The Anthony Brothers - Accidental Love (#1), Contemporary Romance Series (4 page)

They were still gushing like two lovebirds when they got off the cab and entered the apartment building where Hannah Kim supposedly lived. They got on the elevator and climbed up to the thirteenth floor before knocking on the door of the old lady’s flat.

A young teenage girl opened the door. The moment she laid eyes on Jin, Mei-Ling could immediately tell that the girl had a crush on her fiancée.
I can’t blame her.
She stole an affectionate glance at him, admiring his lean build and soft, handsome features. She noted that he could almost pass as pretty, reminding him of Asian celebrities gaining recent fame.
I don’t think he even knows just how attractive he is. Or perhaps he does… he just chooses not to take advantage of it.

She was so busy checking out her boyfriend that she didn’t realize that he had already finished introducing himself and her to the young girl and they were now being ushered into the flat.

“I’ll call my grandmother,” the young girl said, without a hint of a Chinese accent. She directed them to the living room and pointed to the couch decorated with floral print. “Please have a seat.”

Minutes later, the teenager returned holding the hand of a sweet old lady. Her hair was a silvery white and it made her pale face look almost ethereal.

Mei-Ling noted that next to Mavis, Hannah Kim had the kindest face she’d ever seen.

Jin and Mei-Ling stood to acknowledge the presence of their host. Hannah took one look at Jin and her eyes lit up, the wrinkles on her face emphasized by the wide smile forming on her lips. She began to speak softly in Chinese.

Jin looked questioningly at Mei-Ling for an interpretation.

Mei-Ling could not keep the smile from her face. “She says that you look just like your father.”

“She recognizes me?” Jin asked, unable to conceal his amazement. “Is she my mother?”

Mei-Ling spoke to Hannah to pass on Jin’s questions. Hannah was still looking at Jin with amazement as she shook her head. Tears were running down her face as she wrapped her arms around Jin’s neck, mumbling something in her native tongue.

Jin hugged the old woman back before casting a questioning glance at his fiancée.

Mei-Ling translated. “She’s saying ‘you’ve returned, Nianzu’s son has returned.’”

It took several minutes before the old woman could regain composure. Eventually, they were able to gather around in the living room, with Jin and Mei-Ling sitting next to each other on the large couch while Hannah sat on one of the smaller couches, with her granddaughter sitting on an ottoman next to her.

Mei-Ling translated as Hannah told them the story of how she came upon Jin and why she brought him to the adoption agency.

“Your mother’s name was Mingxia. She was my best friend and she was quite a beauty. She had many admirers and as we grew up, many have tried to win her heart, but her heart belonged solely to your father, Nianzu. They were childhood sweethearts.” Hannah’s eyes glistened as she told the story.

Mei-Ling couldn’t help but note how bittersweet the situation was. Somehow, she knew that Hannah’s story wouldn’t end in a happily ever after, but she rejoiced that Jin was now able to fill this missing piece of his past and thus, his being.

Before Hannah continued the story, she whispered something to her granddaughter who hesitantly nodded before briskly leaving as if she couldn’t wait to get back.

“Nianzu was my neighbor. It was I who introduced him to Mingxia and they fell in love the moment they first met. They got married very soon after Mingxia graduated from university. They chose not to have children immediately. They wanted to first enjoy each other’s company during the first few years of their marriage.”

Hannah paused when her granddaughter returned with a rusty, round tin can. She opened it and rummaged through its contents before retrieving an old faded photograph. She stared at it for a while before clasping the photo in her hands. “When time came when they wanted to have children, they found out that Mingxia had a heart condition that made it dangerous for her to bear a child. Mingxia wanted to take the risk, but Nianzu wouldn’t hear of it. A couple years later, Mingxia had her way and you were conceived.”

At that point, Hannah broke into tears and without being told, Mei-Ling could already piece out the rest of the story. She clasped Jin’s hand and realized that tears were also running down his face. Hannah was eventually able to confirm Mei-Ling’s suspicions. Mingxia died of child birth. Nianzu took it upon himself to care for Jin, but literally died of grief a couple months later.

A bittersweet smile formed on Hannah’s face as she finished her story and handed Jin the photograph. “They just weren’t complete without the other.”

Jin took the photograph and showed it to Mei-Ling even as they both stared at it.
Hannah’s right,
Mei-Ling couldn’t help but think as she gazed at the couple in the picture.
Jin looks so much like his father, but he has his mother’s eyes.

“Your parents’ only living relative was your father’s mother and she was too sick and too old to care for you. Nianzu left you to me, but I was with child at the time and my husband and I couldn’t afford to keep you, so I asked the adoption agency to help me find a good family for you.” Hannah hesitated as she gazed at Jin apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Jin. I’m hoping you had a good father and mother – ones who treated you the same way Nianzu and Mingxia would have.”

