Burning Orchids

Chapter Two: Dangerous Games

The night at the gallery lingered in my mind like the scent of his cologne—a haunting reminder that I was already tangled in a web I had no business being in. Kai Zhang’s words echoed in my head: You’re already involved, Talia. The moment you stepped into this gallery, you became part of the war. You just don’t know it yet.

I tried to dismiss the thought, to convince myself that it was just another arrogant Zhang trying to stake his claim. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was right. Our families had been locked in a battle for years, and I had just become an unwitting pawn in it.

My phone buzzed on the table beside me, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw a message from my father.

"Talia, meet me at the office. Now."

I rolled my eyes. This wasn’t unusual. My father was always demanding my presence at the most inconvenient times, but tonight, I couldn’t ignore the urgency in his message. I grabbed my coat, trying to push the thoughts of Kai from my mind, but the nagging sense of danger only seemed to intensify with each step I took.

---

The office was quiet when I arrived, the lights dimmed, and the city lights outside casting long shadows across the room. My father was standing by the window, his back to me, as usual, looking like a man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. The moment he spoke, his voice was as cold as ice.

“Talia, sit.”

I obeyed, though I couldn’t help the unease that crept into my chest. Something was different tonight. My father’s posture was tense, his jaw clenched in a way I had never seen before.

“Have you spoken to Kai Zhang?” he asked without looking at me.

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t expected the question to come so soon. “No,” I said quickly, perhaps too quickly. “Why would I?”

He turned to face me, his eyes narrowing as he studied me, trying to read the truth between my words. “You’ve crossed paths with him tonight, haven’t you?”

I swallowed hard, the truth lingering on the tip of my tongue. I couldn’t tell him what had really happened at the gallery. It was more than just a chance meeting, more than just a conversation. It was the beginning of something I wasn’t ready to face.

“I—” I paused, but the weight of my father’s stare bore down on me, urging me to speak. “Yes, we met. But it’s nothing. He’s just another Zhang trying to get under our skin.”

My father’s eyes softened for a split second before hardening again. “You’re not just dealing with another Zhang, Talia. You’re dealing with the son of a man who has been our enemy for years. This isn’t a game.”

I felt a cold sweat form on the back of my neck. “I know, Father. But—”

“No. You don’t know.” He took a step toward me, his presence as imposing as ever. “The Zhangs have been making moves. Dangerous moves. I don’t need to remind you of the deal that went south—of how your mother and I lost everything because of them.”

I nodded, the pain of that loss still fresh in my mind. My parents had never recovered from the scandal that had followed. It had torn our family apart, and the Zhangs had been at the heart of it. But none of that explained why my father was acting this way, why he was suddenly so frantic.

“Something’s happening, Talia. Kai Zhang is more than just a spoiled heir. He’s a threat. And I need you to stay away from him. For your safety. For the family.”

His words hit me like a slap. “What are you saying? That I should avoid him? Stay hidden from the world?”

“I’m saying the Zhangs are planning something, and I don’t trust Kai. I don’t trust any of them.” My father’s voice had dropped to a whisper, his face grim. “If they’re after something, they’ll use anything to get it. Including you.”

I recoiled, the implications of his words sinking in. “What are you talking about? You think I’m in danger because of him?”

“I don’t know.” My father’s face was a mask of uncertainty. “But if you don’t stay away from him, you’ll be a part of whatever they’re planning. And I can’t protect you if you’re involved in their games.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him that he was overreacting, but I couldn’t. His fear was too real, and it struck something deep inside me. The idea that I could be in danger, that I could be caught in a web of manipulation, terrified me.

“I’ll stay away,” I whispered, even though I knew it was a lie. The moment I had laid eyes on Kai Zhang, I knew it was too late for that.

---

The next morning, I couldn’t shake the tension. My father’s warning echoed in my mind as I walked to work, the cool air of Singapore doing little to calm the storm brewing in my chest. I hadn’t heard from Kai since the gallery, but something told me it wouldn’t be long before I did.

As I passed a coffee shop on my way to the office, I saw him—Kai Zhang, sitting at a table by the window, his dark eyes scanning the street outside. Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt that familiar pull in my chest. I quickly turned away, my heart pounding in my ears.

But before I could get far, I heard his voice behind me. “Talia.”

I stopped in my tracks, my breath hitching in my throat. I couldn’t look at him. Not here, not now. Not when the danger was so real.

I turned slowly, forcing myself to meet his gaze. His expression was unreadable, but there was something there—a challenge, perhaps. “You should’ve listened to your father,” he said quietly, the words hanging heavy between us.

I swallowed hard. “I don’t need anyone telling me what to do.”

He smirked, and for the first time, I saw something dangerous flicker in his eyes. “I’m not here to tell you what to do, Talia. But I will make you understand soon enough.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, frozen in place. Whatever game Kai Zhang was playing, I was no longer just a piece on the board.. I was the prize. And I was already his."