21 Split, Croatia 1

July 9, 20xx

Split, Croatia

"It's beautiful to watch you eat. Especially when----" he intentionally stopped and his gaze landed to her front.

Instantly killing that wonderful moment in the kitchen.

Anger flared inside her and asked him "When what? Why don't you finish it?"

"Never mind."

Because of his answer, she didn't know if she'll laugh or continue being angry. Particularly, when he looked pensive as he ate in silence.

After the meal, the quietness was broken by her question "When will we join the cruise?"

"Tomorrow morning"

"Will we be joining your family then?"

He made no attempt to answer her question and left her in the living room to answer his ringing phone at the balcony.

She wanted to repeat the question but let him go in the end. She fairly remember him saying they'll join his family in the cruise ship.Truth to be told, she felt a bit edgy with the thought of meeting them and pretend to bea loving couple who married after a whirlwind romance.She is dubious if her acting can pull it off. Plus, she finds it difficult to lie to people.

Pondering on it, she reminded herself there was no turning back now.

She agreed. Hence, the best thing to do is to make the best out of it.

Brushing all her apprehensions away, she entered the bedroom and change.

"Since we won't leave till tomorrow, I might as well go out and visit two places in my bucket list. " she murmured to herself.

In addition to that ecstatic expression written all over her face, her voice had a trace ofexhilarationsimilar to a happy child, getting what he wanted.

In her mind, Asia had been a wonderful trip and she is anticipating what Europe will bring her.The contrast between the two continents are evident in terms of architecture, culture, food and people.She's itching to write this difference so people can learn from it even if they've never left their home.

When the doctor gave her diagnosis, it was a complete downer. The dejected feeling was incomparable to anything. At that time, she believed she'll never be able to do what she wanted. But fast forward three months, she wanted to congratulate herself for starting the journey.

For being brave enough.

But not all people who are battling illness are like her.

One, travelling requires money at most but she's lucky to have the resources. Two, there are numerous difficulties a patient faces, although this is completely dependent to the person's disease. Fatigue for one and the availability of medications and treatments. The former is the reason why she limits herself and settles with 2-4 hours outside. Whereas the latter, if you have money, getting treatment is possible anywhere. However, doctor's approval is needed which she got.

Although you were given a go signal, precautionary measures are to be followed strictly which she had been adhering to on the dot.

In the hopes of giving these people a chance to see the beauty outside the four walls of the hospital or wherever they are, she started her blog with an anonymous identity. She has no intention of divulging personal details to protect herself.

What's fame compared to safety? Truth to be told, she felt uneasy being on the spotlight which is another fear she wanted to overcome.

**

These were all in her head as she checked her outfit in front of the mirror.To avoid getting too much sun exposure, she wore a light blue long sleeved shirt tucked inside a pleated white midi skirt. Finishing her getup were a pair of white converse shoes for comfortable walking. Only crazy women would wear heels while wandering around as a tourist like she'd seen other people do.She styled herlong, wavy brown hair into side French braid adding to that relaxed vibe in her appearance.

Feeling satisfied with the ensemble, she took her sling bag and left the room.

When the idea of not having a camera to snap photos crossed her mind, it took a bit of that excitement away in her as she was excited to wander around this town on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast which is surrounded by beautiful beaches and it's known for it's Roman architectural remains.

She gave out a low sigh before telling herself 'It's fine. There's your phone.'

Outside, Li Jie ended the call with a unreadable face. It appeared his father paid no heed to his warning and went to make waves.Li Hong announced news of his first born son's engagement to the media. What's more, he gave misleading information by providing pictures of them together which are circulating online. Now, the press is reporting that he and that woman are vacationing in Italy.

In fact, the photo was taken a day before Gavin and Alissa's engagement day when he accompanied his brother's girlfriend to shop for a gift for Gavin. As they were coming out of shop, Alissa was pushed by another customer and in reflex, he pulled to save her from falling.

But because of the angle when it was taken, it showed like he was hugging her.

To counter his father, he let his PR Manager and lawyer deal with it.

He would have ignored it like he usually does. After all, the news would die down after a few days and would be replaced with another person's scandal which is the downside of being famous, camera's follow your every move.

However, he is now married. He has no desire of being at odds with his wife.Thus, he must find a way to explain to her.

**

Coming out from the bedroom, Yan Shi caught a glimpse of his gloominess and wondering, she asked in concern "What's wrong?"

The man's piercing turned to her direction and that radiance he sawon her, swept away all that anger that started to build after receiving the call.

Not wanting to worry her, he replied "Nothing."

'Something was definitely wrong. ' she suspected.

This the first time she'd seen anger on his face. As most of the time, in front of her, he had that wide smile plastered on hiswhich she finds irritating at times.

Since it's meaningless to keep on prodding, she let him be.

"Going out?" he asked which earned an-are-you-seriously-asking-me-that-question squint from her.

Obviously she was,just looking at her get up.

He chuckled in amusement.

That's the reason why he liked teasing his wife, for her funny expressions and most importantly, the rise and fall of her front is a beautiful sight to behold. Especially, when she's angry.

"Wait for me. I'll go with you." he said while dashing to the room to change.

A crease formed on her forehead.'Why is he entering my bedroom?'

She made a mental note to ask him later.

When he returned, her eyes widened with his attire, making that tiny little mole on her skin appear bigger.

Seconds later, her childlike giggles filled the room.

***********************************************

A glimpse of the next chapter....

Yan Shi stirred. She vaguely sensed something moving. Then realization hit her, she was at sea.

She sprinted out of the cabin and to the deck.

In her haste, she never saw Li Jie coming down the stairs, bumping on him on the process. Good thing he was quick that he stretched his hand to hold her before she will roll down that narrow steps.

"Careful wife." he warned.

When she became aware of the man's closeness, she wiggled out from his support.But instead of letting her go, he lifted her in a princess carry and walked up.

Yan Shi found her self leaning to get a whiff of his masculine scent rather than getting mad at him.

'It's really mild to the nose'

The moment she was on the deck, she got off quicklyand ran like a child to the railings with happiness radiating from her.

"This is so cool!" she shouted as she spread her arms wide open on the side and let the cool summer breeze touch her face.

*********************

Tidbit of Info

(1) Split - is the second largest city in Croatia after the capital, Zagreb.To travel from the capital to Split, it takes about 4 hours by land and an hour by air.

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Extra:

LJ: (Whispering) What schemes have this evil plotted against me this time?