Jin smiled as he looked from the photo to Hannah then to the photo again. “Yes. I grew up with a beautiful family in America. I’m grateful for your time and for the information you gave me. I can’t begin to explain how much it means to me.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to come. I wanted to leave that photo with the adoption agency, but I wanted to keep it until your return. There’s a message from your father at the back.”

Jin flipped the photo over. The message was written in Chinese, so he looked to Mei-Ling for help to translate it.

Mei-Ling almost choked in her own tears as she read it to him. “Jin, your mother left me breathless every time I was with her. I didn’t think that due to grief, she could still take my breath away now that she’s gone. I hope you find a woman who will complete you and always leave you breathless the way your mother did to me. We love you. Your father, Nianzu.”

“He looks like he swallowed a pineapple.”

“No, Markus. It’s more like he went on a complete system shutdown.”

“Geez, Jai. What are you talking about? Hey, Zack, could you examine him or something? See what’s wrong?”

“I’m a lawyer, Santana, not a doctor.”

Markus began snapping his fingers in front of Jin’s face. “Yeah? Well, it looks like the doctor is
completely
out.”

The five brothers were at the backyard of the Anthony household, waiting for Mavis to come out with her famous marinated barbecue which they were tasked to grill that afternoon. Mei-Ling’s family just arrived from Hong Kong the night before. Despite Mavis’ insistence to allow them to be visitors at their home, Mei-Ling’s father would not have any of it – refusing “to burden Jin’s family”. So they checked into a hotel. It took a lot of convincing from Mei-Ling and her sister for her father and mother to even agree to join Jin’s family for a barbecue that afternoon.

However, it seemed the barbecue party was going to push through and based on the blank expression on Jin’s face, he was completely terrified. Of course, his brothers didn’t pass up the opportunity to make fun of him because of it.

Contrary to their conversation, Jin wasn’t completely spaced out. He was just playing out in his mind all the possible scenarios of having Mr. Lee meet his family. Thus, he wasn’t really paying attention to all the goofing off his brothers were doing.

“I’m not out,” Jin said, rolling his eyes. “I was just thinking about how to get Mei-Ling’s father to like me. You have no idea how strict and terrifying this man is.”

Santana grinned. “It’s really funny to watch when Jin rolls his eyes. So dramatic!”

Jin’s face deadpanned as the rest of his brothers laughed, each one agreeing with Santana. To his relief, Mavis walked out of the house with a large plastic bowl, containing the barbecue. Markus sprung to action and took the container from his mother, chastising Mavis for not asking them to carry it out for her.

“I’m not a decrepit old woman, Markus,” Mavis defended herself. “I can still take care of myself.”

“M-hm…” was all Markus said in response, gazing at his mother pointedly.

Mavis sat on the lawn chair across from Jin. “You boys lighten up on your brother, Jin. He’s under a lot of pressure. And Jin, I’m sure Mei-Ling’s father isn’t as much the monster as you’re painting him to be.”

“You’ll find out when they arrive here,” Jin said. He was still bothered by the reaction of Mei-Ling’s mother about his comment on whether they needed her parents’ approval to get married.
Is it some sort of cultural thing? If her parents end up not liking me, will she choose not to marry me?
The idea of not ending up with Mei-Ling made his gut clenched. He’d reached the point where he couldn’t quite imagine living life without her.
I guess my father Nianzu got his wish. I found a woman I couldn’t live without.

The doorbell rang and Jin practically jumped to his feet, earning him another round of jokes from his brothers. They seemed to be quite relishing the fact that he was nervous. Of the five brothers, Jin was the most soft-spoken and he was also the calmest. It seemed like nothing could rattle him, which was why seeing him so anxious was something that the brothers appeared to be intent on enjoying.

Mavis glared at them to silence them before standing up to join Jin in welcoming the Lee family. Upon reaching their front door, Jin heaved a sigh to calm his nerves before opening the door. Mei-Ling and her family were standing at their doorstep and the moment the door opened, there was a strange tension in the atmosphere as Mavis scrutinized them and they scrutinized her.

Jin and Mei-Ling sent each other apologetic glances, before Jin swallowed hard and spoke up, “Hello, please come in.”

He was about to bend over in order to give his fiancée a kiss only to be given a sharp look by Mr. Lee and he ended up completely backing out. Based on the veiled smile that appeared on Mei-Ling’s lips, it seemed she found that amusing.

Jin and Mavis led the family to the backyard where further introductions were made. Xiaoli and Lingwei were very accommodating and friendly towards Jin’s brothers, but Mr. Lee remained silent as he simply nodded toward each person that he was introduced to.

“I hope you had a good night’s sleep,” Mavis said in an attempt to make conversation.

It was Xiaoli who answered, nodding as Jin’s brothers began serving them food.

Mr. Lee looked pointedly at Jin and began speaking to Mei-Ling in Chinese. 

