CHAPTER 25
The back garden of the mansion, a corner I once completely ignored, had become the silent witness to my blindness. Previously just another space, an extension of the house that didn't merit my attention, it was now filled with each blooming rose whispering her name.
I walked among the bushes, letting the sweet scent of the flowers fill my senses. Dewdrops shone like small jewels under the morning sun. This place had been hers, not mine. She had transformed it with her hands, pouring her love into every corner while I was cloistered in my pride.
My eyes settled on a particularly beautiful flower, its petals a vibrant yellow that seemed to glow with its own light. This was today's rose. I bent down, carefully grasping the stem. The crisp snip as I cut it echoed in the silence, reminiscent of the moment our relationship had fractured.
Holding the flower, a whirlwind of emotion overwhelmed me. It was just a rose, but to me, it stood for so much: unspoken apologies, overlooked gestures, unfulfilled promises. Every morning, I repeated this ritual, not just to remember what I had lost but to try and rebuild it.
Jiang was waiting for me at the entrance with a black case in his hands. Always punctual, always efficient. But today, like every day since we began this, I noticed a slight glint of curiosity in his gaze.
"Is this the chosen one, Mr. Chen?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
I nodded, carefully handing him the rose. Jiang opened the case, placing the flower with precision inside, making sure it wouldn't suffer any damage. When he was done, he showed it to me for confirmation.
"Perfect," I murmured, and softly clicked the case shut.
The courier, waiting by the door, took the package with a nod. My instructions were always the same:
"Make sure it reaches her before her day begins. Don't delay."
The man nodded and quickly departed, leaving Jiang and me at the doorway. I watched as he walked away, as if I could follow the rose's journey to her hands. Beside me, Jiang broke the silence.
"It's an admirable gesture, Mr. Chen. But… do you think it will be enough?"
I didn't respond immediately. My eyes were fixed on the empty path, but my mind was in the garden, with her, with the roses she cultivated with such care.
"No, Jiang. It will never be enough. But each rose is a step. And I am not going to stop."
Jiang nodded, understanding more than he said, and quietly withdrew. I stayed there a moment longer, letting the fresh air of the garden clear my thoughts. The day Xu Ai accepted one of those roses, even in silence, I would know there was still hope.
*****
The black box was there again, perfectly placed in front of my apartment door. As punctual as ever. I had noticed its presence as soon as I opened the door this morning, but, like every day, I picked it up with a mix of curiosity and caution.
I returned inside, holding the case in my hands as if it held something fragile and valuable. I placed it on the dining table and stared at it, debating whether to open it right away or to ignore it entirely. But the decision was already made. I always opened it.
Inside was the fourth yellow rose. Its vibrant color seemed to illuminate the sobriety of my apartment, as if time stopped around its perfectly unfolded petals. My heart tightened at the sight. The same lump in my throat, the same whirlwind of emotions: confusion, nostalgia, and something else, something I didn't want to define.
Yellow roses. My mind inevitably returned to the back garden of the Chen mansion. In those days, mornings in the garden were my only rest, my way of starting the day with something I had cultivated myself. I remember how the fresh air enveloped me while my hands touched the moist earth, the pleasure of watching the first flowers open under the sun. I had created something beautiful amid the coldness that surrounded me. That space was mine, a small corner that, at least for a few hours, was not tainted by Chen Hao's indifference.
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the memory wash over me. I never thought he knew about the existence of that garden, much less that, years later, he would use it to send me a message. But what did these roses mean? An apology? An attempt at manipulation? Or simply an empty gesture I didn't understand?
I pressed my lips together, frustrated. Since the day I moved into this apartment, the flowers had arrived with the same punctuality. At first, I thought it was a mistake or a gesture of courtesy from a neighbor. But after the third rose, I knew. Chen Hao. No one else would have reasons to send me something so deliberate and yet so perplexing.
I leaned over the table and ran my fingers over the petals, so soft they seemed unreal. Why now? He had never been a man of details, at least not during our marriage. What was he trying to achieve?
A sigh escaped my lips as I left the rose next to the other three I had received. I had lined them up on the small shelf I had improvised in the living room, not quite knowing why I kept them. Throwing them away would have been logical, but something stopped me. As if each flower held a piece of a past that, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't ignore.
