Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

Alexander’s, the ravishing new restaurant in what was formerly the conservatory
managed by Araminta Lee’s Sublime Hospitality Group. Su Yi’s prizewinning orchid
hybrids commanded the space, but now they sprang out of handblown glass vessels
suspended from the ceiling. Lit by candlelight, the hundreds of orchids seemed to dance
in the air like celestial creatures over the long wooden seventeenth-century refectory
tables.
Eddie was the first to clink his wineglass and propose a toast to the newly married
couple. “Peik Lin, I want to officially welcome you to the Cheng family, even though you
know that you’ve already been welcomed into our hearts. And Alistair, my baby brother,
I’ve never been more proud of you than I am today, and I just wanted to tell you how
much I appreciate you and cherish you! I love you, brother!” Eddie said, crushing Alistair
into a tight bear hug as he began sobbing into his collar.
Sitting at the family table, Astrid turned to Fiona. “Is Eddie okay?”
Fiona smiled. “He’s fine. After Ah Ma died, I forced him to go see a therapist. I gave him
an ultimatum—either he went, or I would leave him. At first he was very resistant, but
now it’s completely changed his life. And ours too. He’s given up all his mistresses, he’s
become totally devoted to me and the kids, and he’s really learning to process his feelings
in a healthier way.”
“Well, it’s been more than a year since I’ve seen him, so it does seem like quite a
transformation,” Astrid noted, watching as Eddie continued to soak Alistair’s shoulder
with tears.
“You know my Eddie. Whenever he does anything, he goes all out. Anyway, how have
you been? I see that island life suits you well—you look amazing!” Fiona remarked, as she
admired Astrid’s golden tan, naturally sun-streaked hair, and new style, which seemed
like a perfect fusion of laid-back beach chic with imperial splendor. Astrid wore a simple
indigo-dyed sarong-wrap dress with an incredible pearl choker that was comprised of
crisscrossing vertical ropes of pearls starting from just underneath her chin and cascading
down to the middle of her chest.
“Thank you.”
“The choker is just beyond! Is that one of Ah Ma’s pieces?”
“No, it’s from Chantecler Capri—a birthday present from Charlie.”
“I have to ask where you got that dress. It looks so refined, and yet somehow so
relaxed!”
Astrid gave an almost bashful smile. “Actually, I made this dress.”
“You’re joking? I thought you were going to say this was Yves Saint Laurent from some
obscure resort collection in the eighties.”
“Nope, it’s Astrid Leong Resort Wear 2016. I’ve learned to sew, and I’m also creating my
own fabrics. This is actually a bamboo cotton, hand-dyed in ocean water.”
“My God, Astrid, it’s amazing! Can I buy a dress from you?”
Astrid laughed. “Of course, I’ll make you a dress if you like.”
“I guess you aren’t bored in paradise?”