Prologue...

Quin stepped off the plane and breathed in the cool Canadian winter air. This was just what she needed. New place, different surroundings…where she could start anew without any memories haunting her. Briskly, she started walking towards the airport terminal to catch a taxi. On her way out, she saw a pastry shop and the cakes displayed. One cake, with its label, stood out boldly. “Coffee Cake”. A well-loved face flashed in her mind. Fei, she thought with unbearable sadness. She shook her head. No, I can’t afford to think of him again. I am going to build a new life here, and forget about Tsui Fei. Quin turned away and began walking. Walking away from anything and everything that reminded her of Hong Kong and the man she once loved, and still loves.

Kwan, I miss you so much. Where are you? Fei put down a framed photo of Quin. He shut his eyes tightly. Outside his room, he can hear Ching Ching messing about in the kitchen. He was back together with Ching Ching, his first love. So why didn’t I feel any joy? Fei wondered. He knew that it was because of Quin. Fei replaced the photo in his socks drawer. He remembered the last time he held Quin in his arms in the hospital. He remembered his love for her that overpowered him. He remembered the wrenching, unbearable pain when she walked away. I never wanted to let her go. But I did. I had a choice of responsibility and love. I chose responsibility. Fei squared his shoulders. And since I chose responsibility, I will have to live up to my responsibility. I at least owed Ching Ching that, even if I will never love her the way I loved, and still love, Kwan.

“Tong Sum, hi. How are you? Here, I brought you your favorite roses.” Chi San set down a bunch of roses on Tong Sum’s grave. He touched her photo gently. He sat down by her grave and opened a book. “I read this great book yesterday. I think you’ll love it. Let me tell you the story…” Chi San made himself comfortable and began talking to Tong Sum, as he did every Saturday and Sunday. Only by this way, he knew, he can keep his sanity. He missed Tong Sum so much, that it hurt. Another girl he had loved flashed into his mind. Man, he thought. Ever since Man left for China, he convinced himself that it was the best. Although he still had feelings for Man, they were a pale shadow compared to the love he had for Tong Sum. He vowed to remain loyal to Tong Sum. It was only by this way, he can keep Tong Sum, her spirit, and their love alive.

“This is the letter A,” Man held up an alphabet chart. “A,” the students replied obediently. Man smiled. These kids were the light of her life. Only the children can bring a smile to her face. Every day, she looked forward to her teaching days. Otherwise, free time would only reminded her of Chi San. She loves him, but she knew he cannot forget Tong Sum. Tong Sum, her best friend, and the wife of the man she loves. Man knew that her love for Chi San was never meant to be. Tong Sum will always be in their memories. She loves Tong Sum too much to do anything that will betray her memory. Therefore, Man threw all her energy into educating these little children, who held the future in their innocent young faces. Someday, she’ll be free from her wrenching memories of Hong Kong. That, she was sure.

“Brought together by fate, torn apart by God. Fei and Quin, Man and Chi San. What will happen, in spite of all their resolutions, when they meet again?”

Chapter 1...

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