My phone vibrated on the table, pulling me from my thoughts. I picked it up and saw a message from Mei:
"Ms. Xu, the documents you requested are ready. Would you like me to bring them over now?" I quickly typed a response:
"No, Mei. You can send them by email. Thanks."
I collapsed onto the sofa, watching the shelf where the roses laid. Each one was like a small crack in the wall I had built around my heart. I didn't want these gestures to affect me, but they did. Why? Because each rose reminded me of how much effort I had put into that garden, how much love and care I had poured into that space, and how he had walked past all of it without seeing it.
I got up from the sofa, unable to stay still. I walked to my small office and turned on the lamp. The sketches and notes on the contract were scattered across the desk. I had work to do, important decisions to make. But as I organized the papers and reviewed the clauses, my mind kept returning to those roses, to the garden, to the mornings when the sun gave me the strength to start anew.
Maybe Chen Hao wanted to remind me of something. Or maybe he was trying to recover something that no longer existed. The only thing I was sure of was that I couldn't let those flowers dictate my next move. I would make my decisions for myself, as I had done for the past five years. Though, deep down, I knew the roses weren't just flowers. They were promises. And I wasn't ready yet to decide whether I wanted to accept them.
CHAPTER 26
The building loomed imposingly before me, a structure of glass and steel that seemed to mock me with its perfection. As I lifted my gaze toward the gleaming letters crowning the entrance, a torrent of emotions surged through me. Five years had passed since I last stepped foot here, yet everything felt as vivid as if it had been yesterday.
I took a step forward but stopped abruptly. Memory struck with unexpected force. I saw myself, much younger, more uncertain, standing in this very spot with a bag of food in my hands and a trembling smile on my lips. I remembered taking the elevator up to Chen Hao's office, convinced that a small gesture could break down the barriers between us. Back then, love had given me the courage I seemed to lack.
The bitterest memory surfaced with clarity. The last time I had come here, I left the lunch on his desk, hoping for at least a sign of appreciation. Instead, his words had pierced through me like a knife:
"Don't come back. I don't need you showing up here for everyone to know I'm married."
The blow of those words had been devastating. Five years had passed since then, yet the wound remained, barely scarred over. That was the last time I came to his office; the last time I tried to save something that had never had a solid foundation. From that moment on, I had become a ghost in the mansion, invisible even to my own husband.
I took a deep breath and forced my feet to move forward. Today was different. Today, I wasn't here as the ignored wife of Chen Hao. Today, I was Xu Ai, a renowned designer, about to sign a multimillion-dollar contract. A sarcastic smile played on my lips. Life had a cruel sense of irony.
The revolving doors opened with a soft creak, letting in a rush of cool air that contradicted the weight of my anxiety. The lobby was vast and luminous, its marble floors reflecting the warm glow of the chandeliers. Everything looked new, yet to me, every corner still carried the ghosts of a past I wished to forget.
When the elevator arrived, I hesitated before stepping in. The cabin was so familiar that I couldn't ignore the memories flooding in. How many times had I ridden in this very elevator, convinced that I could salvage something that, in reality, had never truly been mine? How naïve I was, I thought bitterly.
A soft chime signaled my arrival at the executive floor, and as I stepped out, I found myself face-to-face with Jiang, Chen Hao's personal assistant. His face lit up as he saw me, greeting me with a warm smile that felt almost too genuine for this place.
"Welcome, Miss Xu. Please, follow me."
I gave him a polite nod in return. Jiang had always struck me as a kind man, the type who did his job with impeccable discretion. His demeanor now was a small comfort amid the tension weighing on me.
As we walked down the hallways, I noticed the changes. The offices had a sleeker, more modern feel, but the memories remained anchored in every space. Passing by a glass-walled conference room, I felt the weight of several gazes. The hushed murmurs were nearly audible, but I refused to let them affect me. I kept my head high, letting the sharp sound of my heels echo against the polished floors. I was no longer the timid young woman who walked these halls in fear. I was a professional who had rebuilt her life from the ground up.
"We have been eagerly anticipating this day, Miss Xu," Jiang said as he opened the door to the main office. "Mr. Chen is very interested in discussing the terms with you personally."
