The presence of the Royal Family of Luxembourg made Lily and everyone’s stay even more enjoyable as they started bonding together.
“Are you sure this is his first time skiing?” Li Shanshan pouted at Zhuo Jingren and Fernando as they burned their way down the hills with their black and red ski suits. One of their purpose in coming to Skopelos was to teach both Zhuo Jingren and Bei Tian how to ski. Who would have thought that both of them are fast learners and easily bonded with Fernando who is an expert in Skiing? “How could he be this good? Both he and Bei Tian actually did it on their first few tries!” She grumbled as she sat down next to Lily and Mikaela.
“The world is not fair.” Lily shrugged. “Or maybe they are just good?”
“Judging from their physique, they both exercise a lot. They have good balance and maybe even good at martial arts. It is not surprising that they would be exceptionally good in Skiing too.” Mikaela added. “They looked like experts and not beginners.”
“Well… some people just excel in everything that put their minds into.” Lily smiled, pride glinted in her eyes. Zhuo Jingren is a fast learner- that is a fact. Moreover, he was also determined. These two characteristics are enough to make him excel in whatever he does. Bei Tian is a different case.
On the outside, Bei Tian is playful and may look like an idiot. However, she knew that he too had eyes for excellence and perfection.
“So… you are going to Switzerland?” Eliza changed the topic, her eyes sparkled as she looked at Lily.
In response, Lily nodded. “Hmmm… We will celebrate New Year in Jungfrau, Switzerland.”
“Isn’t it too cold there? The temperature should be negative at this time year.”
“Well… we intended to enjoy the cold and each other’s company before we go back to the craziness of the world.” Li Shanshan answered. “Everything had been crazy this year, I think we deserve to lie down and cuddle our loves ones in front of a fireplace with hot chocolates or something.”
“You deserve it. You three are all wonderful women.” The look on Eliza’s eyes as she said those words made Lily raised an eyebrow. It was something that she immediately recognized. Yet, she chose to keep her observation to herself. “I wanted to become one of you someday.”
“What is that supposed to mean? Why only them?” her sister Mikaela chimed in. She propped her chin into her palms and pouted at her sister. “What about me?” she asked.
“Lily, Shanshan and Yang Mi are all wonderful women. They live in a completely different world from us.” Eliza’s sigh in response. “No offence but I wish to be like them someday.” Silence followed her words as everyone turned their attention to the men skiing on the hills.
“I think… we all have choices.” Lily said after a few seconds of silence. She understood that their circumstances were different. They were born in two different worlds. However, this does not mean that they do not have the option to follow their own dreams. “The path that we choose, is always up to us.” She added.
“It is very easy for you to say that,” Mikaela said, she eyed her husband who was teaching her firstborn how to ski. “In our world… well… It is hard to explain.” A sigh escaped her lips. “Not that I have any regrets or anything.” she smiled.
“How long have you been married?”
“I married him when I was twenty-two… We are going to celebrate our fifth anniversary very soon.” she answered Lily. “To be honest, I considered marrying him as one of the best decisions that my father has ever made for me.” The smile of Mikaela’s face was sweet, her eyes shone with happiness as she watched her husband and son.
However, Lily did not miss the sourness in Eliza’s face. “Not all people agree to arrange marriages. I commend you for agreeing with your father’s arrangement.”
“She did not have a choice.” The younger sister answered then pursed her lips when she realized she had spoken out of turn.
“I’m sorry. I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable.” Lily had been having a great time with everyone, and she decided not to ruin it for the sake of her curiosity. These people might be her blood relatives, but this is their personal business, not hers.
“It’s all right. As I said… I don’t have any regrets.” Mikaela shook her head. “And I love my son with all my heart.”
“He is very precious, indeed.” Gentleness flashed in Lily’s eyes as she turned her gaze to her cousins. “Would you perhaps like to come with us to Switzerland? You could bring him to you.”
“Oh… No. My husband had some business to attend to and Leandro and I have responsibilities to attend to. Maybe next time? We are both so busy so maybe we can set a schedule in advance.”
“Well… I would love to go?” Eliza beamed at Lily. “I’m sure my brother Levi would love it too.” She looked at her elder sister. “Do you think father will allow me too?”
“How was your schedule? Do you have the free time for that?”
“Of course, I do. It would be fun to go with them and learn a few things from a business perspective.”
Mikaela stared at her sister. Eliza’s excitement was pretty obvious. Mikaela knew that her younger sister had been thrilled and excited after meeting Lily and her friends. At first, she thought it was because Eliza was happy meeting a long-lost relative. However, now she was sure that Eliza’s happiness was something else.
Both of them grow up in an environment where females were considered second only to men when it comes to business and management. Meeting someone like Lily and Li Shanshan and even Yang Mi who exudes confidence in the world of men is a unique experience for everyone.
“All right.” She nodded at her sister. After meeting Lily, Mikaela couldn’t help but wonder if her father intended for them to meet someone like her so they would have the chance to explore a world different from what they were used to. “I will talk to father and asked for his permission so you and brother could come with Lily and her friends.” She smiled as she wondered what kind of changes will a woman as Lily brought to her sister’s life.
The possibilities are endless. Just the thought of the future made Mikaela excited.
