Cherie Bella George's frustration was at a boiling point as she paced the spacious living room of her father's home. Her face, flushed with anger, was a picture of distress.
"How could you do this to me, Daddy?" she yelled, her voice reverberating through the lavish space. "I don't want to go to Melbourne! I don't want to marry that Xavier Chia!"
Counsellor George Gana, his face set in a stern expression, struggled to maintain his composure. Yet, a flicker of compassion shone through his eyes. "Cherie, after what you've done to tamper with the Langford's new building's safety systems, there's no other way Daddy can save you."
He continued to explain, hoping his daughter would understand that he was doing the best he could in managing the crisis at hand, "Xavier is a good man, Daddy watched him grow up since he was a boy in our village. The business he has established in Melbourne in recent years is also stable, he is able to provide you with a good life there, and he promised Daddy he would love you and care for you."
Cherie's voice was a roar of anguish, "What about my happiness? Have you considered how I feel? I love Victor, and I only want to marry him! How can that Xavier give me happiness if I don't love him? You're ruining my whole life do you know that?"
Her cheeks wet with tears, Cherie swept down a few glass containers filled with snacks off the coffee table, cursing angrily, "That stupid Haidy! I warned him already, how dare he..."
"Enough!" George interrupted her sharply. "If not for Haidy's confession, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Your actions could have ruined our family and brought disgrace upon us all. It's either you go to Melbourne and live comfortably with Xavier, or our whole family loses everything we have now and ends up on the streets as beggars. I warned you we can't afford to touch President Victor and the Langford Group. This is the best I can do now to protect us all as a family. Do you understand?"
As George said this, a shiver ran down his spine, recalling what he had learned from President Victor's personal assistant, Mr. Hann Louis, earlier that morning. He had rushed to the Langford Group headquarters to apologize to President Victor, following Haidy Rimun's confession and plea for help the previous night.
He had never imagined that Cherie could have orchestrated such a bold act. The chilling details of the trap that nearly claimed President Victor's life left him speechless. When Mr. Hann had briefed him on the incident and informed him that Victor was now working from home to recover, George felt as though his entire world was collapsing. The potential ruin and destruction of the Gana family due to possible legal action from the Langford Group was overwhelming and terrifying.
It was at that moment that he realized the serious need to cut off all thoughts Cherie had about President Victor, and he decided that marrying her away was the only viable solution, to assure President Victor that Cherie would not disturb his life and the Langford Group anymore, in pleading for his mercy to not take severe action against her.
President Victor's response to his request was still lingering in his mind, his cold voice cutting through Mr. Hann's phone after a tense pause, "I'll think about it."
"And Haidy Rimun..." George tried to also plead for Haidy's reduced penalty as well.
Victor cut him, "The Langford Group will no longer engage with Haidy in the future. But I won't pursue legal action against him, that's the furthest step back I can take."
George understood that this was a concession from President Victor, acknowledging the seven years of professional relationship he had with Haidy. He dared not press for more.
He assured President Victor, "My team has completed the building's safety reassessment, and everything is in order. I will do everything possible to expedite the launch permit approval and issuance ahead of your deadline, President Victor."
Cherie, who was slumped on the couch and sobbing uncontrollably, pulled George's thoughts back to the present. His voice softened as he continued to console her, "Forget about President Victor, Cherie. He's not the right one for you. Live a good life with Xavier in Melbourne, Daddy will make sure he treats you well."
Cherie's expression was a blend of disbelief and resignation. She understood her father's decision, but the sting of her failure was profound. As she sat in silence, the weight of her actions and their repercussions on her family sank in and became overwhelming. The reality of being married to a stranger and leaving her hometown and family within a week felt surreal and painful.
George allowed Cherie the space she needed to come to terms with the arrangements. He retreated to his home office for a moment of quiet reflection.
Sitting at his desk, George's thoughts drifted to Haidy – the once-promising man who had now lost everything he had worked for. George had reached out to several business contacts in West Malaysia, seeking a suitable job for Haidy to start over. He had managed to find a potential position in Petaling Jaya that might be a good fit.
He called Haidy to discuss the opportunity, his exhaustion evident as he pinched the bridge of his nose. The past two days had been grueling, and he was drained from handling the crisis.
***
Kaylee's Monday morning began on a positive note, and she was eager to enjoy some fresh air after a week of being confined to the hospital and home. Although she could walk a little, Victor had insisted she use a wheelchair to move around for now to be safe.
Victor wanted to go with her so much, but Kaylee reminded him that it was a workday, even though he was working from home. She didn't want to cause him more trouble by taking up his working time. Also, it might create a scene if she was seen going around in town with President Victor. Their recent viral news still lingered online.
She promised to be home by noon so they could have lunch together during his break. Though reluctant to stay back, Victor agreed. He arranged for Corinna and a driver to take Kaylee out.
