The Land Between

By J.H.E. Lim

About the story
The Land Between is a contemporary fantasy novel, set in the 21st century. There is a land between her father’s property and hers, owned by a mysterious person. In this story, his assistant appears to give her directives to rescue some people in the lands she visits.
Readers find the protagonist, Josie, now married to Jeremy. She has a fashion design company. She is often invited to hold shows in countries abroad. In her visits to Shanghai, and Turkey, this time, she has dark experiences with some of the people there. How she and her team overcome the dangers and execute their plan of rescue, is part of the exciting adventures told in this story.
The writer has woven the values of trust and friendship into the storyline.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: Nov 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781543767605

J.H.E. Lim

The writer, Janet Hong Eng Lim, has degrees from the National University of Singapore, the University of London, (U.K.) and the University of Leeds, (U.K.) She has done much research in education and communicative strategies. Over the years, she has worked with children, young adults and mature adults in different communities. She has also travelled to many lands. In the writing of her books, she brings in her knowledge and experiences to enrich her stories. The Land Between is the 4th book in The Land Series.

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Copyright © 2021 by J.H.E. Lim.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Author’s Note

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In loving memory of my parents Peter and Grace Ee who left a legacy of godly love and trust.

My eldest sister, Glory, Hong Lian.

I wish to thank the following:

Jesus, the author, and finisher of my faith.

My husband, John Kok Min for his encouragement.

My two sons, Hugh U Yang and Ralph U Wei, for their loving support.

Their wives, Betty Yun Fui, and Shu Lin Tan, for their loving support.

My grandchildren: Nicole, Joshua, Benjamin, Gabriel, Megan, and Rebecca for their loving support.

Relatives and friends, whose interaction with me over the years have enriched my life and theirs.

All those who have helped me in some way to work through the intricacies of life.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

The Land Between is a contemporary fantasy novel set in the 21st century.

This is the fourth and final book in The Land series. It is written for young adults and mature readers.

The story opens with Josie, the protagonist, at twenty-one years, interacting with Henk, her cousin. Later, she plans a wedding with Jeremy, the love of her life.

Readers move with her as she pursues more unusual adventures. This time it is in the land between her parents’ house and her house. Her adventures also take her to other countries, where she holds fashion shows.

When she was a young girl, it was the land behind her parents’ house. As she grew older, the land extended into a land beyond. Later still, it expanded into the land beside her house. This time, soon after her marriage, her adventure takes place in the land between.

There is a mysterious figure, the Celestial Gardener who appears occasionally in the land. In this story, he sends his messenger to ask Josie to help some people from another land who are in danger. She faces some risks in her visits abroad.

Parallel to her adventures is Josie’s interaction with the characters in the story.

The values of trust in relationships and friendship are woven into the story line.

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ONE

The story opens with Josie’s interaction with her cousin, Henk. He had come to live in her parents’ home after her father, Joshua Yuen, discovered that he was a distant relative.

Henk was made an orphan at the age of two after his parents died in an airplane crash. He was living in Sweden at that time. Authorities couldn’t locate his other relatives at that time. As a result, he was placed in an orphanage there.

During the time he stayed with her family, Josie learned a lot about Henk’s background from their conversations.

In the growing years he spent at an orphanage in Sweden, Henk suffered much emotional trauma. Loneliness, confusion, bewilderment, even fear. They were deep-seated. They tended to surface in his interaction with the people.

His experiences left emotional scars within him. As he matured, he was able to overcome some of his confusion and fears.

Josie’s father, Joshua Yuen was a philanthropist. He had a thriving business in technology.

Biennially, Joshua offered a scholarship to the most outstanding student in an overseas orphanage.

This time it was at an orphanage in Sweden, where Henk was. At the interview for the scholarship, Joshua asked him some questions. They seemed unrelated to academic matters.

One of them was, Would you be willing to attend church if you get the scholarship?

Henk was taken aback by his question. He hadn’t expected such a question in a scholarship interview. However, he replied, Yes, more to please him. Joshua then whipped out a small white book and gave it to him.

He never forgot his words, Study this well. Don’t let the words of this book depart from you. It will prosper you in every way.

Josie discovered that Henk’s first meeting with Joshua in that interview impacted him greatly. It stayed in his memory all those years.