I nodded without responding, but my chest tightened at his words. As I stepped inside, my eyes went directly to him. Chen Hao stood near his desk, the same commanding presence as always—impeccable, controlled, exuding an unshakable composure. Yet, there was something in his posture I now recognized as vulnerability, however subtle. His hands rested in the pockets of his dark suit, and when his gaze met mine, I felt the same unsettling pull he had always stirred in me.
"Xu Ai."
He said my name with a practiced calm, dragging out the last syllable deliberately. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to keep composure while my emotions waged a silent battle within me. My response was neutral, measured.
"Mr. Chen."
I gave him a slight nod, keeping a professional stance, and walked with steady steps toward his desk. My heart pounded, but I refused to let it show. I placed the folder in front of him with a firm gesture, making sure to project the authority I had fought so hard to build.
"Here is the revised contract. It includes the necessary adjustments to meet the standards outlined in your initial proposal."
Chen Hao took the folder with deliberate slowness, but instead of opening it, he studied me as if trying to decipher something hidden beneath my expression. I felt the weight of his gaze, but I refused to betray any discomfort.
"Thank you for coming," he said finally, his tone carrying a meaning I chose not to interpret.
"It's my duty as a professional," I replied, my voice cool and even, making it clear that there was no room for ambiguity or sentimentality.
At last, he opened the folder and began flipping through the documents. His attention seemed divided—his eyes skimmed the pages, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. When he finished, he closed the folder with a measured movement, resting his hands on the desk.
The silence between us was thick, charged with everything that had been left unsaid for five years.
"You're an excellent professional."
I didn't react to his compliment. Instead, I crossed my arms, reinforcing the barrier I had built between us.
"Thank you, but I believe your opinion of my work is irrelevant to the terms of the contract."
I saw his eyes narrow slightly, a subtle gesture that betrayed his surprise—but he didn't back down.
"Irrelevant? I think you underestimate how much your work means to this company. And to me."
The last words hung in the air, but I gave them no weight. I took a step back, putting distance between us—distance I desperately needed.
"Let's make something clear, Mr. Chen." My voice was firm, each word measured like the sharp edge of a blade. "You belong to my past as an ex-husband, and that chapter is closed. I hope you understand that signing this contract has nothing to do with our history."
I saw him grip the edges of the folder—a slight movement that revealed the tension hidden beneath his calm exterior. Yet, his expression remained unshaken.
"I understand." His tone was soft, but his gaze held mine, filled with something I couldn't decipher. "Let me be clear: this contract has nothing to do with the past, but everything to do with the future. I want you to know that, even if I can't change what happened, I will do everything in my power to support you in whatever you choose to build."
I took a deep breath, resisting the weight of his words. I wasn't going to let him disarm me with a well-crafted speech.
"I hope your company's actions back up that statement. I have no time for games or hidden agendas."
He nodded solemnly, and for a moment, he almost seemed sincere.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
With a firm movement, I pulled a pen from my bag and signed the contract. Each stroke of ink was a reminder that I was here for my team, for the future I had built without him. When I finished, I looked up and handed the folder back to him.
"Here it is. I expect our relationship to remain strictly professional."
Chen Hao took the folder, his fingers brushing against mine for the briefest moment, but I didn't react. His gaze remained locked on mine, as if searching for something he couldn't find.
"Thank you. Now that you're officially part of the company, I believe it would be best for you to meet the team we've assembled for you. They're waiting in the conference room."
I frowned slightly. Usually, these meetings were scheduled days after signing, not on the same day. His urgency caught me off guard.
"Now?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
"Of course. I believe it's important for you to meet the team that will help bring your vision to life." His voice was so composed that it almost threw me off.
I took a moment to regain my composure.
"Alright. If that's what you've decided, let's go."
CHAPTER 27
He stood against the back wall of the conference room, watching her.
Although she seemed fully engaged in conversation with the team members, I knew that Xu Ai was aware of my gaze. I had seen it in the slight stiffness of her shoulders when she entered, in the way her eyes avoided mine more than necessary.
As I saw her, her words from our previous meeting echoed in my mind like a persistent refrain: "In my past, there's only an ex-husband."
That sentence—so simple, yet so absolute—hit me once again with full force. To her, our marriage was a closed chapter, a wound she had chosen to bury. But for me... for me, it remained the most real and significant bond I had ever had in my life. Because, though she didn't know it, I had never signed those divorce papers. I never could.
