Chapter 31 - The last time we were together (9)

May-June, 8 years ago, various locations City K

When Lexi returned home accompanied by Matthew there became heated discussions with her parents, Chester, Susan and Andrew. In the end, on the basis that she promised to spend at least three nights in Richard's company and gave him a chance, her parents overrode Chester and Andrew's objections that she could spend time with her friend Matthew and stay at his villa if it was in a spare room. She also had to promise not to allow her time with Matthew interfere with her exams and study.

As she walked Matthew to the door, Lexi quietly apologise for the behaviour of everyone but as Matthew said at least that they could spend too much time without interference from her family, brothers and more importantly her brother's friends.

The next two weeks for them was heaven. Little interference in the time that they spent together, particularly as Matthew was helping Lexi study for her final exams. The one thing that Lexi hated was the time that she had to spend at home, complying with her parent's conditions. It was obvious that Richard did not want to be with her, but there was something that also him in that he wanted to be closer connected with her family.

Lexi was delighted in the four nights per week at Matthew's they were able to sleep in the same bed. Every night they continued to take their passion further, but not to the point that they crossed the line. Three nights before he was to return, Lexi, having a few days between exams sat down with Matthew and quietly spoke about him about returning and consummating their relationship. Matthew, after a few kisses from Lexi finally agreed. The last thing he wanted was to return without a true commitment from her, and this was it.

Lexi reluctantly returned home for the command dinner with Richard. After an hour of small talk post dinner, she was finally able to excuse herself claiming exhaustion from the exams she had over the last few days. After slipping into her suite, she locked the door behind her, carefully grabbing the few things she wanted. Once she was ready to leave, she opened the door, and seeing no one around carefully and quietly slipped out of the house before quickly making her way to Matthew's.

When they woke up the next morning, they both realised how perfect the night had been for them. They had taken the final step with the chaplain to finalise their commitment to each other. Matthew also was prepared and during the night had reached into the bedside table's draw and pulled out two jewellery boxes. With Uncle Adam's health he had arranged for an engagement ring and simple necklace from the Feng's Jewellery. They had little reputation in country, but Matthew knew from discussions with Phillip that any business as well connected to Hou Enterprises as Fengs was, would not under the leadership of its current CEO Hou Jang deliver something inferior. That was what Matthew wanted. Something simple, but perfect for Lexi.

He firstly handed Lexi the necklace box, and as she opened it, he took the necklace and secured it around her neck. However, before Lexi could respond he picked up the ring box, and as he turned said "Lexi take this as a sign of my commitment to you. When we marry, I will add the wedding ring you like to it."

Lexi simply threw herself into his arms when he slipped the ring on her finger saying "Yes, yes, yes."

A couple of hours after initially waking they headed downstairs and were sitting quietly in the small lounge room wrapped in the other's arms, when they heard a crash and the door slamming open. As they looked up, they saw Andrew, Paul and Steven in the doorway. Andrew recovered from the shock of the scene in front of him first and ran into the room pulling Lexi from Matthew's arms. As soon as she was away from Matthew, Paul and Steven came across and started hitting him making it clear that he had no rights with Lexi.

Matthew, could not believe the three of them, barging into his home and from what he could see with Lexi scaring her. Matthew's instinct was to react and throw them off him, but that would make the situation worse for Lexi. He simple pushed away from them, and said "I will forgive you for that, but you need to leave now."

Andrew turned and started to drag Lexi with him. As she resisted Paul and Steven helped Andrew drag her away. Lexi yelled out "Remember your promise," as they secured her in the back of the car they had come in before driving out of the property.

Matthew decided storming the Yao Family Villa would be impossible and would cause more harm than good. Their commitment was secure, and no one could impact that.

Matthew headed to JL International to speak to Phillip as he would be the lifeline that Lexi would have. Twenty minutes after starting to talk to Phillip Matthew received a call calling him back immediately. As he was leaving, he extracted a promise from Phillip regarding protecting and helping Lexi until he was back.