matrimony

After leaving Ellie Chen, Henry went down the emergency escape stairs two by two. It helped him to think, a bad habit his father had tried to beat out of him. Conrad Wong had no taste for such fancies.

The minimal industrial steel strangely helped him relax as he sat down and held his head in his hands. He couldn't believe what he had just done. Henry felt dirty, but also relieved. He was happy that his inheritance problem had been resolved with finality -- praying that this fragile fiance of his didn't die before the following more. Even with that consolation, he still couldn't believe he had come this far just to make his father turn in his grave. He used to respect the man, now all he wanted was to be rid of his ghost hoving behind him. Although neither involved in his dilemma has flinched at the atrocious idea, he felt like he had really taken advantage of Ellie's situation.

But deep within himself he felt a bone deep satisfaction that this decision was not one he would regret. He knew he had made a deal with Ellie and the implication was that he couldn't leave her even after she died. He felt pleased that she had approved of him even though the task was disgusting. When he thought of her quiet strength, her soft brown eyes giving him all of her trust. It made him feel unworthy. She had accepted that she could no longer return to the previous life she'd lived. It took a lot of strength to plan for death, even more to that which would happen afterwards.

He hated himself. Five years ago, he would have never imagined his father would drive him to such a depth. But the deed was done. He had found the key that fit the keyhole so he would unlock the door to his next destination. Wong Industries was his birthright, he would take it back with every last breath.

He slowly stood and sighed as he continued down the stairs.

It was just business among two. He could imagine it as making a new investment. Opening a new portfolio to deal with newly acquired money.

Ellie Chen was just his new business partner.