Imperfect Desires

After Nora took a bath and changed into the clothes that didn't really fit her, she stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection. Even though she was in an oversized shirt and jeans, she found these clothes a lot more acceptable than the ones she took off.

When she walked out of the room, she found the same maid waiting for her outside with a polite smile and led her towards the dining room where Xin Zimen was sitting with a newspaper in his hands.

"Where is everyone? Why is it that no one in this house listens to me? I asked for my morning tea fifteen minutes ago," he was grumbling in annoyance.

"Maybe you should act like the master of the house once in a while and everyone will start listening to you," said Xin Kuan who was sitting beside him.

Xin Zimen looked up at him as he said, "Brother Kuan, except for you everyone thinks that I'm the master of the house.

"That's what you think," said Xin Kuan as he stood up to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I have some work to do and you have a guest to attend to whom by the way you're leaving a bad impression on."

"When did I?" retorted Xin Zimen before he looked over at Nora and smiled gently. "Don't just stand there. Take a seat and have breakfast with me."

"I'll see you later," said Xin Kuan before leaving.

Now, Xin Zimen's attention was completely on Nora since he put his newspaper down as well. "Sorry about the clothes. Actually I have only one daughter and apparently her size is different." He spoke as if it was his fault or something which caught Nora by surprise really.

"There is really no need for all this," said Nora as she saw how many dishes were placed before her in a matter of minutes. She was really not sure what to feel right now. 

"What kind of a host would I be if I can't even do this much?" replied Xin Zimen and urged her to eat. Seeing how hesitant she was, he went on, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Xin Zimen, Xin Xiaosi's father."

"You're really Ah-Si's father?" Nora blurted out without realizing it. She obviously heard it earlier but she was still reluctant since Xin Zimen really didn't give her that impression. In fact, he looked so easy going that it made her wonder why or how his presence made her feel intimidated earlier.

"It's a pity but yes, that useless jerk is indeed my son," was Xin Zimen's response which made Nora chuckle softly at him. "The only good thing he has ever done in life is giving me an adorable granddaughter. Other than that, he is the real disappointment." Now that he managed to lighten up the mood, he smiled back at her.

"I'm Nora Cartwright," she finally introduced herself and felt bad since it was supposed to be the other way around. She was supposed to introduce herself first as proper manners but she didn't do so. Now, she could only regret it in her heart.

"Cartwright?" mumbled Xin Zimen with a frown. "Any relation to Clara Cartwright?'

"You know my mom?" Nora was a bit surprised.

"Who doesn't?" retorted Xin Zimen calmly. "She's one of the best lawyers I have come across in life. And she also is a successful person both professionally and personally."

"Personally?"

"Hm... She has such a beautiful daughter, obviously, that means she's got the best of both worlds."

Nora was flustered to hear those words. 

"You should eat something now. A proper breakfast is very important."

Nora nodded her head before picking up the chopsticks to eat. The breakfast didn't just look sumptuous but it also tasted heavenly. Her earlier fatigue and headache were completely gone after tasting such a delicious meal. But what surprised her, even more, was how quiet Xin Zimen had been. He had seen a woman coming out of his son's room and he had yet to question her anything.

She was thankful that he wasn't asking but she was also bothered that he wasn't asking. This bipolar nature was beyond her own understand now.

She had just put her chopsticks down when she heard him saying, "No, no, no. Not so fast. You have to eat more. Energy is very important for a dehydrated body. Also, I assure you that food is much better than alcohol. It might not bring the momentary courage but it'll indeed give you the strength to face the world."

Nora couldn't help staring at him in wonder. Was he a fortune-teller?

 "I... Actually..."

"You don't have to say it," Xin Zimen interrupted her stutter as he spoke up. "I'm not looking for any answers here. Not from you at least. So, don't look so tense and relax."

Nora had finally heaved a sigh of relief. She felt a lot at ease now when Xin Zimen clearly told her that he wasn't going to question her about anything. It was truly a blessing since she also didn't know how to answer.

"Dad! How can you lock your own son?" 

"Who unlocked the door for you?" 

Instead of answering his son who was fuming in rage, Xin Zimen questioned him in return but seeing how his eldest son was walking behind him, he didn't need to hear any reply. "Oh, so you called your brother for help..."

"I had to," replied Ah-Si and looked at Nora with a frown. "And what are you still doing here? You're awake, sober, and seems absolutely fine. Shouldn't you be on your way back now?"

"I was about to but..."

"I stopped her. You have a problem with that?" Xin Zimen answered instead of Nora. "Also, keep your voice down. She's someone's daughter and I won't allow you to raise your voice at her."

The way Xin Zimen's eyes squinted slightly and his voice deepened made not only Ah-Si flinch back but even Nora was startled to see his change. Darn! He looked scary now. He definitely didn't look like the person she just felt comfortable with.

"Are you really taking her side? I'm also your son!" retorted Xin Xiaosi.

"Xin. Xiao. Si!" Xin Zimen's voice was dangerously low now to the point that Xin Xiaoli had to hold his brother back warning him not to irk their father any more than this otherwise the consequences won't be nice. Taking a deep calming breath, Xin Zimen tried to show a gentle smile to Nora and said, "I believe you have something to talk with him, right?" Nora pursed her lips and nodded her head in reply. "Then I wish you good luck because he is as stubborn as a mule!"

Nora didn't know what to say but she didn't have to since Xin Zimen walked out of the dining room dragging Xin Xiaoli with him as well. It was clearly done to leave some privacy for Ah-Si and her. Honestly, she was really thankful for that.