𝐃𝐘𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐘 ── 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔. ✔︎

𝟬𝟬𝟳.

THE MORNING LIGHT filtering through the windows made the mahogany art deco furniture in Su Yi's bedroom glow like amber, and Nick was shocked for a moment to see how tiny and frail his grandmother looked in the middle of her hospital bed, the machines clustered around her like an army of invading robots. It had been almost five years since he had seen her, and now a tremendous sense of remorse descended over him. How had he let so much time pass? He had lost five precious years because of a quarrel, because of his pride. As Nick approached her bed, he was temporarily at a loss for words.

Ramona stood by Nick's side for a moment, and then she announced in a gentle voice, "Ah Ma, here's Nicky."

Su Yi opened her eyes and gazed up at her grandson. Tien, ah. He looks more and more like his grandfather every day, she thought to herself. "You look even handsomer than before. I'm glad you haven't put on any weight. Most men put on weight after they get married-look how bloated Eddie has become."

The three cousins laughed a little, breaking the tension in the room. "We'll be back in a while," Astrid said, as both girls quietly slipped out through the bedroom door. No sooner had she closed the door behind her than Professor Oon entered Su Yi's sitting room.

"Good morning, Professor Oon," Ramona said cheerily, blocking his way.

The doctor was momentarily taken aback. He couldn't believe how she was dressed today. Holy Annabel Chong! She looked even sexier than he could have possibly imagined in the simple t-shirt and those bootylicious leggings. It was better than any Japanese-schoolgirl porn site. Was she wearing a sports bra under that shirt? Her body was a work of God. Recovering himself, Professor Oon put on his blasé, clinical tone. "Ah, Astrid, Ramona. Welcome back. I was just about to run the morning vitals on your grandmother."

"Oh, don't you think that can wait for a moment? Why don't you give me an update first, since I've been away? Ah Ma seems rather well this morning. Could her condition be improving?" Ramona asked

Professor Oon frowned. "It's possible. We put her on a new cocktail of beta-blockers, and she's benefited from a sustained period of rest."

"We're soooo grateful for all you've done," Astrid said warmly.

"Um, yah. After I look at her latest EKG, I'll be able to give you a more accurate prognosis."

"Tell me, doctor, have you heard of a specialist at St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston named David Scott? Dr. Scott has developed an experimental new treatment for congestive heart disease," Ramona continued, not letting him off the hook.

Wow, beauty and brains. A woman who can talk so seductively about heart disease, Professor Oon thought. That damn

Theodore Ling was one lucky prick. If only Ramona came from another family, if only she wasn't so bloody rich, she could be his mistress. He would set her up at his secret apartment at The Marq and watch her do laps, naked, in the pool all day.

As Su Yi's lady's maids stepped out of the bedroom, Adam and Piya walked into the sitting room and for a few seconds before the bedroom door closed saw their cousin Nick crouched by his grandmother's side.

Astrid waved from the settee where she was seated talking with Professor Oon. "Adam! It's so good to see you!"

"Oh Astrid, I'm sorry, I didn't see you over there. Piya, this is my cousin Astrid. She's Auntie Felicity's daughter."

"I've heard so much about you," Piya said with a smile.

"Was that Nicholas I saw in there with Ah Ma? We were just going to have a quick look-in before breakfast," Adam said.

"Nicholas Young?" Professor Oon said in alarm. "He's in the bedroom? But we are under strict orders not to-"

"Francis, hold that thought for one minute," Ramona said, placing her hand on his lap, her fingers almost grazing his inner thigh. The doctor trembled at her unexpected touch and immediately went mute. Ramona turned to Adam and Piya and said, "I'm sure Ah Ma would love to see you in a little while. She's doing much better this morning. Why don't you head down to breakfast first? I hear that Ah Ching is making her famous crepes."

"Ooh, I do love a good crepe," Piya said.

"Me too. And Ah Ching makes a special sauce of Belgian chocolate and Lyle's Golden Syrup to drizzle over them. Professor Oon, have you ever had chocolate-infused golden syrup drizzled over your crepes?"

"Er, no," the doctor said, sweat beginning to bead around his temples.

"Well, you must. In fact, why don't you join us right now? Let's all go down for some crepes. I'm sure the whole family would love to have an update from you about Ah Ma," Ramona said, getting up from the settee.

The four of them stood there, waiting for the doctor.

"Um, give me a minute," Professor Oon said sheepishly. He knew that there was no way he could stand up at that moment.