Chapter 58: Marriage Plan

It was the most wonderful dinner in my life, and I learned from him how to eat shrimp and crabs and drink wine together. Compared to beer, the taste of red wine was something else.

It was pleasant to watch the wine shaking in the glass with a brilliant, ruby red luster. It was delicate and fine, sweet and mellow, the same as the feeling of his kiss. As I glanced at his lips, my heartbeat went up rapidly.

"There is such exquisite wine in the world, no wonder you like it," he said. Then he shook his head. I was used to drinking white wine and beer, especially with my elder brother. We were excited by the intoxicating alcohol, thinking the whole world belonged to us. However, since he passed away, I drank red wine to refresh myself, reminding myself that I am just an ordinary being."

"I'm sorry!" he said.

"Never mind. I've been used to it for years," I said.

The apology was meant for my father. My father did indeed do something wrong, his betrayal not only killed Harvey Milk but also destroyed Jonathan. Based on my understanding of Jonathan, he would not kill innocent people indiscriminately.

"Desiree, will you leave me, too?" he looked at me anxiously and continued, "When I went to pick you up today, I heard your teacher say that you had been away for a long time. I thought you had left me."

"I won't go," I assured him. I looked at my fingers, the diamond ring shining through the darkness in my heart. "I will stay with you no matter what happens," I said.

"Until the day I died?" he asked, "Then let's get married tomorrow."

"Marry? Tomorrow?" I nodded impulsively, then said, "Instead of a wedding, I would prefer to travel to Europe for our honeymoon."

"Well! I'll take you on a honeymoon trip to Europe when we get our marriage certificate tomorrow."

"I will become Mrs. Li tomorrow!" I exclaimed. I couldn't believe it! I swore that I didn't care if he married me!

"Can I ask you a question? I said to him seriously, "Are you marrying me because you promised Desiree you would marry her?"

"What?" he choked on the wine, covering his lips with the napkin, then stared at me, speechless. "You... " he uttered.

"On my eighteenth birthday, you said that I was her substitute!" I reminded him.

"I didn't say that," he insisted. Finally, he recovered from the cough and breathed again, "You said it."

"But you give me her name, let me learn the piano, took me to the movies and the sea of flowers, including a romantic date, which was all the things she wanted," I boldly told him.

"I confess that I gave you her name to remember her and to pay back what I owe her. But as for the piano, it is because I like the tone of the piano, and I think it is the most charming and beautiful when a woman sits by the piano and plays!" he stated.

"What about the flowers and the romantic date?" I asked.

He rubbed his forehead and sighed, saying, "It was Troy's advice. He pretends to be a lady's man and criticizes my poor skills, saying that I only excel at flirting, but not loving. And he warned me not to tempt you with sex because a teenager girl's dream is romantic, with things like flowers, stars, or a warm sleep without lust. I thought it may work, so I tried it for you."

"No," I said shyly, "I like to be with you, it isn't a matter of romance or lust."

He looked at me, focusing on my answer. I drank another glass of red wine, so sweet and intoxicating. "I am yours. I'm trapped by you forever," I said.

"Goodnight!" he said when he took me to the door of my room after dinner, I let go of his arms reluctantly and kissed him on the cheek. "Have an early night," I said, "That's all."

I opened the door, smiled, and turned back to kiss his lips on my tiptoes. Not until he responded, did I run away with blushing cheeks. Leaning against the door, my heart was beating excitedly.

In the steamy bathroom, I lay in the tub. I missed his powerful embrace, wild kiss, and especially his deep growling when he was satisfied. When thinking of that feeling, I almost wanted to rush into his room.

If I burst into his room and climbed into his bed, what would he think? Perhaps he would tease me. I could not help lying on the edge of the bathtub, laughing sweetly. I didn't realize that I was such an erotic woman!

My brain was occupied with his masculine body. I sighed and lifted my head from the bathtub so that my whole body was surrounded by hot water.

It didn't matter who he was or how long I could love him, but the fact that I missed him so much, even after a few minutes.

I was eager to see what he's doing! "Was he thinking about me, too?" I wondered. I almost fell asleep, then I took a bath towel to wipe my body while opening the bathroom door.