Chapter One – Bargain

Ch'ing Shin-li Says?

- After two months. –

I can say to myself at this moment, that maybe I already moved on and managed to rebuild myself again after that short chapter of my forbidden love. I realized that I deserves to be happy and there are people that not just live their lives on love alone. As for myself, I guess, I no longer remember the most part of it and I am perfectly contented and happy for now. Past is worth forgetting right? That is what Gio keeps on telling me.

Speaking of him, we are already okay now. We just decided to stay as best friends. That is the most important thing we have and I do not want to lose it. I am glad that Gio accepted my decision. In fact, we became closer than ever. With his help, Papa and mama finally allowed me to go on a normal high school where I will spend my senior year. I need this as a preparation for my college years. My plan is to take up Elementary Education. It is always been my dream to be a teacher and perhaps I can teach the kids about archery one day.

Because of myself being popular due to my family background and involvement on scandal, I also have so many haters in school. Some mocks me, insults me, or bullied me. However, I do not care because there are still few people who thinks that I am a nice person. One more thing, I do not need many people in my life.

"All you need is a friend, and I am already enough," Gio once told me.

Yes, all I need is one friend, and I already have him.

All I need is to focus on my studies. I am glad that Papa never insist on my marriage again, especially now that my 18th birthday is already on this upcoming Saturday.

Regarding Yugi Seto, I never heard from him these past two months and I am not interested.

Actually, these past few days, I no longer thought of him that often. I seldom talks about him and there are times that I do not remember him at all.

Gio always makes me feel so complete. We always hangs-out together in order for me to become relax and happy. I am glad that he is always there at my side.

Dylan and my bodyguards always accompanied and fetch me before and after class. In spite of that, I am still free to roam around in school premises and sometimes on other public places. At least, the good thing is, I am no longer a prisoner on my own cell.

That afternoon, right after class, Mama accompanied me on a gown and dress shop.

"Come on young lady, just try your gown. I am sure it will perfectly fits in you my daughter and you will be the prettiest Snow White ever."

I smile as I hear her comment. My debut's theme is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Of course, my midgets are my seven bodyguards with Mr. Dylan on the lead. I am the one who suggested it. It will be exciting for sure.

"Thanks mama," I said as I hugs her close.

In fact, my relationship with her is pretty well fine now. Papa is happy with her and she is somewhat nice, so, after I decided to get along with her, it feels like she's my real mother now.

So far, my life is getting better and better each day.

Dione Tang Says?

I thought about this plan for so many times now, and I decided that this is the right time.

I parks my car on the driveway of a first class jewelry boutique.

"Good morning sir, what can I do for you?"

"I am looking for a diamond ring," I answered with a warm smile.

"For your girlfriend sir?"

"Actually, I am looking forward for my bride-to-be."

The sales lady smiles as she nods.

"It is a proposal ring then."

"So what is my option?"

"Ah sir, we have here different colors and styles of diamonds. You are free to choose on which one will fits her."

After an hour, I ends up on an ocean blue diamond. I place it on my pocket and head towards my car, but before I finally get in and head off, I spotted her and Auntie Xiao Fan.

"A very good day ladies," I greets as I bows at them.

"Kent-li," Auntie Xiao Fan said with an acknowledgement tone.

I looks at Shin-li, and on her blank stare, I can read the confusion on her face.

"Young lady," I said as I turned to her.

"Daughter, he is Kent-li. Have you forgotten him already? You used to hang-out with him before when you are a kid."

"It is okay auntie, she is so young then."

"Anyway, I already sent Ericka our invitation letter for our princess' 18th birthday. I am looking forward on your family's presence," she said with a smile.

"Sure auntie. By the way, I will be get off then, so it is an honor to accompany you home," I insist with a smile.

"Oh no need dear, I have our family car here, but I will be glad if you take good care of Shin-li."

-----------------

Inside my car, she just remain silent on the whole journey. I just shakes my head as I U-Turn on a nearby Asianize resto.

"You said you will take me home," she finally said.

"I said that I will take care of you. Yes, I will take you home, but let us have a lunch before that," I answered with a smile.

"You knew my mom that long?" she asks again the moment that we are already eating together.

"Actually, I knew her ever since. She is still not the queen that time."

"You've been on our palace then."

"I used to live there until middle school."

She throws me a confusing look.

"We are a longtime friends remember? That is why I told you before that you looks familiar."

"I do not remember much of my childhood."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh," she just nods. "Gheo'to is the only friend I have and the little boys on the neighborhood."

She do not remember anything?

I give her a weak smile.

"So, you do not remember anything about us?"

"Us?" She asks again.

"Lee-shin, Yugi and I," I answered.

"Lee-shin? Yugi? I had only known Yugi for three months, the same time period when I met you. Are you kidding?"

"I guess, I got you wrong," I finally said then I give her a picture of a girl and a boy. "In case that you figure out something, you can always ask me."

She gets the picture and study it very carefully.