With Corinna's assistance, Kaylee settled into the car and gave the driver an address, it was a Christian bookstore at Kenyalang – a place she had frequented for many years.
After yesterday's home worship with Victor, Kaylee decided to buy him a Bible considering his evident desire to learn more about the Word of God, and also as a gesture of gratitude for the kindness and support he had given her during her recovery at his place.
When the car stopped in front of the bookstore, Corinna gently helped Kaylee out of the car and settled her into her wheelchair. She then wheeled Kaylee into the bookstore, heading straight to the Bible section as Kaylee had requested.
Somehow, it wasn't easy to find many Bible supplies in most bookstores nowadays – even the Christian bookstores, but this one stood out with its extensive range of Bibles in all translation versions, offering everything from affordable options to premium, exclusive editions.
Kaylee's gaze swept over the shelves, layer by layer, until her eyes settled on a striking black Bible displayed prominently. Its leather cover exuded a timeless elegance, crafted from high-quality, supple leather that promised both durability and sophistication. The surface was smooth yet subtly textured, reflecting a deep, rich black that seemed to absorb the light around it.
The cover featured embossed glossy black lettering that caught the light with a gentle gleam. The title, "Holy Bible", was stamped across the front in a bold, classic serif font, with "New King James Version" beneath it in smaller text. The spine mirrored this design, with vertical lettering in impeccable precision. The embossing created a striking contrast against the dark leather, especially when illuminated by the store's lighting.
Kaylee's eyes sparkled at the sight of this rare find. She turned to Corinna and politely requested her help to bring that black Bible to her lap, which Corinna gladly did with a smile.
As Kaylee held the Bible in her hands, its substantial weight felt grounding and comforting – qualities she associated with Victor. The robust yet elegant design, combined with its premium craftsmanship, resonated deeply with her perception of Victor's strength and refinement.
The Bible was accompanied by a matching leather zippered case packed inside the gift box, ensuring both protection and a sleek aesthetic. With the help of a bookstore attendant, Kaylee opened the box and tested the zip, which was finely crafted. It glided smoothly along its track and met at a polished, gold-plated zipper pull, adding a touch of understated luxury.
Kaylee was thoroughly pleased with this Bible. The refined black leather, the intricate glossy black embossing, and the secure zippered case all combined to create a piece that was both imposing and graceful – perfectly capturing the essence of the man it was intended for.
Corinna then wheeled her to the counter to queue for payment, a satisfied smile lingering on Kaylee's lips.
Just then, the young lady standing in line ahead of them turned around and gasped in surprise to see Kaylee. Her eyes widened in recognition, "The beautiful Miss Architect!" exclaimed Joyce Chee, her excitement palpable. Kaylee recognized her from the charity auction.
Kaylee was momentarily startled but quickly warmed to Joyce's friendly demeanor. They struck up a lively conversation, and Joyce's enthusiasm was contagious. "I've heard so much about you! You were incredible at the auction."
Although initially a bit awkward and caught off guard, Kaylee found Joyce's company delightful. When Joyce invited her for tea at a nearby cafe, Kaylee accepted. Corinna and the driver accompanied them but remained discreetly in the background.
Over tea, Joyce shared some gossip about her family friend Cherie Bella George, who had been forced into a marriage with a man in Melbourne. "I heard Cherie offended some big shot that she shouldn't have, so her Daddy had to send her away," Joyce said with a sigh.
Kaylee didn't know Cherie personally but was familiar with Counsellor George Gana. Although she wasn't one for gossip, she listened politely, and the conversation did little to intrigue her beyond idle curiosity.
The late morning passed pleasantly, with Kaylee and Joyce sharing laughter and then exchanging phone numbers before Kaylee returned home in time for lunch with Victor.
A sweet and nice person to befriend, Kaylee concluded in her heart as they parted ways.
***
Victor was busy in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a simple lunch when Kaylee and Corinna entered the house. As he heard the main entrance door click, a smile slowly spread across his lips.
He turned and said cheerfully, "Almost done!"
Kaylee's heart was still touched by Victor's dedication to her recovery. He had made time to help her with her physical therapy exercises, supporting her as she took tentative steps to regain her strength, in addition to all these little things he did for her like the wardrobe full of clothes and the nutritious meals he prepared every day.
Despite Victor's constant respect and care, which included handling moments of unavoidable physical contact with sensitivity, Kaylee found herself increasingly confused about her feelings toward him. Was it merely friendship, forged through their shared struggle, or was there something more romantic developing between them?
As Corinna helped her to the dining table, Kaylee pondered these thoughts. She could now manage to eat by herself, and she had started dining together with Victor at the dining table since dinner the previous night.