My fingers toyed with the buttons on my cuffs—a gesture I barely recognized in myself.
How was I supposed to tell her the truth? How would Xu Ai react upon discovering that, in the eyes of the law, we were still husband and wife? This confession was a double-edged sword. I knew that if I didn't find the right moment, it could destroy any bridge I was trying to rebuild between us.
I took a deep breath and pushed the thought aside.
Now was not the time to dwell on what I couldn't say yet.
Right now, she was here, standing before me, speaking with confidence and authority. She was a completely different woman from the one I remembered. And yet, she was still the same Xu Ai I had loved from the very beginning.
Even if I couldn't tell her now, I knew that someday, I would have to face that moment.
I watched her as she spoke. There was a certainty in her tone, a natural authority that she now wielded with an ease she hadn't before.
The woman standing in front of me was not the same one who had once tried—unsuccessfully—to gain my attention with small gestures in the early days of our marriage. She had changed. And while I deeply admired what she had become, I couldn't ignore that this transformation had happened far away from me.
Every word she spoke, every movement she made, was magnetic. My eyes followed her hands as she explained an idea, and I noticed how several team members nodded enthusiastically. Her gestures were precise, yet full of grace. It was impossible not to admire her.
But beyond the professional figure dazzling everyone in that room, I saw the woman I had hurt—the one I had failed to appreciate when I had the chance.
When Xu Ai finished speaking with the team, the atmosphere in the room subtly shifted. The laughter and casual remarks faded, replaced by an expectant silence. Everyone knew that the true leader of the company was there, watching from the shadows.
"Excellent ideas," I said, breaking the silence as I stepped towards the table. "I have no doubt this will be one of the most remarkable collections in our history."
All eyes turned to me. Some reflected nervousness, others respect. It was the usual reaction whenever I spoke, but my eyes were only searching for her.
She looked at me calmly, though there was a slight flicker in her gaze—one that betrayed her discomfort.
"Miss Xu, I want to commend you for your leadership in this first meeting. I believe your team is just as impressed as I am."
She inclined her head slightly, accepting the compliment with professional courtesy.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen." Her tone was cold, measured, as if she were carefully drawing an invisible boundary between us.
I let a brief silence settle before taking the next step. I knew that every interaction with her had to be precise, controlled—like a chess game where every move mattered.
"Before we wrap up, there's one more thing we need to discuss."
I paused, letting my words draw everyone's attention.
"As you all know, this collaboration is a major milestone for our company. For that reason, we have organized a press conference to officially announce the contract. It will take place this Friday evening."
The murmur that followed was inevitable. The team members seemed excited, exchanging comments about the preparations.
But my focus remained on Xu Ai.
Her expression was neutral, but the slight downturn of her lips told me the news had taken her by surprise.
"A press conference?" she asked, her tone neutral but carrying an almost imperceptible edge.
"Of course. It's essential that the media and the public understand the scope of this project. Jiang will send you the details later." My voice remained calm, as if this were a routine decision, something unquestionable.
She nodded slowly, processing my words. I could see her weighing her options, but I knew she wouldn't turn down something that could benefit her career.
"I hope you've accounted for enough time to properly prepare the announcement," she replied, keeping her impeccable professionalism.
"We have. And I'm sure you'll be flawless, as always."
Her eyes met mine for the briefest moment. She didn't say anything, but the tension in the air was undeniable.
With a subtle gesture, I ended the meeting, allowing the team members to leave. Xu Ai remained seated, her papers neatly arranged in front of her, as if she had no intention of moving.
Once the room was empty, I stepped closer to the table, leaning against the back of a chair as I studied her.
"I didn't expect things to be this far along," she finally said, breaking the silence.
"Anticipation is key in business," I replied with a slight shrug. "And in other aspects of life."
She frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the insinuation. Yet, she held her ground.
"I appreciate the effort your team has put in. I expect this collaboration to remain strictly professional."
I let a small smile slip, unable to help myself.
"I hope so too, Ai. But I have to be honest, I don't settle for just professional benefits."
I saw her shoulders tense at my words, but her reaction was admirable. She rose gracefully, gathering the papers she had brought with her.
