Becoming The Master Of Our Own Choices

||Liliana||

Liliana visited Golden Phoenix Temple with Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma yesterday morning. Following the two elderly, she also meditated in one of the temple halls.

Head Priest Guan chanted sutras in front of them, his voice was as calm as the slow-flowing stream in the yard.

The wintry landscape that surrounded the temple ground appeared as if the place was separated from the outside world.

After she meditated, Liliana's heart was enveloped by peace. The anxiousness she bore started from the miscarriage until the talk about divorce began to lessen.

Everything would be fine. She kept whispering the same words to herself.

Before Liliana and the two elderly departed a few hours later, Head Priest Guan bestowed her with some advice. The calm smile on his wrinkly face was not clouded by any judgment.

"No one is free from the consequences of their own choices. But, it shall be more liberating when you're the master of them."

Liliana kept the words close to her heart. She gratefully bowed to the head priest.

"Thank you, Head Priest Guan. I'll remember it."

Liliana would be lying to herself if she didn't fear the aftermath of those choices. Countless thoughts swirled in her mind, imagining the changes that followed the options she made.

Whether the divorce ended amicably or not, Liliana couldn't avoid facing major adjustments.

It was not only because of the title Young Madam Shen that she held for the past four years but, the relationship between the Shen family and the Xin family.

Despite being an illegitimate child, Liliana's status was high thanks to her marriage to Asher.

The news of divorce would certainly shake the high society, the same way when their engagement was announced before.

Not that Liliana cared about it.

That morning, Liliana headed to the beach after having breakfast with Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma. The two elderly reminded her to keep herself warm and not wander far.

"So cold."

Liliana cupped her gloved hands and blew warm air. Standing opposite the shoreline, she threw her gaze into the distance. Her long black hair was tousled by the cold breeze.

The ocean was murky, unlike the dazzling blue color Liliana often saw during summer. The grey gunpowder winter sky grew denser toward the horizon, appearing so gloomy early in the morning.

Liliana wished to have some time for herself. Although she was grateful for the company of Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma, she still needed to be alone.

There were many things that kept piling up inside her mind. She had to untangle them one by one.

"It has been three days... No response yet?" murmured Liliana under her breath.

Liliana still kept her main phone off. Asher only contacted Old Madam Shen once to inquire about the divorce. Aside from that, there hadn't been anything yet.

From how it appeared, the Xin family had yet to be notified about the divorce too. If not, they would try getting to Liliana through the Shen family's matriarch.

"This can't do..." Liliana let out a sigh. A frown marred her forehead, "I need this to be finalized as soon as possible."

Liliana still remembered what her friends Nancy and Nadia told her once they knew about the divorce.

"Squeeze the most you can from him. Be a millionaire lady."

"Yes, Lili. You're still young. Forget that heartless man. Fresh meats will come knocking on your door once you divorced him."

Nancy and Nadia's words sounded funny but, they spoke the truth.

Liliana initially planned to leave the marriage with nothing at all as long as Asher revoked their marriage. But, it was too impractical.

The Xin family wouldn't be so kind to her. Liliana needed the financial power if she wanted to get away from their suffocating clutch. She also had to think about her mother's ongoing treatment.

Even though the Xin family never failed in paying for Cassia's treatment, Liliana was still prepared for the possibility.

All this time, the Xin family never physically abused Liliana. But, the silent treatment still damaged her soul. She didn't want to return to living under their roof again.

If not for Old Madam Shen's unfaltering support for her, Liliana had to admit divorcing Asher was a wrong move. She might make both the Xin and Shen families into her enemy.

"...I need to speak to him."

Liliana turned around from the shoreline. A flicker of determination shone in her eyes before it quickly disappeared beneath the traces of fear and anxiousness.

If Asher planned to postpone the divorce, she had to find ways to make him agree to it. She had to!

Liliana ran back to the villa. Her footsteps were clearly imprinted on the damp sandy beach. Desperation exuded from how she was acting.

"...!"

Liliana abruptly stopped once she got inside the beach house's yard. Her eyes widened. The familiar black sedan car was reflected in her pupils. It was parked under the porch.

It was Asher's!

Despite owning many luxury cars from different brands, Asher would mostly frequent this one if not using the driver's service.

When did he arrive? She was at the beach for less than an hour.

Liliana scrunched her brows, thinking that this was too coincidental. He suddenly appeared here when she had just thought to go to him.

This was better anyway. She wondered what made him personally come here instead of sending Caleb as usual.

Liliana resumed walking. For some reason, her heartbeat accelerated. Pursing her lips, she quietly entered the door.

The interior of the villa was quiet, save for the faint sound of waves hitting the shore. But, as Liliana got closer to the lounge, her ears began to pick two voices talking to each other.

They were Old Madam Shen and Asher's voices. It seemed like an argument ensued between them.

"...don't be selfish. You've hurt Lili enough now! The least you can do is let her go."

"Grandmother, how did I hurt Liliana? Just because I didn't immediately be by her side when she miscarried?"

"You insolent child! How could you answer like that?"

Liliana quickened her pace. She was worried hearing how emotional Old Madam Shen was. The old lady had several ailments. It was best not to provoke her with anything.

"Talk to me."

Old Madam Shen and Asher's attention fell on Liliana who had just entered the lounge.

Madam Ma was also there, sitting next to the Shen family's matriarch. She looked relieved to see the young lady's appearance.

Liliana looked at the two elderly before her gaze was locked onto Asher's impassive expression. Once again, she spoke, "Let's have a talk between us."

Even though Liliana tried avoiding any direct confrontation with Asher, it seemed like she still had to do it. It was time for her to come out behind Old Madam Shen's back.

Asher shot a frosty look toward the wife he hadn't seen in almost a week.

"Fine. Let's talk."