Chapter 3 The Promise
I dressed up carefully to spend Christmas with Pei Yuchuan.
Right before our date, a senior from back home came to Sydney and wanted to meet.
His schedule was tight—he was leaving the next day.
I postponed our date and took the senior out for a quick meal.
I never expected Pei Yuchuan, who was supposed to wait at the apartment, to show up at the restaurant.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching us with tight lips.
After I saw the senior off, he silently took my hand and led me back.
I tried talking to him several times on the way.
He didn't respond.
I thought he'd forgotten his Cochlear Implant.
When we opened the apartment door, a huge Christmas tree greeted me.
Lights twinkled on the branches.
Apples and gift boxes sat on the carpet beneath.
Before I could take it in, he pinned me against the wall.
One hand gripped my waist.
The other toyed with my strap.
He looked down at me.
"You look beautiful today. Was it for your senior?"
"You two were laughing the whole time. Close, huh?"
That's when I realized—he wasn't missing his implant.
He was jealous.
I tried to explain.
But before I could speak, his kiss crashed down.
It was fierce.
I could barely breathe.
We tumbled onto the sofa under the tree.
The air grew thick and hot.
I thought he'd stop like always and take a cold shower.
But this time, he held me close and pulled out a small gift box.
Inside was a ring.
He slid it onto my finger reverently, forehead against mine, hand on my zipper.
"Wen You, I'll take responsibility for you and marry you."
"So, can we?"
His eyes were red at the corners, lashes hiding a storm.
I couldn't say no.
I leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips.
"Yes."
That night lasted until dawn.
I ended up crying, begging him to stop.
He removed his Cochlear Implant and looked at me.
"Wen You, I can't hear you."
The ring on my finger clinked against his spine.
I thought it was just a regular ring.
I had no idea how much resolve his promise carried.
Later, I posted a photo of our intertwined hands online.
One comment caught my eye.
"That's a huge Harry Winston diamond! Girl, did you land a rich guy?"