Overwhelming Care – OC 4

Lillian's 21st birthday was round the corner and Fu Kwan proposed holding a mini-party at the office. An unsuspecting Lillian agreed as she too felt that the occasion called for a little indulgence since it would mark her admission into adulthood. She left the preparation to Fu Kwan who promised to give her a surprise.

On the red letter day, Fu Kwan ushered Lillian into the conference room where the other agents had already gathered. As she entered, some of them applauded while others blasted her with string confetti. Lillian was overwhelmed by their spontaneity and enthusiasm. Amid the excitation, Fu Kwan revealed the birthday cake that he had custom-made. It was a 3-kg heart-shaped fruit cake lined with Lillian's favourite fruit – raspberry. Lillian was moved by what she saw but it was what was inscribed on the cake that awed her.

'Happy 21st Birthday, Lillian. Will you marry me?'

And before she could recover from the startle, Fu Kwan went down on one knee and presented her with a diamond ring. Everyone present was astounded by the sudden turn of event while Lillian was at a loss for word. The awkward silence was broken by some of the ladies when they burst into a chant.

'Marry him! Take the ring! Marry him! Take the ring!'

Though Lillian was in love with Fu Kwan, she wasn't ready for an early marriage. However, not wanting to embarrass him, Lillian accepted his ring and helped him back on his feet. While helping themselves to the wide spread of food, the guests were whispering among themselves. They were curious as to when and how the affair had started. Soon, they were cornering the couple and probing for details. Lillian was not as forthcoming as Fu Kwan with the sharing while the latter, as if in a show of triumph, warned the guys, half in jest, to keep their distance from Lillian.

Since the declaration, Fu Kwan became more possessive and demanding, expecting Lillian to keep him informed of her every move and every action. Lillian, who was already craving for more breathing space, felt that she had to do something before she gets asphyxiated. And it had to be something drastic or it would'nt convince Fu Kwan.

Lillian didn't turn up for work one morning and Fu Kwan, who failed to get her on her handphone, took the day off to look for her. He headed for her house and was greeted at the door by her mother. When he asked for Lillian, she handed him an envelope instead. Puzzled, Fu Kwan quickly removed the letter from the envelope.

'Kwan, by the time you read this letter I would already be on the flight to Kuala Lumpur. I have asked to be transferred to a branch there to gain exposure but more importantly to take a breather. I need time to do some serious thinking - something that I could't do in your presence. I really do love you, Kwan, but I'm still young and I'm not ready to tie the knot yet. And neither do I know when I'll be ready. Hope that you can understand how I feel and give me the time to sort things out. Please don't come looking for me. I'll come back to you when the time is ripe. Do take great care of yourself for my sake. Love, Lillian.'

Enclosed with the letter was the engagement ring. Does that mean that she didn't want to marry me? Fu Kwan couldn't believe what was happening. Was he dreaming? He hoped that he was but when Lillian's grandmother snapped him out of his daze, he realised that everything was real. It then occurred to him that what a fool he had been. In his conscienceless attempt to possess Lillian, he had become a mean and selfish person who was blinded to the anguish that he had brought upon her. He realised then that the more he wanted to control her life, the more he pushed her out of his life.

Fu Kwan was at the Chinese temple again. He had been visiting the place everyday since Lillian's sudden departure. However, he wasn't there for his usual intentions. He was there to seek the help of the deities. He was there to appeal for a chance to atone for his foolishness. He was there to plead for an early reunion with Lillian.