Mei-Ling responded softly to what her father said and blushed as she translated the words to Jin. “My father is asking why you’re not helping your brothers serve your guests.”

Ignoring his brothers’ snickers, Jin blushed and stood up in order to help out.

Mr. Lee still didn’t look very pleased.

“You’re right,” Zack whispered as he handed Jin a pile of plates.  “Your future father-in-law is one scary fellow. Does he ever smile?”

Jin shook his head as he stole a glance at Mr. Lee. “I have no idea.” He got back to the wooden picnic table in their backyard and laid the plates on top of it in time to hear Mei-Ling apologetically addressing Mavis, “My father wants to know if he and my mother could speak with you privately.” She cast a nervous glance toward Jin.

Jin gulped. He wanted to ask why, but chose against it, not wanting to show Mr. Lee any disrespect.

“Who will translate for us?” Mavis asked.

“I can speak English… though not as well as my daughters. We’ll understand each other fine, Mrs. Anthony.” Mr. Lee eventually spoke up in English, with a thick Chinese accent.

Mavis nodded. “Very well then.”

As their parents walked toward the house, Jin sat beside Mei-Ling. She grabbed his hand from under the table and squeezed it.

“What do you think they’re going to talk about?” Jin asked.

She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

From one corner of the backyard, Santana had taken out his acoustic guitar and apparently said something that made Lingwei laugh. They seemed to be hitting it off pretty well.

“At least your sister seems to be enjoying herself…” Jin whispered to Mei-Ling’s ear.

“Tell me about it. The idea of my father not approving of us is terrifying to me,” Mei-Ling confessed. “My mother was pretty rattled when you asked if we needed their approval to get married.”

Jin creased his brows. “I’m wondering why. Mei-Ling, we’re adults. Shouldn’t we be able to choose who to marry whether our parents approve of it or not?”

“It doesn’t work that way with us, Jin. As you may already have realized, my family is very traditional. We value our parents’ blessing and approval. It’s disrespectful and disgraceful not to. If I marry you against my father’s wishes, I’m pretty sure I could forget being his daughter.”

“That harsh?”

Mei-Ling nodded. “I want to be with you, Jin. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do. We just have to make sure that I get your father’s approval. If not today, I will move to Hong Kong if I have to just to bug him until I get his approval.”

“He just has to see what a great guy you are, Jin.”

At that point, their parents stepped out of the house. Jin’s heart stopped when he saw the expression on Mavis’ face. She looked rather bothered.
What happened?
He exchanged glances with his brothers, who all looked concerned for their elderly mother.

Mr. Lee gave his daughter a stern look and began speaking in their language.

Mei-Ling squeezed Jin’s hand. “He says we have to go.”

“What?” Jin asked. “You’re not even going to stay for lunch?”

Mei-Ling shook her head, obviously fighting back tears. Xiaoli called after Lingwei and Jin watched helplessly as the family turned to leave.

“I don’t understand. What happened?” he asked Mavis.

“He questioned the way we raised you and how we didn’t bother to introduce you to your cultural roots.” Mavis said, obviously refusing to apologize for whatever her response was. “I simply told him that I am proud of the way I raised my sons and refuse to apologize for it.”

Jin could feel his temper rise.
How dare he question my mother about these things?
Without a second thought, he ran after the Lee family and caught them just before they reached the front door. “Mr. Lee… Wait.”

The father of the woman he loved turned to face him and simply waited for him to talk.

Jin had no problem with that. He had a lot to say. “I may not have been raised in a traditional Chinese family, and yes, I probably won’t raise my future children exactly the same way you did your daughters, but know that I will respect her and care for her. I will provide for her. More than that, I will love her with every part of my being. There are many values that we may not agree upon, Mr. Lee, but there are also some that we do agree upon. Loyalty, respect, honoring of our parents… love… is this not what you want for your daughter? A man who will love her the way that I do?”

There was a tense silence and Jin was absolutely certain that he’d already blown it. In fact, he was already planning his move to Hong Kong to follow after them, when Mr. Lee spoke up. He was once again addressing Mei-Ling in Chinese. 

Jin could not stand the suspense as he waited for her to translate. She was practically in tears by the time she addressed him.

“My father says that he couldn’t ask for anything more. He is impressed that your mother stood her ground. He sees that she and your father raised fine young men despite the challenges they faced. He told your mother that; however, he also wanted to know if you can be proud of your upbringing and stand for what you believe in. He wanted to know if you had enough of a backbone to defend what you want.”

Jin was trying to assess whether what he’d just been told was negative or positive. He heaved a sigh and creased his brows. “So…” he drawled. “Does that mean…”

Mei-Ling laughed and nodded, before throwing herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Yes. We have his blessing.”

Ignoring Mr. Lee’s raised brow, it was Mei-Ling who pressed her lips against Jin’s, and both of them were once again breath-taken.