Several years passed before Henk met up with Joshua again. It was when he came out to Singapore to study in the National University of Singapore.

By then, Henk had acquired two degrees through sheer diligence in his studies and intelligence. He also undertook part-time work to support himself.

After Joshua found out that Henk was a distant relative, he invited him to stay with him. In this way, Henk came to know Ruth, his wife and Josie, his daughter.

Henk confided in Josie that his initial impression of Ruth was that she was a kind lady. He also shared that in his first meeting with Josie, he remembered thinking how much she resembled a gazelle. Those eyes of hers were so expressive, he told her!

He recounted his teen years to her. He went hunting in a forest outside Sweden a few times, with the warden of the orphanage.

Each time, he entered the forest, he came upon a gazelle.

Frozen on the spot, the animal would just gaze at him. Its expressive eyes did not know what action to take. Then, without further warning, it would turn and flee from him.

Henk told her the first night he encountered her in her father’s house, she reminded him of the gazelle.

Mistaking him for Jeremy, the love of her life, her arms had entwined his neck from behind. When he turned his head to look at her, she realized he wasn’t Jeremy.

He later shared he never forgot the look in her expressive eyes. They resembled the startled look of the gazelle!

Over the months that Henk stayed with Joshua and his family, he was able to enlarge his acquaintance with more relatives through them.

Later, by coincidence, he met up with Markus, another relative, through his business association with Ross in Dubai.

Markus knew Henk’s parents before they died in the ‘plane crash. When the Henk met up with him years later their reunion was touching.

Persuaded by Henk, Markus decided to stay on in the city. He saw that business opportunity in Singapore was good.

As Henk interacted more with Joshua’s family, he came to treasure his relationship with the entire family.

Initially, Josie didn’t speak much to him. She appeared to be studying him during the times they met.

After he came to know her better, Henk learned of Josie’s intention to marry Jeremy. Out of gratitude to Joshua, he asked his daughter to choose a diamond from his collection. This was for her engagement ring.

The next morning Josie awoke with a feeling of gratitude over the cousin’s generosity. After breakfast, she left for the office.

The first person she met there was Henk. He was working with her as a part-time business manager. This was arranged by her father who was Adviser to her business.

When Henk saw her, a wide grin filled his face. She returned his greeting. It warmed their hearts to know they shared a philia (brotherly love) love.

Josie recalled the time Jem, her aunt, shared with her social group about the different types of love.

She explained to the group the different meanings of the Greek words. Storge refers to familial love. It is a natural affection between a parent and a child.

Jem told them there were other types of love. Philia love refers to love among good friends. Agape love is a pure, godly love. And eros love refers to romantic love.

* * *

After he discovered he had more relatives, Henk was able to face the days ahead with brighter anticipation.

One evening, over dinner, Josie disclosed to him that her cousin, Shi Fang, was arriving the next day.

Who is she?

Josie laughed. Another cousin.

Jeremy was amused when he saw the astonished look on Henk’s face. He explained, She’s my cousin too!

Markus was present. When he heard him, he exclaimed, "Aduh, more cousins!"

You’ll like her, she said. She’s a live wire. And very pretty too.

When Joshua saw his daughter eyeing Henk and Markus, he was amused. He knew she was a romantic at heart. He could read her intentions for her two male cousins.

That evening, Josie asked Ruth, Where’s Fang going to stay? Her mother revealed she’d be staying with Don and Jem.

Josie then told the group, I’ll ask Fred to arrange a party.

Markus immediately asked, Er, is Fred another relative?

Bit by bit, he too was coming to learn of more relatives. He was overwhelmed by the discovery of so many, in such a short space of time!

Josie readily shared, He’s a good friend. A family friend. I think Henk met him in passing. Um, when he came by my office.

After dinner, she rang Fred. Can you arrange a party for me? Jeremy’s back. I’ve two more cousins here. And Shi Fang’s coming back tomorrow.

Fred was a long-time friend of Josie. He loved her but knew that her heart was given to Jeremy. He’d kept single all these years. He confessed to his friends he’d not met a woman who could match his affections for Josie.

Without hesitation, Fred said, Sure. Anything for you.

That evening, she called Lea. We’re having a party to introduce my cousins. Would you like to join us?

