Imperfect Desires

-Xin Villa-

Since everyone was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted, they all slept peacefully after coming from the hospital except for one person; Xin Zimen. Yes, the house owner himself was feeling weird with just the thought that his elder brother was resting in the same house. How long had it been since they both had lived under the same roof?

He didn't remember the exact years but he knew it was long ago. Since he moved out of the Xin Family house back in high school. The school had dorms, so he preferred to live there even though the house wasn't that far. And now after years, he was under the same roof as his elder brother once again.

He was looking out the window when he heard someone knocking on the door of his room. He went over and opened the door. A steaming hot cup of tea appeared before his face. He looked up at Xin Kuan and said, "Come inside, Brother Kuan."

Xin Kuan entered the room and closed the door behind him. He sat down with Xin Zimen and placed his tea down as well. Just as Xin Zimen picked up the cup of tea, he heard, "Are you angry with Wen Ai?"

Xin Zimen scoffed, "Am I allowed to be angry with her?" He sipped on the tea and said, "I'm just a little surprised that she would hide so much from me."

"Xiao Zi, I think she'd have her reasons," said Xin Kuan.

Xin Zimen eyed him, "I get it. Your loyalty still lies with Wen Ai, but be reasonable right now."

Xin Kuan lowered his eyes, "My loyalty lies with you as well. Wen Ai made me enter this house with a clear purpose. She wanted me to protect her sons and she didn't want you to feel like you'd be left alone after she's gone."

Xin Zimen felt frustrated, "I don't understand why she went so far? She had nothing to do with Sister Huan or my brother. Why would she take such a risk for them?"

"Xiao Zi, it's not for them. It's always been for you," replied Xin Kuan, and Xin Zimen's brows furrowed up. "Let's face it, Xiao Zi. Your hatred for your brother had long waned. Now, you just have the unwillingness to accept that you actually never hated him. Because he never did anything wrong to you. At least, he didn't intend to do so." Xin Zimen's brows eased up as he looked down. "Madame Ai's reason for going so far for them was one that they're your family. And two, she thought she owed this much to Zhao Huan."

"She owed her nothing!"

Xin Kuan smiled sadly, "She didn't think like that. Don't forget that even though she barged into their wedding without any care, later she spent years saying sorry for ruining their beautiful day. It was her strange feeling of guilt that must have forced her to do that. She just wanted to do something for Zhao Huan to make it up to her."

How could Xin Zimen not understand this particular detail? He had also thought the same. Even though his wife did all sorts of crazy antics, only he was able to understand and justify each and every action of hers.

But how was he supposed to justify this one? How was he supposed to justify to his daughter? What should he tell that little one why her mother chose to save someone else? Whenever he thought of how his daughter must have felt, he couldn't help feeling angry.

Seeing his hands clenched into tight fists, Xin Kuan placed his hand on his shoulder and said softly, "Stop it! Neither Xiulin nor Wen Ai would have wanted to see you like this."

Xin Zimen was quiet for a minute before his eyes showed a determined look. "Brother Kaun, keep an eye on everyone's movements."

"You mean everyone from the Xin family?" 

Xin Zimen nodded his head, "Yes. Everyone from that family. If even one of them tries anything suspicious, let me know. Especially, Suyin. Make sure she doesn't try anything."

Xin Kuan sighed out, "Suyin had been too quiet for the last couple of years."

"Just because she had been dormant lately doesn't mean I trust her even a little bit." He took a pause and added, "Also, cooperate with Clara Cartwright in any way needed. I have been too quiet and maybe that's why people are forgetting how important my family is to me. They need a reminder that if anyone tries to hurt my family, I won't let them off. No matter who they are!"

"And if young master Li disagreed?"

"He won't," replied Xin Zimen. "He is my son. He won't stand against me regarding this."

*Knock! Knock!*

Xin Zimen looked up when the door was pushed open from outside. Zhao Huan peeked inside and said, "Xiao Zi, come out for dinner. Everyone is waiting for you." She looked at Xin Kuan and added, "Brother Kuan, you should also join us."

Xin Zimen's eyes narrowed at his sister-in-law who didn't care about his mood swings.

"Don't act like a kid! He is your elder brother. Eating together won't hurt you both."

"Sister Huan, I'm not hungry," said Xin Zimen.

Zhao Huan came inside and dragged him out saying, "Don't even think about using such a childish excuse with me. You haven't touched food since yesterday. I don't even know when you last ate anything."

"But I really don't feel like eating," replied Xin Zimen helplessly.

"Do you want me to call my daughter?"

Xin Zimen instantly stopped struggling, "I'll eat. Let's go!"

Zhao Huan gaped at him in disbelief, "Wow! I can't believe this. My daughter's name works like a charm on you, eh?"

"I have to listen to her," told Xin Zimen. "How else will I steal her from you?"

Zhao Huan smacked his head, "You dare?!"

"Doesn't your husband always says that I can dare to do anything? So, why can't I steal your daughter?"