40 Given My Blessing

????Characters:

(1) Trinette Li - grandmother

(2) Chairman Li - grandfather

(3) Alissa Jiang - chosen wife for Nick/ex- gf of Gavin

(4) Gavin Li - Nick's brother

(5) Li Hong - Nick and Gavin's father

(6) Wang Yiren - Li Hong's 2nd wife

(7) Anthony Chen - Nick's cousin

(8) Francine Tan - chosen wife by Trinette

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July 18, 20xx

Piraeus, Athens

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The family gathered in the large sitting room inside their grandparents' house in Greece. It is one of the three residences the Li's have in Europe.

Unknown to most people, Trinette's paternal grandmother comes from this Greek city. Another reason why Vivian chose this country as her wedding venue.

The Li matriarch frowned when her two grandsons didn't make an appearance at lunchtime. Gavin called to report, his flight was delayed and he won't arrive till tomorrow morning. While Nicholas informed her, they will stay in another place rather than being with them.

Of course, this news didn't bid well and it was amplified upon the sight of Alissa Jiang in her home.

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"What is she doing here?" her infuriated eyes were directed at her son upon their entry to the foyer.

"She is Li Jie's fiancee. Why can't she be here?" he replied, paying no mind to his mother's animosity.

Some eyebrows raised with his statement especially Julia and Anthony Chen who just learned the information now. Whereas Vivian and Karlie heard of this news already.

Francine Tan recognized the woman who was standing next to President Li. She gave her an angry stare. Up to now, her resentment never abated after the other wrangled the government project she had been working on for 3 months. At the mere sight of her, she's unable to hold off that anger. This wasn't the first time Alissa contended with her. Ever since, she took over the family business, their paths crossed frequently.

At the thought of this nemesis marrying into the Li's, she's very unsettled. However, the feeling immediately disappeared when she remembered that Nick is already married to Blythe. They've seen how much he loves his wife. Hence, it will be impossible for President Li to break them up.

In addition to that, Li matriarch apologized for inviting her and being unable to deliver what she promised to her, to become Mrs. Nick Li. In fact, she never had the intention of becoming Nick's wife. Even though commercial marriage might be her endpoint but still, she wants to marry for love like her parents. So when the French woman said sorry, there was no regret in her for missing this opportunity. Trinette's action meant she has already accepted Blythe to the family.

With this in mind, Francine smirked at Alissa.

Trinette stood and refused to acknowledge what her son said.

"We never agreed to this engagement."

"The announcements were already released by Li Group, Mother." he countered aggressively.

The old man gaped at his son icily for his rudeness to his own mother.

Li Hong ignored it and turned to everyone.

"The date has been decided. The wedding preparations are on the way."

This made old lady lose her composure and raised her voice, "Have you forgotten that Nicholas is already married?"

Alissa tried to cover the grasp that was about to come up her mouth however, she failed. She never heard of this from Uncle Li. Now, she wondered if this was the reason why he scheduled the dress fitting in advance.

Li Hong flustered in anger.

"We all know that you didn't agree to their marriage. Hence, a lawyer is working on their divorce."

Trinette's lips pursed tightly. She was speechless. She can't believe she gave birth to this son who wants to control everything related to Nick. Why is he so intent on making his own child unhappy?

It made her wonder if his controlling attitude is a result of how they raised Li Hong. It pains her to see how her child has grown.

But even so, she can never allow him to continue doing this. All she wanted is her grandchildren's happiness. Nothing more.

Even if she's not a hundred percent contented with Blythe, she's willing to negate the guidelines her grandmother-in-law set for the bride of the firstborn heir. These didn't matter as long as the two will be happy.

The 78-year-old woman tilted her head and contradicted him, "You are wrong. I have given my blessing to them already."

The self-centered smile that was plastered on his face disappeared. It was replaced with displeasure.

"The decision is mine to make. I am his father," he said.

"You've cast off that right when you started abusing your own child." Chairman Li put forth.

When Nick was 10, they found him barely breathing in the basement due to oxygen deprivation. His grandson was locked up by Li Hong for refusing to agree on his command.

"That is for his own good. Didn't you tell me, no Li should ever be a weakling?"

This thwarted ideal triggered Chairman Li's temper. Forgetting that there were non-family members around them, Chairman Li shouted angrily, "What good does killing your own son do?"

Li Hong opened his mouth to refute his father but was stopped by Chairman Li's words.

"What's more, a divorce will be impossible between the two. A huge stake is involved."

"What do you mean?"

"Your son --" he paused to catch his breath, "has made his wife the owner of the 35% shares you are interested in."

"Impossible!" he roared.

"He did. He signed a tight-clad document, making her inherit everything whether he dies or not. What's more, in case of her sudden death, this wealth will be reverted to the Foundation."

The last sentence was told in a form of warming. Nick was more perceptive of his own father's actions hence, he put it into New Hope, the Foundation that Trinette oversees. New Hope Foundation enforces a policy which states it will not allow refunds of donations. Hence, it would be impossible for Li Hong to move it, even if he files a lawsuit.

The implication of his father's words caused him to feel lightheaded. His heart tightened at the same moment. He clutched his chest and a second later, he was on the floor. The last thing he'd seen was his wife screaming.

✳✳✳

Three hours later, Li Hong was on the hospital bed in a stable condition. His wife, Wang Yiren was crying in one corner while Alissa pats her back, murmuring reassuring words.

"It will be alright."

Whereas Anthony Chen stood by the window, watching the people on the hospital grounds. He sent the other family member's who came after his uncle was rushed to the hospital.

"His heart rate is back to normal. But the more he drinks, the alcohol will weaken his heart muscles leading to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. If it continues, this may progress into heart failure." The doctor spoke after studying the test reports on his hand.

Wang Yiren wheezed upon hearing this. She reminded her husband many times, even emptying his wine cellar but he never budges. He is always complained of being unable to sleep if he doesn't drink a glass or two.

"What should we do?" Alissa sounded worried when she asked.

"It's better to put him in a detox program to repress his alcohol dependence." the doctor recommended.

After ten minutes of explaining, the doctor left.

Anthony followed him out.

Outside, he took out his phone and sent Nick a message.

✳✳✳

A vibrating phone prompted him to open his eyes.

Nick glanced at the digital clock. It says after 3.

The 2-hour sleep restored his sapped energy.

He checked the message before slowly getting off the bed, careful not to wake his wife. He adjusted the air conditioner's temperature before he headed to the balcony.

"What happened?" he inquired with a hint of worry in his voice.

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???? Tidbit of Info:

Refunding donations is entirely dependent on the laws that governs a country. Since it varies from one place to another, it might or might not be returned. However, if the Foundation's refund policy does not allow such action, getting it back will be impossible even with a lawsuit. (Source: A lawyer for a non-profit organization)