1 Tuesday
Anna Jones stood outside the Civil Administration Bureau in City T, the lightweight white suit she wore doing little to shield her from the crisp breeze. The day was warm, yet she shivered, unsure if it was from the wind or the anticipation coursing through her. She couldn’t believe this moment had finally arrived—today, she would marry the love of her life, Lu Jinhu.
This wasn’t the wedding she had imagined, not the grand ceremony in Australia surrounded by their families and friends. Still, it was happening. In the presence of Lu Jinhu’s parents, she would officially become Mrs. Lu. After years together, starting from their university days, their relationship would take this significant step.
Anna felt a pang of disappointment that the ceremony wasn’t in Australia. But Jinhu had explained how important it was for his parents to be present, and their fear of flying made traveling to Australia impossible. She couldn’t deny him this; his parents meant the world to him.
On Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Lu had planned a formal celebration to announce their marriage to their circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. Anna consoled herself with the thought that the marriage would be recognized in Australia. One day, they could hold a proper blessing there with her family and friends in attendance.
The most frustrating part for Anna was her own parents’ absence. Her father’s recent heart attack made traveling impossible. Yet, she found comfort in knowing they would share a phone call later, allowing them to be part of her happiness in some small way.
Australia was Jinhu’s home now, though his ties to this city remained strong. He was a permanent resident and would soon become a citizen. He had assured her they would visit his parents regularly, bringing their future children along to strengthen family bonds.
Last night, before they parted ways to honor the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, Jinhu had whispered to her how today would be the best day of his life. The memory still made Anna feel cherished and loved.
Yet, she couldn’t ignore the tension with Jinhu’s parents. They barely tolerated her. As a white Australian with brunette hair, hazel eyes, and a petite 5’5” frame, Anna was far from their ideal daughter-in-law. She suspected they wouldn’t have liked any woman Jinhu chose unless she could be entirely controlled by them.
Anna believed their disdain would shift the moment she gave birth to a son—their prized grandson who would carry on the family name. But she also knew that having a child could bring its own challenges, like their insistence that they relocate permanently to this city. Jinhu had promised her they would visit Australia often if that ever happened, and her family would always be welcome to visit them.
Glancing at her watch, Anna noticed it was already 2:45 PM. Jinhu had initially asked her to meet him and his parents at 1:00 PM, but they had been delayed. He’d later pushed the time to 2:30 PM, yet now even that had passed, and they still hadn’t arrived.
Reaching into her leather handbag, Anna double-checked that she had everything—her passport, the necessary paperwork from the Australian Embassy, and her phone. She rummaged through the contents until she found her mobile and selected Jinhu’s contact, saved under “Hubby.”
Before dialing, she turned to glance behind her, scanning for any sign of him or his parents. Nothing.
When she pressed “call,” the line went straight to voicemail. Anna left a message, her voice tinged with worry: “Jinhu, can you call me back as soon as possible? Where are you? I’m starting to worry something’s happened.”
She ended the call and walked over to a nearby bench, sitting down to wait. Just as she settled, she caught sight of Jinhu stepping out of the Civil Administration Bureau.