Loving You: A Blessing or a Curse?

Chris had been watching Su Lian the entire meeting, silently observing her expression.

"Ms. Su please think about it." A short man with balding, gray hair said.

"We will hold another meeting in three days after you have made your decision."

The meeting ended and all the members of the board dispersed.

Just as Su Lian was about to leave, Chris called her into his office.

"Lian, have a seat." Chris pulled out the chair in front of his desk and sat down opposite her. He poured her a cup of coffee and started chatting with a warm smile on his face.

"How is little Michael?"

"He is doing well and he misses you a lot. You promised you would take him fishing, he hasn't forgotten."

Chris chuckles lightly.

"I almost forgot, I 'll be sure to make some time for that."

Su Lian smiles in return and takes a sip of her coffee. They are silent for a short while until Chris asks a question:

"What are you running from?"

Su Lian stiffens and her hand holding the coffee mug freezes.

"W-what are you asking? I don't understand."

"When the board members proposed that you be the interim-president of our China branch, you seemed mortified. Is there something or someone over there making you hide here?"

"No, I just don't want to travel so far, it would be inconvenient."

Chris clearly didn't believe her because he continued to ask more questions.

"Are you in danger? Is there someone after you in China?" Chris' voice becomes serious. "If there is something wrong I promise, I will protect you."

"No, I'm not in danger. I'm fine."

"Then what really is the problem? Why did you come to America?"

Su Lian was in a bind, she really didn't want to lie to Chris. In the four years that she has known him, he has treated her like a daughter and never once doubted her or asked why she had left China alone while being pregnant.

"I can't say, but it's nothing serious. I just wanted a fresh start."

Chris stares at her face and she doesn't seem to be lying, but he notices that she looks uncomfortable.

"Did you leave because of Micheal's father?"

Su Lian looks down without replying. Chris is not an idiot, he can put two and two together.

"I won't force you to take on the position, but you really are the best candidate."

Su Lian breaths a sigh of relief.

"I hope you take some time to think about it before you give your answer. A simple yes or no will do, you won't need to give an explanation for your choice."

Su Lian nods and stands up to leave. As she walks to the door, Chris' mellow voice sounds in her ears.

"There are some things that you can't run from, no matter how far you go. There are also some things that shouldn't be delayed. The sooner you face them, the better."

She glances back at him before walking out sighing to herself.

Her mother had someone who admired so much, but she ended up with her scum of a father. Maybe like her mother, she was also doomed with love.