Burning Passion

CHAPTER 275: SHE'S HERE

* * *

In the next few days, Harry and Steven talk to one of the most trusted men in their family. 

"Mr. Hans... What did you find out?" asked Harry. He took his service to investigate the people that pursued to abduct Lucy.

"Young masters, I asked around in Chinatown. I learned they are paid people by Julius Tan," Jim Hans reported.

"Who is that?" asked Steven curiously.

Jim Hans fixed his glasses as he answered, "He is the adopted brother of Simon Tan, Miss Lucy's grandfather." 

"Okay. Simon Tan, is the original heir of the Tan Household? When he was arranged to marry another woman, he eloped with his girlfriend. Simon had a son, Randolph Tan, Lucy's father. If they want the original heir to come back… Why do they have to force her to come to China?" 

"Before Simon died, he told his son not to let Lucy be part of the trash rich family system, the arranged marriage." 

"Okay, then! They arranged whose family Lucy would marry?" 

"Julius Tan's grandson..." 

Steven slammed his hand on the table. "Bullshit! They want to keep all the Tan's wealth to themselves!" 

"I think so too. They want Lucy married to their family to remain their authority of all Tan's assets and properties," Harry concurred. He added, "Mr. Hand, please notify the men to watch all the movements of Tan's men. Don't let these men roam around freely. Report to us immediately and don't let them come near any of the Shang properties. You know what you need to do, Mr. Hans." 

"Understood, young masters." 

From that day, the Shang men have been eyeing Julius Tan's people who are wandering around New Jersey and New York to find Lucy. One time, as they cross paths, a fight arises. The Shang men drove the Tan's men out of New Jersey and even warned them not to step in New York. 

One afternoon, Harry told Seth and Lucy that they could go back to school. And nothing to worry about now. Those men won't dare anymore to harm them as long as they were in New Jersey. 

Harry was in deep thoughts when Kristina came back with a mug in her hand. 

She offered, "Have some coffee."

"Thank you," said Harry. He draws the mug into his mouth and sips the coffee.

Kristina never takes her eyes away from Harry's handsome face. He noticed it, he asked, "Is something dirt on my face?" he teased.

Shook her head, Kristina threw her arm around Harry's waist and rested her head on his chest. 

"I'm just happy and proud of you." 

"Hm?" Harry once again sips his coffee, he places the mug on the table to avoid spilling it on Kristina. He asked, "Why is that? Did I do something terrific?" 

"Of course, you did! You help Lucy with her situation. Thank you for doing this for her." 

"Ah. They are our friends. Of course, I can't just sit around." 

"Yes! And you are their mighty big brother!" Kristina cheered. 

Harry chuckled. He held Kristina on the chin and covered her lips with his. It was a long, gentle kiss. 

~ ~ ~

The first week of February, Seth celebrates his 18th birthday. Harry throws a barbecue party for him, which the guy cries in happiness. 

"Hey, what are you doing?" Harry was looking for Kristina, he found her in the kitchen putting the icing on the cake. He places his arm around her shoulder, pulls her closer, and places a kiss on her lips. 

The kiss takes several moments. When Harry parted from her, Kristina gasps for air. She bites her lower lip and gape at Harry lovingly. Until now, she couldn't believe that she was Harry's girlfriend. 

They always go on a date since then; watch a movie, and share endless kisses. But that's all. Harry is such a gentleman. He didn't take advantage of her or give a hint he wants to have sex with her.

And yet, she was too happy. That's all she needed. Although Harry never told her the words I Love You... She's content that Harry treats her well. He is the perfect boyfriend she could not ask for more. 

Harry lowered his head to kiss her again, but then they heard Seth shouting loud in the pool area. The birthday celebrant was too happy, pushing Lee and Ash on the pool, which the two froze. But then heavy rain poured down. 

They moved to the living room to continue the party. It was the time Kristina and Harry brought out the cake, and Seth blew the candle; the mansion's main door opened. Steven stepped inside with a wide smile across his face. 

"Look who's here!" He announced, step aside to let the person behind him show herself.

"Nina!" Harry burst out. 

And the moment Harry had a glimpse of the person stepping inside the house, he let go of her hand. Kristina helplessly watches Harry's hand resting on his side. Of course, it won't require a high IQ to not understand what's going on. 

Sadness flashed in her eyes, Kristina concealed her emotion but pasted a smile across her face. 

'She's here…' her heart sigh sadly. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

The moment she steps inside the mansion, her eyes sweep in the entire living room to find Harry. And there he is… standing next to him is a beautiful blue-green eyed woman. She doesn't need to guess; she is Kristina. 

Nina smiled at everyone in the living room before she settled her gaze toward Harry. She nods at him, but her eyes fix on Kristina. 

"Hi!" she greeted Kristina, who greeted her in return cheerfully. 

"Hello, Nina!" 

Hearing that she knows her name, Nina turns her head to Steven with curious eyes. She wonders if he told them she is coming as an exchange student. But why does Harry seem surprised seeing her? 

Seth answered Nina's puzzlement when he burst out. "Pretty, sister Nina, welcome! Brother Steven talking about you a lot!" 

Nodding at Seth, she glanced at Steven before her attention returned to the guy. A sweet smile tore on her lips and uttered, "I see… Thank you for the warm welcome." 

Everyone seems intimidated by her presence as they all just remained to eye her. Steven placed one arm around her waist and said, "Let's take a seat." 

She nodded and let him guide her to the sofa. Ash and Lee quickly emptied the couch they were seated at; Nina politely thanked them, which made the two boys blush. 

Emily and Vanessa shared glances, but they didn't think ill about Nina. Her elegance and alluring beauty mesmerized them. Her movement is graceful. Her skin was so smooth, and the way she carried her clothes is truly a fashion icon! 

They saw her in Val's magazine, the February issue. She was too pretty in those clothes. She looks like a princess to meet her in person! 

Lucy, on the other hand, her mouth stays open in awe. She never met someone as pretty as Nina before. She only came back to her senses when Seth whispered to her. 

"She's really pretty, isn't she?" 

Lucy nodded in agreement. 'No doubt! She thinks, too!' 

Once she was seated, Steven introduced one by one to her. 

"I'll go get you a glass of warm water." 

While Steven was in the kitchen, a loud voice echoed in the mansion.

"Nina?" 

Every head turned to the door and shot a look at the person who just arrived.