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52: Deliberate Estrangement
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 53: Is It So Wrong for Me to Touch You?
“Or is it that you lack confidence in him?” Lillian's lips curved into a faint smile, “Given my current predicament, I'm not worried. What's troubling you?”Seeing her still standing there, unmoved, Lillian pressed on, “Relax. In a few days, Grandma will have her surgery. Just hold on a little longer, and soon you'll have your wish. As soon as her operation is a success, I'll leave this place and not return for five years.”Serena gradually regained her composure with Lillian’s reminder. Indeed, it was just a matter of days before it would all be over, the farce between her and Oliver included. Then, she wouldn't have to tiptoe around as she did now."Fine, I'll take your word for it for now and hope you'll stick to it when the time comes."After Serena's departure, the room fell silent. Lillian's gaze dropped to her abdomen, her hand lightly caressing it."Baby, let's pray together for everything to go smoothly. Soon, I'll take you abroad to live. Your grandfather is there, and he wi
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 54: Heading for Divorce
In the usual humdrum of life, she didn't dwell on memories. She lived her days in a mix of clarity and haze, but once she let herself remember...Those casual intimacies, now like blades, cut through her piece by piece.Lillian leaned against the safe weakly, closing her eyes in resignation. If only he had shown her the slightest bit of affection, she wouldn’t feel so desolate...When she returned with their marriage certificates in hand, Oliver had just emerged from the shower, his face as somber as when he'd entered. He paused as he passed by her, seeing the two red booklets in her grip, his gaze turning icy as he stared at her.Under that piercing look, Lillian, holding the certificates, felt at a loss.A moment later, he scoffed, "Eager, aren't you?"Lillian flinched, her lips parted but no words came out. She just gripped the certificates tighter and looked down. What was there to say? It seemed there was nothing left worth saying.The divorce was his idea, his heart belonged to
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 55: Feeling Guilty?
The civil affairs office wasn't crowded, but since they arrived later, they had to wait. Lillian, who had barely slept the night before, felt exhausted and found a place to sit down.Oliver followed but remained standing, his face as dark as ever, not looking to join her.Once inside the civil affairs office, Lillian was relatively calm.She looked up at Oliver and asked, "Aren’t you going to sit?""No need," he replied, his voice devoid of warmth and without so much as a glance at her.Lillian got the message; he didn't want to deal with her. Why would he, when they were about to divorce and he was soon to be free with his beloved Serena?Thankfully, she had never harbored any illusions about remaining friends after the divorce.At first, their silence was comfortable, but as time passed, whispers from around them started to creep in."This atmosphere... they're here for a divorce, right?""Divorce? With their looks? It’s incomprehensible that they would split up.""Hard to imagine t
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 56: Our Turn
After taking the bag from Oliver, Lillian realized he had bought some fast-food items. With little appetite, she simply peeked inside and then put it aside.Oliver watched her every move, “Don’t like any of it?”Lillian snapped back to the moment and shook her head, “It’s not that. I just don’t feel like eating right now.”He said nothing more and after a few seconds, took a seat beside her. Lillian couldn’t tell if it was from his lack of layers or the chill from outside, but the temperature seemed to drop when he sat down. She noticed he was still only wearing that thin shirt. Her lips parted as if to say something, but she stopped herself, leaving the silence hanging between them.They sat there quietly, close enough to touch yet worlds apart. Lillian watched those who had gossiped with her earlier get called up with their partners, emerging with their little red books, holding each other, smiles of happiness lighting up their faces.Watching them reminded Lillian of her and Oliver
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 57: Almost Bitten Through
No matter how softly Oliver called her name, Lillian seemed unreachable, locked within herself.Oliver’s impatience grew as the traffic light cycled back to green. The cars behind began to honk their horns, urging him to move. With the honking as a backdrop, Oliver suddenly leaned in and kissed Lillian, her teeth clamped shut, making it nearly impossible for him to deepen the kiss.Frowning, Oliver’s hand sneaked around her waist and tickled her gently. Lillian was ticklish, and despite not reacting as she normally would, her stiff body involuntarily jerked.Seizing the moment, Oliver pried her clenched teeth apart. The taste of blood was strong; before he could chide her for her lack of self-care, pain made him wince and groan.“Shit!”The pain nearly triggered a reflex to push her away, but he restrained himself, pinching her waist harder this time.Retreating, Oliver held her chin firmly to prevent any further bites, his voice low and threatening, “Lillian, wake up now or I swear I
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 58: Oliver, Enough Is Enough
Hearing his words, Lillian instinctively raised her eyes to meet his. Looking into his deep, dark eyes, she felt a sense of guilt as if he could see right through her. She averted her gaze and responded with feigned indifference, "Yes.""Is that so?" Oliver's eyes narrowed slightly as he peered at her, "Then why the dark circles under your eyes?" After a brief pause, as if realizing something, he added, "No wonder you suddenly wore glasses today."Lillian pulled her hand back, maintaining her nonchalant demeanor, "It's clean now, but you should get some ointment for your lip later. Let's go, we should visit Grandma."With that, Lillian turned and moved forward, Oliver contemplated for a moment and followed her steps."You have red veins in your eyes.""It means your eyes are tired. Didn't you sleep last night?"His successive remarks made Lillian turn around, unable to bear it any longer, "Oliver, enough is enough."Having said that, she stomped her high heels with a resounding clack
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 59: She Just Wants to Be the Other Woman
Serena rarely lost her temper. In public, she was always gentle and amiable. With her beauty and pleasant personality, she was viewed as a goddess in everyone's eyes. So, when she suddenly became angry, everyone was stunned, looking at her with various expressions. The room fell silent.In the quiet, under everyone's gaze, Serena suddenly came to her senses, realizing what she had just done. Her lips moved, but all she could muster was: "I'm sorry, I was in a bad mood just now, I lost my composure, I apologize."To maintain her goddess image, Serena kept apologizing while tears welled up in her eyes, falling like large pearls. Initially shocked by her outburst, her friends began to feel sympathetic after seeing her cry and apologize."Serena, what's wrong? Please don't cry.""Tell us what's bothering you; we'll help you.""Didn't you just speak with Oliver on the phone?"Everyone comforted her and passed tissues, finally soothing Serena's distress. Serena’s beauty, accentuated by her
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 60: Emotions Stirred
The care Oliver bestowed upon her was probably rooted in their childhood friendship, or perhaps because their families had been friends for generations, and he saw her as a sister. Thus, with or without marriage, he would treat her well. Yet, it was laughable that she had allowed herself to develop feelings amid such interactions.Lillian closed her eyes in self-derision, no longer glancing at Oliver.Grandma Qin woke up around eight in the evening. As soon as she stirred, Lillian was by her bedside, eyes locked on Grandma's, nose to nose, her face the picture of intense concern."Grandma, you're awake. How do you feel? Is there any discomfort? Are you hungry?"Grandma Qin looked at the pale, anxious face before her, her eyes round with worry, and couldn't help but smile, gently shaking her head.This girl was truly endearing.Seeing Grandma shake her head, Lillian licked her lips nervously and held up a hand gesture in front of her."Grandma, look at me. How many fingers am I holding
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 114: Just Hold Back for Now
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 113: Willing to Do Anything for Her
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 112: The Kiss Was Not Passionate Enough
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 111: Can Also Get Hurt
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 110: Of Course We Give Her the Best
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 109: Can You Bear to See Her with Someone Else?
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 108: I Don't Really Like You
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 107: It's Been a Long Time Since I Kissed Her
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 106: You're Not Enchanted by Her, Are You?
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree
