Chapter 2 The Night Visit
In the dark, Lu Shijin's phone buzzed softly.
He woke immediately and went to the balcony, answering just before it cut off.
The woman's voice was unclear, but I caught fragments about "bitter reasons," "missing you all the time," and "seeing the child."
Lu Shijin stayed silent for a long time. The room was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.
Just as I thought he would hang up, he said a low "okay."
My heart stopped for a moment.
Lu Shijin came back to the bed and stood there, as if checking whether I was asleep.
Soon, the door closed softly.
I went downstairs and hid behind the curtains.
The mother and son embraced and cried. Lu Mingyu kept calling "Mom," afraid she was an illusion.
Qiao Yining looked up with teary eyes. "Lu Shijin, back then Mrs. Lu cut off all contact. If I didn't agree to fake my death, she wouldn't let me try the new treatment. I had to survive to see you again. I'm sorry..."
Lu Shijin's back was straight, but his hands trembled slightly.
"Dad!" Lu Mingyu pulled his sleeve, eyes wet. "Our family is finally together. Come here!"
Lu Shijin pulled them into his arms. "You know I almost died with you. If not for Lu Mingyu..."
I curled my lips in sarcasm and turned away.
I no longer watched my husband and that woman share their feelings.
I had never told Lu Shijin that the bet was not my idea.
At the banquet, she had looked at me and said, "The fake can never be real. My husband and child will return to me eventually."
I felt the power of the First Love pressing down on me.
It might not even take a month.
I lay back in bed and looked at the balcony.
I remembered overhearing Lu Shijin's friend talk about his past with Qiao Yining.
The steady Lu Shijin I knew could be childish and unreasonable when in love.
The freedom I wanted for five years was here.
But my heart ached.
I slept poorly.
Even when Lu Shijin returned to bed hours later and kissed my forehead at seven, I noticed.
When I woke, it was ten.
A servant said Mrs. Qiao was waiting downstairs.