I clenched my teeth, pretending to be calm, still unwilling to give up. “Are you really going to marry Xu Fangtong?”

His eyes flickered, his brow tightly furrowed, and I could see a storm brewing in his gaze as he gripped the knife and fork in his hand.

Under my watchful eyes, his face instantly tensed, and his chest heaved heavily as he said, “Yes.”

It felt like a hammer suddenly smashed into my heart, shattering it completely. The shards, like broken glass, seeped into every vein, causing a searing pain that numbed my face and left me gasping for breath.

The ringing of a phone broke the suffocating silence.

Through the dim light, I saw the name on the caller ID: Xu Fangtong.

He exchanged a few simple words, the atmosphere growing heavier, and then got up to put on his coat.

I don’t even know why I still managed to smile. “You’re going to see Xu Fangtong? You really have to go?”

Shen Jinzhou seemed a little surprised.

I never asked about his schedule, always obediently following and cooperating with whatever he wanted.

The messages kept coming in, urging him to leave. His face turned grim as he stormed out, frustrated. “Wait for me at home. We’ll talk when I get back.”

Not long after, the madam called.

Her tone was calm, as if she was chatting with an old friend. “In a few days, we’ll meet with Miss Xu to discuss the wedding date. Are you interested in attending their engagement party?”

My back stiffened as I pressed against the chair, feeling as if a hand was tightening around my throat. My throat constricted, and the lack of oxygen made my head feel empty.

Even though I had anticipated this, reality’s slap still left me a bit dazed.

I lowered my head, my shoulders slumped, and I exhaled a long breath. “No, thank you, madam.”

“And about the remaining medical bills, I will repay them.”

I dumped the remaining food into the trash.

The sincerity I once offered him must have seemed like trash to him, worthless and in the way.

I took out my SIM card, broke it in half, and threw it into the garbage, then looked down to buy a high-speed train ticket.

7

I checked the time. “Boss, I’m done for the day.”

The flower shop owner waved his hand. “Go ahead, young people should rush off to their dates after work.”

I sighed and didn’t explain further, opening my phone to check the destination on the order.

I wore a mask and cap, huddling in a corner to avoid the wind.

A crowd came out of the entrance.

Two groups of people laughed and shook hands as they said their goodbyes.

One person stood out in the crowd.

The lights at the entrance shone brightly on his face, clearly outlining his features.

Shen Jinzhou.

I froze for a moment, unable to believe my eyes.

I had bought multiple tickets to different destinations on the high-speed train.

All to throw Shen Jinzhou off.

I knew his personality too well—a control freak who hated anything slipping out of his grasp.

So, he’d try to control everything around him, including me.

A message popped up: “Driver, we’re waiting at the entrance.”

I couldn’t risk the penalty for canceling the order, so I pulled my hat lower and jogged over.

A young man was supporting another man, fumbling for his keys to hand to me.

The drunk man slurred, “Shen’s engagement party with Miss Xu was so grand! Can’t wait for the day you two tie the knot. Wishing you a happy life and many children in advance!”

The cold wind sent a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, I felt dizzy, my heart skipping a beat.

I clenched the keys so hard my nails dug into my palm, just barely managing to keep my composure.

I turned to walk away.

“Wait, come over here for a second.”

I paused, hesitating, my back to them.

He called out a few more times, and even the young man joined in.

I turned around slowly, my head lowered, and a pack of cigarettes was shoved into my hand.

His hand was warm, gripping mine tightly.

“Driver, take it slow. Mr. Wang’s had a bit too much.”

I glanced at his hand, something catching my eye.

Shen Jinzhou was wearing a ring on his middle finger, gleaming coldly.

8

Following his instructions, I drove slowly and steadily.

Mr. Wang, who had had too much to drink, wouldn’t stop talking.

The young man beside him looked utterly defeated.

“Little Wu, these rich kids might look glamorous, but in private, they’re a mess! That Shen guy, he swings both ways. His little male lover ran off not too long ago. Who knows if he took Shen’s money when he fled? Shen’s been searching high and low for him!”

I was startled, my foot pressing down involuntarily.

The car sped up, scaring the young man. “Driver! Slow down!”

Distracted, I climbed the stairs, only to realize a shadow stood in front of my dark apartment door.

The figure moved closer upon hearing my footsteps.

My mind raced, and I recalled why the landlord had given me such a cheap rent.

The previous tenant had made enemies, and people still came to cause trouble.

I was on high alert, cautiously backing away a few steps. “I’m new here. The person you’re looking for left a while ago.”

The figure let out a derisive laugh and came closer.

I turned and ran, the person hot on my heels.

Furious, I spun around and kicked him in the waist before rushing inside.

He groaned in pain.

That voice—it was too familiar.

I froze, only for him to grab me and pull me inside, pinning me against the wall.

Shen Jinzhou’s lips brushed my earlobe, his voice laced with barely concealed fury. “I came here for you, Ah Xuan. You sure know how to hide.”

9

Shen Jinzhou reeked of alcohol, his breath heavy as he held me by the waist, resting his forehead on my shoulder with a long exhale. “Ah Xuan, come back with me. I won’t hold a grudge about you leaving.”

I stared at the crown of his head, feeling nothing like the affection I once had for him. “Why should I go back?”

He looked at me in confusion, opening his mouth to speak but unable to form any words.

“As your bodyguard, I quit.”

He immediately retorted, “I didn’t approve it!”

I almost laughed. “I submitted my resignation. After 30 days, the contract is terminated automatically. You should learn a bit of labor law, young master.”

His face darkened as he clenched his fists. “You’re mine…”

I cut him off. “A secret lover, a homewrecker, a mistress. You know better than anyone how much I despise those people! They destroyed my family.”

Panic flashed across Shen Jinzhou’s face. “It’s not like that!”