"I assure you, Mr. Chen, that our relationship will be nothing more than professional." Her tone was ice-cold but controlled—like a calculated strike.
"We'll see that." My voice dropped to a whisper, yet the firmness in my words left no room for doubt.
She gave me one last look before turning on her heel and walking out of the room without another word. I watched as she disappeared through the door, leaving behind a mixture of frustration and determination. Every interaction with her was a battle, but I knew the real fight was just beginning. As I stared at the now-empty room, a faint smile crossed my lips.
Friday would be a rare opportunity to get closer to her, and I had no intention of wasting it. Xu Ai could resist all she wanted, but I wasn't going to give up.
Not this time.
CHAPTER 28
The restaurant was an oasis of elegance amid Shanghai's bustle. Warm, dim lights hung from golden fixtures, casting a glow that made everything seem almost perfect. The air was filled with the rich aroma of exotic spices and meticulously crafted dishes, creating an atmosphere that invited one to forget the outside world.
It wasn't my first time visiting a place like this, but that night, the familiar setting couldn't dispel my nervousness.
Li Wen was waiting for me by the entrance. His tall, poised figure stood out in the lobby, and his broad smile lit up his face the moment he saw me. There was something reassuring about his presence, as if his very existence could quiet the noise in my own mind.
"Ai, you're here."
He stepped forward and offered me his arm, a gesture so natural to him that I couldn't help but smile.
"I couldn't refuse an invitation from you, Wen." I took his arm, letting him guide me inside.
As we walked toward our table, he tilted his head slightly toward me.
"I thought you'd like this place. It has an air that reminds me of those cafés in Paris." His voice, calm and low, always carried a tone that felt as though it was meant only for me.
I glanced around, nodding. The dark wooden panels, the golden accents, and the tables draped in pristine white tablecloths held a certain elegance—one I had always admired in the French capital.
"It's perfect, Wen. Thank you."
He smiled, pleased with my response, and pulled out my chair for me. Such attentiveness was second nature to him, something I had never questioned before. But that night, there was something in the way his eyes followed me that made me feel this dinner wasn't quite like the others.
The menus were placed in front of us, but before I could even open mine, he was already speaking to the waiter.
"For her, the duck with plum sauce. And for me, the steak with a red wine reduction. Ah, and bring us the wine you recommended last time."
He then turned his attention back to me, as if just remembering I was there.
"I hope you don't mind. I know this dish is one of your favorites."
I let out a soft laugh, surprised by his memory.
"How do you even remember that?"
"Because I pay attention, Ai. I always have."
The sincerity in his voice disarmed me for a moment, but I forced myself to keep my expressions relaxed. This was our dynamic—him always observant, me trying not to read too much into it. The food arrived quickly, and for the first few minutes, we let a comfortable silence settle between us. Li Wen was the one to break it with a direct question.
"How's everything going with the contract?" He leaned in slightly, his interest genuine. "I imagine working with someone like Chen Hao isn't easy."
I sighed, setting my utensils down for a moment.
"It's… complicated, but not impossible. I know what I'm doing."
He nodded, but his expression remained serious.
"Do you feel comfortable working with him?"
The question, though simple, carried layers of meaning. Wen understood more than I said. We talked in Paris during the late nights I spent working in my studio, about the end of my marriage. I had shared enough with him for him to grasp the impact Chen Hao had left on my life.
"Comfort isn't the point, Wen. It's about reaching my goals."
My voice was firmer than I expected, but I wanted to make it clear—my past with Chen Hao would not dictate my future.
He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching for mine.
"You're stronger than you think, you know?" he said at last, with a smile that seemed to hold more than he was willing to say.
I stayed silent, focusing on my plate again. But I couldn't ignore the warmth that had settled in my chest. The way Wen always found the right words to support me was something I couldn't help but appreciate. After that, the conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about Paris, the projects I had left behind, and my plans for this new chapter in Shanghai. Wen, as always, was genuinely interested in every detail, reminding me why his company had always been so easy to enjoy.
When we finished our meal, I was surprised to see he had ordered dessert without asking. A delicate tower of macarons arrived at the table, decorated with fresh fruit and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
"I know these were your favorites." He gave me a smile I couldn't help but return.
"You're spoiling me, Wen." I teased, though I knew his gestures were simply a reflection of his generosity.