After lunch, Victor assisted her in walking to the sheltered mini garden outside the house for a leisurely afternoon chat. There, he finally shared details about Cherie and Haidy's sabotage of tampering with the new conference center's safety systems, as well as the call he received from Counsellor George this morning, including the plan George had made regarding his daughter.
Victor carefully asked if Kaylee wanted any further action taken against Cherie Bella George and Haidy Rimun, as he wanted to respect her wishes given the suffering she had endured due to Cherie's scheme.
Kaylee reflected on this and realized why Joyce had mentioned Cherie's relocation to Melbourne. Looking up at Victor, she told him she had forgiven both Cherie and Haidy. She felt that Cherie's move to Melbourne and Haidy's removal from the Langford Group network would suffice as a lesson. She left the final decisions to Victor, trusting his judgment.
Victor, touched by Kaylee's forgiveness and kindness, picked up his phone to relay the message to Hann. After finishing the call, he turned back to Kaylee, their eyes meeting.
Kaylee smiled and then turned to Corinna, who was waiting nearby to assist her, and asked for her gift package. Corinna nodded and soon returned with a simple yet elegant black gift package, placing it on the tea table before stepping away to give them privacy.
"I wanted to thank you for everything, Victor," Kaylee said with a sincere smile, sliding the heavy gift package across the small tea table to him. "This is a little gift from me. I hope you like it."
Victor was totally surprised by the gesture. His heart swelled with joy, and a shy smile spread across his face. It had been a really long time since he had received a personal gift. The last meaningful gifts had come from his late mother, and since her passing, this was the first gift he had received.
He felt very shy to take the gift package but he wouldn't want to miss Kaylee's gift, so trying to suppress his blush, he leaned forward to accept the gift, saying thanks.
His ears reddened slightly as he carefully unwrapped the black gift package to reveal the elegant Bible Kaylee had chosen for him. He opened the cover with reverence, and his eyes softened as he read the handwritten message on the first page: "Dear Victor, I pray that this Bible brings abundant blessings and anointing into your life. Thank you for everything you have done for me from the bottom of my heart." And it was signed by Kaylee at the bottom.
Victor was moved to silence, feeling a deep, stirring emotion within him – like a fire rekindling his determination to rededicate his life to the God he had known since childhood. He carefully closed the Bible and set it aside to reveal the equally masculine and matching black leather zippered case, the same design as the Bible cover. Treating it as a precious treasure, he unzipped the case and fit the Bible inside. This was the most cherished gift he had ever received, and he vowed to treasure it forever.
He looked up at Kaylee. Deep appreciation and thankfulness were clearly seen on his face. After a moment of silence, he broke it by saying, "You know, the song you sang to me in the cold room – I think I've heard it before."
At that, Kaylee recalled her promise to tell Victor about that song she had sung for him when they were trapped in the cold room.
"Oh, I love that song," she said, her eyes softening as she thought about its simple yet uplifting melody and powerful lyrics that had helped her through difficult times. "It's so meaningful and has always been a source of strength for me."
She looked up at Victor and continued, "When I was fourteen, I met an incredibly talented young woman. She was only 21 but accomplished so much – she taught the Word of God, composed music, sang, played instruments, authored devotional materials, and led workshops on everything from motivation to transformation."
Kaylee's eyes lit up as she spoke of this inspiring figure. "She has always been someone I look up to until this day, she encouraged me to stay close to God through all seasons of life and never stop pursuing things I'm passionate about with the wisdom and the spirit of excellence from God, through prayers and devotion."
Victor didn't interrupt her story and listened attentively. In his heart, he quietly felt grateful for the profound influence this woman had on Kaylee's life. For once, he was intrigued and wanted to meet this inspiring person someday. He just enjoyed sharing Kaylee's world more and more. It had been increasingly fascinating to him!
Kaylee's voice continued to reach him, "So that year, she composed this song 'BIG God.' Since I first heard it and learned to sing along during one of the worship services she led, it has become my go-to power song. I sing it whenever I'm feeling down or upset. It has been with me through both tears and joy."
Then Kaylee took out her phone slowly to search for this song's lyrics, Showing her phone screen to Victor, she asked, "Here are the lyrics. Do you know this song too?"
Victor glanced at her phone screen for a while, his expression gradually shifting to one of slight disbelief mixed with complex emotions. After a moment, he slowly looked up at Kaylee and stared at Kaylee's face for a while, then he said, "I've heard this song before. My late mom used to sing it to me whenever I was feeling down or troubled too."
Pausing for another while, he continued slowly, with his serious gaze remaining fixed on Kaylee's face, "She told me that, during a mission trip that she went to 15 years ago, she fell down a hillside. A brave and kind girl who saved her taught her this song, and they sang it together in the dark while they waited for rescue."
At that, Kaylee's expression turned to one of disbelief.
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