When? Lea asked.

Week-end. And Lea, wear your prettiest dress. Put on some make-up.

Why?

Don’t argue. Just do it. Look pretty.

Hmm, sounds mysterious. OK, will do as you say.

When Josie took over her mother’s fashion company, she invited Lea to join the company as one of the designers.

However, she was concerned for she noticed Lea had bad pock marks on her face. They were residue of past acne.

Josie tried to help her improve her appearance. Since she knew Anton, a make-up artist, she made an appointment with him for Lea.

Can you cover Lea’s bad blemishes?

Certainly. But may I suggest she does a skin graft?

Josie replied hastily, Well, another time perhaps. There’s a party on next week-end.

How about you? I can do an excellent job on you. Your skin’s already perfect. But with make-up, it’ll look super.

Sounds tempting. Next Saturday, then. Lea and I’ll come to your studio.

Promptly at nine on Saturday, they showed up. Josie had also invited Shi Fang along. She was slimmer than the last time Josie met her. But she was just as chatty as ever.

By noon, three stunning-looking women emerged from Anton’s studio. He looked at them, very satisfied with his work. Let me know, if you want a job as my models.

The party was held in Fred’s mansion. He had a wealthy father. He was the only son. His mother died at childbirth.

Shi Fang chose a glamorous red outfit. Her long hair was swept to the top of her hair. And a plait ran down the back of her bare neck. It made her look most attractive!

Lea wore a turquoise satin gown. At Josie’s insistence, she went with her to Kim’s Boutique to select the gown.

Josie herself wore the muted yellow cheongsam which she bought in the last Chinese New Year season.

They were in the living room of her house when the men joined them. They were speechless at the sight of the beauties standing before them.

Jeremy moved towards Josie. You’re looking superbly elegant. His lips brushed her ears in a whisper.

Henk and Markus were undecided as to which person to escort. Josie decided it for them. Shi Fang was the shorter of the two women. Josie felt she would suit Henk.

Markus, on the other hand, was a giant by comparison.

Hey, Josie, you didn’t tell me you have such gorgeous cousins! He couldn’t take his eyes off the two women.

Josie laughed merrily. Markus, Lea’s a good friend. Works with me in the office. Shi Fang is Jeremy’s cousin.

Soon, the limousine arrived. Josie said crisply, "Let’s go.

Fred’s waiting for us."

They left the house in high spirits. With warm smiles on their faces, the older folks saw the couples off.

The driveway up Fred’s house was lit with colored bulbs. It wasn’t Christmas yet. But the pathway was decorated with lights, whenever Fred held a party.

He was overawed at the sight of the elegant women. Each one walked up the steps to greet him with a gracious smile on her face.

Fred went forward to embrace Josie first. More beautiful than ever. Radiant, like a bride.

He turned to Jeremy. "Welcome back. Look after her well,

will you? She’s very precious to me."

Jeremy beamed a broad smile. Always do. Hope you find your girl soon.

Fred had never seen Lea before. He simply stared at her.

Where did you say she’s working?

My office. She’s one of my designers. Thought you met her when you popped by to see me the other day, Josie said.

Fred replied, Nope. I remember meeting Henk, though.

Josie next introduced Markus. Another cousin? As he asked, he pumped Fred’s hand vigorously.

No, I’m just a good friend, Fred told him. Welcome, Markus, to my house.

When he saw Shi Fang, he said, "You’re looking great,

Fang. C’mon in to meet the others."

Out of the corner of her eyes, Josie saw Kim Chi. She was her old school friend. Over the years, they went their separate ways. Josie learned she was married to Qian. His father was a wealthy magnate in Shanghai.

That night, Josie saw that she was heavily pregnant. Her height and weight didn’t enhance her stature. She was short and plump. And she waddled clumsily towards Josie.

Josie was surprised when Kim Chi paid her a compliment. She rarely did so, being so self-absorbed. You’re looking radiant. Must be Jeremy’s presence.

She turned to him and shook his hand vigorously. How do you manage to keep your love aglow after a year apart? Most men would have found other women.

Jeremy said, philosophically, True love never dies.

That night, Josie’s former friends were there too. Many had partners. Some were already married.

Ying Yue, another school chum, came up to Josie. She complimented her. You’re looking stunning!

