Chapter Three – Betrayal

Ch' ing Shin-li Says?

-Saturday. The big day-

Mama gently combs my hair.

"You are a woman now young lady."

I smiles at her.

"But I will stay as your baby," I said.

To my surprise, tears falls from her eyes as she sobs. I hugs her close. "I love you ma. Thank you for completing the mother figure to which I lacks of."

"I am sorry," she said while sobbing. "I am sorry."

"Why? Do not be sorry."

She just shakes her head.

"Let us continue this sweetie, and then I will help you in getting up."

She continues on combing and fixing my hair then helps me on wearing my Snow White dress right after.

"You are beautiful my daughter," she said by the time that I am already gazing at my reflection in the mirror.

I give a timid smile. "It is perfect," I said in awe.

"Just stay here for a while, okay? And wait until all the guests are already here."

I just nods at her before she head off.

I get my mama's photo on the side table.

"Mama Anne," I said as a tear falls from my eyes. "I miss you. Can you see me now? I am a woman already mama, and Mama Xiao Fan cares for me that much, that I almost forget the void that you left in my heart. You do not need to worry, okay? I am pretty well fine. I love you mama."

By that, I gently kiss her photo as I wipe my tears.

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

As I went outside my room, I smiles as I caught the sight of Mr. Dylan and my bodyguards wearing their midgets' costumes. I am proud of Mr. Dylan because he even swallows his pride just to grant my request.

"Happy Birthday Lady Shin-li," he said as he bows at me.

I almost laugh hearing that statement. Before, Mr. Dylan used to call me young lady. Lady Shin-li is really good and new to my ears.

"Thank you for being a brother, a friend, and a father to me," I said with a smile as I taps his shoulder and head downstairs. At the corner of my eyes, I can see how he smiles. For the very first time, I made something good – to made Mr. Dylan smile.

"Let us welcome the celebrant, my one and only daughter, the Ch'ing's crowned princess, and heir of El Frontier Emperio del Inglatera, Lady Shin-li Waldorf – Ch'ing."

Everyone welcomes me with warm applause as I enter the party hall with Mr. Dylan and my bodyguards. Some cannot help it but to smile or laugh as they see our attire.

I smile at the crowd as Papa approaches me and I cling my arm to his elbow as he accompanies me to the center hall.

Meet my eighteen roses – seven little boys in the neighborhood, my seven bodyguards, Papa, and of course, my Prince Charming, Gio and Kuya Kent-li, and the other one is a secret as per organizer.

"You are beautiful," Gio said while we are dancing. "I love you best friend," then he pinch my nose as he smiles. I smile back.

After that, he turns me over to Kuya Kent-li. "I am sorry if I do not recognize you at first Kuya Kent-li," I said.

"I am happy for you," he said then he kisses me on the forehead. "You are a woman now."

"Yeah, not a little girl anymore."

He just nod.

"You will go to my wedding right? Remember Michelle?"

"Of course," I answered with a smile.

Last but not the least . . .

I never expect his presence here. With that black suit, the very first time I ever saw him on an elegant attire, he looks so perfect for me.

"Can I have this dance now?" he ask as he lends his hand.

Kuya Kent-li nods at me.

"Go to your knight my lady," he said.

I accepted Yugi's hand.

"How do you get here?" I ask while we are dancing a slow and romantic dance.

"They sent us an invitation," he answered.

"You are lovely," he then said, "And gorgeous . . . you do not know how much I miss you . . ."

"Your chapter in my life was already over," I said with a heavy heart.

"Nope. Not yet," he answered then to my surprise, he kiss me on the lips for just a second.

"I still love you," he said with full of sincerity.

I nod at him.

"But you denied me."

"All I want is to protect you."

Tears starts to fall from my eyes but he wipes it away. "Do not cry okay?"

"I love you too," I said then I kiss him again.

After my dance with my 18 Roses, Papa gathers us for an important announcement.

"Since China crowd are already here, I want to announce this very important news – my daughter Shin-li is now engaged with Mr. Tang Kent-li. Please people, join us for this toss. Long live Ch'ing Monarchy! "

The crowd cheer while I hear ringing of wine glasses everywhere.

Kuya Kent-li and I throws a stare with each other out of shock. Clearly, he also did not know what is happening, does he? Then after that, I turn my gaze to Papa.

"You cannot do this to me," I said to myself while shaking my head.

I turn around to look for Yugi and then he is there. He give me a painful look then he head off. I still tried to catch up with him but a gunshot filled the palace halls.

"Mr. Prime Minister!" I still hear someone screams then Kuya Kent-li run to their direction.

Seeing Mr. Prime Minister lying on the floor and is soaking with his own blood, things that were long lost started to return back on my memories like a wildfire and it drains all my strength. Gio still reaches for my arms then black out.

Seto Dom Yó-gi Says?

-2 Days Later-

I get another glass of brandy for the 50th rounds on the row. I thought we are okay now? She tells me that she loves me . . .

I no longer understand what is really happening.

It is all in the news.

'The Biggest Showbiz Break-Up: Super Model Michelle Nam Splits Up with Dr. Dione Tang'

'Princess Ch'ing Shin-li Announces Marriage with Dr. Dione Tang'

'Monarchy to Answer Assassination to Prime Minister'

I shakes my head as I take another gulp of brandy. Why is it so painful? I pulls my hair out of frustrations but someone snatches away my glass and place it on the table.

"Uncle is stable for now, although he is still comatose. You do not have to worry. He will be fine," she said as she taps my shoulder.

I just nods at her.

"Yugi," she said again.

I look at her straight in the eye, only to find it sore because of crying.

"We are even," she said in between sobs.

I just shakes my head.

"Michelle, what are you doing here?"

"Dione broke his promise. You see this?" she said then shows me a diamond ring. "I thought he wants to marry me, and now, it is all in the news. He will going to marry her."

Out of frustration, I throws everything on the table then taps my forehead and wipe my face with my hands. However, Michelle kneels in front of me as she hugs me. We are both crying.

"They left us already. Why is it so painful?"

"Shin-li loves me," I said hardly, "While Dione is your karma for leaving me."

She just shakes her head.

"I still love you," she insist.

"It is over. It is all over."

"No," she cried. "Why her? Why all of you chooses her? Why her?" she ask desperately.

To my surprise, she kiss me on the lips and I gave the kiss back.

But only love can say

Try again or walk away

But I believe in you and me

That sun will shine one day

So I'll just make my part

Praying you'll have a change of heart

But I can't make you see it through

That something, only love can do . . .