Chương 47: Reconciliation

Jade was in the midst of receiving reports on Chris performance, so far it was good. Master Lu had not step in the office and did not even gave a call to explain his behaviour. He became more brazen with the absence of Matriach Lu. It doesn't matter if he goes to work or not because at the end of the day he is Master Lu and held one of the many top positions in the company. She was in deep thoughts when Derek approached her. "Wifey, what is occupying your mind? I want to be the only able to occupy your body and mind" Jason who was nearby unfortunately heard the words Derek uttered and almost choke on his drinks. Shameless! When did his friend, the well known ice block learn to be this shameless?

Jade decided to ignore the two and continue to ponder. "I know what you're thinking, you can invite him if you wanted. I overhead your conversation." Derek cupped both of Jade's cheek in his hands, she stared into his eyes with wonder and gratitude. "I know, I know hubby understand you best, now give me a kiss." Derek commanded. Jade tip toed to give Derek a peck on the lips but Derek took the opportunity to hold her back and deepened the kiss before she could withdraw. Jason quickly took his leave, he did not want to witness any more shamelessness between the two. His eyes...oh, my virgin eyes... he complained.

Jade pulled Derek closer to her by leaning in more and wound her hand around his neck urging him to come closer, forgetting the crowd, place and time. Gus was clicked the shutter button multiple times and was happy with the result. They finally let go of each other when they were out of breath. Derek wanted to dive in for another kiss but was stopped by Master Lee. "Brat, I know you only have her in your eyes, but we are in public, keep your affections private. Don't make this old man jealous with envy, ok?" Jade blushed red after she realised that they were not alone.

Derek glared at Master Lee and then sighed. He realised there is truth is his father's words. The small family and friends wedding dinner will be held at a small private villa owned by Matriach Lu gifted to Jade. Jade considered Derek's earlier words before they kissed. She decided to give Chris a call. "Are you free?" "Jade? Yes, I am kind of free. Anything?" "Director Pua gave me an update about your progress, so far you are doing great. The reason I am calling is I'm inviting you to my wedding dinner. You can come if you want to." Her voice soften when she gave him the invitation. Derek sensing she was lacking in confidence grabbed her hand and it a squeeze. She gave him a small smile. "You are inviting me to come? Really?" "I thought I did not need my family to be around but I.. " "Thanks sis. Let me know where and I'll be there in a jiff. I didn't think this day will come." Chris did not allow Jade to complete her sentence and she was grateful for that.

True to his words, he came in an instant, looking handsome and smart. Jade invited Sarah as well to attend the dinner. Since the shooting incident, Jade felt life is definitely too short, no harm in having family and friends, of course those people need to be worthy. After a brief introduction everyone was seated, it was a very simply a leisure and intimate gathering prior to the dinner service.

Jade was standing at the koi fish pond when Chris approached her, Derek was keeping an eye on the situation from not so far away. He could sense there is a difference in Chris from when he first met him at the funeral and now. The Chris now, has a relaxed countenance and smile genuinely. He can sense no hostility in the current Chris. He allowed them to talk privately, they had been estranged for a long time that it takes some time to fix the relationship.

"Derek, he is a good man. I can see he really loves you. I am glad you found someone worthy of you. Sis... I.. " "I know what you want to say but let put those years behind, thanks for coming. I haven't been a good sister either, we have the future ahead, let us make the best of it, okay?" They shook hands awkwardly but at least she did not feel repulsed by the handshake and it was a good start.

Sarah's arrival surprised Jason. "Hey, glasses! What are you doing here?" "Oh my! Nerdy, how come you are here?" Jess, who was in the middle of a conversation with Master Lee could not help but glance at the two. Her heart turned sour just staring at them. She set aside those feeling and acted as if it did not happened. In turns out Sarah and Jason used to be neighbors before Sarah moved to the States with her family. They were chatting like long lost childhood friends. Jason who spotted Jess not far away quickly called Jess over. "Jess, here! Come and meet four eyed glasses, Sarah." He went to her and took her hands and dragged her in front of Sarah. Jess was feeling hot from his touch and was scolding herself for thinking too much about these two relationship. Sarah who was observing Jess's reaction quickly said, "Hi. Sarah here, uh, there is nothing between us, never had and never will, I haven't seen him in years. Please don't misunderstand." Jess became more uncomfortable with the situation.

"Uh, I think you are the one misunderstood. There is nothing between us..." before she could finished her sentence she was cut by Jason's reply, "Yet.." he corrected her. Sarah laughed at his shamelessness and Jess could not help but stare at Jason. "Don't joke around." "Says who I'm joking, You'll never know in the future so don't make claims you can't keep" as he left the two girls to converse. "Ugh, he always does that!" Jess complained out loud. "I think he likes you. Jason has always been a goofy type but he is never a flirt. He has always been socially awkward with girls. When I came back here, I often heard rumours about him and Derek, I almost believed it but here we are. I can see the sparkle in his eyes when he talks to you, the way Derek looks at Jade." Jess could feel some bubbles of happiness forming in her heart listening to Sarah. They continue to chat mindlessly.

Jade had to leave to change into her night dress, while Derek took the opportunity to speak to Chris. "Hi, brother in law." Chris let out a nervous smile. "Hi. Chris. I just wanted to say, I really hope you stay true to Jade and not betray her. If you hurt her, I'll hurt you ten times more." Derek said ruthlessly and his aura of the demonic prince resurface. Jason haven't seen that aura for quite some time already. Chris did not back down and stared in Derek's eyes, "Same here. From today onwards, I promise to protect her as well. So if you even hurt her, I'll make you pay." Derek gave Chris a pat on the back with a smile. "Good. Make sure you keep your promise." After Derek left, only then Chris let out a long breath of relieve. I promise I would protect Jade and not do anything to harm her. Chris vowed again, this time in his heart. He finally understood the meaning of family bond today.

For the wedding dinner, Jade wore a feminine off-the-shoulder tea length dress made of shimmering French lace with 3D embroidered appliqué accents. It has a sweetheart neckline and a drop low back making Derek drool with lust. Master Lee had to smack the back of his son's head to get him out of his fantasy. "You can unzip her later after the dinner banquet" "Hmmph, I definitely will"

Due to lack of time, Derek had to scrap his idea of singing while playing the guitar for Jade. Instead he invited a wedding band to sing the songs he wanted to sing for her. While they were dancing to the song "When a man loves a woman" originally sung by Michael Bolton, Derek sung the song into Jade's ear causing her to smile throughout the dance.

When a man loves a woman

Can't keep his mind on nothin' else

He'd trade the world

For a good thing he's found

If she is bad, he can't see it

She can do no wrong

Turn his back on his best friend

If he puts her down

When a man loves a woman

Spend his very last dime

Trying to hold on to what he needs

He'd give up all his comforts

And sleep out in the rain

If she said that's the way

It ought to be

When a man loves a woman

I give you everything I've got (yeah)

Trying to hold on

To your precious love

Baby please don't treat me bad

When a man loves a woman

Deep down in his soul

She can bring him such misery

If she is playing him for a fool

He's the last one to know

Loving eyes can never see

Yes when a man loves a woman

I now exactly how he feels

'Cause baby, baby, baby

I am a man

When a man loves a woman

They ended the dance with another kiss. Jason and Master Lee could not take it anymore and said "Get a room guys!" Derek actually had the audacity to drag Jade away and actually got them a room.