Telling Anna’s Family – Part 3
Sunday, continued…
“So, you guys are back to stay then?” Anna’s youngest brother, James, asked eagerly.
“Actually, no. This is just a flying visit. We have to go back,” Anna replied, trying to keep things light.
“You have a job, family, and friends here—you don’t need to go back,” Adam and Susan said in unison, their concern evident.
Before either Anna or Hou Yi could respond, the waitstaff arrived, clearing the entrée plates and setting down the main courses. Glasses were refilled, and the table settled into a comfortable silence, allowing everyone a moment to take in the meal.
Hou Yi leaned in toward Anna, his voice soft. “I’ll continue so you can eat,” he said, lifting her hand and pressing a brief kiss to her fingers. Anna felt a rush of warmth at the touch, goosebumps creeping up her arms. She didn’t fully understand why the gesture meant so much, but she knew it was more than just comfort—it was something deeper.
Turning to Anna’s family, Hou Yi spoke calmly, his voice carrying the weight of the conversation. “No, we have to go back. This is just a short visit to settle some matters for Anna before we head home. We’ll be looking for a place here locally as a holiday home, but Australia will only be for visits. I can’t leave and relocate here, even if Anna wanted it. She understands that, and she accepts it.”
Ben slammed his hand on the table, his frustration obvious. “Why the hell not? Anna has a good job, a huge support network, and you’re asking her to sacrifice everything for you. You’re just like that Lu Jinhu, not respecting her as a person.”
Anna’s expression hardened, but she didn’t say anything. Hou Yi could feel the tension rising and turned to Anna, his voice softer this time. “I think I need to tell them everything, don’t I?”
“Yi, I think you have no choice but to tell them the rest,” Anna said, her tone calm but firm.
“Sweetheart, are you sure you want me to tell them everything?” Hou Yi asked, his gaze meeting hers.
“Absolutely,” Anna replied, her voice steady. “They need to understand. You know that I’m happy with my decision.” She leaned over, turning his head slightly so she could place a quick, sweet kiss on his lips. The jolt that ran through Anna at the touch surprised her—she had never expected such a simple kiss to feel so profound, yet it did. What it meant, though, she couldn’t quite figure out.
For Hou Yi, the kiss was everything. It wasn’t just a gesture of affection—it was a message to her family, a sign that she stood by him, and that they were in this together. It was the first time Anna had shown such public affection toward him, and the moment felt almost surreal. He wished he could freeze it, capture that feeling of love and connection forever.
“Okay,” Hou Yi said, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. “Anna has asked me to tell you the rest. We didn’t want to bring this up during this trip because we knew it would be a lot for Anna to explain, but…”
