Chapter 116 - Apology

Andrea laughed at Xia Tao's query. She quickly denied seeing Lu Fang's furrowed brows. "No Uncle, that was so long ago… It wasn't even official. " She then pulled him closer to face the old man and introduced him properly, "this is Lu Fang, the President of Lu-Wei Enterprises. He's my boyfriend and we are already engaged."

"Engaged? Well... I can see you are happy, Andy. I've never seen you proudly announce a boyfriend since I met you!" He then turned to Lu Fang, clenched his hand into a fist and punched him in the chest lightly before asking, " We have long been looking for Andy's perfect match. Are you sure you are the one to walk her in the aisle?"

"Mr. Xia, I am sorry that I had made you and Andy's family wait long. I took a detour and got lost while making myself perfect for her. Her heart is already filled with my name on it. I assure you, no one else can walk her down the aisle."

"Pfft…" Andrea placed a hand on her mouth, trying to hold a giggle.

"Huh! You are a funny man," complimented Xia Tao.

"Mr. Xia, laughter makes one healthier. I intend to live longer by Andy's side."

Xia Tao nodded in agreement while grinning at Lu Fang's imposing lines. "Good!" He said, "Now take me to my seat."

As they slowly tread, she took the opportunity to defend herself to the man, "It's because of Xia Ping, Ting's younger brother. He is close to Lei Dong that he often sold the idea of us being together."

"Hmmmm…"

Andrea directed Xia Tao to the table where the Lu Family was seated and made introductions. They all stood up to shake his hand and General Lei did the same.

"Well... I can see where Lu Fang gets his looks. Though, I have seen Lu Wei but, Christina my dear, you have contributed well to this young man's charms."

They all laughed and Lu Wei could not be more proud of his wife.

Xia Tao then turned to the General. "Lie Dong. Why are you alone? Where is your mother?"

"Mother is still outside the country. Mr. Xia."

The old man then looked up to the couple behind him and said, "It's okay, Andy. I need to talk to General Lei. He can take me to my seat instead."

Seeing that they were already in a safe distance from the Lus, the old man said, "You are too slow, Lei Dong! See? Andy is already taken."

The General was caught by surprise with the remark and explained to him, "Andy had been avoiding, Mr. Xia. It can't be helped. Besides, I think… I think she really likes him – "

"Like him? Andy said they are already engaged!"

'Engage… engage… Already?' General Lei's mind became restless. Although he had already promised not to get in between the couple's relationship, he had hoped that there was still a chance. He gasped and continued to walk Mr. Xia to his table in silence.

Sitting comfortably on her chair, Andrea asked, "So you've already met Li Wen?"

"Yes, it was the most unforgettable introduction we have ever had!" Commented Christina. Then everyone else seemed to have taken a deep breath.

Andrea looked at them, wondering what the sighs meant. She bit both her hips before asking again, "Did she do something unusual?"

Lu Jie gave a small but sarcastic laugh, "It was more like… We were put to the test... I have never seen such a scary woman in my life!"

Lu Fang then explained to Andrea how it all went and her eyes grew wide. She turned her back hoping to meet eyes with her sister but, she was too busy attending to her children.

She let out a sigh and apologized to her future in-laws. "I'm so sorry. I knew she was going to introduce herself but I did not expect it to be this way… but... Li Wen is the best sister and mother I know. She is fierce as an enemy, true, but to her friends and family, she is most protective and loving."

"Andy, why didn't you tell us about your relationship with the Xias?" Christina asked.

Lu Wei also probed, "Yes, Andy… I can call you Andy now, right?" After seeing her nod, he continued to say, "We were astonished. We'd really like to hear your reasons."

"I honestly, don't know where to begin… but I'm just a plain orphan without the Davies or the Xias. It's not like me to talk about my relationship with them... and be proud of it, when I'm not even related to them by blood."

Her head bent down trying to find more words to better explain but she had already agreed with Li Wen to cover everything the next day. "Although, there is more reason behind it. Only that, this is just not the time and place."

Christina sensed that their upcoming talk will be very significant. She saw through Andrea's struggle to tell more and knew it was a sensitive topic. So she decided to lend her a hand. "It's alright, dear. Your sister did say, she will shed light on this tomorrow morning."

"Andy," called Lu Jie. "Please accept our apology. I initially did not like you for Lu Fang, but we clearly underestimated you." He turned to Lu Wei for signs of approval and when he saw a nod, he added, "Now, we feel regretful for looking down of you… Somehow, we must have made you feel that way."

Lu Wei leaned his body forward indicating that it was his turn to talk, "Andy, I don't want you to doubt us any longer. I am a man who wants harmony within the household, but more than just doing this for Lu Fang, know that you have impressed us well and we look forward to the day that you officially marry into the Lu Family."

Andrea began to feel teary-eyed. She had heard welcoming words from Christina but it has not yet come from the mouth of Lu Jie. As for Lu Wei, although he had already supported their relationship, she sensed the conflicting signs from him. He had initially asked her to change profession and he allowed Shen Mian to work in the office.

Unable to control her emotions, her tears began to fall. She tried to wipe it off with her fingers but it wasn't enough to clear the wetness on her face. Lu Fang moved closer to her and hugged her. He gave her a peck on the forehead and said, "Andy, Babe, I love you so much. I don't care if you were just a plain bodyguard. I have long decided to spend my life with you."