The Rise of the White Lotus

Just as Elliot Gong came to that conclusion, Ethan Lu approached their table with a plate full of a variety of dishes for his future wife. Since everyone's attention was on Elliot Gong, no one notice his approach. 

The moment Elliot Gong announced his sneaky intention, his brows could not help but twitch. Surely, his friend knew him very well and actually hit the point. Alas, no matter how precise Elliot Gong's conclusion was, Ethan Lu would never admit it!

"Love, don't listen to him. He's just jealous that he's not as romantic as me." Leaning down from Lexi's behind, Ethan Lu whispered to her ear which snapped Lexi from her confusion to what Elliot Gong just said. 

"Hey, I invited you with a pure intention. Please refrain from overthinking." Pretending that he was entirely innocent, Ethan Lu shook his head as he sat on the chair next to Lexi. He then placed the plate beside Lexi's plate and lovingly smiled at her without a care in the world. 

"Love love, you should eat more so baby is healthy, hehe!" Like an excited kitten, Ethan Lu's eyes gleamed and were narrowed in a thin line due to his grinning face. 

Until now, he was still in shock about Lexi's pregnancy. But nothing beats his excitement, he was too giddy to see and share the journey of Lexi's pregnancy and their life when the baby was born. Hence, the grin on his face was priceless and nothing seemed to take that away from him. 

Also, Ethan Lu overheard his remarks about Elliot Gong's reasonable conclusion, a light giggle escaped their mouths excluding Elliot Gong who peered at Ethan Lu with disgust. 

"You won't win against him— he's shameless enough to deny it." Whispering, Rika Song humored as she believed Elliot Gong's deductions. Also, since it wasn't important to them as they get to witness this eventful night, they might as well enjoy the rest of the night. 

Although deep down in Ethan Lu's heart, he was afraid to get rejected, at the very least, he didn't invite just anyone. He selected only those people that were close to Lexi and the people he trusted. Hence, it was no big deal. 

"Baby, try this one!" On the other hand, as he ignored the world that continued to rotate, Ethan Lu took a piece of dessert and was about to feed Lexi. However, just as Lexi got a whiff of the food, she instantly drew back while covering her nose as if she smelled poison. 

"Eew! Get that away from me! It smells rotten!" Still covering her nose, Lexi complained as she altered her dismayed gaze from the spoon and to Ethan Lu's confused front. 

"Ah??" Tilting his head to the side, the oblivious Ethan Lu had zero clues on what pregnancy could do to a woman. "But, it's delicious." He lowly added as if a child that was unjustly being wronged. 

"Dear, that's normal for a pregnant woman. Sometimes, we don't like a certain food or scent and sometimes, we crave something odd." Lillian Yang giggled as she explained to her confused son-in-law. 

"Oh...!" Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu instantly put the desert away from Lexi and even gestured one of the nearest waiters that was serving them tonight to get the dessert away from Lexi's sight. 

"Love, baby, I'm sorry. I didn't know anything." After handing the dessert to the waiter, Ethan Lu profusely apologized to Lexi while rubbing her tummy. Still, even though the dessert was now gone, its scent still lingered in Lexi's nostrils which nearly made her vomit. 

"Love are you alright?" Panicking, Ethan Lu immediately turned to his in-laws as if asking for help. "Mom!"

"Dear, what are you feeling?" Concerned seeing the corner of her daughter's eyes get teary, Lillian Yang softly inquired. 

"I still smell the dessert but I am fine." Drinking a glass of water, Lexi shook her head trying to forget the scent of the dessert that she now hated for the rest of her life. 

Afterward, when Lexi slightly recovered, the night went on peacefully and smoothly. It was like a simple dinner with everyone catching up through these busy three months. 

Of course, the person who was like a bridge to connect people and the ones that have too many stories to tell was the ever-lively Rika Song. 

On the other hand, the yang parents soon bid their farewell to everyone as it was getting late for them and Frederick Yang still had some important arrangements tomorrow. 

Sending them off, Lexi tightly embraced her mother and then her father for a long time. Not letting her father go, Lexi murmured. 

"Thanks, Dad... Mom," Lexi has too many thanks to tell them and how lucky she was to have them as her parents. Yet, she was afraid that she would stall them until tomorrow if she does mention her gratitude one by one. 

"No, my princess. Seeing you happy again, thank you." Chuckling, Frederick Yang cast the smiling Lillian Yang a side glance before he gently patted Lexi's back. He then turned his gaze to Ethan Lu who was standing behind Lexi. "Son, thank you for bringing our daughter back and... congratulations on your engagement and for being a soon to be a father."

Upon receiving his father-in-laws' thanks, Ethan Lu made a deep bow as a respect to them. "Thank you for trusting me, Mom and Dad."

After a while, Lexi finally let go of her father and they went off after several notes her mother gave. They were also told that Lillian Yang had prepared some healthy snacks for Lexi and an appointment with the gynecologist two days from now. 

As Lexi and Ethan Lu watched the car go further and further away from them, Ethan Lu took off his blazer suit jacket and placed it on her shoulder before wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. 

"Can we get married tomorrow?" Ethan Lu whispered as he placed a soft peck on her graceful neck.