Meeting Rhea-2

TangShi's thoughts were interrupted before she pondered any further on the details of her lost life, startled by the seductively sweet voice of a woman sliding into the car beside Lang Je. She raised her chin and instinctively smiled a welcome as she was faced with an angel who seemed to glow with warmth and welcoming.

TangShi knew at first sight that this was the woman they had been waiting for and was yet startled by how she looked, up close in real life. Her pictures had not really shown how naturally pretty she was in the flesh, with her elegant posture and slender figure in expensive clothing. TangShi was surprised and had expected to see a less glamourous girl than what the media portrayed, yet she was wrong. She was the same in person. A flawless woman of great beauty who had a softness about her that made you immediately like her.

Rhea Cheng had jet black hair, over a pale and slight set of delicate features. Eyes a little large for her elfin face but it somehow made for an innocent yet beautiful looking girl, that oozed a sense of vulnerability. Her eyes were darker brown than TangShi's, but with her neutral make up in peaches, and her stained rose lips, her eyes sparkled like black obsidian at the two women facing her.   She truly was breathtaking and a little surreal, especially dressed in a cream floaty layered chiffon dress, and nude stilettos, that screamed of wealth.

She had poise, an atmosphere of elegance and when she locked eyes on TangShi and gave her a soft and heartwarming smile, it seemed to melt away the superior quality. TangShi was faced with someone who seemed extremely loving and honest. The maternal aura seeped out so fluidly, and try as she might, TangShi couldn't feel any dislike at all.

"Hello, Miss Cheng. It's nice to meet you." TangShi answered, matching her gentle tone and wide smile, and pushing away all her preconceived notions about this woman. First impressions were, that unlike YuZhi and his arrogant personality, Rhea seemed to be an enchanting and genuine lady. She gave off an approachable aura and looked you directly in the eye when she spoke. It made you feel special and heard, like she really acknowledged your presence. A sharp contrast to all the hatred TangShi had met these past days.

"I'm sorry that we had to meet under such strange circumstances, and I know this must feel so awkward and uncomfortable. Given you're now married to my fiancée…Sorry…I know, I know…. My ex-fiancée. It's hard to remember that and get used to it." Rhea blushed, lowering her eyes as a pained expression crossed her face, genuine apology on show as she unsuccessfully tried to hide her obvious heartache. It was clear to TangShi that this girl loved YuZhi very much and she suddenly felt an overwhelming ache of guilt and discomfort on her behalf.

"For the time being. We all know the plans are for you two to marry once he has his heir." Lang je cut in with a biting tone and raised a catty brow at TangShi, before she had a chance to even reply. As though she somehow was the instigator in Rhea's unhappiness and solely to blame. TangShi swallowed down her hurt expression, smoothed on an understanding smile instead and tried to formulate a response that wouldn't anger the assistant further. It seemed she didn't need to do anything to feel their contempt since marrying YuZhi.

"Don't be so harsh, Je. I'm sure TangShi knows all this and it's not necessary to be so rude, or cruel. We should welcome our sister. We have to learn to live in peace and get along, so that this time moves fast and with little drama." Rhea covered Lang Je's hand with her own, giving her a slight squeeze as if to smooth her ruffled feathers and press the point that she wanted harmony, not war. She looked back to TangShi, no hint of malice in her misted gaze, only a gentleness that pulled you to trust her. "It's been hard to adjust, for everyone. Grandfather sort of pulled this out of thin air, after so many years of letting us think he would eventually give his blessing to us. Don't take it to heart. There are many loyal and unhappy people right now who believed it was only a matter of time until we wed. I've been family to them all along. I'm sure you're equally having a hard time processing this change in your life and walking into this situation."

TangShi was stunned, that this was the first person to not assume TangShi orchestrated and schemed for this, and she almost blanched that maybe Rhea really was someone she could like. Would it be weird if they became friends, even while she had to have relations with YuZhi to make a child? TangShi could not get her head around it at all.

TangShi returned a sweet nod and smile, trying to show she understood, but was also gobsmacked at just how much she actually wanted to get to know this pleasant girl. Rhea did not seem to be as she expected, or any kind of nasty of jealous at all and it wasn’t hard to see why YuZhi loved her so much. Her fears about meeting this love rival, a clingy nasty schemer who would make life worse, died an instant death and she relaxed a little. Genuinely liking this goddess. She even felt deeply remorseful about the fact her presence had ruined Rhea's own happiness. She didn't want to be a person that caused anyone suffering, let alone a sweetheart.

"I admit, this wasn't how I expected to spend my next two years. I don't want to cause trouble or make anyone unnecessarily unhappy. I'll try my hardest to be the best I can be." TangShi meant every word. If she was shown kindness, she would be the person she always tried to be in her life. Fair, and respectful. She only retorted when people pushed against her abrasively. She didn't want to fight or live her days angry. She wanted a peaceful life, and a goal to look forward to.

"Hmmm, okay as you wish. Now let's get going as we have a full day planned and a lot to accomplish." Lang Je butted in, glancing at Rhea with a curt smile, but then glared at TangShi once more, and TangShi's heart sank all over again. Despite Rhea offering a glimmer of hope that things might start to improve in this family, the assistant made it clear that the majority were against her no matter what. She had many battles to face to make them endure her position.

TangShi knew this was going to take time for them all to accept that TangShi was YuZhi's wife for now, no matter what they felt about it, or what they did, and two years suddenly felt like a lifetime to get through.