She turned to the man beside her to introduce him. Josie was surprised to see he looked about ten years older than her friend. His hair was thinning at the top. He sported a wispy moustache.

Meet Joe. He works in an oil company in Dubai. We were married a few months ago.

You’re staying in Dubai now? Josie asked. Yue, are you here only on a visit then?

Uh-huh. Fred invited me back to meet you and Jeremy. Said you were getting married soon. I wanted you to meet Joe. We decided to fly here just for the week-end.

Where did you meet him? Josie asked. "He’s American.

I can tell from his drawl."

Yue laughed. You’re discerning. Yes, he is. We met at a party my firm gave.

Where’s Yen, your brother?

Oh, he’s around. Still looking for the right girl.

Josie laughed. Sounds familiar.

Um, you don’t happen to know any single girl available?

Two of them, in fact. She pointed out Fang and Lea.

Wow, they look super! Yue exclaimed. How about those two men with them?

They’re my cousins. Not sure if they gel with the two girls. Um, this is their first meeting.

At that moment, Yen came up to greet her. How nice to see you again. Lovely, as usual.

He turned to Jeremy. You’re one lucky guy. I know many guys are eyeing her.

Jeremy put a possessive arm around Josie. She’s mine.

Yen smiled. Yes, I know.

Jeremy stated, She’s been mine, since she was a baby.

Huh? That long? You put your ownership on her so early? Yen’s face registered his surprise.

I see you haven’t found a girl yet, Josie commented.

Yah, like Fred. We’re still looking.

Well, don’t be too fussy. All the nice girls will be married in a few years’ time.

Before she moved away, Yen put his hand on her arm to stop her. He nodded in Fang’s direction. Introduce me to her, will you?

Sure. Come, and meet her.

Fang was laughing vivaciously at something Markus was saying. What’s so funny? Josie asked.

Your cousin, Markus. He has so many stories to tell.

Josie pulled her forward and said, Meet Yen."

Smiling warmly, she stretched out her hand to greet him.

Josie could see he was captivated by her beauty. So was Markus, whose eyes were fixed on her.

Just then, Josie noticed Henk and Lea sitting quietly by the side. To break their silence, she pulled Yen towards them.

This is my friend, Yen.

He greeted them. But his attention quickly riveted back to Shi Fang. Before long, he gravitated towards her.

When Markus came up to Josie, she asked him, How do you find Fang?

To her surprise, he said, Um, not my type. Talks too much.

He nodded towards Lea, She’s more my type. Not too talkative. Can’t have two people talking at the same time.

He continued, I prefer someone quiet and beautiful. Like you. Pity, Jeremy had his claim on you, already.

Another surprise came from Markus when he asked her, Was your courtship an easy one?

Taken aback, she asked, What do you mean?

He looks more the sociable type. Um, not one who will settle down so quickly.

Josie was astonished at his perception of Jeremy. How do you know so much about him?

Easy. I’m a man of the world myself. I can see a kindred spirit. He touched her arm. But don’t worry, I can see he’s in love with you. I don’t see his eyes straying to other women in this room. He has eyes only for you.

He bent down and whispered into her ear, But let me give you a tip, young cousin. To keep his love aglow, be sure he knows other men are eyeing you.

Annoyed, Josie drew away from him. I don’t like your insinuation of Jeremy!

Undaunted, Markus pressed on with his observation. He seems to like competition. Makes him proud to know he has the best-looking woman in the room. The one who other men want for themselves.

I don’t believe you! Her eyes flashed with anger. It’s not competition which will keep him with me. It’s true love!

She declared, defensively, His lifestyle is different now. But, as I said, true love brings a transformation. A renewal of the mind and attitude! She turned away from him. Tears filled her eyes.

Just then, Fred came up to her. Why the tears? When he held out his arms and invited her to dance, she declined.

Jeremy sidled up to claim her. This dance is mine.

When they were on the floor, he asked her, Why are you so upset? What did Markus say to you?

He’d noticed the exchange of words between them. Josie choked back her tears. Nothing, nothing.

Jeremy held her close. Trust. Remember, you told me to trust you. Share with me. What has upset you?

But she wouldn’t. She just held on tightly to him. It’s just that I’m so happy to be dancing with you again.

