401: [Bonus chapter] arranged marriage

[Bonus chapter] arranged marriage

4Heaven and Sebastian assisted Grandma Zhu to her room. The three of them chatted for quite some time while Butler Fu set up the mood in the room so the old madam could rest anytime she wanted. It didn't take long when Grandma Zhu eventually fell asleep. Sebastian already fell asleep beside her in the middle of their conversation.1

Sitting on the chair beside the bed, a subtle smile appeared on Heaven's face. Her eyes were soft, watching the old madam and her son sleep on the same bed. 

'I'm glad Sebastian is close with Grandma,' she thought. Now assured Sebastian truly had a good time in his stay here. 'And Grandma really treasures him. It put my heart at ease.'

It was not like she didn't know how Dominic's family treasured Sebastian. He was the only kid in the main family tree, but there were still worries in her heart. 

Knock Knock

Heaven perked up as she looked back to see the person who had knocked on the door. As soon as she saw her mother-in-law, Ria Zhu, her lips curled up into a wider smile. 

"I thought Mother is still awake," Ria said, taking a step inside but keeping the door ajar. "Even Basti fell asleep. Have you been watching them sleep?"

"Grandma just fell asleep."

"I see..." Ria rocked her head in understanding, holding the door, eyes falling on Heaven. "Heaven, do you have a minute? Since Grandma is already asleep, I think it's a good time to tour you around here."

Heaven pressed her lips tightly, but the corners were curled up. "Yes, Mom."

Heaven turned her head back on the bed, assisting herself up. She pulled the blanket up slightly, securing Grandma and Sebastian. When she was sure they were tucked in properly, she straightened her back and walked toward the door where Ria was standing. 

"I'm sorry that I only got to greet you, Mom," she expressed in a benign manner. 

"It's alright. I heard Butler Fu escorted you to Grandma the moment you came in." Ria maintained her natural kind smile, glancing at the bed. "Mother is really fond of you, so I understand. Also, it's not a big deal."

She then set her eyes back to her daughter-in-law. "Do you want some tea?"

"Anything is fine, Mom."

"Alright then." 

With that being said, Heaven and Ria departed the room so Grandma Zhu and Sebastian could rest properly. Heaven planned to walk a step behind Ria, but the latter waited for her and matched her pace. Even though both women had a peaceful relationship, they was still a clear line between them that Heaven was reluctant to cross. 

"About dinner..." Ria trod carefully through the hallway, eyes on Heaven. "... I'm sorry about that."

"Mother, you don't have to apologize."

Ria shook her head, chuckling. "No, I have to. Some days, everyone was peaceful. But there were times when things go out of hand. I'm afraid that scared you a bit."

"Mother, don't worry." Heaven let out a short chuckle. "At this point, I'm already used to Dominic."

Ria kept her smile glued on her face, sighing in relief. She didn't say anything further, walking through the hallway until they reached a door.

"I have something else to apologize for," she said as she reached for the knob, opening the door ever so carefully. "You've been part of the family for years, but I only got to show you the house now."

"Mother, that's not your fault." Heaven followed her mother-in-law, stepping inside the room the latter brought her. "Considering how timid I used to be, I'm sure you didn't want to push me."

Ria looked back at her with a smile. "This is our family room."

Heaven instinctively looked up, looking around the Zhu family home. The room was huge and extravagant, with a few sets of couches and tables, a fireplace, intricate furniture pieces, and photos — tons of photos. The photo that immediately caught Heaven's attention was the huge family portrait mounted on the wall. 

Her eyes were stuck on the family portrait while still following her mother-in-law. The two of them stopped in front of the family portrait. 

Ria glanced at Heaven and smiled. "This is your first time seeing this, is it?"

"Yes," she answered under her breath. "It feels like I am looking at a royal family portrait."

The family portrait had Lionel, Ria, Dominic, Axel, Sebastian, and Grandma Zhu in it. All of them donned formal suits while Grandma Zhu was wearing a traditional outfit. Grandma Zhu sat on the long, intricate couch with Lionel and Ria sitting on either side of her. Sebastian was sitting between Ria and Grandma Zhu. Meanwhile, Dominic and Axel were standing behind the couch. 

The family portrait exuded elegance, wealth, and regality.

"We took that three years ago," said Ria quietly, setting her eyes back on the family portrait. "We were looking for you at that time, but Dominic said you don't feel well."

'I figured,' Heaven said, recalling the original Heaven's memories. 

Dominic did mention in the past about taking a family portrait to the original Heaven. Obviously, the latter ignored him and didn't get up on that day. 

"I was just telling your father that we should retake this photo with you in it," Ria added with a subtle smile. "But only if it's fine with you, of course."

Heaven blinked ever so slowly, turning her head to face her mother-in-law. "I'm sorry about that time, Mother."

"It's alright. We understand that marriage isn't easy, especially in the beginning." Ria nodded reassuringly. "Even Lionel and I went through rough days, especially since our marriage is arranged."

"Huh?"

"We don't talk about that much since we eventually fell in love with each other." Ria chuckled, seeing the slight surprise on Heaven's face. "Come. Let's have a seat. I already told Butler Fu to bring us some refreshments. I'll tell you more about us if you're interested."

"Of course."

Heaven smacked her lips and nodded, following her mother-in-law to the large sets of couches. Both women sat on the long couch, facing each other while bearing their smiles on their faces. 

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