(Two Months Later...)

“But why couldn’t mom come back? It’s my wedding!” Ann whined to her father who was going through his stacks of document in the study room. “What is so important? And where did mom go?”

Mr. Lee sighed, removing his glasses and rubbed the area between his eyes tiredly. He looked up at his daughter and shook his head. “Look Ann, I know you need your mom’s advice and help for the wedding. But we have already hired several wedding planners and that’s what they are for. You can ask for their help. Your mom just needs some time alone after Xiao Shan’s ‘incident’.”

He had refused to use the word ‘death’. Mr. Lee was by no means conservative man but he didn’t want to curse his daughter.

“Is mom with Xiao Shan? Where did they go?”

“Your mom went for a vacation by herself. As for Xiao Shan, you know we are not supposed to bring it up again. She chose to leave for your sake so you should appreciate that.” Ann made a face.

“I know she’s doing it for my sake but mom has been gone for more than two month now. I need her too,” she tried again. “At least let me tell Lu Han. He feels guilty.”

However, her father snapped sharply at her. “And risk having the secret blown? He doesn’t need to know and you will not bring this up again. Your mom will be back when she’s ready.”

“But…”

“No buts, Ann,” her dad said with finality.

Ann pouted angrily and stomped her feet out of the room. Once Mr. Lee was satisfied that he heard the front door slammed shut, he picked up the cell he has hidden underneath his file. He sighed again.

“You heard that?”

“Ann is just a little spoilt. I’m sure she’ll understand,” Mrs. Lee replied sadly from the other end. “Is everything not going smoothly for the wedding?”

“Oh, everything is perfect,” Mr. Lee answered sarcastically. “Ann keeps bugging me about you and your whereabouts, the wedding planners keep changing the details, the groom…” He stopped and leaned back into his high leather chair.

“Lu Han thinks it’s his fault and he has been asking me about Xiao Shan,” he continued.

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him that she has been unstable these past years and it was just the last draw. She took sleeping pills and committed suicide, just like her mom. It isn’t his fault and he should just concentrate on the wedding.”

“And did he buy it?”

“He insisted on seeing her body but I told him I cremated it. I feel sorry for the kid. He’s such a nice guy.”

It’s Mrs. Lee’s turn to sigh. “He’ll get over it.”

“What about Xiao Shan? How is she doing there? Is everything alright there?”

“She has been holed up in her room since we got here. She didn’t say it but I know she misses home.” She was silent for a while. Then she resumed, “I think she misses Lu Han.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, she has never actually admits it but I think she likes Lu Han. But because he’s dating Ann, she kept quiet about it. They have always been close and Lu Han has always been caring to her. She is always happier when with Lu Han.”

He made a sound of disbelief. There’s so much that he didn’t know and understand about his youngest daughter. Shutting his eyes guiltily, he asked, “Did you ask her about it?”

“You know she will never say anything if she makes up her mind about it. She has given up. Let’s not hurt her by bringing it up.”

“The wedding is in a month. Can you come back for it?”

“I don’t know. She cried a lot when we first arrived but now she just sits around the house not talking. I try to take her out more, meet new people and join some classes. She’s slowly improving.”

“I don’t know how to answer Ann if you’re not back for the wedding. She’s really getting out of hands these days.”

“I will try to make it back. Xiao Shan has not been feeling well too so I’m a little worried.”

“She’s not feeling well? Is it because she’s not used to the place and food? Or is it because of the weather? Vancouver has been chilly these days so you two should take care.”

“No, it’s just that she has been vomiting since yesterday. Maybe it’s the food that she’s not used to. Plus she’s not eating much so she’s weak. I’ll take her to the doctor later.”

“Alright, call me once you’ve seen the doctor. And take care, both of you.”

“I will, don’t worry,” she assured him. After wishing him goodbye, she closed her phone. Turning to look out of the living room window, she saw her daughter sitting at a bench outside the garden.

Xiao Shan sat staring out to the distant, the sweater her mother insisted she wears whenever she goes out lay forgotten on her lap. It wasn’t that cold in her mind. Besides, she welcomed the cold wind. It wakes her up and calms her down.

“Xiao Shan…” She turned when she heard her mother called. Smiling, she opened to answer that she’s fine sitting out. But her mother added, “We need to talk.”

“About what, mom?” she asked softly while was getting up to her feet to return to the confines of the new home.

“It’s about the child you are carrying now,” Mrs. Lee answered grimly. “And the father…”

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I updated again~  I'm so bored out of my mind now so I've decided to update another chapter. Hehehe... And this time with sort of a cliffhanger, but anyone would have guessed the father. -_-;; Complicates the entire situation now. 

I'm glad to see a few readers are rooting for Luhan. ^^ To be honest, he's my bias in EXO so lots of love for him!! <3  One reader mentioned about Ann's character and her possible turn in the future. I won't reveal much but I can say that Ann is like the most of us, an average girl who wants people to love and care for her. May seem a little selfish but who can really be like Xiao Shan? 

And as always, if you like this story, or have any suggestions or critics, please leave me lots of comments~