IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 11 Episode 13

At the international airport, a woman in a loose, puce-colored long cotton dress could be seen. Her long, curly hair was claret-red. She wore large sunglasses that covered most of her face. The latest edition Chanel bag hung on her right shoulder and her chic look was complete with thirteen centimeter-high white heels.

Her right arm was linked in an older woman’s who wore a simple chiffon top, black trousers and heels of one and a half inches. Selina was the image of elegance. Her sunglasses were perched on her forehead, giving a clear view of her face.

The transformed Aria walked out of the airport exit with Selina.

“Aria, are you really sure you don’t want to come home with me?” Selina asked, feeling concerned.

Aria looked over at the man walking toward them, who was pushing a luggage cart. He was Wilson.

“Yes, I’ve decided I’m going to hide from Lawrence for some days and then plan a big surprise for him,” Aria said, an adorable smile plastered over her face.

At the same time, Wilson walked up beside Selina, having overheard Aria. “Do you plan to tell Lawrence that you’ll only come back next month? He will go mad kicking his heels. Oh, my poor, dear Lawrence!” Wilson teased her, his voice rising high dramatically. He was already treating her as Lawrence’s wife.

“Uncle, don’t make fun of me anymore!” Aria’s cheeks flushed. She was a little embarrassed at Wilson’s playful banter. “Isn’t there a financial business party in two days? I am the invited guest!

Lawrence will certainly attend it, so we might meet each other there.” Aria was cooking up scenarios in her head of how they would meet. She looked forward to it with her whole heart.

“Naughty girl! Fine, it’s up to you. We support you,” Selina said, smiling. She didn’t understand these games young people liked to play, but they were in love, so she allowed them to do what they wanted.

“Aria, now can we tell our family how you were living abroad these two years?” Selina glanced at her with warm eyes.

“Of course. Anyhow, it wasn’t a bad thing. I believe my ability has reached the levels I wanted. It’s just a matter of time I tell everyone how it all happened,” Aria replied, nodding. She was deeply moved by Selina and Wilson’s understanding and support these two years. “Uncle, Auntie, thank you so much for caring about me and for letting me do what I wanted to do. You even hid it from others for my sake. I’m very grateful.”

“Silly girl, we feel guilty about how little we could do. We should have done more so you didn’t have such a hard time these last couple of years. I am so sorry,” Selina said, feeling rather uncomfortable. These two years, she hadn’t done anything to help Aria, although she kept an eye on her from a distance. Sometimes, she used to feel that life had been too hard on Aria and she wouldn’t hold up under the pressure. But Aria had made it. She had done it all by herself. Selina truly admired her resilience.

“Auntie, it’s okay!” Aria said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “See? I am a different person now. I have become a public figure. I’ve earned my worth. You guys should be happy, not upset. If I hadn’t taken the decision to be independent that time, I wouldn’t have made such strides today.”

Seeing Selina’s distress, Wilson also tried to console her. “Aria is right. All our difficulties have been overcome. Now, we should look forward to a happy future.”

Selina nodded, a weak smile spreading across her lips.

“Well, Uncle, Aunt, I have to leave. I am going to meet my good friend Charlotte. After I meet Lawrence at the party, we will certainly come to visit you,” Aria said as she pulled her suitcase aside.

“Sounds good. Take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything,” Selina said. Aria had become like a daughter to her in the two years they had spent with her. Quite naturally, she felt protective of her.

“I will. Bye for now!” Aria waved them goodbye and left.

Watching her figure disappear from view, Wilson sighed. “If Lawrence comes to know how hard her life had been in these two years, he would be utterly anguished.”

“I agree. But Aria has been so outstanding. It’s her time now. We should be happy for them,” Selina said.

…

At Chu Villa, Cherry and Amy sat on each side of Selina, holding one of her hands in theirs as they fired countless questions at her. It looked like they wanted to know how each day of her life had gone by in the two years abroad.

After telling them all about her life, Selina moved on to the more delicate subject of Aria.

Both Cherry and Amy were silent as they heard about Aria’s life in the past two years. Cherry, especially, was astonished. She didn’t think Aria was so strong-willed that she could bear such hardships.

Originally, Cherry had just wanted her to gain more knowledge and improve her skills. She didn’t want the young girl to live such a difficult life.

“Cherry, don’t be sad! Aria chose to live that way. She was very determined. Now she is happy that she had a chance to hone her abilities,” Selina said, consoling her friend. She had predicted how distressed Cherry would get.

“Aria is a renowned figure now. I watched her interview on TV. We should be happy for her.” Amy gave Cherry a comforting smile.

Cherry nodded as her lips curved into a faint smile. “Yes, I am happy for her. I am also touched. I didn’t know she was so obstinate about her goals.”

“Cherry, Amy, how about we make preparations for Lawrence and Aria’s wedding now?” Selina suggested, one eyebrow raised. When they had been abroad, she had thought it all out.

Organizing Lawrence and Aria’s wedding was the first thing she planned to do, now that she was back home. They had been together for so long and a long-distance relationship was no joke. The wedding couldn’t be delayed any further. Time had flown by so quickly. Violet and Alice’s kids could even walk on their own feet.

