4
After the rescue, I was afraid to go out.
My friends‘ betrayal, the kidnapping, and the
humiliation left deep scars.
I was on edge.
Zane, usually cold and distant, stayed by my
side.
I’d never seen him so gentle and patient.
He seemed to sense my despair.
He started conversations, keeping me
company.
I stayed in his apartment. He handled school
and kept it from my parents.
He took care of Zhou Yuceng and his group.
He even managed to keep Shawn and Xavier
al way.
He kept everything quiet, protecting me.
He was my shield.
I gradually opened up, relying on him.
Finally, I asked, “Why…are you so good to
me?”
Zane was in comfortable home clothes, sitting
beside me on the carpet.
His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong arms. A pen spun between his long fingers. He took off his glasses, his hair falling loosely. His eyes held gentle affection.
He answered with a question. He smiled
softly and asked, “Will you go out with me?”
I was stunned. I had no reason to refuse.
Under his care, I healed and became cheerful
again.
Looking back, it still feels surreal.
Zane was strong–willed.
During our relationship, Shawn controlled
himself no longer putting his arm
bic
himself, no longer putting his arm around me. Xavier stopped his usual chatter.
He cared about my discomfort.
I was incredibly happy. I even imagined our
wedding.
But it was all an act.
Everything he gave me was fake.
I’ll never forget that day.
I cooked a birthday dinner for Zane, despite
my injured hands and ruined ingredients.
Eighteen dishes.
The doorbell rang.
I opened the door to laughter.
They mercilessly mocked me.
Xavier laughed uncontrollably.
Shawn whistled, filming me in my apron.
Zane leaned against the door, smiling
serenely.
“Our proud Xie girl is so housewifely,
hahaha…”
“Luckily, our bet was only a month, otherwise,
Zane, she’d even have your kids! Hahaha.”
“Interesting, my turn next?”
Shawn paused, looked at me, shrugged, and
smiled. “She heard us, so next time, let’s try
something new.”