Chapter 17

I pulled my suitcase and walked out.

He stepped out of the elevator, his tie half-loosened, a bright red lipstick mark on the side of his neck.

When he saw me, his steps halted, and he froze.

“I’ve already said it-sign the papers in two days. I hope President Zhou won’t go back on his word.”

He blocked the elevator doors, refusing to let them close.

After a moment, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice came out hoarse:

“Yanyan… can you let me explain?”

He slid down against the wall, sitting on the floor with his head in his hands, on the verge of breaking down:

“I just… I really want a child.”

“Last time Mom had a stroke and was hospitalized, the room was full of grandkids surrounding other patients, but she… she was all alone. Not even someone to talk to… And if it weren’t for someone being there when she fell ill, even a few minutes’ delay could’ve meant we couldn’t save her…”

His eyes reddened as he looked up at me:

“I’m more and more afraid of the future. Mom and Dad still have us, but what about us when we grow old? I’ve never told you about the pressure from my parents, and the board meeting is already making early preparations. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d feel guilty, afraid you’d overthink. But I’m so tired…”

He took my hand, rubbing his face against my palm like he was seeking comfort:

“Darling… I’ve never thought about divorce. I just… I just want a child of my own blood.”

“I didn’t betray you. From the beginning, my plan was… to keep the child, not the mother.”

His voice grew quieter and quieter, as if even he found his words too absurd to say aloud:

“Even Wan… Zhu Wanwan, it’s because she looks a bit like you. I thought… maybe the child would look more like the two of us…”

The entryway light flickered on and off, making my head buzz.

“Do you have no shame, Zhou Heng?”

I stared at him coldly, enunciating every word:

“She’s only 20 years old! At that age-she could practically be your daughter!”

“But I don’t have a daughter!”

“I don’t!”

He suddenly shouted, his chest heaving violently, and for a moment, I caught a flash of resentment in his eyes-resentment directed at me.