CHAPTER 11 - FIND THE CULPRIT
Author's POV
The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. Golden fingers of sunlight lit up the scene. Lifting her head, she glanced at the clock as it showed seven of the morning.
Doing her daily pieces of stuff, she moved downstairs as she smelled something delicious. "Hmm!! It looks like Dr. Song woke up early."Chuckling at her comment, he placed the dishes on the table as he replied. "I'm a doctor. I woke earlier than others and stayed up at night too. Come and eat. I'll drop you at your office."Playing with her fingers, she brushed her hair back as she messaged Han Shuo. "Han Shuo, you don't need to come here. My cousin will drop me."Placing her phone on the table, she sat opposite him."Xi Song, I know it's tough for you to let a stranger stay at your place. So thank you for letting me in." Taking a bite of bread, he chuckled. "You're talking like you mean nothing to me. Although we wouldn't say yes to marriage till then, you are still my fiancée."Xingyue's POV
Taking our belongings, he drove me to my office as it melted my heart. I always wished someone would drop me at the office.
Smiling at him, we both came out of the car as he waved at me. "It's time for me to go back I guess." Gazing down, I smiled. "Yeah, I guess so."Just then someone pulled me into a side hug as I frowned. "Xingyue, I'm so happy to see you fine."Recognizing the voice, I broke the hug. "Han Shuo, I told you I'm okay."Brushing my hair, he looked at me with his innocent eyes as someone coughed. "Xingyue, is this how your boss welcomed every employee?"Clenching his jaw, he shifted his gaze to him only to be frozen at his place. "W-what are you doing here?"Pinching my lips, I argued. "Surprise, cheater."Glaring, he held his collar as I widened my eyes. "Cheater was you, Xi Song, not me." Pushing him back, he shouted. "IT WAS YOU WHO BACK OFF THE DREAM."Shouting back, he added. "WHO GAVE UP FIRST? I LEFT ALONE IN THIS BATTLE."Blinking constantly, I asked. "D-do you guys know each other?"Rolling their eyes, they turned to me. "Is he your lost cousin, Xingyue?"Wrinkles formed across his forehead as he cackled. "Cousin? Seriously?"Glancing sideways, I replied. "Ugh! Yeah..."Crossing his arms, he glared at me as I delivered my message to him within my eyes. "I'm so sorry."
Holding my hand, he rolled his eyes."Let's go, Xingyue. DOCTORS don't have time for us."Scratching my forehead, I walked inside, leaving him exasperated.Han Shuo's POV
As we entered, I saw a rage on my dad's face as he directed us to come in. Bowing to him, we stood beside our colleagues as I asked.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" Showing me his hand, he stopped me as I gulped. "Who dares to leak the information to the media?"Swallowing hard, all gazed down as he raised his voice. "I ASKED WHO DARES TO LEAK THE INFORMATION?"Glaring at Yuewei, I clenched my fist as she looked down."GOOD! NO ONE IS GOING TO TELL ME."Leaning forward, Xingyue made dad sit down on the chair as she passed him a glass of water. "Mr. Han, don't stress yourself. We'll find the culprit soon."Placing a hand on his chest, he tried to catch a breath as we looked at him worriedly. "Dad, I'll find the real culprit soon. I promise I'll protect Xingyue."
Xi Song's POV
Wearing my coat, I moved to my cabin as Miss Choi bowed to me.
"Good morning, Dr. Song. Someone sent you a package. It's on your desk."Humming, I made my way to my cabin as I entered."Morning, Ling Xiao." Waving, he asked. "What is on your desk?"Taking out my mask, I sat on the chair as I answered. "Information related to Xingyue's case."Narrowing his brows, he sat beside. "Woah! Are you falling for her?"Flicking on his head, I glared. "Stop joking around. I'm doing it for her mom."*Flashback*
In the night, I was sleeping peacefully.
Until I heard a beeping sound coming from my phone.Rubbing my eyes, I glanced at the phone as it was a call from Xingyue's mom.Moving to the balcony, I picked the call.Aunt: Xi Song, did I disturb you?
Shaking my head as no, I replied.
Me: How can you, aunt? Has something happened lately?
Sighing, she answered in a worried tone.
Aunt: Xi Song, I know you already know about the recent case of Xingyue. I'm getting old already. I want you to take care of her for me. Please, Xi Song.
Me: What are you saying, Aunt? I'll surely look after her.
Chuckling, she spoke.
Aunt: I know you also don't want to get married. But I'm helpless. Her dad always wished to see her wedding. But at least before I die, I want to secure a life for her, secure a person who can give a shoulder to her when she wants to cry.
Me: Aunt, I promise you. I will protect her from every storm.
