Sang Yu took the glass but did not drink the water. Instead, she pulled Lin Xinyan toward her, feeling apologetic. After all, the wedding was tomorrow, but something like this had happened tonight.
“I feel bad about this,” she apologized as she held Lin Xinyan’s hands tightly.
The other woman patted the back of her hand and consoled, “It’s okay. I’m glad to hear that everyone’s fine.”
Sang Yu nodded.
“It’s almost morning soon. I’ll make some food for everyone. We’ll have things to work on later, and the two of you are the main characters of the day. You have to dress yourself up nicely later. Don’t embarrass the bride and groom.” Qin Ya put on an apron as she looked at Sang Yu. “When is Yanchen coming back? Will it affect the wedding?”
Qin Ya pressed her back down. “It’s rare for you to be here. Talk to your daughter-in-law’s mother. Leave the food preparation to me.”
Sang Yu smiled. “Thank you for your hard work, then.”
“No worries. I’m still young and sturdy.”
At that, the three women laughed.
Her words were spoken truthfully. Qin Ya did not look old. Perhaps it was because she had never given birth, and her figure never really changed. Moreover, she ran a boutique and had her own career. The better the mood, the cheerier and younger the individual seemed.
At the villa.
Once everything was cleaned up and everyone had left, Zhuang Jiawen went into the room. The entire time, Shen Xinyao never said a single word. No matter how much Zong Yanxi consoled her, she refused to make a noise.
Her tears just kept falling.
When Zong Yanxi saw Zhuang Jiawen entering the room, she stood up and said to him, “ I’m afraid you can’t stay here. I’ll book a hotel room for you.”
Zhuang Jiawen nodded.
When Zong Yanxi walked past her brother on her way out, she whispered, “Talk to Yao. I think she’s frightened.”
Even she was horrified by the event, not to mention Shen Xinyao.
Zhuang Jiawen replied, “Okay.”
Knowing that her brother understood the gravity of the situation, Zong Yanxi said nothing else and left.
When Zhuang Jiawen heard the sound of the door closing downstairs, he closed the room door behind him.
He then sat by the edge of the bed, where Shen Xinyao was. The red blanket was still wrapped around her body, and her face, the only visible part of her, was tear-stricken.
He took a few tissues to wipe her face, but Shen Xinyao turned away, avoiding his touch. Her avoidance was not because of him; she was the reason.
Cupping her face in his hands, Zhuang Jiawen ordered, “Look at me.”
Shen Xinyao could not help but look into his eyes. However, her eyes were dim, and her usual mischievous and bright look was nowhere to be found.
“You’re okay now,” he reassured quietly.
Shen Xinyao’s tears fell even more rapidly.
Zhuang Jiawen held her. Through the blanket, his hand slowly caressed her back in a form of solace. He kissed her face lightly, kissing away the tears from the corner of her eyes. With his lips pressing onto her face, he murmured, “Don’t cry. You’ll be a bride soon. Your eyes will swell if you keep crying, and you won’t be pretty. Don’t cry.”
“Do you still want me?” asked Shen Xinyao in a hoarse voice.
“Of course,” Zhuang Jiawen chuckled. “Why are you asking me such a silly question? Who will I want if not for you?”
“But I…”
Before she could finish her words, Zhuang Jiawen kissed her on her lips. “This isn’t your fault. Also, you’re all right now, aren’t you?”
“But what if…”
“There isn’t any ‘what if’. Even if it happens, I’ll marry you. To have something happen to you means that I’m not good enough of a boyfriend. I didn’t protect you well.”
“Why are you so nice to me?” Shen Xinyao looked at him, love brimming in her eyes. I really, really love this man.
“Think about it. From the moment I’m aware of my surroundings, I’ve already known that you’re my wife. This is fate. Of course I have to cherish it. What if someone takes you away from me? What will I do then? That’s why I have to be nice to you. You’ll be so in love with me you’ll never leave me.”
