MR. CHAN

MR. CHAN
"Oh my God, my head is killing me," I groaned, rubbing my temples.

"Come have some hangover soup," Gia said, placing the bowl in front of me. The smell alone made my stomach churn.

"I really don't feel like eating this," I muttered.

"But you need it. You had way too much to drink last night," she insisted, crossing her arms.

"I know, but I was thinking of just taking some painkillers to feel better."

"At least have a few spoonfuls. What are your plans for the day?"

"Nothing much. I was thinking of visiting Dax. We need to talk."

"Hey, you don’t have to rush things. Just take it easy," she advised, her voice gentle.

"I just need to know where I stand in his life. He literally begged me to get back with him, but now? He doesn’t call, doesn’t text. Gia, I really can’t do this anymore."

"Just don’t make a hasty decision, okay?" she said, squeezing my hand.

"I’ll try."

"Eric called a while ago," she added, changing the subject.

"He was asking about me, right?"

"Yes. He went to the hospital, and when he found out you discharged yourself, he wasn’t happy about it."

"I knew he wouldn’t be. That’s why I didn’t bother telling him."

"You should have. Anyway, I need to visit Mom, or she’s going to kill me soon."

"I’m coming with you. I need to see her too. I know she must be missing me—her favorite daughter," Gia said with a playful smirk.

"You don’t have to be so proud about it," I scoffed.

"Are you jealous?"

"Not a chance. At least now that you’re the favorite, Mom will stop nagging me."

"I actually love the nagging," she grinned.

"Seriously, Gia? Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously."

"Fine, I’ll make sure to tell Mom so she nags you even more," I threatened.

"Whatever. Now go wash up, I already set a bath for you."

"You did?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, now go take your bath. You stink," she teased.

"Wow, thanks, Gia. You always treat me like a princess."

"That’s because you are a princess," she replied with a wink.

"Just give me ten minutes, and I’ll be ready."

"Take your time. I’ll prepare breakfast. How about scrambled eggs?"

"Sounds awesome," I said, finally feeling a bit better.

While Gia busied herself in the kitchen, I got ready, my mind still weighed down with thoughts about Dax. I hadn’t even told my parents about him yet. Mom was definitely going to kill me for leaving the hospital without permission.

Once I was dressed, I joined Gia in the dining room, grabbing my crutches with frustration. Every step I took reminded me how much I hated being dependent on them.

"You look so worked up this morning."

"I know. I just can't help it."

"Let's just eat and go."

Gia made us stop at the supermarket to pick up some groceries and my mum's favorite snacks.

"You know, sometimes I wonder if my mum is the only person who truly loves you."

"Of course not. I'm going to get something for Dad, but you have to help me. I have no idea what he likes."

"Oh, Gia, I am so disappointed in you."

"It's not my fault! Dad never complains about anything." I secretly loved how she called him 'Dad' instead of Mr. Cromwell.

"Fine, I'll help you out."

I helped her pick out Dad's favorite drinks and snacks. But something about the way Gia was shopping made me suspicious.

"Are we celebrating something at home? Whenever you're this nervous, it means you're trying to impress someone."

"Looks like you and Eric have decided to tell Mum and Dad about your new relationship," I said, keeping my eyes on the road as I drove.

"Eric told you, didn't he?"

"No, he didn’t. You just did."

"When? Was it last night?"

"No, Gia. Just now. You were buying both essential things and completely unnecessary ones."

"Eric suggested we should tell them today. I'm just scared."

"Scared of what?"

"That they might not accept me."

I burst into laughter. I couldn’t believe she actually thought my parents would reject her.

"Gia, that’s impossible. My parents adore you. Relax. I guarantee you, my mum will hug you with a huge smile the moment she sees you."

"I hope so."

Just as I predicted, the second we got home, my mum practically shoved me aside to hug Gia.

"Mum! I have an injured leg, you know," I complained.

She ignored me and dragged Gia inside.

"Hey, sweetie," my dad greeted, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

"Hey, Dad."

"How have you been feeling?"

"Terrible."

"Don't mind your mum. She's just mad that you didn't take better care of yourself."

"I know."

"Hey, sis."

I turned to find Eric standing at the door, looking livid. Oh boy, he was about to scold me.

"Eric, help your sister with the shopping bags. I need to get inside before your mum interrogates Gia to death."

I handed Eric my car keys before heading to the kitchen for a glass of water.

"You look awful," Eric remarked when he returned, his hands full of shopping bags.

"You’ll be the one unpacking. I need to head to the station."

"For what?"

"I need to see Dax—just for a while."

"Fine. But we still need to talk."

"Whatever. Just make sure you treat Gia like a princess, or I will kill you in your sleep," I warned, giving him a sharp look.

My phone rang, interrupting our conversation. The number was hidden.

Who the hell was calling me with a private number?

I answered, pressing the phone to my ear.

"How have you been, sweetie?"

That voice—I knew it.

"I'm sorry, who are you, and why are you calling my line?" I refused to acknowledge him.

"You don’t need to know who I am. Just know that I’m watching your every move."

"Keep up the good work. I don’t know how you got out of prison, but I promise you, I’ll put you back in—permanently."

"So, you do remember me."

"I suggest you take your fucked-up threats elsewhere, or I’ll show you exactly who I am. I’m not that seventeen-year-old girl you nearly ruined."

"It seems you and your boyfriend are saying the same thing. What a lovely couple you two make."

My breath hitched.

So he called Dax. And Dax didn’t even bother to warn me?

That was why he had been avoiding me.

I was so done with him.

"I’m watching your every move, sweetie. If you want your family to remain safe, meet me downtown by eight tonight."

"Fuck you, Jake! Leave my family out of this, or—"

"Or what, Brianna? What will you do? I’ll give you until eight. If not, I can’t guarantee the safety of your precious Gia."

"Touch any of them, and I swear I will kill you."

"We’ll see about that."

The line went dead.

My entire world spun.

Without hesitation, I dialed a contact. Dax was as good as dead to me.

"Hey, sweetie."

"Chan, I need your help. Call the group."

"Whoa, calm down. What’s going on?"

"My family is in danger. You remember the code. I need you to keep them safe."

"How soon do you need us?"

"By tomorrow. Fly down to Chicago."

"We’ll be there."

I clenched my phone tightly.

Just wait, Jake.

I knew this day would come, and I didn’t come back from China unprepared.

Let’s see who should be scared of who.