CHAPTER 12 - PAGES OF PASTXi Song's POV"I promise her mom will protect her. I can't back off from it." Taking the file from his hands, I unopened it and started reading her details when something caught my eyes as I narrowed my eyes. Taking the phone, I dialed a number, not knowing if it still worked or not???: Hello?Gasping, I stammered.Me: You still use this number, Han Shuo.Clearing his throat, he answered.Han Shuo: It's my choice. What's the reason behind calling me?Me: I want to meet you. It's related to Xingyue's case.Han Shuo: Okay. I will send you the location.Humming, I hung up the call as I looked down when he asked."What's wrong, Xi Song?" Staring at the ceiling, I answered. "Nothing is wrong. Take my shift for today. I have something to deal with." Taking my belongings, I left the place.Xingyue's POVL
CHAPTER 13 - Signal of love?Xingyue's POVWalking as fast as I could, I arrived at an alley where I saw no other way to escape. Shivering, I turned back as I heard a man laughing like a maniac.He covered his face with a black mask as his hands were holding a knife. Gulping hard, I stepped back as he moved closer to me. "Is he coming to kill me?" I assumed.Stepping back again, my back clasped with the wall as I sweated.Horrified, I shut my eyes when he was about to stab me with the knife.Squinting, I felt a touch as I peeked with my half-opened eyes.Glancing back, I saw Han Shuo murmuring in pain. "HAN SHUO!!"Holding him in my arms, I looked into his eyes as he was about to close his eyes. "Keep your eyes open, Han Shuo." Tears formed in my eyes when the man again moved to me. But out of nowhere, someone appeared as he kicked him, pushing him out of the way. Lifting my chin, I gazed at the ma
CHAPTER 14 - Past or present?Xingyue's POVWalking out of the kitchen, I went near the dining table as I glanced at my phone. My eyes widened as I choked in the air. "Li Yubing?"Squinting my eyes, I cleared my voice as I picked the call.Me: Hello, Yubing. Long time no call or text.Yubing: I'm sorry, Xing. I didn't take care of you well. I failed to be an ideal boyfriend. But I promise once I come back, all my attention will be on you.Gazing down, I pressed my lips, assuming. "I don't know, Yubing. Will I be waiting for you or not?"Taking a deep gasp, I replied to him.Me: Focus on your business. We'll talk once you come back, okay?Yubing: Deal, Xing. I love you.As he said those words, it frowned on my spot as I wiggled.Me: Hmm! I'm hanging now, bye.Hanging the call, I exhaled noisily through my pursed lips when he asked. "What's wrong? Is there something
CHAPTER 15 - Visiting his familyAuthor's POVThe next day shone brighter than yesterday. Taking a leave from the hospital, Xi Song went to meet his mom along with Xingyue. "What do you think? Why do they want to meet us?" Keeping his intense look on the face, he replied. "I don't know. She didn't tell me anything."Nodding her head, they walked inside the place, which seemed exceptionally royal. With her mouth partially opened, she turned her gaze around. "Wow! What a place? I felt like I'm in a castle." Sneering at her, he stepped ahead when his mom noticed them. Waving her hand in the air, she shouted. "XI SONG, XINGYUE!! My babies are back."Wincing on a sudden voice rise, she glanced at Xi Song as he directed her. "She's my mom." Placing a hand on her mouth, she quickly planted her lovely smile while bowing to her. "Good morning, Aunt."Pulling her into a hug, she replied. "Call me mom, dearie. Y
CHAPTER 16 - We still have a dealAuthor's POVAfter all, what they feared was going to happen. But the situation was now looking complicated. Where on the other hand, both wanted to refuse marriage. Something else seemed written in the fate. Was there a spark between the two hearts? Or was there something that kept them together?Hearing the news of their marriage, both their faces turned pale.Both were fighting in the battle of mind and heart. Concerned, Xingyue said. "Mom, isn't it too fast? I mean, we don't know each other till now."Passing her glares, her mom stood up, arguing with her. "You know each other enough. I'm doing it for your sake, Xingyue. You're already 24 years old. How long do you want to wait for him? Huh?"As her mom started shouting at her, it made the situation more embarrassing for her. "MOM, STOP IT," she yelled.Her mom's anger was on top of the next level
Chapter 17 - Untold feelings yet to discoverXia Na's POVWith my half-lidded eyes, I crossed my arms and asked. "Ling Xiao? What are you doing here?"Sliding his tongue near his inner cheek, he scoffed. "Shouldn't I ask this to you? You're standing in my home and asking me this."Narrowing my eyes, I confirmed with him. "Wait, do you live here too?"Rolling his eyes, he replied to me in his deep, husky voice. "Or else? Who do you think Mr. Ling will be?"Recalling his last surname, I slapped myself mentally. "Yeah, you're the owner of this large residence, Mr. Ling.""Don't call me the owner. It's from my dad. I never earn much to mark it mine." Taking a deep sigh, he walked nearer to the couch as I quietly followed him. "What do you mean? Your dad's residence is also yours."Scoffing at me, he took a seat as I sat beside him too. "Not until you understand Ling's family terms and conditions. They al
CHAPTER 18 - YES OR NO?Author's POVThe days were passing, and the wedding day was near. Whatever the occasion, the stress was clearly visible on Xingyue's face.Even though Xi Song was not happy with this marriage, there was a thing that slowly took away his feelings. As if he really wanted to tie himself with her. But why was he feeling like this? Was he looking at her from another point of view now? Was that bitterness gradually turning into sweet syrup?The moments they spent together had dissolved in his heart as if they were the same for years. Don't know why he felt as if he already knew Xingyue?But he knew that he was about to do something that he had absolutely no desire to do.But why was her unhappy face piercing his heart so much?Was this love? Or did he feel pity for her?Where there were thousands of happiness on one side, a distinct storm was departing in Xinyue's heart.
