Ella woke up early in the morning seeing Selina still asleep.
She made breakfast and when she was done, Selina came down the stairs smelling the aroma.
RING RING RING
“Hello?” Pong answered the phone. “yes, Mistress.” Pong handed Ella the phone.
“Hello?” Ella answered.
“Honey? I know this is kind of sudden but your dad as a party for the Wu Company for his big success, and he wants you to go no matter what. He’s coming to pick you up 7 o’clock at night. Make sure you’re ready!!”
“Wait---what? Why?”
“He has a surprise for you.”
Ella already had an idea what the surprise was.
Chun.
“Ma, I can’t go I have plans with Selina.” she lied.
“Well, Selina’s coming with you, so don’t worry. Ok? Seven o’clock be ready!!” her mother shouted and hung up the phone.
Ella slammed the phone down, which scared Selina.
“El, what’s wrong?” Selina asked.
“My dad’s having a party for the company and he wants me to go.”
“and why is that a problem?”
“Chun’s boss of that thing!! If it’s for the company then he would be there and if I’m there--”
“Oh, I get it. You just want to avoid him.”
“Well, I’m not going to lie about that.”
Selina smiled. “Come on, if Chun’s throwing you a party, as a wife you should go.”
She had a point there.
As a wife she still had a duty to do.
She finally nodded in agreement to go after a few minuets of thinking.
“let’s go find you something to wear tonight.” Selina said and dragged her upstairs.
---
The car beeped loudly exactly at Seven.
Selina rushed down the stairs and squealed as she saw Mong outside of the limo parked in front of the doors.
“Ella!! Your fathers’ here!!” She yelled.
Ella came down feeling comfortable and contented.
Selina let Mong into the house and opened his jaws when he saw his daughter.
“Ella? You’re wearing that?!” he asked
Ella just smiled.
“What’s wrong with dress pants and a suit jacket? I think it looks rather nice, dad.” Ella said.
Yes, indeed she was in dress pants and a jacket suitable for a secretary.
“But honey, you should wear something more--girly. Like Selina, here.” Mong pointed to Selina in her yellow, glittery dress that flowed to her knees.
“Dad, I’m married. Wouldn’t it look rude to Uncle and Auntie Wu if they saw me there in something like that?”
Ella had a point there, but still --she looked more like she was going to work than to a party.
---
The party was held at the same auctioning place where Jiro and Selina first met.
Ella’s face sadden when she remembered her first kiss with Chun on the very floor that she walked upon.
She all of the sudden didn’t want to be there anymore.
It only made her miss Chun more.
And made her feel even more guilty for leaving him.
She was in a deep whole that she dug up herself and now, how was she suppose to get out of it?
She was interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Tank! Hi!” Ella said with a smile.
“You’re here.” Ella nodded.
“Hi, Jade.” Ella said giving her a hug.
“Hi Ella. I’m glad you came back to Taiwan.”
“Well, I couldn’t miss your wedding.” Ella replied. “So, got all your invitations done?”
“Well, Jade wants a small party. Possibly only family members.”
“I don’t like having a lot of people around, it’s just--weird.” Jade replied.
Ella just nodded and changed the subject.
Ella so far has talked to everyone at the party and her cheeks hurt from faking smiles so much.
She was surprise that she didn’t see Chun.
Not that she wanted to see him but still--he was the boss, and he was no where in sight, until--
“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please…” It was Mong on the stage with the microphone. “I’m am very pleased to have you all come here. And as you know we are having this celebration because of our success here today. As owner, I am especially honored to say that I can not be more proud of a team such as you guys right now…” Mong continued his speech until he introduced Chun.
Chun?
Ella paid close attention to this part.
He had gotten skinnier but gained more muscles, she noticed.
“Hello everyone. I’m very glad that you all could make it here today to come and celebrate our success. Without each and every one of you, we wouldn’t be here. I know through out this year, we had many rough times and sad even, but most days we came here with a smiling face, and a positive attitude that helped us get here. I can not thank you guys enough because you have made me a very happy and I will try my best to reciprocate that appreciation….”
Ella was told to stay at the party for her big surprise.
And she did.
Although she didn’t really want the surprise, what ever it was.
She just wanted to go home.
She was beginning to miss America.
---
“Well, as we all are leaving soon, I want to make one last announcement.” Mong said.
“Now, all of you guys can tell how old I am already--” there were few laughters scattered the audience. “so, from now on. I am retiring from this job,” there were more groans from the audience. “But don’t worry, I have found a suitable replacement.” He looked straight at Chun, who was confused.
“My daughter, Wu Chen Jia Hua.”
