Chapter 36 - DINNER WITH THE LACROIX FAMILY 3 (1/2)

Most members of this family were based in Europe with the only exception, Eunice.  She wanted to settle roots in her mother's birthplace. So she returned to Shanghai albeit her parents' refusal. Luo Jingyi was aware that Aunt Alice and Uncle Antoine would be staying in the city for a while to sort out business-related matters. As for the rest, she would have expected them to have returned.

”We were supposed to leave last night but Aunt Mirabelle wanted to stay longer. She said she wants to go on a trip with everyone today. Dad called Uncle Antoine to talk about it and eventually found out about tonight. You know how dad tries to get every nit and gritty details of things. He mentioned this to Aunt Mirabelle. And you know what happened next.”

Luo Jingyi winced. Aunt Mirabelle, the youngest of the Lacroix siblings was someone you should never tell a secret to. Of all the four siblings, she was the only one who was different.

”By the way, Eunice had been trying to get hold of you this afternoon but the call won't go through.”

”I put my phone in flight mode. Is there anything?” Eunice was already off somewhere for her honeymoon.

”I am not sure. She just instructed me to tell you, to call her ASAP.  Is that supposed to mean anything?”

Luo Jingyi tapped her fingers on the armrest as she figured what could the newly-married woman wanted. ”I am not sure. I'll call her later.”

The timely appearance of Fredrick, the family butler saved Luo Jingyi from whatever question Nicolette had in mind as the other woman's brows were already furrowed.

…..

Luo Jingyi walked with Yun Jinghan to the car. He said he forgot something so she followed him.

”Did they ask you very uncomfortable questions?” Luo Jingyi questioned.

”Not really.”

Relief passed on Jingyi's face.

”But something is bothering me.” Yun Jinghan scratched his temple on the right side with a finger.

”What is it?”

”How many blind dates exactly did you refuse to go to?”

Luo Jingyi was silent for a second.

”I don't remember.” She really lost count already. She'd been to a few, only because her therapist suggested. But she forgot when exactly she started coming up with dozens of reasons to avoid the next ones.

”Why do you ask?”

”Everyone seemed suspicious about our relationship.”  The questions they asked him were deliberately posed to find a loophole. He knew the answers but for certain things he wasn't aware of, he just winged it.

Luo Jingyi pursed her lips. She didn't anticipate that they would really doubt her. But perhaps, it was due to their concern for her. After all, she was already a part of their family, adopted or not. And she felt the same.

Out of nowhere, Yun Jinghan bent closer and asked, ”Should we show them something only couples do?”

'Only couples do?' Confused, her eyes looked into his. He was staring.

Reflex made her step back because he was closing in. Alarm bells were ringing in her head. She must run. But before she could, she was caged because her back touched the car and his palms were placed behind her. He didn't touch her but he was dangerously hovering over her. Luo Jingyi's pulse started to accelerate.

”What are you doing?” Luo Jingyi glowered at him. She appeared unaffected yet her palms began to sweat.

”Kissing you.”

Luo Jingyi meant to step on his foot to stop him but she spotted a figure at the doorway. Before she even pondered the repercussions of her own actions, her clammy hands tugged his shirt. At the same time, she held her breath as though she was anticipating for the kiss.

But she wasn't. Luo Jingyi closed her eyes and balled her hand into a fist.  Because her heart thumped out of her chest like she was having tachycardia (1)1, she started humming a melody inside her head. She pretended to be inside the OR, performing a heart transplant surgery. Of all the surgeries, this was one of her favorites.