Chapter 19 - Vows to be togetherAuthor's POVFor a moment, everything stopped. As if the storm was making noise without a sound.Where on one side was her stubbornness, on the other hand, her mother's bitter words.She saw every path full of thorns. Her tears dried inside her eyes, not letting them come out.Her heart was aching, knowing she had to give up at this moment.The needle of time had arrived at the moment where the most significant answer of Xingyue's life was about to be heard.Holding flowers in her hands, she started moving towards the stage.There was visible grief on her face. Her hands were still shaking out of anxiety.All those present guests wanted to see them vowing to be together.Where everyone was celebrating, a man wearing a long white dress suddenly spoke, gaining their attention."Let's begin."All the time, Xingyue kept her head down, maybe hiding he
Epilogue: Intense LoveXingyue's POVI was sitting on a bench under a tree, waiting for Xi Song to come. The surrounding area had green grass all around. The chilly wind was blowing my hair after the rain fell.I was scrolling through my phone when I got a text from Xia Na. Staring at the screen, I squinted. I felt taken aback for a moment.Putting a hand over my wide-open mouth, I snuffed. "Is it for real?"She sent me a picture of her pregnancy test, which showed a positive result.Unexpectedly, I found myself jumping in rounds out of happiness.The joy was beyond any explanation. We were finally getting all this bliss we manifested in our rough times. It couldn't be better than this.Xia Na would live her dream of becoming a mom while Tang Xue finally experienced the taste of love. And for me, I couldn't be happier than remarrying him.Time has taught me to value relationships and how sometimes forgiving solves the most tangled problems.If happiness exists, it was there in my life
Author's POVThe day finally arrived, for which everyone was waiting.The stage was decorated with lilies, her favourite flower.He was trying to hide his nervousness by repeatedly adjusting his tie. Seeing him doing this, Han Shuo laughed and asked, "Are you giving any job interviews? Relax." "You'll not get it until you become the groom, Han Shuo," Xi Song commented, mockingly smiling at him."But he needs to find the bride first, Xi Song," Ling Xiao added."Mr. Perfectionist failed to get his girl." Both kept throwing comments at him while he remained silent, feeling helpless.On the other hand, the bridesmaids were busy giving the final touch-up to the bride."Have you remembered the vow, Xia Na?" Tang Xue asked out of curiosity as she nodded her head in a yes."I can't believe our daring honey is getting married." Xingyue wiped her tears, gazing at her."I know, right? No one expected she'd get married before me," Tang Xue chuckled.Hearing them almost made her tear up. She trie
Xi Song's POVAfter an overworked group meeting, I could finally answer his calls.I massaged my neck, laughing at the same old joke.Me: So, did you fail again?Ling Xiao: I doubt if you're really my best friend. But this time, your brother grabbed the chance and turned it into the best proposal.Frowning at his words, I quickly leaned forward and took the phone close to my ears.Me: What? You finally proposed to her?Ling Xiao: She was sobbing. It was heart-touching, I know.I pressed my lips together, trying not to cringe while pulling his leg.Me: Are you sure she was not crying in disappointment at your proposal?Ling Xiao: Yaa! Do you want to die? I'll not let you enter my wedding, but then again, you're my only best friend.Me: I think I won't be able to make it. The work in the US is getting out of my reach. I need to keep track.Ling Xiao: You can't come to my wedding, but you surely can take the time to fly back once a year just to see her from afar, right?Me: Huh?Ling Xia
Ling Xiao's POV"Xia Na, I have something to tell you.""What is it?" She slightly nodded her head and waited for me to continue."I have been practising to tell you this for many days. Please cooperate with me." She pressed her lips tightly, holding back her laugh while making an okay sign with her hand."The thing is..." As soon as I began my proposal, her phone buzzed, cutting my words off.I shut my eyes out of irritation.She picked up the call, heading towards the balcony.I gasped. "It's okay, Ling Xiao. You can do it."I gathered my thoughts within minutes as she showed up and looked at me with pleaded eyes. "I'm so sorry, honey. I've got to go back to the office. There's some urgent work. I promise we'll continue our talk in the evening." She leaned inward and gave me a peck.I clenched my jaw, watching her leave. I vigorously picked up the fork and threw it into the salad. "I failed!"Little did I know the evening would take forever to come..................................