"Where did you find this? I lost this one three months ago."

"I find it on Yugi's things after the accident. I guess you already knew why. Maybe he get it from you without you even knowing."

"Do you know who the boy on the picture is? I do not remember anything about this chapter of my life."

"He is Lee-shin Yuan," I answered in a low voice.

"Yuan?"

"Gio's older brother."

"Gio has a brother but I do not remember meeting him in person. They said that he died in sickness eight years ago."

"You sure?" I ask. "Because everything that I do remember, he is never been sick. He died in gun shots."

---------------

It is impossible that she cannot remember anything. Did she already forgets us? Or force herself to delete all the memories that involves us being a part of her life? So, it is true then that she do not remember anything about me or Yugi or Lee-shin at all.

I turn to her direction on the passenger's seat next to mine.

"We are already here. Home sweet home young lady," I said with a smile.

"Thank you," she said then bows at me and head outside my car.

By the time that she is already inside the palace, I spotted Gheo'to standing near my car so I go outside then head towards him.

"The last time, you never told me that she lost some of her memories, particularly eight years ago," I said.

"Every past worth's forgetting," he answered in a very cold tone.

"But then, there is no secret that remains untold," I told him back.

After saying that, he grabs my collar.

Ï am warning you; do not dare telling everything to her. She already forgets about it. I do not want her to get hurt all over again. You get it?"

I gave him a smirk then push his hands off me.

"You are far too different from your brother. You always takes a step without even thinking," I said then heads off.

Ch'ing Shin-li Says?

Until now, I am still very puzzled on what Dione had told me. Who is Lee-shin in my life? Did I knew Yugi or Dione before? I get that picture inside my wallet then study it again. That little girl is myself. Papa said that I got this picture when I was ten, while the boy, though older from me for 9 or 10 years, was a childhood friend who migrated a long time ago and he already forgot the name. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying?

I stumbled off my bed then go towards the pile of my photo albums. I looks at them one by one, only to find nothing. These are all my memories with Mama Anne, my biological mother, and with Papa, while some are photos of Gio and me. These are all nonsense.

That night, during our family dinner, I ask Papa about those stuffs in my head.

"You have not told me that Gio's brother died in gun shots and not in sickness," I said while I mumbles on my meal.

"Do I?" Papa asks out of the blue. " I do not remember much of it and that is reasonable."

I just nod then continues on eating.

"Mama, why is that I do not remember being acquainted by Kent-li?" I ask again.

"Why, you met him?" Papa asks.

"Yeah, in fact he is Yugi's cousin," I answered. "And lately this morning, we met him in the dress shop, right mama?"

"That is right," Mama Xiao Fan answered with a smile.

"His parents are very good friends of mine. Remember Ericka? She is his mother."

"Auntie Ericka? You mean – "

I stop as I remembers something.

"Kuya Kent-li," a young girl smiles while greeting a friend who seems like an older brother to her.

"Little missus," he said with a smile.

It is blurry but . . .

"This is a friend of mine. Call her Auntie Ericka," Papa said.

"Hello Auntie," I smiles.

"This young man here is Kent-li, her son. He is seven years older than you are. How old are you again?" Papa ask.

"Fifteen sir," he said.

"Call him Kuya Kent-li, okay?"

"Kuya Kent-li!" I finally said with recognition tone. "All these times, I cannot believe that of all people, I almost forget him."

Papa and mama smiles.

"It is good to know that you are still fond of him," he said.

"Why not? He is my best buddy in archery and we used to ride on horses before," I said but to my surprise, Papa and mama became silent as they just stare at each other.

"Did I said something wrong?"

"Ah, not really," mama answered with a smile.

Fake. I know there is something wrong.

"Papa, you knew anyone with a name Lee-shin?"

After I said that, Papa puts down his spoon and fork then walks out.

Queen Ch'ing Xiao Fan Says?

After the dinner, I go to his office, only to find Xander wallowing on his own misery. He throws everything away while sobbing and screaming forgiveness to Lady Shin-di. I closes his door silently then go to the palace lobby.

"Dylan."

"My Queen."

"This is about time to do your part. This is for Shin-li and for Xander. For Kent-li as well, and for my poor Lady Shin-di, and for all those tormented souls that suffered because of him."

"My Queen, are you sure? It is not included on our ethics."

"I do not care with the ethics. This is in favor of the monarchy itself. I want you to send someone to kill the Prime Minister."

I am sorry my love. It is now time for me to bargain everything now.

Yuan Gheo'to Says?

Just like every scenario that I am tired of, I am here again, talking with my Dad.

"It is now about time Gheo'to to do your part. I am tired of waiting now."

"Dad . . . "

"Gheo'to, just continue on winning the attention of the young lady and leave King Xander to me."

"I cannot betray her Dad. I am her best friend."

"Have you already forget what they did to Lee-shin and to our family? You deserves the monarchy son, not anyone else."

I closes my fist tightly in order to control myself.