Chapter 308 - Start of Letting Go

During dinner, Andrea and Lu Fang noticed there was something different between Isabella and Hanxi. They could only guess they were able to talk it out. 

Hanxi was more loquacious as he ate his meal. It had not been that way for a week, following Isabella's arrival. This time, he was also more affectionate towards Isabella. He was putting food on her plate, pinching her nose and occasionally caressing her back. 

When Hanxi said he was staying with them at the hotel, it was clear that both of them have aired out their feelings. It ultimately made Andrea happy.  Still, she had the same concern as her brother about Ricardo. 

Isabella turned red, ashamed of what she had done that she pursed her lips while lowering her head. It was Hanxi who answered on her behalf, "Andy, I will tell you about it later, just before we leave for the hotel."

After dinner, Hanxi and Andrea stepped out on the patio for a talk. It was there when he told her about Ricardo. When she learned of the truth, she thought it was rather an unconventional way of drawing her brother's attention. Nevertheless, what mattered was they were now talking to each other. 

As they were about to end their exchange, Hanxi noticed his sister become worried. He asked, "What's wrong?"

"Hanxi, I just want you to be prepared. Give me a second and let me get something in our room," she ran quickly upstairs and came back after fifteen minutes. 

Andrea was carrying a small paper bag, and she handed them to Hanxi. "Here, these are new."

Hanxi's brows drew together, and he took a peek inside the paper bag. He instantly frowned, seeing a box of condoms. He yelled at her, "Andy! You realize Bella's fears. She is not ready for this - "

"Here we go again with assumptions. Fine! Don't take the entire box!" She opened the box and took out two packs and hurriedly put it in his pocket, "at least take these."

"No! Andy - What are you doing? Isabella might see these and - "

"Hanxi?" Isabella came from behind the sliding door. She heard Hanxi mention her name, so she came to see if she was needed. "What is it that I might see?"

"Nothing, Bella." Turning to Andrea, he said, "We better get ready. It's getting late."

Hanxi hurriedly led Isabella to his room and got ready. He packed some of his clothes and Isabella changed Matteo to his sleeping clothes, knowing he would fall asleep during the drive back. 

Isabella noticed Hanxi put something in his drawer. She recalled how he and Andrea were arguing over something that was in his pocket. She asked, "What was that?"

Hanxi's ears became red, and he coughed before answering, "Nothing. Just Andy, playing tricks on me." Seeing that she was unresolved, he added, "It is nothing important. I will just go to the bathroom before we leave."

Curious, she sat up to walk in the direction of his bedside table. She slowly opened the drawer and found what she was looking for. Her eyes grew wide, shocked at the sight of the condoms. 

"I'm done, let's go - " Hanxi came from the bathroom and quickly stopped himself after seeing that Isabella shut the drawer close. He quickly explained himself, "I -  I wasn't planning on using it. Andy was playing with me -"

"Hanxi, I know that it - You know - it has become acceptable in our generation but I'm -"

"I know. I know. I would never force you to do anything you don't want." Hanxi came up to her and hugged her tightly before adding, "Don't worry. I will never hurt you."

Isabella hugged him back. It relieved her that he understood her. She was not sure how long she can keep it up. Knowing a man's needs, she can only hope that Hanxi will be patient with her. 

"Mommy, is uncle Hanxi going to be my dad?" Matteo asked, staring at them, intensely. 

They quickly broke off from the embrace and Hanxi took control of the situation saying, "If you and your mom want me to be your dad, I'd be happy to. Now, let's talk about it more while heading back to the hotel."

"But I like it here," Matteo said before crossing his arms across his chest. "Hmmph! I don't want to leave - "

Hanxi walked towards him and squat down to see him eye to eye before saying, "Buddy. We will come back here. I promise. We need to get your things at the hotel first, okay?"

Isabella felt her heart raced, after earlier hearing Hanxi willingly be a father to her son that tears welled up in her eyes. The moment he sat back up, she hugged him from behind saying, "Thank you, Hanxi. Thank you for being so good to us."

He embraced her with one arm and kissed her forehead before gesturing for them to leave. Directing his attention back to Matteo, he said, "Let's go, buddy."

As soon as they got down, Hanxi instructed Matteo to say goodbye to Andrea. The little boy came up to Andrea and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She did the same to Matteo's chubby and pinkish ones.

"Goodbye, little handsome boy.  I'll see you soon." She winked at him before adding, "Maybe sooner than expected."

"Andy, thank you so much for the lovely dinner," said Isabella. "I - I could never thank you enough."

Andrea turned to her direction and smiled triumphantly, knowing this day turned out well for her brother and Isabella. "You are welcome, Bella. It was my pleasure."

She gave her sincere wishes to both of them before suggesting for her to visit again. She escorted them outside the mansion where a car was already waiting for them. Lu Fang had brought out Andrea's old sports car for Hanxi to use.

"Take care and drive safely," said Lu Fang as he gave Hanxi the car keys. 

"Thanks, bro," Hanxi said as he opened the back door for Isabella and Matteo. He waved goodbye at the couple, happily. He was about to get into the driver's seat when Lu Fang called him out. 

"Bro, if you ever need any advice, performance wise, just let me know. I'm just a phone call away  -"

Andrea burst into laughter, hearing her husband's words. 

Hanxi shook her head and said, "Don't influence us. I better go." Just as he was about to get into the car, he glanced at her sister and Lu Fang. He said, "I love you guys. I hate to admit it, but you are just the best."

Watching the car exit the gate, Andrea hugged her husband, teary-eyed. She was sniffing away her worries. "Babe, this is the start of letting my brother go."

"I know, babe... Don't worry. You won't miss him much," he said as he completely wrapped her in his arms.  

"Don't be too sure," she objected with conviction. "Besides, how would you know?"

"Because... we are going to make lots of babies. I changed my mind, let's have six children - Ahhh! Babe?!"

Lu Fang was punched in the arm by his feisty wife again.