"I'm just making sure you remember how good it feels to have someone who cares about you."
His tone was light, but his words carried a weight I couldn't ignore. I watched him as he picked up a macaron, his movements slow and deliberate. There was something different about him tonight, something in the way he was trying to tell me something without saying it outright.
When we stepped out of the restaurant, the crisp night air wrapped around me, clearing my mind just a little. As always, Wen made sure I was comfortable, draping my coat over my shoulders before I could protest.
"Thank you for tonight, Wen. I really needed this." I gave him a sincere smile.
"Anytime, Ai. You just have to call me."
He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary before taking a step back. When I finally got into the car waiting for me, I couldn't help but glance at the rearview mirror, watching as he walked away. Wen had always been my support. But something in his eyes tonight made me wonder if I had been ignoring something he had been trying to show me all along.
*****
The restaurant was the perfect setting for a business evening. With its dim lighting, minimalist decor, and impeccable service, it provided the ideal atmosphere to discuss agreements without the pressure of a corporate environment.
I sat next to a potential client, listening attentively as he spoke about a proposal that, on any other night, would have had my full attention.
But tonight, my focus was elsewhere. My gaze kept drifting toward a table across the room.
Xu Ai was there.
She wore an elegant yet simple outfit, but the way she carried herself, the way she moved, made her stand out from everyone else. Seated across from her was a man I didn't recognize, speaking with confidence, accompanying each sentence with gestures that seemed excessive to me.
"Who is that man?" I thought, feeling a sharp discomfort I hadn't experienced in years.
Ever since she returned to Shanghai, I had tried to control everything—her security, her environment, even the opportunities that came her way.
But this man was an unknown. A variable I hadn't accounted for. I raised my hand discreetly, and Jiang, my assistant, appeared almost instantly. Always alert, he inclined his head slightly before stepping close enough to hear me.
"Who is the man sitting with my wife?" I asked in a low voice, motioning subtly toward the table.
Jiang followed my gaze, his brow furrowing slightly before he answered.
"I'm not sure, Mr. Chen, but I can find out."
"Do it. I want to know who he is and why he's here with her."
My tone was quiet but carried a tension I couldn't suppress.
"Understood, sir."
Jiang left quickly, allowing my thoughts to return to the scene unfolding before me. I tried to focus on my conversation with the client, but I couldn't ignore what was happening on the other side of the restaurant. I watched as the man leaned in toward Ai, as if sharing something confidential. She smiled softly, laughing—a sound I hadn't heard in years. And I felt a surge of emotions wash over me.
Jealousy. Frustration. Even fear.
I had never considered myself a jealous man.
During our marriage, I had always assumed that Xu Ai was mine, that her devotion to me was unwavering. But now, seeing her laugh and talk so easily with another man, I realized just how fragile that certainty had been. Jiang returned soon after, leaning in to whisper in my ear.
"His name is Li Wen, sir. He worked with your wife in Paris for several years. It appears they have a close relationship, but there is no information suggesting anything beyond friendship."
Li Wen.
The name meant nothing to me, but the fact that Jiang had described him as close was enough to unsettle me.
"And what are they talking about?" I asked, my eyes never leaving them.
"Her career. The projects they worked on together in Paris. It seems like a professional conversation, but I'll continue looking into it."
I gave a slight nod, dismissing him. As Jiang returned to his usual position, my gaze remained fixed on Ai and Li Wen. I watched as he gestured to the waiter, ordering something that, from what I could tell, she enjoyed.
That level of attentiveness, that familiarity—that was what bothered me the most. No one else should know those details about her.
"When did I become so pathetic?" I thought bitterly.
I had always been a man of absolute control, and yet here I was, sitting in silence, letting emotions dictate my thoughts. When Ai stood from the table, Li Wen immediately got up as well. He helped her with her coat, a gesture so natural it made my hands clench into fists beneath the table.
I watched as they exchanged a few last words before stepping out of the restaurant. Each step she took away from me felt like a small blow to my chest. Jiang approached once more, always attuned to my commands.
"Mrs. Chen left her vehicle. Li Wen left separately."
That detail eased the pressure in my chest—slightly. But not enough. There were too many unanswered questions.
