TangShi hesitated, looking from YuZhi to the bed by the wall and the thoughts of knowing for certain if this was his child. Weighing up whether he would handle it if it wasn’t and wanting to be selfish and have him take care of her no matter the outcome.
“I want him here.” She responded so quietly it was almost a whispering breath and YuZhi smoothed back the hair from her face that was sticking to her damp tear-soaked skin. Calming her, reassuring her that he would do whatever she needed and pulling her up by the hand to lead her to the bed. Confidence in his mannerism even if inside he was a shaking mess.
He took all his nerves, doubts, and emotion, and locked them up tight in a steel box and pushed them to the tips of his toes. Knowing that no matter the result, he had to stay calm and stable for TangShi. No reaction if it wasn’t his. He had to show her it didn’t matter, even if deep down it would destroy his heart. She needed him to be
“What are you doing, where are we going?” TangShi resisted as YuZhi came to her side of the jeep, took her hand and slid her out beside him onto the path of the car park that seemed familiar. It was a pretty day and the sun was peeking out from behind grey clouds with a promise of sunshine by noon. A gentle breeze pushing around them and giving a sense of tranquility to this already emotional day.“Distracting you and reliving a happier memory. We both need a time out and figured this would be a nice change before we go home and face this head on. Processing time.” YuZhi coaxed her with him, aware of how sensitive today’s appointment was and the fact they both now knew she was pregnant. He didn’t want to dwell on the what if’s for at least a few hours and aimed for some head space to dodge reality for a little longer. TangShi had been quiet and pensive since leaving and hadn’t even noticed the route he took out here instead of h
It was her biggest fear from the second the doctor gave them the results and it had been plaguing her ever since, opening her eyes to the fact she did want to be with him again, more than ever. She had never truly given him up in her heart and had been angry and hurt by him, but not over him. YuZhi gazed at her for a long silent moment, saying nothing in answer to her questions and her nerves rose in terror.Her stomach churning as his expression stilled to a blank calmness and he searched her face for some sign of something, still without responding to her. Making her antsy as panic set in. TangShi started to tremble, her throat drying, wondering if he regretted saying it now and it wasn’t how he felt anymore. That with the reality of a baby that wasn’t his, he couldn’t keep loving her the same way.YuZhi lifted one hand and slid it up the back of her hair, entangling his fingers in her ponytail and tugged her face towards his as he lowered once more
“What about pancakes, American style? I know a place and I have such a craving for crispy bacon and maple syrup!” Linlin was bright and energetic this morning. Finally getting some quality alone time with TangShi now that YuZhi was back at work and life was calming down enough to resume a normal routine. TangShi was getting to grips with her morning sickness thanks to some herbal medications from Doctor Huang and she seemed to be doing better emotionally too.“Hmmm. Nothing too strong tasting. I can only eat bland right now. And nothing smelly.” TangShi slid into Linlin’s car, checking her phone and smiling at yet another text message from YuZhi asking her if she was okay. He had been checking in hourly for the last few days whenever he had to go to work, remorseful for not being able to keep accompanying her at home. Acting like the world’s most overprotective boyfriend who would have her wrapped in cotton wool and kept in a glass cabinet
“I don’t know what to do. I love him and I never thought I would find myself in this place with any guy. I didn’t think I would ever fall for someone and want exclusivity. It just kills me that I fell for someone just like me and maybe he isn’t there with me and ready to commit. That maybe he’s already looking elsewhere.” This recent lack of confidence and spike in insecurity was a hundred percent worse since they broke up for that few weeks that YuZhi and TangShi had, and it had her doubting everything.“You have to communicate with him and talk it out properly. ZhengLi isn’t the type to lie. He’s very blunt and if he was dating someone else he would just tell you. Maybe she is family? Maybe it really is something he had to sort out with her.” TangShi stroked Linlin’s shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. Wanting to believe in their love and not take it at face value. Linlin pushed her sat nav screen and prod
“I’m stuffed. What’s the plan now? Do you want to go home or go walk this food off and get some fresh air?” Linlin yawned, dabbing her mouth with her napkin and leaned back in her chair to stretch out. TangShi rubbed her now full belly and turned to look at the weather outside the huge glass window of the café. The rain had dried up, and although it was still overcast, it wasn’t as grey or cold and the sun was pushing through with hopes of a nicer day.It had been a pleasant quiet late breakfast, with small talk and happy vibes. Feeling a little more normal and how they used to be before this whole mess.“I don’t feel like dealing with people, so anywhere that people are not.” TangShi sighed, relaxing now she was fed and a little tired. Between morning sickness and fatigue it had limited her ability to do much.“How about driving to Jinshan city beach? It’s a little over an hour to get there. We
“She’s right back there, Tang.” TangShi had stepped only three feet away from him, facing away towards the rear but her body stopped short, stilling, and she swallowed hard. His voice echoed around her head and the familiar name kicked recognition into touch. She didn’t have time to react, to run, scream, or do anything, before a hand covered her face and her body was gripped cruelly. TangShi gasped, lifting her face away from the palm trying to muffle her. She twisted and managed to dodge her mouth being covered at all as he caught her under the chin instead. Putting up a fight and lashing out, throwing her feet back at him so he struggled to control her. TangShi had always been a girl who appeared weaker and gentler than she actually was and had a fire inside of her and a strength that only came out when she needed it. Survival instincts kicking in. Even though he was bigger, stronger, TangShi was functioning on pure adrenaline and found superhuman strength from somewhere
“Mr. Leng, Mr. Kim, the board members are all getting seated. This way.” The young secretary showed the men to the door of the long hallway of the room that was assigned for today’s meeting and yet ZhengLi held back. They had arrived at MinXo Corp to discuss a plan that had been in the works for a year and taken a half hour to get here.“Yo, hold up a second. I have a really weird feeling that I should drop Linny a message. Something feels off.” ZhengLi pulled out his cell phone, not caring that they were seconds from their appointment because it felt urgent suddenly and he couldn’t logically explain why. Wandering off to the side while YuZhi waited for him, checking his watch and feeling for his own phone to scan his messages. TangShi had left him a good luck text for his meeting and he smiled, happy at seeing her name, as he slid it back in his inside pocket. In no rush to get inside that room just yet.ZhengLi walked back to him s
“Nope. I have a lunch with them next weekend but right now I am in London again. Busy working, what’s up?” Rhea was in the process of having her hair styled for a fashion shoot, sat with her feet propped up in a studio while being tended to by various assistants.“Shit. It’s nothing. I just can’t get hold of them and need to. Don’t worry about it.” He looked up at the ceiling and pinched his nose, trying to curb his growing angst. A headache forming right at his temples.“You sound stressed, what is it? Why do you need them? What’s going on?” Rhea’s own concern peaked, aware that ZhengLi sounded emotional which was weird for him and knowing of the two girls, TangShi would always answer. She had never been one to monitor or ignore calls. Rhea had always found her to be a fast answer or text responder in their days of hanging out.“It’s nothing. I’m in a meeting and they went