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A girl dressed in a plain white summer dress was standing under a shady tree. Her skin was fair and

white which was further accentuated by her raven black hair which cascaded down her back. Shepossessed a petite frame but it did not hinder her beauty to radiate as bright as the sun itself. Plump,soft pink lips, hazel brown eyes and a sharp nose were her most distinctive features. In fact, even with

such simple fashion, she was undeniably attractive.

No wonder there were many curious glances thrown her wa y. However, the girl didnt seem to noticethe attention or perhaps she had chosen to ignore it. What she did care was the fact that her patiencewas wearing thin by each passing second. She had been waiting for her best friend since earlier that day.Now, it was already afternoon and the fact that the sun was already burning hot wasnt actuallyfavorable. After a few years of staying in a much milder climate such as Russia, the summer atmosphereof Canada was not one she was accustomed to especially not after returning to the country after a very

long time. She glanced at her wristwatch yet once more but he was still nowhere in sight.

Ugh, I give up! she cried out in exasperation. As she was about to turn on her heels, a hand grabbedher wrist, holding her back. The surprised girl turned around to face a strikingly stunning face which shefound familiar; the sharp piercing black pair of eyes, the aquiline nose, high cheekbones, bushy sharpeyebrows and the shimmering golden hair. His skin was porcelain white but it was also a tad rosy. Therewere sweats running down from his forehead and his chest was heaving up and down as he gasped forair.

Who are you? she asked as she scanned his appearance from head to toe. It appeared that the guywas fashionably dressed as she recognized the Camel Active white shirt which clung onto his dampbody; outlining his firm and strong chest, the familiar expensive D&G denim jeans and the silver braceletaround his wrist with a phoenix shape dangling from its chain. His hair was also damp causing him to

appear slightly more attractive. Not to mention his frighteningly towering stature and lean body.

Yet, the girl couldnt help but feel a certain familiarity as she stared at the handsome stranger.

Tania, how could you not recognize your own best friend? His voice was deep and raspy which fittedhis daunting yet alluring appearance perfectly. He was staring at her in the eyes which caused a shiver torun down her spine.

Have we met before? Tania inquired politely as not to offend him. The guy scoffed in disbelief at the

question.

Gosh, we havent met in a few years and you have already forgotten me? Im Kris! he yelled as if trying

to get the fact into her mind.

Tanias eyes widened in recognition and her mouth shaped into a large O. Immediately, she raised her

left hand and hit him hard on his right shoulder.

Youre late, she said without any emotion. Kris realized from her monotone that she was really angry.In spite of not meeting each other in such a long time, he knew of her character. Although she appeared

calm at the moment, only God knew the raging storm of fury brewing in her chest.

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Kris rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and grinned like a boy who was caught red-handed stealing

candies. That, I can explain.

Save it, dude. Tania waved her right hand in dismissal and traipsed towards a caf nearby. Kris had nochoice but to follow her. He knew he was at fault for being really late to their first meeting in years. It

was only right for Tania to be furious with him.

We need to talk, Tania stated as she took a seat in a table near the window. The caf was cozy and

comfortable, giving off a homey feel.

About? Kris raised an eyebrow and pulled the chair opposite Tania. The sound of the chair screechingas it scraped against the wooden surface of the floor reverberated in the air causing Tania to cringe.Seeing her face scrunching in such an expression made Kris slightly amused. How he missed seeing her

making faces like that.

What are you smiling at?

Nothing, Kris answered, the grin still plastered on his face. So, what do you want to talk about?

Im getting married.

Kriss eyes widened at her response. What?

Tania rolled her eyes. You should really clean your ears Angry Bird. I said Im getting married. Next

month! she exclaimed gleefully.

At the words that came out of her mouth, Kriss heart shattered into a million pieces.

~

Hengjia, could you please help me carry the books?

A girl with slanted eyes and button nose lifted her face from the thick novel she was reading. Her lipswere rosy and luscious and there was a tiny mole just below the left side of her lips. Her eyes were amixture of green and blue, mesmerizingly foreign of a feature for an Asian girl such as herself. Her hairwas stunn ingly hazel with shades of sepia. Im coming! she yelled from her room. Quickly, she put thebook away back on the shelf and went treading down the stairs carefully as not to fall.

She turned into a corner and went into the guest room. Her mom was cleaning the vacant guest room

which was a little bit musty since it had not been in use in quite some time. What are you doing mom?she asked as picked up pieces of crumpled papers and threw them into the waste basket. The emptyroom was lined with wooden shelves with old books, wooden carvings, photos and other items on it.

The much older woman straightened her back and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Were havingguest for the night. You do remember your cousin from Canada, dont you? Hes coming over fo r the

rest of summer.

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Hengjias two orbs widened into a large pair of saucers at the revelation of Kriss stay . Her cocky and

obnoxious cousin was coming over! And she didnt take the news quite well. It was essentiallyunderstandable since the two abhorred each other with burning passion. Although the two had a lot of similarities, they were fairly different as well. Kris was an excellent athlete especially in basketball. Hewas also an excellent student and often ranked in the top 10 of his school. His academics performance

was beyond satisfactory.