"I want a full report on Li Wen on my desk by tomorrow morning," I ordered, my tone firm.
"Of course, Mr. Chen." Jiang nodded before stepping away.
As my client resumed the conversation, pulling me back to the present, my thoughts remained trapped in the image of the two of them. She was no longer the woman I had left behind. And I was no longer the man who had lost her. But one thing was certain—
I wasn't going to let someone like Li Wen come between us.
CHAPTER 29
The crisp morning breeze hit my face as I picked up my pace, leaving behind the still-drowsy streets of Shanghai. The cold air filled my lungs, and the rhythmic sound of my footsteps echoed against the pavement—a kind of refuge against the chaos of my thoughts.
I had always found comfort in running, in that fleeting moment when nothing existed except the road ahead of me and the steady rhythm of my breath. But even now, with my body in motion, my mind remained tangled in a web of unanswered questions.
I had my headphones in, and Li Mei's enthusiastic voice filled my ears, listing everything that had happened since the contract was signed.
"The team is progressing quickly, Miss Xu," she said, her tone tinged with admiration. "Mr. Chen has been incredibly generous with resources. Yesterday, two full trucks arrived—top-quality fabrics, mannequins, state-of-the-art industrial sewing machines… everything we could possibly need for the workshops."
I frowned, though she couldn't see me.
"Generous" was not a word I typically associated with Chen Hao.
During the years I spent by his side, his acts of kindness had always seemed as calculated as the rest of his life. And yet, now, it was hard to ignore the fact that every move he made seemed designed to make things easier for me.
"They've also prepared an entire floor for storage," Mei continued. "The logistics team has been working day and night to ensure everything is ready before the launch. It's impressive how fast things are moving, don't you think?"
I nodded, even though I knew she couldn't see me. A part of me didn't want to admit that I was impressed. Every detail she mentioned reinforced something I was trying to deny—
Chen Hao was putting more effort into this project than he ever had into our marriage.
"It's admirable, yes," I finally replied, keeping my tone neutral. I didn't want Mei to think that any of this was affecting me.
"I also received confirmation of the media list for Friday's press conference," she added. "All the major names will be there. This will be the most talked-about launch of the year, I'm sure."
Friday.
Only two days before I would have to stand in front of cameras and journalists, likely with Chen Hao right beside me.
The thought filled me with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
I knew what this event meant for my career, but I couldn't ignore the weight his presence added to the situation.
"Miss Xu? Are you alright?" Mei's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Yes, sorry. I was just thinking through the details," I replied quickly, adjusting my tone to sound more composed. "I appreciate everything you're doing. I know coordinating all of this isn't easy."
"It's an honor to collaborate with you," she said, and I could hear the sincerity in her voice.
I exhaled softly and shifted the conversation, steering it away from Chen Hao. Once Mei hung up, silence filled my ears again, interrupted only by the sound of my breathing and my footsteps. But now, without her voice distracting me, my thoughts drifted towards a place I didn't want to go.
Since signing the contract, I had noticed a change in Chen Hao. He was no longer the distant man I remembered—the one who barely spoke to me in the darkest days of our marriage. Now, every gesture of his seemed calculated to draw me closer, to show me a version of himself I didn't recognize. He was attentive, considerate… almost too perfect.
But I couldn't let my guard down. I had spent years rebuilding my life, constructing walls to protect myself from anything that could break me again. And yet, every time Chen Hao came near, I felt those walls begin to tremble—like he knew exactly where the cracks were.
"Why can't he just stay away?" I muttered to myself, pushing my legs to move faster, as if I could outrun my thoughts.
My mind drifted back to the early days of our marriage. I had been naive, full of hope, trying to build something between us. And he was cold and distant… always preoccupied with his world of business. I remembered the day I had brought him my first design, eager to share something of mine with him.
But instead of the encouragement I had longed for, all I received was an indifferent remark and the sinking realization that I would never be enough. And now, after all this time, here he was—offering me everything I had once dreamed of, except for the love I had always wanted.
I took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill my lungs and clear my mind. I couldn't fall into this trap. Chen Hao might have changed, but that didn't erase the damage he had done.
And though a part of me wanted to believe his intentions were genuine, I couldn't afford to trust him again.
"This is just a contract," I told myself, aloud, like a mantra. "Nothing more."
