My One-Sided Love

9. Senior

San Lu walked into his office and was taken aback to find his father, Mr. Lu, already present. The unexpected visit without prior notice surprised him. Mr. Lu glanced at his son with a cold gaze before his eyes fell upon the injured palm. Ignoring the injury, he motioned for San Lu to sit across from him. San Lu unbuttoned his coat and sat down, his face devoid of any emotion.

"I understand that you are occupied with the business, but there are important matters that you have been neglecting," Mr. Lu began. San Lu knew exactly what his father was referring to.

"I have spoken to Mr. Black regarding your marriage to Lily Black," Mr. Lu continued, while San Lu cast his eyes downward, fixating on his impeccably polished black shoes.

"We need to initiate the mine project as soon as possible, and marriage is necessary for that. I believe you should register the marriage, and then we can arrange a grand reception," Mr. Lu stated matter-of-factly.

San Lu raised his gaze, his eyes cold as he addressed his father, "Dad, can you give me some time? I am working on..."

"I cannot," Mr. Lu interjected firmly, not allowing San Lu to finish his sentence. "You have already wasted two months, and now time is running short. Moreover, we have already established a deal with the Black Group. They are the second leading company after Lu Corporation, and you must be mindful of the relationship between the two companies."

San Lu lowered his eyes, feeling a surge of panic and frustration coursing through him. He clenched his teeth tightly, trying to compose himself.

"Tomorrow, you will register the marriage with Lily Black," Mr. Lu declared, leaving no room for negotiation. San Lu closed his eyes tightly, struggling to contain his emotions.

"Prepare a guest list and send out the invitations for the reception two days from now," Mr. Lu commanded, rising from his seat. He turned to leave the cabin but halted abruptly, glancing back at his son.

"Matthew, remember... I expect no mistakes from you," he warned, his voice laced with authority.

With those words, Mr. Lu exited the cabin, leaving San Lu to sink back into the couch. He leaned his head against the backrest, his mind heavy with the weight of his responsibilities. Assistant Harry entered the cabin, addressing him respectfully.

"President," Harry began, "the chairman asked me to consult you on the selection of the invitation format. Please take a look." He extended a tablet toward San Lu, who opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling with tired, bloodshot eyes. His heart felt burdened, and his chest constricted with pain.

"Choose what you deem appropriate," San Lu replied in a heavy voice, his gaze distant. He dismissed Harry, who hastily exited the cabin. San Lu was left alone with his thoughts, grappling with the choices that lay before him, as his world seemed to close in around him.

…

The sudden slam of the door startled Mona Daly, causing her to instinctively hold her chest in fear. Standing up from the bed, she peered into the darkness, her voice trembling as she called out, "Who is there?" A silhouette of a man stood at the bedroom door, casting an ominous presence. As he closed the door behind him and approached, a strong scent of alcohol permeated the room, sending shivers down her spine.

"Who are you?" she asked once more, her voice still quivering. The man remained silent, studying her for a moment before tossing his coat onto the couch and heading straight for the balcony. Mona Daly swallowed nervously and cautiously made her way to the balcony to see the man who had just entered. As she caught sight of his back, relief washed over her, and she shook her head helplessly.

San Lu, exhausted and disoriented, lit a cigarette for himself and stumbled onto the couch. Mona Daly joined him on the balcony, quietly taking a seat beside him. San Lu smoked in the air, avoiding eye contact for a while. In a heavy voice, he muttered, "Why isn't my life just mine?"

Mona Daly observed his sweaty face, feeling a peculiar sense of empathy towards him. Adorned with a golden chain around his neck and a matching golden watch, his appearance exuded wealth. What could possibly trouble a man like him and render him so sad and pitiful?

"Mona," San Lu uttered, his bloodshot eyes meeting hers. He tightly grasped her hand, resting on her thigh, and gazed deeply into her eyes. "I miss you, too," he confessed, leaning his head against her chest. Mona Daly was taken aback, her palms instinctively caressing the back of his head. Why was he missing her?

