Chapter 31: Chapter 31: This is a breakup.

Aman Tokyo Spa

The rest of the trip passed uneventfully. After one final magazine interview, Shu Li was finally able to relax and she promptly dragged Miyeon to the spa several hours before they were set to fly back to C Country. As the two young ladies were getting their massage treatment, Miyeon suddenly realized that she had not seen CEO Lu since he had dropped her off two nights prior.

"Shu, did CEO Lu already fly back to C Country?" Miyeon asked offhandedly.

"En. He flew back the morning after. Are you missing Minzhe-ge?" Shu Li had carefully asked the second question.

"Pfft. No. It just seemed odd we didn't see him again. He seemed like the type to shamelessly insert himself in our gatherings." Miyeon said as she laughingly recalled her interactions with Lu Minzhe.

"Huh? Minzhe-ge?" Shu Li inquired with a baffled look on her face.

"Mhmm.." Miyeon gave a soft humm in response.

'This is really curious. Minzhe-ge being shameless? I haven't seen that since we were kids.' Shu Li mumbled to herself. 'I hope Minzhe-ge resolves his feelings soon,' she thought, taking a glance at her good friend.

Shu Li closed her eyes and basked in the treatment by the experienced masseuse. In fact, she had her qualms in confronting Lu Minzhe for she too had been rather dishonest with her own feelings.

Shu Li recalled the last conversation she had with her lover.

"We could go and live in Nice with my family or we can even stay in the UK if you'd like," Anissa offered up some choices as they neared their university graduation.

"Anissa, I can't. C Country is my home," Shu Li said regretfully.

"So you're saying you have to go back to C Country?" Anissa prodded. She had a slight understanding that asian parents could be rather strict and the families tend to live together until the children got married. But that doesn't necessarily mean they have to be separated right after graduation, there are still other options.

"..." Shu Li remained silent and simply nodded her head.

"Then, if it's you I don't mind. I can move there for you," Anissa said. Although she would miss her family, she could always visit France. And as a jewelry designer, she can take her work anywhere; there are no physical limitations to their relationship. At least, that was what she thought.

"That's not gonna work. [sigh] Anissa, it's not that I don't want us to be together. But our relationship is not accepted there. If I was born in a normal family, maybe there could be a chance but in the high society I am part of..." Shu Li's voice trailed off and she didn't bother to complete her sentence. However, Anissa understood; this was already a blatant rejection. This was a breakup.

"So, we can't be together because I am poor and gay? Then why did we even start this relationship?" Anissa asked, her voice breaking. Everyone on campus knew Shu Li came from a privileged family but she wasn't the type to brag about her wealth and even remained close friends with Miyeon who was from a working class background. So in the past, Anissa never thought that Shu Li's family was so prestigious that their relationship would be an issue.

"That's not what I meant. And, I...I honestly...didn't know we would last this long," Shu Li answered apologetically.

"Hah! Unbelievable! Stella...You, were you ever planning to introduce me to your family?" Anissa couldn't stop her tears from falling as she confronted Shu Li.

"You didn't think we would last? Were you intending to date me for fun?" Anissa became more emotional as she spoke.

Yet, Shu Li could only utter an apology in response, "I'm sorry."

"Stella Wei! Those are not the words I want to hear from you! Are you breaking up with me?" Anissa raised her voice when she finally asked the question.

But Shu Li only kept her head down and continued to apologize, "I'm sorry. I really love you. But I'm sorry."

'I can't let her show that I am faltering. I need to make this a clean break so she can move on.' Shu Li thought to herself. However, she was completely taken aback by Anissa's next words.

"5 years." Anissa said in an even voice.

"What?" Shu Li asked, looking somewhat confused.

"The amount of time we spent together. For that same amount of time, I will wait for you." she said resolutely, wiping her tear stricken face.

"Anissa, don't do this. You don't have to wait," Shu Li said anxiously.

"Waiting or not is my own choice. You said you love me. I love you too." she said stubbornly.

"I'm sorry. But, I won't come so don't wait." Shu Li hardened her voice, trying to appear steadfast in her decision.

But Anissa simply smiled and said, "You know where to find me" and she left without looking back.

If Shu Li had been more honest and less of a coward, maybe she would still be with Anissa right now. Back in the UK, she had been perfectly comfortable with their relationship being out in the open but alas, C Country was still not accepting of same sex relationships. Homosexual couples still face discrimination everyday. To be honest, Shu Li was not confident she would be able to live with Anissa openly in C Country's high society. She still had not come out to her family and only her close friends in the UK and France knew of her sexuality. She is sure to face opposition from the Wei Family and Shu Li worries any backlash will negatively affect Le Ciel. Most importantly, how could she live with herself if she subjected Anissa to a life of mistreatment in C Country when she could live freely as herself in France.

.........….

Aman Tokyo Pool

In the meantime, Rich who was currently trying to relax by the pool had become exasperated at the incessant pings on his phone. The root source of his annoyance, Jesse Evans, was currently doing laps in the pool without a care in the world. Seeing this made Rich more irritated. 'Chill, Taylor. Remember, Jesse is technically your boss,' he thought to himself. But man, for once he would like to go on a trip where he didn't have to work.

After another 30 minutes in the pool, Jesse was finally satisfied with his workout and he headed over to where Rich lay sprawled a drink in hand. The latter looked irked as he handed Jesse a towel.

"Mate, Liz is blowing up my phone," Rich said. His voice was tinged with slight exasperation.

"..." Jesse remained silent but a look of annoyance mixed with worry flashed across his face.

"If you don't deal with her soon, she might just fly over to A City to look for you," Rich warned. "Looks like she's already gotten into contact with our friends in LA," Rich commented as he scrolled through Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery's messages.

"Yeah, I know. I'll deal with her." Jesse, who was previously feeling cheerful at the prospect of sitting with Miyeon during the flight, felt his mood turn sour. He knew how troublesome that girl Liz could be.