I didn’t plan to see him or anyone awake by these time of the night, but I’m glad he is.
“I would have, but my sleeping habits wouldn’t let me fall asleep.” He replied calmly.
“How did it go with them by the way? I hope they didn’t bully you much?” I asked again.
“Bully me? I’m not that easy to intimidate, you know. We just drank, talked and bonded for a while. I think Xiao cried a little about his bands strict rule of no dating.” he replied jokingly and I smiled heartily.
Thank goodness they didn’t terrorize him as I thought they would.
“That’s a relief, I’m glad they’ve accepted you.” I commented gladly.
“So, what are you doing up?” He asked again.
“I couldn’t sleep, I have a lot on my mind and decisions to make.” I resorted.
I saw him arch his brows on hearing that. He really doesn’t like seeing me get worked up about anything.
“Decision? What decisions? Does it have anything to do with us?” He questioned impatiently.
I let out a half-hearted smile. It seems inevitable now, I have to let him know the truth.
“Yes Mr Winfrey, it’s about us.” I replied, as he adjusted himself uncomfortably on the couch.
“Well, is something wrong with us? Do you have second thoughts? Or did I do something wrong that may have caused a change of heart?” He asked really worried now.
“You did nothing wrong, in fact you’re perfect. I’m so lucky to have found you and developed these feelings for you, but…”
“Uh uh… I hate that word- but. But what?” He insisted as I hasitated.
“… I can’t marry you, Mr Winfrey. At least not right away. I know we’ve got my parents blessing, and my brothers’ support, but I can’t go diving into that again…” I stated as I looked into his eyes.
I saw great sadness in them now, and I caused it. My heart broke seeing him sad, I didn’t mean for him to be.
“… I’ve lived the past 7yrs of my life thinking my life would end once I get married to Feng this year. All I’ve thought about was how I would manage my claustrophobic life once I become his wife. It’s not been easy answering Zhin Feng’s fiancee let alone his wife, and that terrified me. I’ve lived my life ever since for Feng and for my family, but now I’m free of all my obligations I really wish to see the world I never thought I’d get the chance to see. And I know this is selfish of me, but I don’t want to do it without your consent.” I stated confidently.
God knows how I really feel about him. I wouldn’t hasitate to marry him today even, but I just want to see a bit more of the world before settling down and becoming someone’s wife.
“How long?… How much time do I have to give you?” He asked sadly.
I hated that my request was causing him pain, it’s the last thing I want.
“A year or maybe 2. I’m very sorry for making such a selfish request, but I want to find my place in the world first.” I replied sadly.
I was surprised when he took my hands into his and looked into my eyes. His eyes held both sorrow and understanding it’s almost hard to watch.
He slipped his other hand into his trouser pocket and brought out an object that sparked under the light. But it wasn’t until it was in front of me did I see what it was- an engagement ring.
He did get me something after all.
“Ms Penelope Xiang, I want to stop you. Heaven knows I want to carry you on my shoulder, put you in my car and take you home this instant. I want to say no to your request and turn a blind eye to your decision, but I can’t. Because, I love you and your happiness comes first for me. But I’ll need something in return…” He said to me, not taking his eyes off me for even a second.
I could say anything, so I just gave a nod for him to proceed and make his request.
“… I had told you that I can’t let you go unless you’re wearing my ring on your finger and I meant it. I don’t want to pressure you too much, but if I mean something special to you, you’ll accept this ring as a representation of my heart which you hold..”
“Mr Winfrey, I…” I want to speak my mind but he interrupted.
“… and if when you return from your self discovery and you still want to be with me, I’ll be here waiting for you.” He concluded with a half smile.
These words must have been the hardest thing for him to say tonight, so I took charge.
“Mr Winfrey, I’m not breaking up with you ok? You are the man I’m in love with and I want to be yours forever…” I replied honestly as I took the ring from his hand and put it on. “… all I’m asking is that we take our time to date and undergo a long courtship. Did you really think I’m stupid to throw away a perfect gift from heaven like yourself? Even if you stop loving me tomorrow, I’ll make sure to remind you that you’ve given me your heart already and I’ve give mine to you- do you understand? I Love You, Mr Winfrey.” I confessed shamelessly and I’ve never felt happier.
And for the first time in the past 7mins we’ve been out here, I saw that dashing, lovely, sweet smile grace his lips.
I don’t know what possessed me, but I leaned in to capture those lips in mine. They were the softest thing I’ve ever felt- soft and warm. I kissed him again like I hadn’t just kissed him without his permission, and mentally wished he’d reciprocate.
As I was about to kiss him the third time, he kissed me back and it almost overwhelmed me. The tenderness, the gentleness and loving care with which he kissed me back made me imagine myself in a wedding dress in his room.
I was about to say, ‘to hell with self discovery’. It was at the tip of my tongue and almost fell out, but he pulled away suddenly. For almost 6seconds my eyes were still shut as I tried to recollect my senses.
“You sure know how to tease a wounded lion, don’t you?” He asked playfully as my eyes shot open.
“… Ehmm… well… the thing is…” I stuttered embarrassed and flushed.
My heart was doing it’s thing it does when Mr Winfrey teases me, I was afraid I might just faint. I moved uncomfortably on the couch as I tried to clear my dried throat.
But he held my face with both hands and brought it closer as he lips, then kissed my forehead first.
“This…” he uttered before he moved on to kiss my nose,
“… should…” he continued as he moved to kiss my right cheek,
“… serve…” he then kissed my left cheek.
“… as a reminder” then he lightly brushed his lips on mine.
I found it hard to find my voice, but I did find it amist the frustration of why he didn’t kiss me deeper when he got to my lips
“Reminder that?…” I asked impatiently.
“That you, my dear, are engaged to me now. Never forget you have my heart.” He replied with a smirk that made me punch him a little in the guts as he winced playfully.