Telling Anna’s Family – Part 1
Sunday, continued…
After they said their goodbyes to Anna’s little brother, she and Hou Yi walked out of her parents’ home. The moment they reached the car, Anna suddenly broke down in tears. Hou Yi immediately pulled her into his arms, holding her close as he gently rubbed her back, whispering, “It’ll be okay. It’ll be okay.”
Before either of them could say more, one of the bodyguards approached the car. “Madam Hou, please give me the keys. I’ll drive since you seem upset.” Anna didn’t respond, so Hou Yi quietly reached into her pocket, took out the keys, and handed them over.
He guided Anna into the car and settled in beside her. “First, let’s go to the beach so you can have a moment to calm down,” Hou Yi instructed the bodyguard. “We have to be at Pippies for our reservation at 11:50.”
The bodyguard, following Hou Yi’s orders, input the address into the GPS. Anna noticed the car’s engine was running, and the GPS was on. “Turn that off. I’ll tell you where to go,” she said, her voice more composed now. She gave him directions to the Surf Lifesaving Club, where she knew a walking path was located.
Once they arrived at the beach, Anna and Hou Yi stepped out of the car. They were quickly surrounded by the five bodyguards, who were visibly concerned, knowing how much Hou Yi cherished Anna. They stood close, watching over her in silence, wanting to protect her from further distress.
Anna didn’t want to argue, so she let them stay nearby as she walked along the beach with Hou Yi for the next 35 minutes. Hou Yi, as if instinctively, kept her hand in his the entire time, never once letting go. He occasionally rubbed his fingers over her hand, a silent gesture of comfort.
At first, Anna felt annoyed by the constant touch. She didn’t want anyone too close to her, especially not after the emotional upheaval with her family. But slowly, the presence of Hou Yi’s hand began to soothe her, offering her a sense of calm and security she hadn’t expected. The small act, though subtle, made her feel cared for in a way that was far deeper than anything she had ever experienced with Lu Jinhu.
