Chapter 27 - Birthday (2)

Though Imperial Corporation is not as big and prosperous compared to Lim Group and Xi Empire they are still considered as powerful elites. No one can deny the fact that they are an old money which has been steady and unwavering after so many years.

"Please do enjoy your dinner, Young Master and Madame. I will excuse myself as I still need to prepare for the dessert." he smiled. Seeing Lim Yi Sheng nod he immediately excused himself by exiting the office in a respectful manner.

When it's only the two of them, Lim Yi Sheng can't help but admire his wife.

"What's the matter?" she asked upon seeing him looking intently at her.

The man in question smiled and shook his head. "I'm so happy that I'm here with you to celebrate this day."

This is the first time in many years that she celebrated her birthday on this day. The moment she took the initiative to leave the country she never celebrated this day anymore but due to An Qi Lu's persistence, they moved her birthday one week from this day which means that all these years she celebrated her birthday on the 20th of August.

"Thank you." she smiled genuinely. Though she doesn't really like celebrating this day, she really can't blame the man in front of her, after all he doesn't know that fact.

The man studied her reaction and he felt at ease when he saw her genuine smile. This is something he will never do before but after only a few months of being with her, he managed to do a lot of things he never thought he would.

"Ana, I heard you don't usually celebrate your birthday." he asked. When the words escaped his mouth. Ana's body became stiffed for a moment but Lim Yi Sheng wasn't able to catch this, as he was staring at his plate at that split second.

"Uhm. I just don't feel like it. I was always busy so there is actually no one to celebrate with. Grandfather and Chen would send me greetings and gifts but they would usually do before midnight strikes, it has become their thing that is why I totally forgot about today." her husband didn't react too much on her response, knowing her personality he knew that it's not her thing to make a big deal out of it.

Hearing her say that she doesn't have anyone to celebrate her birthday with, his heart ached for her. "You have me now, I'll make sure that I'll always be by your side during your birthday."

Xi Ana smiled at the man, "Thank you."

Knowing that someone is willing to be with her during this day makes her heart feel at ease. She knows that even though how hard she tries to forget that this day exists she can't do so. It's not like it's possible to skip this day right?

Not long after, they finished their dinner.

"Yi Sheng, I might be staying over here tonight." there's still a lot of things that needs to be done, she can't afford to waste anymore time. Also, because she was reminded of this day sleeping might not be a choice for today.

Lim Yi Sheng hugged her and placed a kiss on top of her head, he knew how busy this woman is and letting him have dinner with her is more than enough for him. "I understand, but promise me you'll at least sleep. Alright?"

She hugged him back, his smell easily entered her nostrils, "Uhm."

The hug lasted for about five minutes when they finally separated. "I'll be going now."

Xi Ana nodded.

Lim Yi Sheng pulled her for a light kiss before finally leaving the room.

The moment the door to her office closed and she realized she's now alone, Xi Ana immediately felt her heart tightened. She gasped for air while her right hand is clutching her ċhėst.

Xi Ana struggled as she made her way to her table, she sat on her swivel chair.

"Ha…ha…ha…" every breath she takes causes the pain to intensify.

Her mind became blank, all she knew is that it's painful, it's unbearable. She wanted to alleviate the pain but she don't know what to do.

Her heart tightened once again which sent so much pain to her. Because of the pain she's feeling, tears involuntarily fell from her eyes.

Just as she was about to give in to the pain, her phone rang. She struggled to reach for it, when she saw that it's a private number she answered it without hesitation.

"Qi Lu.."

- - -

"Master An, we have a problem." his ȧssistant immediately rushed to his side while panting.

An Qi Lu squinted his eyes at him. This better be something really worth it for him to disturb me at a time like this, he thought. "What's the problem?"

"I heard that Miss Ana's husband, Lim Yi Sheng went to the Miss' office and surprised her for her birthday today." his head perked up upon hearing what his ȧssistant said.

"What?" his face darkened. The ȧssistant was taken a back when he saw the reaction of his boss, if one could kill with aura alone he's probably dead by now.

Just as ordered by his boss, the ȧssistant has always someone keeping an eye on the Miss. They didn't have to report everything to the boss but if it is very important like this one they should tell him immediately.

Without sparing anymore time, An Qi Lu immediately dialed her phone number, it didn't take too long before it was answered.

"Qi Lu.."

Upon hearing her voice, An Qi Lu balled his fist. He already know that the woman on the other line is struggling to breathe. This is all that man's fault!

"Nana, calm down and listen to me." he tried to be as gentle as possible. When he realized that the woman's breathing stabilized a little, he continued with his instruction.

"Are you seated on your office now?" he needs to figure out where she is now so that he'll know how to deal with this. It's not like he can fly there this instant.

The effort she's exerting just to answer seemed to have doubled. "Ha.. Yeah.. ha.."

"Open the top most drawer on your left, I have kept a bottle of spare medicine there in case of emergencies." he's full of worry at the moment.After a few seconds of silence he can already hear sounds on the other line that seems like searching for something.

When he heard a sound akin to a bottle of medicine clanking he felt relief washed over him. It's a good thing he kept the bottle inside her office, if not he can't imagine what would have happened to her while she's alone.

It has been years since this happened to her. When he first saw this happened, he was really worried that's why the following years he always made it so that nothing will be able to remind her of this day.

He would hack her phone so that it won't be reachable for the entire day even though it is open, the birthday greetings from her family then would be sent as a voicemail which she will only receive the next day. Regarding her birthday, they would celebrate it one week after.

It's not like she doesn't know her birthday, what they were trying to avoid is to make her remember it on the exact day. Xi Ana would also work on a lot of difficult projects during this month of the year to make herself busy, she would intentionally lose track of the date during this month.

After taking the medicine Xi Ana's breathing stabilized and the pain in her ċhėst gradually decreased. "Qi Lu, I'm sorry."

Her voice cracked, "It's not your fault. Are you okay, now? Do you want me to come over?"

The gentle voice of the man soothed the heaviness she's feeling. "Can you?"

She needed him right now, being alone at the moment makes here scared more than anyone else. She's afraid that the pain will haunt her again for the rest of the night. It's too unbearable.

An Qi Lu's heart ached. He can already imagine how hurt the woman might be. If only he didn't let her marry that b*stard, Xi Ana wouldn't be in so much pain right now.

"Wait for me. Don't think about anything else, I'm always here for you."

His confirmation made her heart feel a lot better, the fact that he's coming calmed her wavering heart.

"Okay."

After hanging up, the man didn't waste any more time. He immediately gathered his things and signaled his ȧssistant. The ȧssistant knew right away that he's asking for the key of his car which he gave the man without a second thought.

He watched his boss walked out of the office until they reached the car in the parking lot.

"Take care, Master An. I hope Miss Ana is alright." the man politely said before the An Qi Lu finally entered his car.

"I hope so." the ȧssistant could easily recognize the worry in his voice.

He's been his ȧssistant for how many years now and it's not a secret to him the special relationship that his boss and Miss Ana has. After all, he's been a witness to it.

As the man drove away, he heaved a deep sigh. He knew they suffered before they get to where they are now. It wasn't an easy nor short journey, it was arduous and torturous.