Zhan's Pov.
I sat by Wang's bedside, watching him, waiting. Seven hours, and he still hadn't woken up.
The doctor said he was fine, just a bruised rib and some minor injuries, but I wasn't buying it. If he was fine, why wasn't he waking up?
I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. Last night had already been a disaster, and then this? The universe really had a twisted sense of humor.
Lusi had stayed for a while, hovering awkwardly, but I urged her to go home. She hesitated, then finally left after I promised to call when he woke up.
Now, it was just me and him.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, staring at Wang's peaceful—but far too still—face.
"You don't even understand half of what happened last night," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "You thought I was ignoring you when, really, I was just trying to breathe in the same space as you and your fiancée."
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.
"You kissed her, Wang," I continued. "After telling me I was the only one you'd ever touch like that." A bitter chuckle escaped me. "You didn't even see how much that wrecked me."
I wasn't even angry anymore. I was just... tired.
I had spent weeks holding back, forcing myself to accept reality. Wang was leaving in five weeks. That's what I kept reminding myself. He wasn't mine to keep.
Maybe it was time to end things before it got even worse.
I sighed, rubbing my face. "I'm not proud of what I did to survive, Wang. But you—" I exhaled shakily. "You don't get to judge me for it."
The machines beeped softly in response. Wang remained still.
I leaned back, exhaustion creeping in, and whispered, "Please wake up."
I was dozing off in the uncomfortable hospital chair when I heard a low groan. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up immediately.
Wang's fingers twitched against the sheets before his eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused. Then, slowly, they landed on me.
"Zhan..." His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.
Relief flooded me so fast I almost felt dizzy. "You're awake," I breathed.
His gaze softened, guilt flickering behind his eyes. "I'm sorry," he rasped, trying to sit up, but he winced in pain. I was quick to press a hand to his chest, keeping him still.
"It's okay," I said, shaking my head. "Don't push yourself."
"No, I—" he exhaled sharply. "I didn't mean what I said. I was angry and stupid, and I—"
I didn't let him finish.
Instead, I leaned in and kissed him.
He stilled for a moment, probably surprised, but then he kissed me back, his lips soft but desperate. My hand slid up to cup his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers.
When I pulled away, his breathing was uneven, his eyes searching mine.
"You're okay," I murmured. "Just a bruised rib. You scared the hell out of me, though."
Wang let out a shaky chuckle, wincing slightly. "Guess I'm tougher than I look."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Idiot."
He exhaled, his hand finding mine, squeezing it gently. "You stayed?"
"Of course, I did."
For the first time this week, everything felt right again.
Wang was still holding my hand when the door swung open.
Lusi.
She rushed in, her eyes filled with worry. "Wang! You're awake!" She hurried to his side, completely ignoring my presence. Before I could react, she cupped his face and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm.
Wang tensed slightly, his eyes darting to mine before he gently pushed her back. "I'm fine, Lusi. Just a bruised rib."
She sighed in relief and reached for his hand, but he discreetly moved it away, adjusting the blanket instead. I knew he was keeping her at bay, but that didn't make this any easier to watch.
Then, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen before answering. "Mom."
I swallowed, suddenly feeling like an intruder.
His parents. Of course, they'd call. Of course, they'd be worried.
I watched as Wang reassured them that he was okay, his voice calm, careful. Meanwhile, Lusi sat beside him, rubbing his arm gently, as if she was the one who had every right to comfort him.
I clenched my fists.
I knew Wang loved me. I knew he didn't want this engagement. I knew he was only keeping up appearances for his family. But knowing didn't make it hurt any less.
I shouldn't be here.
This wasn't my place.
I looked at him one last time—his tired eyes, the way he kept glancing at me as if afraid I'd leave.
Maybe I should.
This was only going to get messier. And I wasn't sure if my heart could take it.
I stood up quietly, turning toward the door. If Wang noticed, he didn't say anything. Maybe that was for the best.
Maybe it was time to end this before it broke me completely.
I made it halfway to the door before Wang's voice stopped me.
"Zhan."
I hesitated, gripping the door handle tightly, my heart pounding.
"Where are you going?" His voice was softer now, cautious.
Lusi turned to look at me too, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Yeah, Zhan, stay. Wang just woke up, he needs all the support he can get."
Her words made my stomach churn. She didn't even realize I was leaving for good.
I forced a small smile, masking the storm inside me. "He has you," I said simply. "And I need to sleep."
Something flickered in Wang's eyes—panic, maybe? But he was still on the phone with his mom, and I knew he couldn't react the way he wanted to.
Lusi reached out to touch his arm again, and that was my breaking point.
I turned the handle, stepping out without another word.
Each step away from that room felt heavier than the last. By the time I reached the hospital exit, my chest was tight, my throat burning.
This was it.
It was time to let go before I destroyed myself completely.
By the time I got home, I felt like a hollow shell.
The apartment was quiet—too quiet. I kicked off my shoes and stood in the middle of the living room, unsure of what to do. My chest felt heavy, like something was crushing me from the inside, pressing against my ribs, making it hard to breathe.
Then, without warning, the first tear fell.
I sucked in a shaky breath, wiping it away quickly, but more followed.
Damn it.
I sank onto the couch, my hands trembling as I buried my face in them. My heart ached in a way I couldn't describe, like someone had reached inside me and ripped out a piece I didn't even know I needed to survive.