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, I slowed my pace, gradually shifting into a walk towards home. The morning run had cleared my mind—
But it hadn't erased the uncertainty I felt. I knew the next few days would be crucial, not just for my career, but for my own peace of mind. And as I stepped into the shower, one thing was certain—
No matter how much Chen Hao tried to get close to me, I couldn't afford to fall for him again. Not this time.
*****
The blue glow of the screen illuminated my dark office as I skimmed through the file Jiang had sent me on Li Wen. At first, I opened it with a calm, almost mechanical detachment, expecting to find just the basics, something that would help me understand who he was.
But with each line I read, an unease began to burn in my chest, morphing into something I didn't want to name: jealousy.
Li Wen was not just any man. His achievements were impressive—prestigious degrees, acclaimed projects in the fashion world, international awards, recognized publications. But what struck me the most was discovering just how intertwined his history was with Ai's.
University classmates. Close collaborators on projects that had won major awards. And, according to the photos Jiang had included, friends close enough for her to trust him in a way she had never trusted me.
I shut the laptop forcefully, but I couldn't erase the images from my mind. Ai, young and radiant, sitting beside him, surrounded by sketches and fabrics. Her smile was so genuine, so luminous, that it almost hurt to look at. When was the last time she smiled at me like that?
Had she ever? Those moments of happiness belonged to Li Wen, not me. And that was what consumed me the most. I walked towards the window, seeking an escape in the glow of Shanghai's skyline.
From up here, the city seemed so small, so controlled, like a board I could manipulate at will. But tonight, I didn't feel like the player. I felt like just another piece—vulnerable, disposable.
What was the point of owning half of Shanghai if I couldn't have the one thing I truly wanted? My thoughts drifted back to dinner. Ai's smile as she spoke to him. The effortless way she accepted his gestures of attentiveness, as if it were natural between them. She had never been that relaxed with me. Never that comfortable by my side.
During our marriage, she was always careful, watching every word, every move, as if walking on broken glass. And I, blinded by my own pride, let her believe that it didn't matter. I remembered how he leaned towards her, how his hands moved close to hers as he poured her more tea, how she accepted those gestures without hesitation.
Meanwhile, I sat across the restaurant, unable to do anything but watch. I had never experienced jealousy like this before. I had never even considered that another man could be a threat to me. But there I was, burning with rage and insecurity, questioning myself in a way I never thought possible.
Jiang had done an excellent job gathering information. I knew that Li Wen's company had a flawless reputation. That his work ethic was impeccable. That he had been close to Ai during the years I wasn't. He had been her support, her friend, her trust.
Everything I was not. I clenched my fists as my mind played through the possibilities. For five years, Ai had been far from me—building a life of her own, surrounded by people like Li Wen, who could give her the attention and respect I had denied her.
Thinking about all the conversations they must have shared, the moments they spent together, how he probably understood parts of her that I had never bothered to, made me feel powerless.
For the first time in my life, I doubted my ability to get what I wanted. Even after everything I had done for her since she returned to Shanghai—the materials, the facilities, the unwavering support—I knew it wasn't enough. Ai saw me as a shadow of the past. A man marked by his mistakes, incapable of change. While Li Wen was everything I wasn't. A man who had never failed her. A man who had been there when she needed someone the most.
I took a deep breath, trying to quiet the storm inside me. But every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ai's smile from that dinner, heard her laughter in my mind—
And it all started again. How could I compete with a man who represented everything good that I had failed to be for her? I returned to my desk and reopened the laptop. I scrolled through the photos again, this time with more control. Each image was a dagger, but also a lesson. I couldn't afford to act on impulse. If I wanted to win Ai back, I couldn't destroy what she valued.
I had to show her, with every move, with every action, that I was capable of being the man she deserved.
"But how?" I thought, running a hand through my hair.
I couldn't erase the past. I couldn't undo the damage I had done. The only thing I could do was try to build something new, based on the respect and love I had never shown her before.
But for now, I had no clear answer. I only knew one thing—
I couldn't give up. Even if Ai saw me as the villain and Li Wen as the hero, I wouldn't accept that fate. I would do whatever it took to prove to her that I could change.
Because, at the end of the day—
She was still my wife. Even if I wasn't yet the man she needed.