Hengjia, on the other hand, was a great painter albeit an average student when it came to school. Andshe was also horrible in sports may it be swimming, running, badminton et cetera. That was a majorreason for their huge fallout which resulted in them not speaking to each other although their pathsoften crossed especially during family occasions.

Mom, you cant be serious, she said with both her hands on her hips.

Her mom rolled her eyes at her immature beh avior. Grow up Hengjia. Youre 22 now so please discardyour immaturity and try to be civil with him for once.

Im not helping you clean this room just for that snotty brat, she said languidly. Her energy seemed tohave been drawn out from her very existence. She was relatively amiable and blithe but when it came to

Kris, she couldnt help feeling aggravated.

Great, what a good way to start the summer holidays, she mumbled under her breathe.

~

The airport was congested with thronging crowds coming to Beijing for the holidays. Using his toweringheight to his advantage, Kris could see all kinds of people herding around him. There were foreigners

from Western countries with sandy brown hair, shimmering golden ones like his and startling crimsonred ones too. There were also people of all age; young, old, middle-aged visiting China at this time of year.

Kris made his way through the swarm of people and was finally able to take a breather as soon as he

was out of the teeming airport. The sun was shining brightly above him, as if welcoming him back to hishomeland. He wasnt actually thrilled to be back in China; he was only coming back to run away fromthe pain in his heart though he was unsure himself how it would work out; after all, it was an emotional

pain, not exactly something one could escape from.

He waited by a pillar and glanced at his watch.

3.00 a.m.

He was having a jet- lag after such an arduous flight. He couldnt wait to get to his aunts house. Hemissed her dearly. She was like a second mom to him. He would have visited her frequently if not for acertain somebody. To be exact, that certain somebody was someone he detested and despised and itseemed that the feeling was mutual.

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That person was his very own cousin, Li Hengjia.

She was adorab le, dorky, talented, attractive and passionate, hed give her that. But, there was nodenying that she was extremely exasperating. She always riled him up, drove him mad, feeling all woundup for all the most unexplainable reasons. No matter what she did, she always got on his nerve. They

fought even for the most trivial and minuscule of things.

And he was definitely not looking forward to meeting her again after two years. The last time they saweach other was during her visit to Canada for another relativ es funeral and that was it. In fact, he wouldbe immensely elated if she were to disappear from the face of the Earth but to grant that one wish waspatently impossible. She was the only flaw in his immaculately impeccable life; well, not counting the

fact that his crush was about to get married to someone that was not him.

Seeing that the sky was darkening with grey clouds, Kris decided that it was best for him not to waste

any more time standing idly. He carried his luggage and hailed a cab with only one thought in his mind.

What an excellent way to spend the summer holidays! Im very ecstatic! , he thought.

~

Hengjia sat laid-back on the couch. She was flipping from one channel to another, looking for somethingto pique her interest. Her mom was in the kitchen preparing food for dinner later on. She sighed and

turned to the old grandfather clock. It was about 5 in the evening.

Isnt he supposed to be here an hour ago? , she asked herself. Shrugging the thought off, she reached forthe magazine on the table and skimmed through it. At that exact moment, the bell rang and it was

immediately followed by a shout from the kitchen.

Hengjia! Get the door!

Hengjia mumbled incoherently and went to check who was at their door. She peeked through the peephole and w as not surprised to see Kris. She rolled her eyes and unlocked the door. Open it yourself,

she said nonchalantly before making her way back into the living room.

Who was it? her mom asked as she stepped out of the kitchen with the apron still around he r waist.

Just nobody, Hengjia responded. Her mom shook her head at her response - or lack thereof- and wentto get the door herself. To her surprise, Kris was already taking off his shoes.

Kris! Youre here already, she exclaimed, ecstatic. Kris flashed his aunt a grin and kissed the older

womans cheeks.

Its been a long time auntie, he said in perfect English. Kris gave her two shopping bags with the wordsPrada and Gucci printed on them. I couldnt just stay here for free so I bought you gifts. Hope youlllike them.

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The older woman looked in the bags and was surprised to see a posh leather handbag courtesy of Gucci

and a lavish and classy red dress which epitomized elegance. She pulled the dress out and allowed it tounfold. The left shoulder was strapless which gave off an alluring impression leaving the wearersshoulder bare. There was a slit to flaunt ones legs. The lower part of the dress was meticulously sewn

allowing the skirt to appear slightly more daring. A black belt was around its waist.

Oh my goodness, this is so breath -taking, his aunt praised with a surprised expression. I couldntpossibly take this.

Dont worry auntie, its not that expensive.

Its not about the price, Im too old to wear something so - how should I put it- bold like this, she

stated.

Kris let out a laugh. Youll look beautiful. Youre just being too modest.