I tried to remind myself this was the right choice. That it was better to walk away now than to watch him marry someone else. That I was strong enough to handle this.
But the truth was—I wasn't.
I should've gone to work. I should've at least called in sick. But I didn't. I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, drowning in the emptiness Wang left behind.
Hours passed. Maybe a whole day.
I didn't move. I didn't eat. I didn't answer my phone.
I just let myself break.
I don't know how long I stayed like that—curled up on the couch, lost in my own misery. The only thing that snapped me out of it was the sound of my grandma's voice, filled with concern.
"Zhan, what's wrong?"
I blinked, realizing both she and Ji Li were back and standing in front of me, their eyes filled with worry. I must look awful.
Ji Li sat beside me, nudging my arm. "You didn't go to work. You didn't call. You haven't even eaten. Talk to us."
I sighed, rubbing my face. "It's Wang," I admitted, my voice hoarse.
Grandma and Ji Li exchanged a knowing look before settling on either side of me.
So I told them everything.
I told them about Lusi, the engagement, the way I had tried to hold back for weeks, convincing myself I could handle it. I told them about the hospital, how she touched him, kissed his head like she belonged there, while I sat in the background like a fool.
"I just—" My voice broke, and I exhaled shakily. "I couldn't do it anymore. So I left."
Grandma sighed and patted my knee. Ji Li just slumped back against the couch, crossing his arms.
"Well," Ji Li said after a long silence. "That fucking sucks."
I let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah. It does."
And just like that, the three of us sat there, lost in our own brooding. Grandma didn't try to lecture me. Ji Li didn't crack any jokes. They just sat with me, like they knew I needed the silence more than anything else.
Then, suddenly—
The door swung open.
I jerked upright as Wang stepped inside, looking breathless, frustrated, and—was that panic in his eyes?
The room went still.
I swallowed hard. "What are you doing here?"
Grandma and Ji Li didn't say a word. They just exchanged a glance before quietly getting up.
"We'll be in my room," Grandma said, patting my shoulder. Ji Li shot Wang a long, unreadable look before following her.
Then it was just us.
The door clicked shut behind them, and Wang exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He looked tired, like he hadn't rested at all since he woke up.
I crossed my arms, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here, Wang?"
His jaw tightened. "You left."
I scoffed, shaking my head. "Of course, I left. What did you expect me to do? Sit there and watch her take care of you while your mom calls. I should pretend everything was fine?"
Wang stepped closer, his eyes dark with emotion. "Nothing about this is fine, Zhan. You didn't answer my calls. You just... disappeared."
"Because I had to," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Wang, this is getting too painful. I can't—" I swallowed. "I can't keep pretending this doesn't hurt."
His face twisted, and before I could react, he grabbed my hands, holding them tightly. "I don't want to lose you."
I sucked in a sharp breath. "You're engaged, Wang."
"I don't care." His grip tightened. "I only want you."
My heart clenched painfully. This wasn't fair.
I closed my eyes, trying to block out the warmth of his touch, the desperation in his voice. But it was impossible.
I pulled my hands away, ignoring the way Wang's face fell.
"You say that now," I whispered, "but you're still engaged, Wang. You still have a wedding to prepare for. Your parents still expect you to marry her."
His jaw tightened. "I don't care what they expect."
I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "You say that, but you're still letting it happen. You're still letting her touch you, kiss you, claim you. And I'm supposed to just sit back and take it?"
Wang stepped forward again, desperation in his eyes. "I kept her at bay, Zhan. I swear I did."
I looked away. "It doesn't matter."
"It does," he said quickly. "Because I don't want her. I only want you."
I let out a shaky breath. "Then why are you still engaged?"
Silence.
Wang clenched his fists, his body rigid. "Because if I don't go through with it, my family—" He cut himself off, exhaling sharply. "It's complicated, Zhan."
I let out a humorless chuckle. "Yeah. No kidding."
He reached for me again, but I stepped back. I had to.
"If you really want me, Wang," I said quietly, "then prove it. End things with her. Stop lying to your parents. Stop putting me second."
His eyes burned into mine, raw and unreadable.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Because I can't do this anymore. I can't keep being your secret while she gets to stand beside you in public."
Wang's lips parted, but no words came out.
I nodded, already knowing his answer.
"Then this is it," I whispered. "We're done."
"Come with me," Wang exhales, his voice trembling. "Let's go somewhere far away. Just us."
I stare at him, my heart pounding. "Run away?"
He sighs in frustration, raking his fingers through his hair. "My mom won't let us be together even if I break off the engagement," he hisses, his hands shaking. "She'll do everything to ruin us. She'll cut me off, make life hell for you. I don't care about the money, but she'll hurt the people around me just to make me obey."
I swallow hard, my chest aching at the helplessness in his voice.
"Then what, Wang?" I whisper. "We run away, and then what? We hide forever?"
His eyes flicker with desperation. "We start over. Somewhere new. Somewhere she can't reach us."
I exhale shakily, stepping back. "And leave everything behind?"
"None of it matters without you," he breathes.
His words nearly break me, but reality crashes in like a wave. "Wang..." I shake my head. "That's not a solution. That's running away from the problem."
He clenches his fists, his jaw tightening. "Then tell me what to do, Zhan. Because I swear, I'll lose my mind if I lose you."
My heart shatters at the pain in his voice, but I know running won't fix this. It'll only make things worse.
And the worst part? I still want to go with him.