From This Day Forward

What was the price of first love? What was the cost of growing up? Vivian was about to pay with her life to find out!

Author note: This is the prequel to book 1, I TAKE THEE. The historical background of this story was loosely inspired by the Dutch East India Company’s occupation of Taiwan in the 1600’s.

Excerpt from the book:

At sunset, Abby handed Vivian a cloth bag; inside it was three rice balls with salted fish fillings. Vivian thanked her and was about to walk out of the door when Vadim came in. “Good evening, Vivian,” he said. He also nodded at Abby.

Huh? Vivian looked at Vadim. He had a bouquet of lilacs in his hands. He handed the bouquet to her. “This is for you.”

Abby stifled a laughter. Vivian looked at the lilacs, looked at Vadim, and then looked to Abby. She quickly walked past Vadim and out of the door. Vadim came after her. His one stride could match her three steps. Vivian immediately realized she was leading him home. So she turned to walk to the oak tree by the harbor.

When she stopped under the tree, Vadim asked, “You don’t like lilacs? I thought you do, because of the perfume you wear.”

Vivian backed away. “What do you want?”

“I take it you never received flowers from a man, based on the way you’re reacting right now,” Vadim replied.

“That’s none of your business.”

“I simply want to know more about you.”

“Why?”

“Um, like Kuwo and Pauline?”

“Not like them; Kuwo and Pauline are special.”

“Have you never liked a boy before? Don’t you want something like Kuwo and Pauline?”

Vivian shrugged.

“Why don’t we start over? My name is…” Vadim began.

“I need to go home. I have food for my grandparents.”

Vivian left Vadim under the oak tree, dumbfounded.