8 A Young Mrs Chen

Richard strolled in, controlling his anger behind an impassive face.

"Rachel, you have not been answering your calls, that's not the best way to treat your fiancee now, is it? Richard looked at Rachel with an indulgent smile completely ignoring her visitor.

Rachel's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at Richard's sinfully beautiful face.

This was very weird though, Richard had never spoken to her in such a tone....as if they were lovers.

Rachel smiled beautifully at Richard her face becoming even more ethereal.

Rick was shocked upon hearing the word fiancee and mourned the loss of this new budding friendship. He turned towards Rachel with a question in his eyes and she answered with a wry shrug as if to say "I don't know what he's up to either"

Rick, who was observing them both thought to himself almost shedding tears. If both of them got married their children would surely become deity because their facial beauty was too scary and two such exquisite people should have pity on other mortals by reducing the effect of their beauty.

Rick remembered himself and stood up to be introduced to the newcomer.

"Richard, meet my friend Rick An" Rachel said introducing Rick.

"Oh I know your father, we do business together. I hear you are just about to resume for university?" Richard said intentionally putting emphasis on the age gap.

Rick, oblivious to the fact that he was being perceived as a love rival, tried to place Richard's face. Then it suddenly clicked. Of course! the Young master Chen, one of the top 10 business moguls in the city rumored to be a shark in business having no pity for failure.

"My father speaks highly of your business acumen, its an honor to meet you" Rick said extending his hand for a handshake.

Richard took his hand and nodded in and turned to Rachel "We need to talk Rachel, perhaps we can take a turn in the garden?"

Taking the hint, Rick got up immediately telling Rachel "I'm going to be on my way now", ruffling her hair, completely forgetting about Richard; Rachel smiled and pinched his hand causing him to yelp. He knew then, that no matter what she would keep their friendship intact. Saluting to a fuming Richard, who had clenched his fist, Rick made a quick dash for the door and left them alone.

They heard in the distance the rumble of his car as he drove off.

Richard who was stiff lipped, suddenly recognised that he was much more relaxed after the "boy" (as he sneeringly referred to Rick) left.

Deciding already, he pulled Rachel into the garden "You're too informal with men. You need to think of the status you occupy in society. You let them gawk at you and make base comments meant for sluts" he said harshly

Rachel annoyed at his supposition glaringly pulled her hands from his and turned to walk away.

"You're not my father or husband you don't have any right to say such things to me. We're just family friends, so I will thank you to keep your opinion to yourself"

Perhaps if he had shown such concern a couple of months ago maybe she would have been flattered, but, coming fresh off arranging his date for him, taking her shopping and enduring all manner of insults from the girl she just was not happy with Richard and how he seemed to disregard her feelings.

"And that is why I'm going to see your father about making our engagement official, and immediately after you are done with college we would get married."

Richard knew he would have to ease her gradually into the notion of becoming engaged but was over confident in the knowledge that she had always wanted to be his wife. In this he underestimated Rachel.

Nodding her head docilely Rachel nodded her head and began to scheme on how to upturn his plans.

Taking up the personality of the black widow, she softened her body lines and stood seductively she then looked up and smiled at Richard.

"Okay then. I've only wanted you to see me all these years. But I'm asking you for some time to wrap up all the films I'm in right now and seal my public image so I can be the best lady for you"

This sounded fair enough to Richard and he nodded his head agreeing to her request.

"I just need a year Richard" she requested with a pout that was both worldly and innocent.

Caught in the seductive web of this new Rachel, Richard nodded his head amusing Rachel to no end. Though she was gradually seeing him for who he really was, her heart did a little patter at how much attention she was finally getting from Richard.

He had become so putty in her hands and she could not help but wistfully sigh at the turn of events.

Deep down her heart still wanted Richard but she was going to make him suffer a bit for all the years she had to wait for him.

Richard, so thoroughly enthralled by this side of Rachel, began to think very dirty thoughts about her and how he would make her scream his name once he got them engaged. Surely once she had tasted passion in his arms she would not look at any other man ever again.

He would then totally control her and she would only do his bidding.

Feeling happy with himself and forgetting that Rachel was of a very high IQ smiled at Rachel and gave her a peck on the forehead surprising both himself and Rachel.

Rachel who was watching Richard's expression could guess what was going on in his mind and had already figured out his plans. She was ready to counter each move.