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 bothering you?"
Taking my seat, I shook my head. "My boyfriend is returning soon. I don't know how to tell him about our marriage?" Ruffling my hair, I pouted. "We have to do something before he comes back."Xi Song's POV
Taking a bite silently, I gulped it down along with the fact that she had a boyfriend. It's obvious, but in a short period, I felt like a home with her.
She became like a daily routine of my life. Cooking for her, arguing with her, everything related to her made me happy. I knew we would not end together. After the wedding day, she would leave my world.Flushing, I stared at her as she was busy eating. I wished I could tell you how I started feeling about you. But I couldn't be the one for you."Xingyue, don't worry. As long as you don't want to, this marriage will not take place."Biting her lips, she awkwardly smiled as I lowered my gaze.Chewing the last bite, I stood up when she claimed. "Where are you going? You didn't even finish your food." Taking my coat, I smiled at her. "I have a night shift. I'm taking a half-day leave. Don't worry about me. Eat yours and go to sleep early." With my pursed lips, I went outward.Working on the last operation, I came out of the room as I massaged my shoulders. "Xi Song, the night is over. You can go now. Rest well."Stroking his arms, I nodded. "I will, once the case gets solved. I'm going to meet Yuwei." With his wide eyes, he tittered. "Why are you working hard for her? Don't tell me you fall for her already?"Gritting my teeth, I hit his arm. "You better focus on your work."Taking off my coat, I walked away as I went to the cafe I invited Yuwei.Standing in front of the entrance, I switched the sound recorder on as I made my way to her. Tapping her feet, she shifted her gaze to me when I mutely sat opposite her. "What would you like to have, Xi Song? We're meeting after so long." Chewing my lips, I answered sincerely. "One cup of coffee is fine." Smiling at me, she ordered.With a smirk plastered on my face, I urged. "Yuwei, you know I'm a straightforward person. Let's not waste time. Tell me, why are you plotting against Xingyue?"Pausing on her spot, she snickered. "Why do you always care about others, Xi Song? At first, Chen Ting and now Xingyue. YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU."Pursed my lips, I leaned back. "Yuwei, I see you as a good friend of mine. Can you not hurt Xingyue for me? Please, I beg you."
"Why can't you love me back, Xi Song? I'm better in all aspects than Xingyue." Lowering my gaze, I stood up. "You're not Xingyue. If you ever love me, Yuwei, commit your crime. Don't hurt innocent between us."Banging on the table, she stood up. "Yes, I made a trap for Xingyue. She doesn't deserve to be your fiancée. She can't have all the happiness.""Zhang Yuwei, stop envying others. I hope you can find your own happiness. As a friend, I can only wish the best for you."Adjusting my shirt, I walked away.Xingyue's POV
I was sitting, hugging my knees. Irritated, my phone started ringing as I picked it.
Me: Hello? What happened, Xia Na?
Whooping from the other side, she screamed.
Xia Na: Xingyue, someone proves your innocence. According to the source, a stranger sent a voice recording to the president where Yuwei committed her crime.
My lips curved into a smile as tears formed in my eyes.
Me: Are you serious?
Xia Na: Yes!! She resigned from her position and also took the blame for poison.
Shutting my eyes, I pressed my lips, feeling relieved. As I was about to talk, the door wide opened, revealing Xi Song. Giving a smile to me, he walked inside as I hung up.
Running to him, I jumped in excitement as I quickly pulled him, hugging his waist. "Xi Song, I got proved innocent."With his hands shaking, he rubbed my back, humming. "Congrats to you, Xingyue."Realizing what I did, I stepped back as I put aside my hair falling on my eyes. "I-I'm sorry. I got excited."With a gentle smile on his face, he patted my head. "It's okay. Let's celebrate it with Hotpot tonight." Leaving me speechless, he walked towards the kitchen.Touching my cheek with one hand, I felt my cheeks heating. Sneering, I blinked as I recalled how he patted my head.My hands rubbed against my cheeks as a puzzling emotion took place in my heart. Squinting, I tried to control my heartbeat, which was rapidly rising. "What is wrong with me? Am I feeling attractive towards... him?"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
Chapter 20 - The first day after the marriageAuthor's POVTrembling, she picked her phone and dialed her best friend's number.??: Hello? Xingyue?Hearing her voice, she cried over again as her voice cracked in between.Xingyue: Xia Na...Her sobbing voice made Xia Na concerned as she asked non-stop.Xia Na: Xingyue? What happened, darling? Why are you crying?Lifting her chin, she wiped her tears.Xingyue: I'm missing you.Xia Na: Xing, do you want me to come there? Please, don't cry.Xingyue: No, Xia. I'm okay. I need someone to talk to, so I called you.Xia Na: Anytime, darling. Let's talk tomorrow, okay?Humming, she hung up the call as her head rested against the wall.As the cold weather increased, Xing's whole body started shivering. She just kept sobbing while lowering her head. And when she fell asleep, no one knew.........
Chapter 21 - Those distinct feelingsAuthor's POVExhausted, Xingyue finally turned to the stairs. The staff member remained there, confused. Before he could tell Xing about the second lift, she had run the stairs already.Running like a bullet train, she finally reached her office floor when the second lift door opened and Miss Zhang came out.Breathing heavily, Xing looked at the elevator when Miss Zhang waved at her."Good morning, Xingyue. Are you doing exercise? You used the stairs today."Only she knew what was going on in her heart. Even after she ran so much, what if she got it just a hoax.Crying, Xing rested her back against the wall, and Miss Zhang got worried when she saw her."D-did I say something wrong?""UGH! You should tell me that first, Miss Zhang."Hearing his voice, Tang Xue ran to them and asked. "Xing, what is happening here? Mr. Han is asking for you."
Chapter 22 - Words to say to youIn this increasingly cold weather, Xing came home early today and searched every corner of the house to find Xi Song. However, he was not at home. Exhausted, Xing sat on the couch while taking out her phone and called Xi Song.But no one from the other side was picking up the phone. After calling so many times, finally, someone picked up the call.Xing: Xi Song, I'm calling you for half an hour. Can't you pick the call???: Sister-in-law, it's me, Ling Xiao. Xi Song is currently inside the operation theater.Upon hearing this, her anger subsided and asked.Xing: Ling Xiao, is he busy? I just want to know when he will come?Ling Xiao: I have no idea, Sister-in-law. He is working non-stop. He didn't even eat lunch nor take a rest.Xing: Oh! Well, Ling Xiao, please take care of him. I'll wait for him here.Ling Xiao: Oh, okay. Goodbye.As she hung th
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