The Rise of the White Lotus

"Lies..." Due to the injuries Lincoln Lu inflicted, his rebut trailed off as he finally lost his consciousness. 

Before he completely lost his consciousness, his mind flashed images of the past: Edward Lu's smiling gently that he used to despise, memories with his late mother and the words, "your Uncle Ed is my savior — never hold a grudge to a good man."

For several seconds after Lincoln Lu was knocked out by Ethan Lu, none of them could say a single word. What transpired tonight, the roller coaster of emotions that took placed, it was just too much to process in one go. 

If they were not in there, they would not believe that this happened. Yet, at the end of the day, they could finally sigh in relief as it finally ended.

When everyone recovered from what happened, Edward Lu's men carried Lincoln Lu's body to the ambulance outside the abandoned warehouse — Churu as well. 

Lexi searched for the person who gave Churu the first aid. But, since her focus was diverted to her husband's confrontation with Lincoln Lu, she didn't notice him leaving. 

Looking up, Seraphina Yue was also gone. It was as if she wasn't in there in the first place. However, none of them have the leisure to find the woman who comes and go without a trace. 

Therefore, Lexi and Ethan Lu could only thank the said woman in their hearts while they rushed Churu to the hospital. 

****

Outside the emergency room where Churu was being operated, Ethan Lu placed his blazer over Lexi's shoulder. 

"Ethan..." Turning her gaze to her side, the built up tears that were tempting to fall since earlier fell from the corner of Lexi's eyes. Lexi was anxious, afraid that something might happen to Churu. 

Lexi was unsure if a normal surgery would work on Churu. After all, Churu wasn't a normal human — she's a fallen angel. Hence, would a technology in this age could save an angel?

The uncertainties of not knowing the outcome, the anxiety of Churu's safety, and the fear of losing someone dear to her, Lexi's heart was pounding nonstop. 

"She'll be fine — I know because my heart says so." Although Lexi only whispered his name, Ethan Lu had guessed what's her worries. "I'm sorry you have to go through this." Wiping her tears, Ethan Lu's eyes softened as a hurt glint flashed across his eyes. 

Ethan Lu was even ashamed to ask his wife if she was fine because obviously, she wasn't. Not just that, but also, Lexi nearly died right in front of him. If not for Churu, he would have lost his wife forever. 

The fact that if he didn't have Churu with him, Ethan Lu would have caused his wife's death due to his indecisiveness. In his perspective, Ethan Lu failed his wife. He failed the twins and Churu. 

Therefore, he felt ashamed just by staring at her straight in the eye, sitting beside her, and even trying to comfort her. He has no right... was what he thought. 

"I shouldn't have said I'd protect you even if it means being cruel if I couldn't do it. If not for Churu, I would have lost you... rob the twins of growing with a mother. I'm sorry for failing you." Caressing Lexi's cheek, Ethan Lu stretched his lips into an apologetic smile. 

"I'm sorry..." Despite that he was trying to sound composed, Ethan Lu's voice still cracked midway. 

Lexi slightly bit her bottom lip as she stared back at him. She could feel the pain, regret, and sincere emotions that laced in his words. 

They were husband and wife, partners for life, and consider as one. Therefore, Lexi knew the pain of regret and fear Ethan Lu had in his heart. 

Stretching her hands to his, Lexi's lips tilted a little upward. She shook her head as she cupped his cheek by her palm. "I know you did what you think is best and gave your all to protect me. Thank you."

"It's not your fault that we wanted to keep our principles while facing a dilemma. Ethan, you're the most amazing person I have ever known and I'm grateful that you're my husband and the father of my children." Squeezing his hand tightly, Lexi's meek smile grew a little wider as she tried to cheer him up.

"Thank you and I love you." As Ethan Lu listened to his wife's gentle and heartwarming words, a tear he didn't know was there fell. 

After one drop, tears continued to stain his cheek as he silently broke down while holding Lexi's hand on his face. Lexi never witness him break down, but today was an exception. 

Yet, Lexi didn't speak another word as she rubbed his slightly drenched back in a gentle manner. She didn't need to ask why he was emotional, after all, Lexi had known a few of his husband's secret. 

First, Ethan Lu was well-aware of what happened to his parents. Lexi didn't know when he learned about it. 

Second, Ethan Lu, regardless of what circumstances he was in, he would always be the man whom Lexi fell in love with. As far as he could, he would fight fair and square — even if his enemies used underhanded tricks — he would fight in a way that would uphold his principles. 

And lastly, Lexi confirmed that in spite of what happened, Ethan Lu would never turn his back on his family. It may be foolish of him and he might not say it, but Ethan Lu had soft spots for his kin. 

"Thank you..." In between his muffled sobs, Ethan Lu muttered as he tightened his grip on his wife. 

Right now, he was barely standing. If not for having a strong pillar as a support, Ethan Lu would have disregarded a lot of things he upheld all his life tonight. 

Still, despite that he regret for being indecisive, his wife could read and understand him more than he understood himself. Even the word thank you was not enough to thank Lexi for staying strong despite what she had gone through.