Since She Met Lucian

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Lucian. But I really don't need it." He was her ex-husband and she knew that if they became close to each other, society would judge them harshly. And if they did become close, what would happen to Shelly? Being the second wife, did that make her the third party?

Lucian's disappointment pushed him back to his cold persona that she had not seen for a long time. His gentle and handsome face had melted away to his familiar detached composure. He still looked handsome but anyone who knew him for a long time would see the subtle differences in his countenance. He was not aware that it took all of her strength of will to maintain a certain distance between them; resisting all of his charms that made her weak. It was even harder than the time when she had to write the divorce agreement; something that she had to do because she had no other choice left.

Lucian was a man who never believed in love nor marriage. He ignored women who admired him and treated them with indifference before he met Amelia. But after he fell in love with her, he started to change himself little by little. He didn't want his usual cold and withdrawn self to hurt her in any way.

The crisis that shook the Zhan Group left him feeling guilty with what happened to Amelia. It made him think that he was a failure as a husband. He couldn't even keep their marriage. When he found out that Amelia was pregnant, he felt that God gave him another chance to make up for his failures. He therefore promised himself that he would never allow Amelia and her baby to suffer because of his losses.

Lucian never wanted forcing Amelia to accept his decisions. He was determined to find another way to convince her to accept his offer.

The aged landlady had to be confined to the hospital as ordered by the doctor. Thus, Amelia still lived in the courtyard. She made sure to go to the hospital to deliver her meal on time every day.

It had been a week since they last saw each other so Amelia decided to call Courtney. Courtney told her that she was at the store during daytime and went back to the Lin family in the evening after the store had closed.

After the incident that evening, Amelia thought that it would be a good idea for Courtney to move back with the Lin family. But it was a long way and it was tiring to walk all that way every day.

When the landlady was discharged from the hospital, Amelia decided to visit the shop early that afternoon.

When Amelia was close to the store, she was surprised to see that the door of the shop was closed. Her pace quickened until she reached the front of the store. There was a sign that hung in front of the store. The sign said that the shop would be closed for a week.

Amelia was shocked to read the sign. She suddenly felt worried for her friend. She took out her cell phone and immediately called Courtney to ask her what happened and if she was alright.

Her call got connected and Courtney's phone rang. It rang for a long time but no one answered. She decided to call one more time but no one answered. She gave up the call and slipped her phone back into her shoulder bag. She decided to open the door of the shop. So she took out her key and unlocked the door. A strong musty odor greeted her when she opened the door. She concluded that the shop had been closed for some time now.

She opened the door of the store widely and cleaned every corner that should be cleaned with clean water mixed with a mild cleaner. When she finished cleaning, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon and a lazy wind was playing with the leaves of the trees that lined the street.

The sun shone brightly outside the store. The rays of light created slanted columns through the canopy of bonsai trees. It wasn't a very hot day and the weather was very good.

The cool breeze that blew into the freshly cleaned shop made her feel relaxed. This was the kind of afternoon that was perfect for taking a nap.

Amelia picked some easy-listening music and had them on a playlist that played inside the shop. She then took out her notebook and reviewed the steps for making the drinks. When the first few guests started to come in, she took a deep breath, flashed her knockout smile and started taking orders.

"Wow, your milk tea is so delicious! The sign on the door said that you'd be closed for a week! I am glad that you decided to come back earlier!" a girl remarked happily. She sat in front of the bar counter and was rocking her head to the songs that played in the shop.

compliment from a customer was worth more than receiving an award. Their daily lives revolved around their

of our appreciation," Amelia said

with the free cake. She patted her chest and said, "I will

in high spirits. She glanced back at the sweet girl in front and she smiled. The girl reminded her of Courtney who also had the

their faces and a solemn vow to return. A few hours later, more people noticed that the store was open again. The people that entered the store increased steadily and Amelia started to feel fatigued. But her high spirits pushed her on. Like a race car that pushed itself further beyond its limits as it approached the finish line. She treated each customer with the same enthusiasm and care as with the

opened and hoped that Courtney would show up. With the number of customers steadily increasing, she

you finished my Vanilla Milk Cup yet? I've been waiting for it for more than ten minutes already,"

busy preparing the order to even turn her head. She took the order slip

that played inside the store and

up at the tall figure who stood in front of the bar.

rubbed some of the milky tea cup on her hand. She instinctively pulled the hand towel from the front pocket of her apron and wiped her hand with it. She continued with her work without replying back to the tall

Most of the ladies in the shop received their drinks without speaking a word. They never took their eyes off of Lucian long after he had passed them

"Look at him. He's even more handsome

themselves. He is very

married or not. I will go and ask for his phone number!" The other girls giggled in excitement as their friend got up and approached Lucian. She went in front of Lucian and spoke in a timid but gentle voice, "Excuse me, could you give me your

herself in Lucian's way. The tray in Lucian's hand almost fell as he avoided colliding with the girl. Amelia heard

in school and a lot of men are chasing me but I am not interested in any of them. But I felt my heart beat faster when I saw you. I am doing this because of you. This is your fault." The girl's face immediately turned red. She grasped the bowknot

hard. Every student like you should keep that in mind.

common for girls to fall in love with an older man!" she replied back at Lucian. She fought hard against her shyness and said what was on her mind. She understood

watched them with

possible. I am already married." Lucian suddenly felt impatient. He

pointed at Amelia behind the counter. She wanted to know who Lucian's

looked nervous when she saw the girl pointing at her. She knew Lucian very well. If he agreed with the girl, she could end up with a lot of enemies.

It's her," Lucian replied with a confident tone of voice. He turned

who listened to the conversation turned and looked at Amelia. She suddenly felt the weight of everyone's stare and was

Lucian was obviously the one to blame. Amelia suddenly felt worried that students might stop coming to

"I won't...,"

stop coming here just because you are my wife." Before Amelia could react, Lucian moved to the counter and