CHERRY BLOSSOM Prisoners of War

Elsie Curry's parents died in a plane crash, leaving her an orphan.

It was her uncle, John Hardy, who wasn't related by blood, who raised her.

As she grew older, Elsie realized her feelings for him were more than just familial affection.

Her young heart couldn't hold back, and on her eighteenth birthday, she confessed her love to him.

Naturally, she was met with rejection.

But Elsie grew bolder, and on her twentieth birthday, she dared to climb into John's bed.

He grabbed her by the neck and demanded, "When did I ever teach you to behave like this?"

1

Today was Elsie's twentieth birthday party.

The grand event showcased her status, but everyone knew she was an orphan.

John, in a perfectly tailored suit, exuded the aura of a man in power. His presence made everything around him seem like mere background.

However, the woman clinging to his arm was an eyesore.

Elsie swirled her wine glass, her gaze, like that of the other women present, frequently landing on John.

But she had the advantage of proximity; after all, he was her uncle.

Watching John finish his drink, Elsie walked over in her high heels.

"Uncle John, you haven't wished me a happy birthday yet, " she said, her voice soft and playful, dimples appearing on her cheeks.

The woman beside John, Anna Andrews, interjected. She raised her glass to Elsie with poise and grace.

"Happy twentieth birthday, Elsie. May you always stay young and pretty forever."

Elsie had chosen a form-fitting mermaid gown to highlight her maturing figure, a traditional symbol of maturity and elegance, but standing next to Anna's confident poise, she felt overshadowed.

Anna's blessing somehow stung, and Elsie instinctively straightened her posture, her words turning sharp.

"I was asking Uncle John, not you."

"Elsie, " John reprimanded coldly, "don't be rude."

Elsie tightened her grip on her wine glass.

John had never scolded her before, and now he was doing so in front of another woman.

But she needed to stick to the plan. She swallowed her bitterness, offering John a drink with a smile. "I'm sorry, Uncle John. It's just been so long since I've seen you. I really hoped for your blessing on my birthday."

Indeed, it had been a long time since Elsie had seen John. She had to pester him for three months to get him to attend her birthday.

Ever since Elsie confessed her feelings on her eighteenth birthday, he had been distancing her, surrounded by various women.

She had driven them away one by one, only to be met with increasing indifference from John, who even arranged for her to live at school's dormitory.

Just as things settled, Anna appeared.

Her age and status made her a perfect match for John, and their growing closeness alarmed Elsie.

She couldn't let anyone take John away from her.

John accepted the drink from Elsie, offering a curt "Happy birthday" before taking a sip, his brow furrowing slightly. "Don't drink too much."

Elsie stuck out her tongue playfully. "It's alright. After all, you're here, Uncle John."

Anna teased John, "Elsie is really close to you, isn't she?"

Elsie watched Anna move closer to John, struggling to maintain her smile.

What infuriated her more was John's nod of acknowledgment, a stark contrast to his usual cold demeanor towards her.

"Uncle John, my classmates are over there. I'll go find them, " Elsie said, needing an excuse to leave before her facade cracked.

Elsie retreated to the second floor, watching John finish the drink she had given him, her hands trembling with excitement.

After tonight, she would no longer be a child.

As the party ended, everything went according to Elsie's plan.

The familiar scent of sandalwood mixed with a hint of tobacco surrounded her as she lay against John's firm chest.

His furrowed brow suggested discomfort, his reddened ears softening his usual authoritative presence.

The quiet hotel room echoed with Elsie's frantic heartbeat, her palms sweating with nerves.

She had prepared herself mentally and pressed her lips to John's tightly closed ones.

The faint taste of tobacco and wine was intoxicating. and her first kiss carried their flavor.

Holding his face, Elsie's heart burst with joy, like a burst of joy illuminating her heart.

Emboldened, she grew more daring.

"Elsie?"

John's voice startled her, and she looked up into his eyes, fear of being caught making her want to cry.

She instinctively recoiled and said. "I'm sorry, Uncle John... I... "

But in the next moment, John pulled her in for a kiss.

Elsie froze, then wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to his kiss.

If only he would treat her like this when he was sober.

Elsie clutched the bedsheet, tears slipping into her hair, the pain of first night keeping her mind sharp.

She watched John's usually stern face soften with desire, her heart swelling with love.

Anna's face flashed in her mind, and she couldn't resist a mischievous thought. "Uncle John, you love me.

you love Elsie, " she murmured, coaxing him to say her name.

2

Elsie held John's head, sighing contentedly as passion clouded her mind, pushing aside all his past coldness.

This was her happiest birthday since losing her parents.

When she was twelve, her parents' plane crash made international news, and every channel broadcasted live updates.

At the airport, she refused to believe it, stubbornly waiting for three days until the nanny forced her home. The search team eventually delivered her parents' belongings, and upon seeing the damaged items, she fainted and developed a high fever.

Then came the distant relatives, drawn by the large inheritance left to a little girl, like a treasure trove left unguarded.

They drove away the nanny and housekeeper, hiring lawyers to fight over the inheritance. When that failed, they vied for custody of Elsie.

Awakening to a pack of vultures around her bed in hospital, Elsie cried in fear.

Just as she was being coerced into signing away her parents' estate, John appeared, like a savior.

Children naturally trust attractive adults, and John, with his black suit and a pocket full of White Rabbit candies, a popular sweet treat, won her over.

John organized her parents' funeral.

Afterward, he showed her the contract.

"I'm just managing this for you. You need to be better and worthy of the legacy, so you can take over when you grow up. I am John Hardy. You can call me Uncle John."

Young Elsie, looking at the handsome figure beside her bed, inexplicably trusted John's words.

His comforting presence eased her grief slightly.

Now, John stood by her bed again, just as handsome but filled with anger, surveying the room with a deep frown.

"Elsie, how can you do this?"

Elsie, tears streaming down her face, cowered under the covers.

John's words, nearly shouted through gritted teeth, making her tremble and cry harder.

She had expected John's anger but couldn't help but cry.

Losing patience, John began picking up scattered clothes.

Seeing him dressing to leave, Elsie panicked and called out, "Uncle John... I'm sorry... I was terrified of losing you."

Elsie's voice was choked with sobs, her face half-buried in the blanket, leaving only her tear-filled eyes visible.

"Losing me? When did I ever say I was leaving?" John rubbed his temples, closing his eyes in frustration.

"Are you dating Anna? Are you two going to get married?"

If he got married, would he abandon her?

But she liked him too, and they weren't even related by blood.

She was already twenty; why couldn't he see her as a woman?

"This isn't something you should be concerned about."

John's abrupt response returned to his usual cold and distant demeanor.

Elsie, who had just peeked out from under the covers, retreated back into them.

Did he really like Anna that much?

John fastened his cufflinks, holding his suit jacket in hand, and declared with a deathly coldness, "Elsie, you'll be going abroad for your studies. It's my fault for neglecting the daily education. Only when you've learned to act with more consideration can you come back."

Elsie was stunned. She had expected there would be punishment, but she hadn't thought he'd be so heartless.

Just last night, he had called her name with such tenderness. Did he really not feel anything for her?

Ignoring her appearance, Elsie jumped out of bed and clung to him desperately from behind.

"Please don't! Uncle John, I'm sorry. I don't want to go abroad. You weren't like this last night. I gave you my virginity. You can't treat me like this."

Elsie clung to him desperately, tears and snot flowing uncontrollably.

John's slender fingers pried her grip loose with a slight force, pulling her forward like a chick and forcing her to face him.

Elsie stood on tiptoe, biting her lip, trying to hold back her tears, not daring to meet John's gaze. She realized she was naked and awkwardly covered herself with her hands.

John's sharp gaze felt like a cold blade slicing over every inch of Elsie's skin.

He sneered disdainfully, his words like a slap to her face.

"Elsie, when did I teach you to be so shameless?"

He released her wrist, and Elsie fell back onto the soft bed.

John adjusted his clothes without a trace. He didn't even spare her another glance, leaving her alone to face the mess of the room.

Elsie buried herself in the blankets, her shoulders trembling with bitter laughter, which soon turned into tears.

She didn't regret it. Even if she had to be a bad girl and use tricks, she wanted to stay by John's side.

3.

John's long-standing tolerance for Elsie made her dismiss his threat of sending her abroad.

She thought she could change his mind by acting spoiled and sincerely apologizing.

Until one day, a classmate involved in overseas school admissions teased her, "Elsie, why didn't you tell us you're going to study in U.K?"

"What? I... " Elsie instinctively wanted to deny it, but John's face suddenly flashed in her mind.

Her hand paused on the book, losing all interest in class. She pulled out her phone to call John.

No one answered.

She contacted John's assistant, who informed her that he had canceled his meetings for the day and was resting at home.

Elsie rushed over without delay.

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She planned to burst into tears and apologize profusely as soon as she saw him.

John had always been so good to her; he would surely soften.

She couldn't go abroad.

Even if John was still angry, as long as she stayed by his side, there was still hope.

She composed herself before ringing the doorbell.

The lock turned gently, and Elsie's heart raced.

She was relieved that finding John wasn't difficult this time, giving her more time to act spoiled and clingy.

But when she saw Anna open the door, her joy instantly vanished.

"Why are you here? Where's my uncle?"

Anna, seeing Elsie, withdrew her hand from the door handle, casually brushing her hair back and standing lazily with her arms crossed.

"Elsie? Why are you here? John is in the shower. You can tell me if you need anything."

Though her words seemed concerned, the mocking smile on her face felt like a provocation to Elsie.

Elsie glared at Anna, noticing she was wearing John's shirt.

John was a clean freak; he would never let someone else wear his clothes.

Ignoring Anna, Elsie tried to push her way inside.

Anna, having dealt with Elsie's unreasonable behavior before, wasn't about to argue with a child.

But she was also fed up with Elsie's lack of manners.

Anna blocked the door with her arm, still smiling, "Elsie, wait a moment. Let me tidy up inside before you come in."

Elsie felt her anger rising.

Did Anna really think she was the lady of the house now?

Pampered and naive, Elsie didn't understand these subtleties and walked right into the trap.

She pretended not to hear and squeezed her way in.

The sight in the living room hit Elsie like a shockwave.

Clothes were strewn over the sofa, and the lace trim peeking out revealed they were women's garments.

John's watch lay on the table, and the trash bin was filled with crumpled tissues.

Elsie wasn't stupid. Seeing this, she understood everything.

And with Anna wearing John's shirt and the sound of water from the bathroom, John was indeed showering.

"Oh dear, Elsie, I told you the place was a mess, " Anna said, still smiling, but to Elsie, it was a taunting grin.

"Despicable." Elsie clenched her fists at her sides.

"What?"

"You despicable bitch! Don't think you can take my uncle away from me!"

"What makes you think that, Elsie?" Anna feigned surprise, covering her mouth, then laughed maliciously, "After all, it's John that invited me over."

Elsie's clenched fists trembled. Seeing Anna's smug face, she wanted to pull her hair out.

Just then, John's voice came from the bathroom, "Who's here?"

"Uncle!"

"It's Elsie, " Anna and Elsie replied simultaneously.

Anna withdrew her gaze from Elsie and walked to the bathroom like this was her house.

She soon returned, addressing Elsie, who was still standing there, "John wants to see you."

Elsie raised her eyebrows and went in, like she had won a battle.

Her expression said, "See, he still cares more about me."

But she soon came out, tears still in her eyes as she ran past Anna, giving her a sharp look.

Elsie left in anger.

Outside, the sky was overcast.

Elsie ran, wiping her tears fiercely, John's words from behind the bathroom door echoing in her ears.

"The plans for you of going abroad are set. Don't come looking for me unless necessary."

Her visit to John felt so meaningless, like she was begging for humiliation.

Memories of John's past kindness flashed through her mind, each one stabbing at her heart.

4.

Elsie took a cab home, curling up like an abandoned kitten, feeling wronged.

She didn't know how long she stayed like that, but night fell, and her tears dried up.

The frustration in her chest still wouldn't dissipate.

She got up and went out.

Elsie found the liveliest place at night.

She leaned on the bar, not knowing how many drinks she'd had.

The deafening music only made John's face clearer in her mind.

Frustrated, she ordered a drink she remembered well, one John often had.

Elsie took a big gulp of the drink.

The sharpness of the alcohol was hard to swallow. She frowned, looking at the amber liquid in her glass, and slammed it down on the table in annoyance.

"Are you alone?" a man's voice sounded beside her.

The man whispered to the bartender and sat next to Elsie, ordering her a new drink.

When it arrived, the man, Hank Norris, pushed it towards her, "Try this. It's smoother and has a lower alcohol content."

Elsie sipped some water to ease the discomfort in her mouth, ignoring the man beside her.

She'd lost count of how many had tried to hit on her.

She just wanted to drink away her heartbreak, not be bothered.

Hank didn't seem bothered by being ignored. He ordered another drink and pushed it towards Elsie. "This one's made with coconut milk and has a sweet, refreshing taste. You should try it."

Elsie, annoyed by the interruption, glanced at him impatiently. "I don't need a bartender trying to upsell me."

Her eyes met a face that was disarmingly handsome, a friendly and approachable look that put her at ease.

For a moment, she was taken aback by his good looks.

Hank's features were strikingly handsome and refined. He squinted and smiled at her words, spreading his hands. "You've misunderstood me. This one's on my tab."

Elsie felt her face heat up, unsure if it was from the alcohol or embarrassment, or being watched by such an attractive man.

Hank's appearance was the complete opposite of John's. His charming smile seemed evil this time.

Elsie averted her gaze, trying to appear calm as she took a small sip from the drink in front of her.

Hank continued the conversation, "Are you here alone? Going through a breakup?"

"No."

"Come on, it's just a breakup. It's no big deal."

"I said no."

"Fine. But drinking alone isn't a good option, you know."

Elsie frowned, any favorable impression she had of Hank quickly dissipating.

Why couldn't he see she didn't want to talk?

She turned to find Hank still looking at her.

"I got dumped. She said I was too clingy and immature, so she found someone richer and more mature. Do you think people always change? She used to cling to me and say she liked me when we were kids.

Sorry, am I troubling you?"

Elsie's urge to leave suddenly subsided. Her mind replayed memories of her as a child. She clung to John's neck, asking if he liked her.

She looked at Hank's profile, opened her mouth but said nothing, only responding with a soft hum.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I have a sister about your age, but she passed away when she was very young."

Hank lowered his head slightly, his hair falling over his forehead, adding a touch of melancholy.

He caught a glimpse of the question in Elsie's eyes and took a sip of his drink before continuing, "It was a plane crash, the one that made headlines worldwide eight years ago."

Elsie's hand trembled, spilling her drink onto her jeans.

Eight years ago, her parents died in a plane crash, the same one that shocked the world.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Hank hurriedly grabbed a napkin to wipe the spilled drink on the table. "Did my boring words disturb you?"

Elsie snapped back to reality, watching Hank fuss over the mess. She numbly accepted the napkin he handed her.

For some reason, her previously dry eyes began to well up with tears again.

"Why are you crying? I am sorry. I won't say anymore, " Hank said, suddenly at a loss.

Elsie sobbed, her shoulders shaking, and downed the drink in front of her with blurred vision.

It was the one Hank had ordered for her, not as harsh as others.

Ignoring Hank's attempts to stop her, she continued drinking one glass after another until she was slumped over the table, unconscious.

The bartender gave Hank a look of admiration.

Hank ignored it, focusing on Elsie. "Are you okay?"

Silence was his only answer.

Hank looked at the drunken Elsie, sighed, and took out his phone. "Where do you live? I'll take you home."

Unexpectedly, Elsie suddenly sat up, her eyes unfocused. "I don't want to go home! I can drink more."

Hank steadied her as she nearly fell, ignoring the curious glances from those around them. "Next time, I'll drink with you whenever you want. Just tell me your address so I can call a cab."

Elsie squinted, finally catching a moment of clarity in her haze, and met Hank's gaze.

From an outsider's perspective, the atmosphere between them seemed to heat up, but Elsie suddenly turned and vomited.

Afterward, she buried her face in Hank's chest, wiping the mess from her chin onto his shirt.

Hank's smile cracked for a moment.

5

A muffled voice came from his chest. 'I don't want to go home. I don't have a home anymore."

Hank patted Elsie's back, his tone softening. "How can that be? What about your family?"

"I only have an uncle, but he doesn't like me. He wants to send me abroad to fend for myself."

"That's so unfair. I could report him for abandonment."

Elsie punched Hank lightly and lifted her head. "I'm not a child anymore. My uncle is very powerful. Reporting won't work."

"What's your uncle's name? I didn't know there was someone so powerful in Texas."

"John Hardy, from the Cosmic Cooperation."

"So you're Elsie Curry? The wealthy heiress raised by John?"

Elsie's pride faltered, and she pushed Hank away, the indescribable frustration stopping her from speaking further.

"What's wrong? I didn't mean anything by it. Why are you upset?"

Hank was puzzled by Elsie's sudden change in mood.

"Don't be mad. I'll drink with you. Or I could treat you to something delicious?"

Seeing Elsie unmoved, Hank put away his smile and spoke seriously.

"Then I'll tell you a secret.

I'm investigating the plane crash from back then.

You might not believe it, but from what I've found, the crash wasn't an accident."

Elsie looked up sharply. "What did you say?"

The alcohol-induced fog in her mind cleared a bit.

Hank met her shocked eyes and repeated, "The plane crash was caused by someone."

Elsie quickly gathered her bag from the floor and stumbled towards the exit, bumping into others along the way.

Hank was baffled by her sudden anger following her shock.

He hurried to catch up and apologize to those she bumped into.

Outside, Elsie shook off Hank's support and faced him coldly.

"What do you want exactly? You knew who I am from the start, didn't you? You approached me on purpose. And now you're saying the crash was deliberate. Did you get me drunk to scam me? How much do you want? I'll just pay you off."

Hank was amused and exasperated by her outburst. "Can you not change your mood so quickly?"

He tried to approach Elsie to calm her down.

But every step he took forward, she took one back, even raising her designer handbag as a weapon.

It was clear she was ready to hit him with her designer handbag if he got any closer.

"I won't get close, okay?

Can we talk somewhere else?"

Elsie refused, insisting on talking right there at the bar entrance.

There were plenty of people and security cameras.

Hank couldn't persuade her otherwise, so they ended up sitting on the ground under the bar's awning.

"I'll admit, I did approach you on purpose at first."

Elsie's disdain grew, and she subtly moved further away from him.

"But what I'm saying is true!" Hank quickly continued. "I suspect the crash is connected to John."