Page 45 of Mysterious Teacher : Arrival
Good work, April.
Satisfied with the clean-up, she turned to head down to the kitchen. On her way, she noticed movement in the front office and entered to see if April was already working on something.
“Oh,” she let out, startled when she saw a gentleman standing at his desk, his back to her. “I’m sorry.”
He turned to her and instantly smiled. Handsome and debonair with touches of gray in his otherwise jet-black hair, he was far from what she had expected of Dr.Ang.
“Well, hello,” he said, coming to her with his hand extended. “I’m Dr.Ang, April’s father.”
She shook his hand, impressed by the strength of his grip as well as his perfect American accent. Clearly, he’d lived in the United States all his life. Dressed in dark brown slacks topped with a cream-colored sweater, he looked like a successful man taking a day of ease. His hair was slicked back but several strands fell over his brow in a charming manner.
He looked so familiar. Had she seen him at the lounge? Had they met in the city? She couldn’t quite put her finger on where she’d seen him.
“I take it you’ve met my daughter,” he said as he sat behind the desk.
“A very charming young woman,” Sonya said as she tried to pinpoint where she’d seen him before. “I’m sure she will be a delight to work with.”
“I see the search in your eyes,” he said with a pleasant smile. “Your memory is somewhat patchy... foggy, is it not?”
Sonya sat down and nodded. “I have to admit that there are pieces of my past that are...as you say, foggy.”
“After all that you’ve been though, it’s no wonder.”
She frowned, wondering how much he knew about what she’d been through. “Are...” She hesitated as she tried to piece her past together and tried to understand his part in it. “Are you...”
“I’m the one who orchestrated your escape from China and arranged for your voyage to America.”
Nodding, she let the information sink in. “I see.”
“Chinese authorities were none too pleased when they learned that you were no longer in that prison ditch.”
“Why?”she said simply. “Why do all this for me?”
“Miss Sonya Song, as you now refer to yourself, I don’t wish to shock you with this information, but...Well, I believe that it’s best that you learn the truth as soon as possible. Miss Song, you are April’s mother.”
Sonya gasped, though deep in her heart, she wasn’t all that surprised.
“But April must not learn of this,” Dr.Ang added.
“Why?”
“All her life she has believed that her mother died during childbirth.”
“I understand.” Her throat was dry and her voice raspy as the emotions welled up. She scratched her nose, then her chin and then her forearm as the growing sense of discomfort transferred to her now itchy skin.
“Having you here, as her tutor, mentor, companion or governess...it’s the perfect arrangement, all things considered. And it will give you a second chance at life. A much deserved second chance.”
“A second chance?”she said. “What do you know of me to want to give me a second chance?”
“Empress Wanrong,” he said with thoughtful consideration. “Does the name ring a bell?”
She nodded and remembered her noble birth that led to a life of regal elegance, until it all fell apart. “I know I come of noble birth, but the circumstances surrounding...well, my later days...”
“You will forever be remembered for having made the ultimate sacrifice for your country.”
“What did I do?”
“You did everything within your power to save your people. As large as China is, you had a special place in your heart for the people who faced such hardships. It is unfortunate that your husband – such a foolish and cowardly emperor – would not take your advice. You knew he was leading the country to trouble. You saw all the warning signs and you tried to warn him. But he would hear nothing of it; after all, you are just a mere woman to his eyes.