And youre being too generous with your words, his aunt retorted. Come. The older woman

gestured him to follow her.

The woman turned into the living room and there she was the person that Kris wanted to see the very

least or rather, he did not want to see her at all.

Then, she turned her face to him and he was stunned seeing how much she had changed in just abiennial. Her visage changed so much. Gone were the freckles and pimples, replaced by a fair andflawlessly smooth skin. Her hair was silky instead of a mess of curls. Her cheekbones seemed much more

defined as her baby fats were already gone.

If there was two words that could be used to describe her; it would be smoking hot . And without himrealizing, his heart skipped a beat.

But the same effect did not occur to Li Hengjia as she looked at Kris distastefully. To her, he wasrepugnant. Call her blind or mad but she just couldnt see wha t was so attractive about him. He was just

a regular guy though most other girls would tend to disagree.

Well, hello there, what an extremely incredibly fantastically pleasant surprise! Hengjia exclaimedsarcastically with a fake grin on her face while emphasizing on the word pleasant.

Her mother gave her a disapproving look and mouthed, Manners.

Then, the older woman turned to her nephew. Surely you must be tired from t he flight. Perhaps you

should take a rest first. Ill call you down for dinner later on.

Kris nodded his head and carried his luggage. Ill be going up first then.

Please. His aunt smiled hospitably. Hengjia, show Kris the way to the guest room.

He can show himself the guest room. Im staying out of whatever Kris -related, the girl declined.

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Li Hengjia, her mother said with a calm tone though it was apparent from her expression that she was

not pleased with her daughters behavior.

Hengjia rolled her eyes and switched off the television. Fine, she said through gritted teeth. Lets getthis done and over with, your highness. She glared at Kris.

Mrs. Li shook her head as she watched her daughter storming up the stairs. Im very sorry that Hengji a

is being so childish.

Kris just shook his head. Its alright auntie. I probably ruined her holiday by coming here. And I think

Im the one who should be sorry for you for having such an insolent brat for a daughter.

No, no, no. Its not your fault. Its just that, well, she broke up with her boyfriend a few weeks prior soshes being a little bit grouchy, Mrs. Li fibbed. Although she knew the dispute between the two of them,shed much rather not mention about it so outwardly. Like, what was she sup posed to say? Was she

supposed to tell him that, My daughter freaking loathes you so just live with it okay.

Hey, giant freak! Are you coming or not?! I dont have all day you know! the girl yelled from upstairs in

a loud and shrill voice.

Kris heaved a reluctant sigh and trod up the stairs in a lethargic manner. Each step he took caused thestairs to creak under his weight and with each passing second, Hengjia felt like kicking his butt just tohurry him up. What are you? A slowpoke? she commented ru dely. Although she seemed to be arather demure and soft girl, it was quite the opposite actually. No one would have guessed that delicateHengjia was actually very rude and very outspoken, always so blunt about everything without evencaring about what others might think. Some might find it endearing but most would see it as impolite.Well, Hengjia didnt live to please anyone else so she didnt mind about people disliking her unrulyattitude.

Kris gritted his teeth in patience, trying to control his temper. He thought that being away fromCanadian soil would put his mind at ease at last but he should have known that with Hengjia around, itwas practically impossible. However, he refused to lash out at her. He hated her to the core, yes. But itdidnt mean that he would hit her or anything. He would much rather be the bigger person between the

two as not to offend his aunt. After all, hes imposing on them by requesting to stay over for the wholesummer holidays. But of course, it wasnt only hers that was r uined; his was ruined also by tenfold.

~

Dinner was surprisingly calm and yet strangely quiet. The tension was so thick that it was almosttangible especially when Hengjia kept shooting daggers in Kriss direction while poking on her food. Shehad lost her appetite seeing Kris seated opposite her. He, on the other hand, tried his best to ignore

Hengjias presence.

Poor old Mrs. Li couldnt do anything to ease the apparent hostility lingering between the two. In spiteof the scrumptious meal, she couldnt he lp but taste something bitter rolling on her tongue seeing those

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two. Hastily, she finished her meal and went to the sink. Youll do the dishes alright sweetie, I dont feel

too well, Mrs. Li said.

Hengjia nodded her head absentmindedly, barely registering what the older woman had said. Her eyesstill fixated on Kris.

Immediately, Mrs. Li exited the kitchen and traipsed up the stairs to rest in her bedroom. As soon as sheheard a small thud of a closing door, Hengjia put her utensils on the table and propped her arms on the

table. Why are you here? she asked bluntly.

Kris almost gagged on his food but thankfully he managed to grab his glass of water in time. Talking tonow, are you? he retorted with a mocking question. Honestly speaking, he was quite s urprised when

she talked to him suddenly.

Hengjia scoffed at his sissyish reaction. Please, dont beat about the bush and just state your reason for

coming here. I know you hate me and vice versa so its only natural that I feel weird when youre

actually offering yourself up for my praises.