting invested in their culture. We have no hopes of ever living on Puelo since none of the competing males come from their planet. "They were," Krystal says and my composure snaps. "They don't have a competing male. Meeting with them was practically pointless," I say a little too forcefully, and Zuri's face tells me I went too far. "Nevertheless, they were nice," she says while looking at me with raised eyebrows. I immediately cave. Everything Liamee said before this all started has been playing in my head. I don't want to drive my only friends away. I just want this to go perfectly for all of us. I want each of us to end up with the best so we will be well taken care of. I nod and bow my head. "I apologize, Fiadh. They were pleasant," I say sincerely and Jia giggles before shooting Zuri a wink. "Co
Liamee glances at me again, but I ignore her. I know she is trying to read past my carefully placed mask, but I won't let her. Ever since Liamee broke my trust I have stopped sharing my personal feelings with her. I am still nice and respectful, but I no longer share how I feel."I hope you like your dress. We tried to mimic each one of your home countries with the first dress. Day one is the only day you can wear separate colors. Tomorrow, you and the others will all be dressed in similar styles and colors. What do you think," Liamee asks as we walk toward the gathering hall that will be used for our introductions?I nod."My dress is lovely. The red color is perfect," I answer and she surprises me by grabbing my hand.When my eyes connect with her's my heart constricts. She looks like she is on the verge of tears and I know I have hurt her feelings yet again."Xiu, please. I am sorry. I wanted you to bond. I know I pushed too far, but aren't you even a little grateful? Zuri and Fiad
8-YEAR-OLD XIU "Father, may I go with you today," I ask quietly as Father scans his breakfast. Our main housekeeper always prepares Father his favorites, which he scans with a critical eye before eating. "No, Xiu. You must study. One day you will take my place. You will be responsible for our family name. You must be prepared. Taking days off is irresponsible. You must understand this even at your age," he says before glancing at me. "Eat your congee and fruit," he orders and I begin to eat slowly. I knew what his answer would be but I still wanted to ask. Today is my birthday, and I think Father has forgotten. I thought maybe if I spent more time with him today he would remember, but I knew it was a long shot. We see so little of each other. He works long hours and spends all day in his office. I see my tutors more than I see him, but I understand. He wants me to be the best I can be. He owns several companies and I must be prepared to oversee all of them. Being a woman will ma...
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments