The Dimension Traveller's Daughter

Chapter 10

My parents have selected an auspicious time for the tea ceremony to happen in the evening. Both bride and groom prepare at their individual homes, a process which I don’t get. My sister is layered in makeup that takes hours. During that period, I just lie in bed reading my novels. Han only arrives at our cottage at night. The ceremony happens very smoothly and in less than an hour, Autumn and Han are pronounced as husband and wife. I watch, faking a smile as I tell myself repeatedly in my mind, ‘it’s temporary. Temporary just for a union.’

Han takes Autumn’s hands and says his promise that he will take care of her all his life, but his words seem to have a different meaning as his eyes are pointed towards me. Fortunately, with Autumn’s veil still covering her face and the crowd not paying attention to the direction of his eyes, everyone assumes he was saying those words to Autumn. I feel relieved as the marriage finally ends and the helpers escort the bride to her chambers.

Han glances towards me as he passes me and like the other day at the market, I felt something being rapidly pushed up my sleeve. I am wearing a light pink floral patterned dress with wide sleeves, which accommodates Han’s note easily. Avoiding the crowd, I walk to an empty corner and open his message.

“Meet me in two hours’ time in the bridal chamber. And continue wearing that dress, it brings out the innocence in you.”

Grudgingly, I nod. I don’t know what plans he has for me later, but I am sure it will be the best for the three of us. I take my place among the crowd once again, making toasts to the different visitors. I recognise the senior physician, Aunt Xiaoyou and Uncle Gerald, their children, the daughters of the seamstress and lastly, the market vendors. I avoid Cheng for now. So much for a private party, it seems that my parents have invited the whole of Tuyi.

Two hours fly past in such a short while as I enjoy myself drinking, but not enough to get intoxicated. I discovered I am alcohol tolerant at a young age, when my sister and I stole our father’s secret stash. Gone are those days where we saw each other as sisters, I lament silently. Why Autumn has to like the same man as me, I don’t fathom.

For the past one hour the new pair has been toasting the guests nonstop. Now it looks like Autumn is getting weary, as she looks dizzy and her eyes are half-closed. I assume that Autumn is bad with alcohol. Remembering that Han has asked me to meet him at their chamber, I sneak past the crowd unnoticed, then head after Han, tiptoeing as I watch him close the door after them, with Autumn delicately in his arms.

My mother has retired to her room, as well as my father. So, ensuring the coast is clear of any servants, I tap gently on the door to the bridal chamber and open it with a soft creak.

Autumn is lying on the bed still in her bridal gown. Han wraps her carefully with the blanket, almost covering her head. I am amazed to see that she is still fully dressed, except for her floral shoes which are on the floor.

“Winter,” he gestures towards me. I come towards him obediently.

“Han, what is it? Did you have something to tell me?”

He shook his head. “Your sister is asleep now, Winter.”

I don’t recall my sister having such alcohol intolerance, but given how weak her constitution is now, I am not surprised. So, what did he want?

He dims the light. “Autumn has a strong dosage of sleeping drugs,” he explained. “She won’t wake till the next morning. What I want you to do is to play along with what I tell you to. Fool the guests. Soon, they will be peeking into the room.”

I was taken aback. Does he want me to take Autumn’s place tonight to perform the bridal rites? But I take a look at Autumn and recalling what my father had said, feel sorry for her. Since I already lost my virginity to Han and was already his mother, having given myself to him over and over again, what was there to mull about?

It was just that performing the rites in their bed, seemed like such a betrayal to her.

“Winter,” he calls my name again, not in the usual aggressive tone, but now, I find it rather seductive that he is being gentle. He reached towards me and pulled me towards him. “Winter, I told you before I don’t have feelings for your sister. But now, you should know that my feelings for you are very deep. I can’t explain what I feel for you and how angry I am whenever I see you with that Cheng.”

I nod. “You should have no reason to distrust me. I don’t love anyone but you.”

He seemed pleased to hear my words.