The Rise of the White Lotus

Moments later, the red light above the door of the surgery room went off. Lexi and Ethan who were having a moment of rest from the traumatizing night snapped as the two turned their heads to the door sliding open. 

When they saw someone come out, Ethan Lu jerked up from his seat and glided towards the doctor coming out. Bearing an expectant eyes, Ethan Lu raised his brows as he wiped the remaining tears on the corner of his eyes. 

"How was the operation?" Ethan Lu asked. Meanwhile, Lexi slowly stood from her seat as she approached the doctor. 

The doctor let out a heavy sigh as he removed his surgical cap. Raising his gaze to the two anticipating pair of eyes, another sigh escaped from his mouth. 

"The operation is a success — the patient is out of harm's danger." The corner of his lips slowly curled up upon relaying the good news. 

"Thank God..." As if a painful torn was pluck out from Lexi's chest, she could finally sigh in relief — same with Ethan Lu. 

"The first aid that was done to her helped greatly. We will transfer the patient to a regular ward. Please ease your mind." 

"Thank you. Really, thank you." Grateful for the doctor's efforts, Ethan Lu bowed his head courtly. Words weren't enough to express how grateful he was for saving Churu. 

The doctor bowed his head as well before he left the couple. When he left, Lexi suddenly jumped on Ethan Lu, wrapped her arms around his waist. 

"I'm so glad..." Through a whisper, Lexi could not help her tears from falling again. 

"Me too..." Slowly, Ethan Lu hugged her back and rubbed Lexi's back. "I haven't thanked her enough and supplied her more skincare products." Ethan Lu added in a soft, relieved tone. 

That night, Lexi and Ethan Lu weren't able to go home as they had to be treated as well. Fortunately, aside from minor bruises, the couple were alright. 

Still, since the incident was traumatic, Lexi had to receive therapy as she has a history of depression and anxiety. Over all, it wasn't the best night, and the days ahead were tough. 

Despite that, the couple took little steps for moving forward. It had been quite a year for them, but together, their hearts agreed to stick together and face every obstacle without fear. 

****

One month later...

Under the beautiful clear blue sky, white cotton candy clouds, a beautiful setting was arranged near the shore. The mild breeze cooperated as it kissed the faces of everyone witnessing the couple take their beautiful vows. 

"BRIDE and GROOM, you have heard the words about love and marriage, have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrated your union with the giving and receiving of rings.

It is at this time that I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride!" The marriage officiant pronounced and was followed by an applause from the guests. 

Jaime Liao lifted the veil and Rika Song's lovely, bright smiled graced to welcome him. As he bit his lower lip to stop himself from smiling like an idiot, he leaned closer to kiss his wife — for the first time. 

As their lips met, friends and families clapped their hands. Lexi, who was watching her best friend get married with the love of her life, she could not help but well up. 

"I'm so happy for her." Hiccuping, Lexi received the handkerchief Ethan Lu offered to wipe her tears. 

"I'm sure Dr. Liao will take good care of her." Watching her wife genuinely cry because of happiness, Ethan Lu lovingly smiled at her. 

Seeing that Lexi only nodded as she wiped her tears away, Ethan Lu's gaze shifted to Elliot Gong next to Lexi. 

"Eli, you can cry too, you know?" Ethan Lu teased. By the looks of Elliot Gong, behind the seemingly unfazed front, his eyes says otherwise. 

They'd been friends since forever. Thus, Ethan Lu could tell in a glimpse that Elliot Gong were holding his tears back. After all, Elliot Gong might not admit it, but deep down, Rika Song had a special place in his heart. 

They might bicker now and then, but Elliot Gong were Rika Song's go-to person. In Ethan Lu's eyes, the two were like siblings. 

Still, they were also like soulmates. Their chemistry was undoubtedly great, they share the same energy, and had an unbreakable bond. 

It was just funny that no matter how great they look together, Rika Song and Elliot Gong weren't meant to be. The two, no matter how many people shipped them together, no matter how professional kissed they shared in their work, they never fell in love with each other. 

This, Ethan Lu somehow believed that men and women could also be pure friends. No ulterior motives, no friends with benefits, but a friendship that shared a mutual understanding and respect. 

"Shut up!" Glaring daggers at Ethan Lu's playful front, Elliot Gong cleared his throat as he tugged the hem of his suit. "Why would I cry if she ended up with a principled man?" Elliot Gong muttered, yet his eyes grew watery, and he turned to avoid Ethan Lu's smiling face. 

"Jeez," Chuckling, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways while Lexi also chuckled as she wiped the tears on the corner of her eyes. 

"Da da..." as the bride and groom made their lovely exit, Lillian Yang approached with Evan Lu in her arms. 

Evan Lu was reaching his arms to Lexi while saying his father's name. The couple who were teasing Elliot Gong turned to Evan Lu and in that instant, Lexi carried him. 

"Aww... baby, are you calling daddy?" Smiling lovingly, Lexi glanced at Ethan Lu whose feet were rooted to the ground, shocked to hear his son call him for the first time. 

"Hey Vanvan, can you say it again?" When Ethan Lu snapped, he excitedly clasped his hands together as he looked at the adorable Evan Lu. 

"Ma ma... ma ma..." opening his hands and closing them again, Ethan Lu giggled as he touched his mother's face. 

"Pfft—!" Upon hearing that Evan Lu purposely teased his father, the people around including Lexi laughed. "He really knows how to tease his father." Shaking her head, Lexi played with Evan Lu's little hands. 

"Hah!" Letting out a ridiculing scoff, Elliot Gong laughed loudly the most as he finally found someone whom he could be a great ally in bullying Ethan Lu. "Vanvan, do you want chocolates? Just listen to Uncle Eli and I'll give you a lot of them!" Elliot Gong bribed, suddenly appearing on Lexi's side. 

"Hey!" However, not just Ethan Lu but everyone around said in unison. "Too much sweets is not good for kids!" Peering at the shameless Elliot Gong in disdain, Ethan Lu spat. 

He'd be in a great dilemma if this Elliot Gong bribed Evan Lu. Ethan Lu could imagine Elliot Gong laughing evilly while he pushed him around. God... that seemed to be so scary. 

Lexi and all the guests then headed to the other venue after a while.