"Mona," he repeated, closing his eyes and embracing her tightly. Mona Daly remained speechless, her mind in a haze, as she continued to stroke his head. In his presence, she no longer felt like he was just another client. There was a connection between them, one that transcended their roles, leaving her bewildered yet strangely comforted.

As the dawn broke, the chilly air enveloped the balcony. San Lu opened his eyes and discovered himself lying on the couch, with Mona Daly asleep beside him, holding him tightly. Raising his head from her chest, he gazed at her serene, pale face. Despite the cold, their bodies radiated warmth. Slowly, he adjusted himself, his thoughts drifting to the quilt that covered them both. It was clear to him that he had stumbled onto the couch in a drunken haze. Perhaps, after he had drifted off to sleep, she had brought the quilt to keep him comfortable and then embraced him once more. San Lu sighed, cradling the woman in his arms, and silently carried her into the bedroom. He tenderly laid her on the bed, carefully tucking her in with the quilt. Seated at the edge of the bed, he gazed at her delicate, fair countenance, captivated by her presence.

…

"S-Senior..." Mona Daly rushed towards San Lu, her eyes glistening with tears, and clung to him tightly. Being younger than him, her head only reached his stomach. He bent down, meeting her gaze, and spoke in a deep and low voice.

"Are you sad?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. Mona Daly raised her eyes, filled with sadness.

"Don't go. I will miss you," she pleaded, her voice trembling. San Lu smiled warmly, gently wiping away her tears before cradling her face in his hands.

"You're a brave girl, Mona. You should never cry," he reassured her, his voice deep and soothing. "I have to continue my studies and become a capable man. Promise me you'll study well and become a capable girl. Do you understand?"

Mona Daly blinked her eyes, looking deeply into his gaze. In her eyes, he appeared as a prince charming.

"When you become a capable man, will you marry me?" she asked, her voice filled with hope. San Lu smiled and nodded slowly.

"Then I'll study hard and become a capable girl. I'll support you, and we'll live together forever," she declared, her smile shining brightly. San Lu gazed at the innocent girl before him, his heart torn between staying with her and the need to pursue his dreams.

…

San Lu sighed, his palm resting gently on her soft cheeks. Regret filled his heart as he realized that he shouldn't have left her and gone abroad. If only he had stayed, perhaps she wouldn't have ended up in this business. But there was no time for dwelling on what-ifs. Today, he had to register for marriage with Lily Black. He needed to be strong and composed, for he knew dealing with Lily would require all his wit and intelligence.

…

Mona Daly woke up to find him gone, as always. She sighed, her gaze shifting to the desk where two bundles of money lay. One for last night, and one for the night before. Closing her eyes tightly, she knew the routine: wash up, get dressed, go home, and someone would come to collect the money.

…

Under the scorching sun, Lily Black observed San Lu engrossed in a lengthy phone call. Mrs. Peng, noticing his preoccupation, leaned closer and whispered in a hushed tone, "Seems like he's quite busy with work." A proud smile graced Lily's face as she admired her newlywed husband's figure. San Lu, tall and handsome, exuded an air of elegance in his black suit. Having just registered their marriage, Lily radiated with joy.

Mr. Black, glancing at his watch and then at Mr. Lu, interjected, "Mr. Lu, the marriage registration is complete. Shall we discuss the diamond mine project?" Mr. Lu beamed in response, expressing his enthusiasm. San Lu, having finished his call, approached them with a cold gaze, fully comprehending his father's intentions.

"Don't worry, son-in-law. We'll excuse you early today, considering it's your first night after marriage," Mr. Black joked. However, San Lu turned away, entering the car with a stoic demeanor. Mrs. Black embraced her daughter, and they departed for the Lu Mansion to prepare for the upcoming party.

Inside the car, Mrs. Peng glanced at Lily, her smile tinged with sarcasm. "Do you truly believe San Lu is happy after marrying you?" she remarked.