Who Chose?

Well, Fu Shao had noticed and was staring at my little brother, which brought his gaze entirely too close to my naked thighs.

I shifted nervously and Fu Shao looked away.

"Maybe the future bride and husband want to be alone for a few minutes?" Master Fu suggested.

My eyes jerked in his direction and I didn't manage to hide my shock fast enough but Fu Shao had noticed but he didn't seem to care.

My father smiled and turned to leave now I couldn't believe it.

"Should I stay?" Martial Zhen asked.

I gave him a quick smile, which disappeared when my father shook his head.

"Give them a few minutes alone," he said.

The Master Fu actually winked at Fu Shao. They all filed out until only Fu Shao, Su Liang and I were left in the room. But then.

"Su Liang," came my father's sharp voice.

"Get out of there now."

Poor my little brother reluctantly let go of my hand and left, but not before sending Fu Shao the deadliest look a 5 year old could manage.

His lips quirked. Then the door closed and we were alone.

What had Fu Shao Father wink meant?

I peeked up at him. If I had been right with my high heels, the top of my head graced his chin. He looked out of the window. He didn't spare me a single glance.

As my mother dressing me up like a seductress didn't make him any more interested in me.

Why would he be? I'd seen the women he dated in his country. They would have filled out the bustier better.

"Did you choose the dress?"

I jumped, startled that he'd spoken. His voice was deep and calm.

Was he ever anything but?

"No. My father did."

His jaw twitched as I couldn't read him and it was making me increasingly nervous. He reached into the inside of his jacket and for a ridiculous second I actually thought he was pulling a gun on me.

Instead, he held a black box in his hand. He turned toward me and I stared intently at his black shirt. Black shirt, black tie, black jacket.

All his outfit was black just like his soul.

This was a moment millions of women dreamed off, but I felt cold when Fu Shao opened the box.

Inside sat a gold ring with a big diamond in the centre sandwiched between two marginally smaller diamonds.

So I didn't move.

He held out his hand when the awkwardness between us reached its peak. I flushed and extended my hand. So I flinched when his skin brushed mine. He slipped the engagement ring on my finger, then released me.

"Thank you," I felt obligated to say the words and even look up into his face, which was impassive, though the same couldn't be said for his eyes.

They looked angry.

Had I done something wrong? He held out his arm and I linked mine through it, letting him lead me out of the lounge and toward the dining room. We didn't speak.

Maybe he was disappointed enough with me that he'd cancel the arrangement?

But he wouldn't have put the ring on my finger if that were the case.

When we stepped into the dining room, the women of my family had joined the men. The Fu hadn't brought female company.

Maybe because they didn't trust my Father and the men enough to risk bringing women into our house.

I couldn't blame them. I wouldn't trust my father or the family either.

Fu Shao dropped his arm and I quickly joined my mother and sisters, who pretended to admire my ring.

Qina gave me a look. I didn't know what my mother had threatened her with to keep her silent. I could tell that she had a scathing comment on the tip of her tongue. I shook my head at her and she rolled her eyes.