Xi Song's POV"Xi Song!" As soon as I turned, I heard my name. For a moment, the entire world seemed to have stopped. I looked back with longing eyes. She was not there. The one my eyes yearned to see made my heart restless; she was not there.I lowered my eyelids with a disappointed face when Ling Xiao put a hand on my shoulder and asked, "Were you expecting someone else? Haha!"I put on a smile. "Of course... Not. You're here already."I hugged him and patted his back. Breaking the hug, I picked up my bag and then went ahead.This time, I knew that even if I looked back, I would find emptiness in my destiny. I moved ahead with my head raised. In just a moment, the flight took off for the US.Maybe I accepted our story as incomplete.........................................................Xingyue's POVI reached the airport while running. There was no time to even breathe.I immediately asked an air hostess standing there."Has the flight to the US taken off?""Yes, Ma'am. It left 1
Xingyue's POVBy the time I reached the office, everything was in a rush. The telephones were constantly buzzing. Taking a step forward, I went to Xia Na's desk. She seemed engaged in attending others' calls.Hanging up the phone call, she glanced at me timidly. "What to do, Xingyue? The entire company is in a mess. Clients are calling to verify the rumour. And more than that, I think Tang Xue is stressed.""Don't worry. You handle the media and press. I'll go and check on them."Under the plan, she sat back and continued to reply to emails.I let out a sigh, walking towards his cabin.I was about to knock on the door when I heard Tang Xue's voice. Peeking from a tiny open space, I saw them screeching at each other.The entire company was in amazement when a press company leaked a photo of Han Shuo and Tang Xue hugging each other.Within five minutes, it went viral, and people started talking sh*t about her.Some said she seduced her boss. While others pointed out her character, calli
Xingyue's POVAfter reaching the hospital, I took a deep breath and stepped inside. I myself did not know why I came to the hospital.Everything in that envelope overwhelmed me so much that I felt compelled to look at him.*Flashback*As soon as I opened the envelope, I found Xi Song's letter addressed to Mom. Also, there was a note from Mom with a pen drive stuck to it.[If you read those letters, watch this too.]I took out a letter and started reading it. It was the letter written around the time I first kissed him.Dear Mom,I know you told me it was not my fault in this, but when I see her being gloomy, the guilt starts eating me from inside. I could not stop myself from telling her the truth. Although I did it to keep my promise to Winter Bear, it felt so wrong when I was with her. She deserves love, and what I mean by that is true love. No matter how much I think about it, I only find myself guilty of ruining her life with false hopes.I was startled upon reading this. I wasn't
Xia Na's POVPicking up a pastel purple dress from the corner, I put it on my chest and asked, "Tang Xue, is it looking good on me?"She looked at me, raised both hands, and gave me a thumbs up. "Everything looks good on you."Grinning, I gave the dress to the lady and asked her to pack it for me. I moved to the counter and paid for the dress. I picked up the bag and walked out of the shop.Today, after months, we went on a girls' date during the weekend off. But we were not cheerful enough, as missing even one made the group seem incomplete."I wish Xingyue was here with us." Tang Xue murmured."I know, I'm missing her too. If only her mother had not come, she too would have been with us," I explained."I hope we can go on the next date all together."We were walking towards the cafeteria while talking when we heard someone shouting from behind."SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP!"Looking back, we saw a crowd gathering at one place. Glancing at each other, we immediately ran towards it.While be
Xia Na's POVToday was a terribly tiring day, or should I say that every day became like this?Perhaps I also knew the reason behind this.Since I distanced myself from him, I lost myself too.I took the key out of my purse, opened the door, and stepped inside.Someone grabbed my hand as I put my hand on the handle to close the door. I was aware of this touch. It seemed familiar.As soon as I looked back, I got pushed and hurled against the wall.Putting a hand over my mouth, he stopped me from screaming. I took a deep breath as my eyes met his. I slightly lifted my hand and pushed him away."What do you think you're doing, Dr. Ling?" I exclaimed."Isn't it obvious? Didn't you expect me to be here after what you did that night?" He reasoned, looking deep into my eyes, making me unsettled."What?"He slowly approached me, racing my heartbeats. My hands got sweaty with just his poker look. I hate to say it, but his serious stare shivered at me.I moved back as my back hit the wall.He c