(Michelle POV)
The invitation arrived on a quiet Wednesday morning.
It wasn't unusual — Lunar New Year galas happened every year, and the Lui family was always invited to the major ones. I had attended dozens of these events across two lifetimes: charity balls, corporate celebrations, diplomatic dinners, cultural galas.
This wasn't new to me.
What was new… was the implication behind this invitation.
Mama Lui held the red-and-gold envelope with her usual grace as she entered the living room where I was sorting through my accounting notes.
"It's here," she said simply, handing it to me.
No dramatic pause.
No nervous smile.
Just calm expectation — because she knew I understood the weight of these things.
I opened it.
The familiar scent of expensive paper, the elegant calligraphy, the formal phrasing.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lui and daughter, Michelle Lui, We are pleased to invite you—"
Classic. Proper. Heavy.
I placed the invitation onto the lacquered coffee table.