“I absolutely agree. Let’s start tomorrow, shall we?” Cherry concurred. She sighed dreamily, already envisioning the wedding.

The three women gazed at each other in turn as their faces broke into radiant smiles.

Inside the study, Jackson and Derek were astonished at what Wilson told them about Aria. She had indeed led a hard life abroad. It was hard to believe.

“Actually, when she became the celebrity of Wall Street, I had guessed it. I don’t imagine she would have grown up so fast if she were here with you. Of course, I believe she has worked hard for her achievements today,” said Derek. “Not only has she worked hard, but also she has lived a hard life. For two years, she didn’t ask a penny from us, from me or from Selina. She earned it herself by taking several part-time jobs. She had a strict schedule for studying. That’s how she got the scholarship. She couldn’t have been so successful without her struggles and the efforts she put in,” Wilson added.

Jackson nodded in agreement. “Perhaps her potentials were uncovered in that environment.”

“I agree,” Derek said. “If we appraise her abilities today, we could say she compares to Austin. Your daughter-in-law is an excellent young lady now, Jackson. You can put your heart to rest. She will definitely be of help to Lawrence and his work.”

“We don’t need to worry about Aria and Lawrence anymore. The first thing Selina wanted to do after coming back was to prepare for Lawrence’s wedding, along with Cherry and Amy. We just need to hand over the money to them so they can squander it freely.” Wilson smiled, his eyes twinkling.

“They must squander. I don’t care how much it costs. My son’s wedding must be the grandest affair the city has seen,” Jackson announced.

“You are right!” Derek laughed in agreement. It was as he expected. As the most powerful person in the city, Lawrence’s wedding would be a spectacular event.

…

Inside the cafe, Aria sat in front of Charlotte gracefully, enjoying a cup of tea. Charlotte sized her up as if she was looking at a stranger.

“Just sit still. Let me take a close look at you.” Charlotte had a magazine in her hands. She glanced at the celebrity on its front cover and then at Aria, disbelief evident in her eyes.

“Hey, Charlotte. I didn’t get any face-lifting done. Why are you looking at me like that?” Aria shook her head helplessly. The woman had been staring at her for half an hour now. Wasn’t it enough?

“Your character has changed. Your temperament, your attitude… it’s all different now. You are glowing!” Charlotte said in conclusion.

“Okay, enough of that! Tell me about you. What have you been up to these two years?” Aria asked.

“Not much. I am the regional supervisor now, so I have been busy,” Charlotte said softly.

“What about a boyfriend? My Charlotte is so beautiful and lovely. Isn’t there any admirer of yours?” Aria asked her quickly. She assumed Charlotte was in a relationship these days.

Charlotte adjusted her black-rimmed glasses and looked at her friend seriously. “I’ve been with someone for one year now. He works in the IT field and is good to me. He’s also good-looking. We have met each other’s parents and intend to get engaged in one month. We’ll get married at the end of the year.”

“Wow, how exciting!” Aria’s eyes widened as her hand flew to her mouth. She was so glad for her best friend. “I am so happy for you, my friend! You have my blessing.”

“You are annoying! Remember to give me the big red packet on the day of my wedding!” Charlotte teased her deliberately.

“That’s a must! I’ve already prepared it for you. You know something? I’ve even prepared a big red packet for your future baby!” Aria beamed in excitement.

“Girl, I will give birth to twins. You should prepare two red packets!” Charlotte quipped.

“No problem. I will prepare as many packets as the number of babies you have!”

In the evening, Charlotte and Aria lay on bed, gazing at the ceiling above as they caught up with each other. Lots had happened in two years, and a lot more was going to happen now that Aria was back.

“Aria, when will you see your mother? I will go with you,” Charlotte said.

“Tomorrow. Come with me. We’ll go to the hospital together to see her,” Aria said.

“No problem! I have several days off. I want to spend some time with you,” Charlotte said. After thinking for a moment, she continued in a serious voice, “Aria, your mother is living very well now. She is relaxed and happy. She’s part of the medical staff. Her living standard has improved by quite a margin.”

“That’s great,” Aria said. “I heard it from Lawrence when he came to see me last time. To tell you the truth, I am very grateful to Aunt Cherry. She has done a lot for all of us: Lawrence, my mother, and me. I really appreciate it. She’s admirable.”

“She indeed is!” Charlotte nodded in approval. “Though I’ve never actually seen Lawrence’s mother, I know of her influence in the city. She is said to be the most powerful woman in the circle of rich families. No other woman comes close.”

“I definitely agree. I’ve stayed abroad now and seen countless outstanding women, including a few of the former first ladies. I don’t think they compare to Aunt Cherry,” Aria said. “I admire their wonderful family atmosphere. Be it Chu family, Lu family or Yuwen family. They are all one big, happy family. They live in harmony and always look out for one another.”

“Aria, you are fortunate to marry into Chu family. Cherry would not only be your mother, but also be your best teacher,” Charlotte said.

“Yes, Charlotte. You are right.”