Xiao Shan watched her parents paced the study room in an intense discussion, or more likely an argument. They have been at it for the past hour, straight after dinner. There didn’t seem to be any indication previously how they have gotten into this situation. They certainly didn’t talk much during dinner but that’s nothing to be alarmed of. But judging from how her mother’s mouth and facial expression, it sure looked like she was shouting at him.

Ann tore her eyes from the TV and asked in a harsh whisper, “What’s going on with both of them? Did something happen?”

Xiao Shan turned to look at her elder sister. Choosing not to answer, she quickly decided they need to take a more drastic action than just talking about it. She got up to her feet and walked over to the study room. Ann sat straighter in her couch, startled.

“What are you doing?”

“Stopping the fight,” she replied shortly. Though she was younger among the two, she was definitely braver.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee stopped their heated argument when they heard the door opened without as much as a knock. It was rude but it was necessary. Quickly clearing their throats and avoiding each other’s eyes, Mr. Lee turned to take a seat at the head of the study table. Mrs. Lee, on the other hand, plastered on a forced smile at her daughters.

But nothing seemed to escape the intense gaze of Xiao Shan. Mrs. Lee’s smiled faltered.

“Mom, dad, are you guys fighting?” Ann asked from behind Xiao Shan. She was apprehensive.

Mrs. Lee shook her head lightly but a frown was slowly forming on her face again. “It’s nothing, we just have a disagreement.”

“Anything we could help with?” Xiao Shan asked. Leaving the door, she entered the room and studied how her parents’ facial expressions were slowly turning from a frown to a mixture of unease and guilt. The elder woman turned to her husband for help but was met with equal helplessness. Tension filled the air.

Finally, the father caved and said, “Take a seat, girls, both of you.” The two sisters obliged, each taking a chair opposite him. When he was satisfied, he continued, “We have been talking about this for some time now and we figure it’s the right time to bring it up.”

Xiao Shan and Ann exchanged looks. “We have been planning to have a merge with Lite Tech. It’s already in the planning phase and it seems to be going well.”

“That’s great then!” Ann said gladly. She has heard of the plans from Lu Han as well, seeing that it’s his father’s company. It would be awkward if the plan fell through.

Mrs. Lee smiled weakly at Ann. Sitting by her husband on the armrest, she interjected gently, “Let your father finish, honey.”

“Mr. Lu and I have been discussing,” Mr. Lee resumed. He eyed both his daughters carefully. “We both think it’s best if we strengthen the merge through family ties.”

And slowly, a blush crept onto Ann’s face. She understood what all the fight’s about now. By family ties, her father must have meant marriage, and by marriage, it means hers and Lu Han’s.

Keeping her smile in check, she said, “But we’re too young…”

“Lu Han and Xiao Shan’s marriage,” Mr. Lee cut in quickly.

The minute it left his mouth, the result was disastrous. His wife buried her face in her face; a loud sigh escaped her lips. Ann turned a horrified look to Xiao Shan while Xiao Shan jumped to her feet. Her eyes rounded and wide in shock as she shook her head in disbelief.

“No. This is unacceptable. If this is a joke, dad, it’s not funny.”

He shook his head sadly and opened his mouth to reply but Ann interjected again, this time, a little hurt. “I’m Lu Han’s girlfriend. Why is he marrying Xiao Shan?”

“They think Xiao Shan’s a better choice.” Ann opened again but her father continued hurriedly. “This isn’t just a decision made by me or Lu Han’s parents. It’s the board of directors as well.”

“But… but I’m Lu Han’s girlfriend! Am I a bad choice?! Am I not good enough?!” Ann demanded heatedly, her tears pooling around her eyes. She turned to her mother for support. “I can be a better woman! Why are they doing this?”

“Honey, it’s not you…” Mrs. Lee consoled her. She rushed forward to pull her daughter into her arms, caressing her hair as Ann broke down in her hug. She kept her gaze steady on Xiao Shan, watching how the younger daughter took the news.

Beyond anyone’s expectations, she was holding it very well. Standing rooted to the ground, she asked her father calmly, “Did you try to talk to them, change their minds?”

Her father nodded. He, more than anyone, knew the implications of this marriage. Ann and Lu Han were very much in love and like all in love couples, would do anything to be together. If his daughter, Xiao Shan, was to be thrown into the equation, she would be the third wheel. She would be the reason the balance is broken.

“And they still think I’m a better choice, because I am who I am.” She was talking about the issue of her background, of course.

“Then here’s my answer: I, Lee Xiao Shan, am not a pawn. If none of you learn from your past lessons then try to proceed with the plan. If one death is not enough in your life then marry me off to Lu Han.” And she stormed out of the room.

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Here's another update... And I just realized something. This story is slowly getting to the darker side. Initially, I didn't plan it to be so. If you (readers) have any suggestions to the story, please let me know. I'm slowly losing ideas. 
And as usual, comments and subscribers are most welcomed!! I need improvement~ ^^