You’re mine, to comfort and love. Don’t ever forget that. You’re my beloved cousin. He wiped the tears from her eyes.

When Josie didn’t feel inclined to party anymore, they decide to leave earlier.

When they arrived home, he asked her, Are you all right now?

She nodded. Sorry to make you leave early.

N-aw, don’t apologize. I was getting bored with the party. I have my beloved one with me. That’s all I’m satisfied with.

A thought occurred to him. By the way, did you have any more adventures in the land behind since I left for the States?

Not the land behind, Jerry, she corrected him. That land’s much shorter now. Don’t know the reason for that. But it doesn’t stretch so far as before.

What do you mean?

Beside it, on the other side, is a bigger piece of land.

Really? I haven’t observed it.

She nodded. Dad’s thinking of buying it. Er, to build a house for us on it.

Is that so? That’s generous of him.

Uh-huh, she confirmed. Between that plot of land and my father’s land, is another piece. It stretches a long way.

Hmm, I must see it for myself.

I’ll take you to see it tomorrow morning. If you like it, Dad will buy the bigger piece of land for us.

Jeremy disclosed, Won’t be long before our wedding day. Have you started designing your wedding dress?

My mother’s designing it.

What a great idea!

He drew her to him, planted a kiss on her rosebud lips, before going to his room.

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TWO

The next day, she and Jeremy went to see the land. As his eyes scanned the land, he said, Hmm, yes, I see what you mean. But there’s that stretch of land between. It goes quite a long way down.

He stood there contemplating the land. After a short while, he asked, Did something happen on the land beside it?

Huh? Are you thinking of the land between?

He shook his head. Nope. I’m referring to the land beside it. The bigger piece of land.

Before she could say anything, he said, Um, something, um, like a fight occurred there. I can hear very faint metallic clashes.

Josie’s heart skipped a beat. He’d discerned the fight she had with the shamans. This was in a much earlier incident. When he was away in the States.

She felt it wiser not to say anything. She didn’t want to let him know about Henk’s part in it. She wasn’t sure how he’d react to it.

She knew Jeremy loved her a lot, but she also knew his nature. He was loving, but at times, he could be fiercely jealous. He didn’t tolerate other men’s attention to her, and especially, Fred’s.

Well, did something occur on the land?

You’re sure you’re not referring to the land between?

He said, decisively. No, no, on the land beside!

He stood there, as if listening. His arms were folded. As I stand here, I strongly sense a fight of some kind. As if it took place in that land.

He sniffed the air. I even get whiffs of acrid smell. Um, I get a hint of something burnt in the air around.

When she heard his words, she was surprised at the depth of his perception. Smelling and sensing were two of the senses she experienced much earlier. In her adventures in the land behind. And now, he was sharing his experience of the same senses.

His eyes probed hers. Well, did something happen?

Josie hedged. She tended to do that whenever she didn’t want to give him an answer. To distract him, she took his hand and pulled him along.

Let’s walk further, she said. You can decide if you want my dad to buy it.

Haven’t you decided?

Uh-huh. But I’ll take it only if you agree.

That’s generous of you. What did your father say?

Um, I think he wants me to stay close by. Mum too likes the idea.

Then it’s done. We’ll get it. He sealed it with an ardent kiss on the land, which would one day be theirs.

They walked back to their house. Henk emerged from the annex. He came mid-way to greet them.

You’ve seen the piece of land beside this house?

Jeremy replied, Uh-huh. Josie’s dad will buy that piece. He’ll build a house for us there.

You’re blessed, Jeremy! Indeed, you are! Blessings don’t flow so readily to other people, he said this sincerely.

Jeremy agreed, with a pleased smile. Yes, I know.

Come and have breakfast, Henk, Josie invited him. They walked amicably to the main house. By the way, how did the party go? Did you like Shi Fang?

She’s very pretty. Um, but talks a lot, Henk shared.

Josie laughed aloud. You don’t think she’ll be suitable wife for you?

Wife? His eyebrows shot up. He was clearly startled by her suggestion.

She nodded. Isn’t it time you settled down? You’re about the same age as Jeremy. Perhaps a year younger. I’d like to see you engaged to someone we know. Um, someone nice.

He was quiet when they took their seats at the breakfast table.