Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

“Ha! I don’t think my mum would agree with that statement.”
“They’re going to love you, Astrid. I just know it. And they’re going to love Cassian too.”
“We’re going to be the Asian Brady Bunch, minus a few kids.”
“I can’t wait. By the way, I had a really good meeting with Isabel’s lawyers yesterday.
They don’t have any more objections, thank God. You know, in a strange way the stunt
Isabel pulled in Singapore has worked to our advantage. Her lawyers were so afraid that
I’d try to get full custody of the girls that they’ve withdrawn most of their demands and
are willing to settle now.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week,” Astrid said, closing her eyes for a moment.
Slowly but surely, she was beginning to see her life with Charlie come into focus. She
pictured herself cuddled up next to him on their new bed in their beautiful new house in
Shek O, far from the crowds of Hong Kong or Singapore, bathed in moonlight and
listening to the waves crashing against the rocks on the cliffs far below. She could picture
Chloe and Delphine watching an age-appropriate movie in the media room with their new
stepbrother, Cassian, passing a big pint of gelato amongst themselves.
Charlie’s voice suddenly jarred her out of her daydream. “Hey, I’m going to India
tomorrow. Visiting our new factories in Bangalore, and then I have to attend this charity
polo match in Jodhpur that we’re sponsoring. Why don’t you come for the weekend?”
“This weekend?”
“Yeah. We can stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Have you ever been there? It’s one of
the most gorgeous palaces in the world, and the Taj group now runs it as a very exclusive
hotel. Shivraj, the future maharaja, is a good friend, and I’m sure we’ll be treated like
royalty,” Charlie said.
“Sounds tempting, but there’s no way I can leave Singapore right now with Ah Ma so
sick.”
“Isn’t she feeling a bit better? And didn’t you say that a million relatives have
descended on Tyersall Park? They’re not going to miss you for two or three days.”
“It’s precisely because so many relatives are in town that they’ll need me. It’s my duty
to help entertain everyone.”
“Sorry, I realize I’m being extremely selfish. You’re a total saint for your family. I just
miss you so much.”
“I miss you too. I can’t believe it’s been more than a month since we’ve seen each
other! But between my grandmother and everything going on with Isabel and Michael
and our lovely legal teams, don’t you think it’s better for us to lay low and not to be seen
together right now?”
“Who’s going to know we’re in India? I’m flying into Mumbai, you can fly straight to
Jodhpur, and we’ll be totally secluded at the hotel. In fact, if things go according to my
plan, we’re not going to ever leave our room the entire weekend.”
“If things go according to your plan? Whatever do you mean, Mr. Grey?” Astrid teased.
“I’m not going to tell you, but it will involve chocolate mousse, peacock feathers, and a
good stopwatch.”