Chapter 5
I returned home, feeling as if my soul had left my body.
Collapsing onto the sofa, I stared blankly at the ceiling.
Images of Lin Wan'er, with her smug and arrogant demeanor, kept replaying in my mind.
Each image felt like a sharp blade, piercing my heart.
The silence in the room was eerily oppressive, only broken by the ticking of the wall clock.
It felt as if my world had come to a standstill, leaving behind only endless pain and confusion.
I don't know how much time had passed when the sound of the door lock turning shattered the silence.
Shen Yifeng entered, weary from a long day's work.
When he saw me curled up on the sofa, his previously dull eyes suddenly lit up, as if finding a glimmer of light in the darkness.
He approached me quietly, crouching down gently, as if afraid to disturb a sleeping butterfly.
His voice was low and tender, like a soft whisper of spring:
"Honey, why are you sitting here alone without turning on the light? Is something on your mind?"
As he spoke, he reached out and softly turned on the living room light.
The warm glow filled the room, yet it couldn't dispel the gloom in my heart.
I weakly lifted my eyelids, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace.
"It's nothing, I'm just a bit tired."
My voice was hoarse, as if coming from another world, as I leaned feebly against the sofa.
Shen Yifeng looked at me with a pained expression, his eyes filled with concern and self-reproach.
He reached out, intending to touch my forehead, but I instinctively dodged.
His hand paused mid-air, a flicker of hurt crossing his eyes before being replaced by gentleness.
He sat up straight again, gently holding my hand.
These hands, once a source of comfort and security, now felt foreign and unwelcome.
His voice trembled with guilt, "Love, have I been too caught up with work lately and neglected you?
Please don't be mad at me.
Once I finish this pile of work, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay home and be with you.
We can watch movies, go shopping, do anything you like."
As he spoke, he softly caressed the back of my hand, his eyes full of sincerity and hope, like a repentant child, yearning for forgiveness.
Looking at his earnest expression, my heart was a tumultuous mix of emotions.
Once, I loved this man deeply. His every smile, every word of concern could make my day.
But now, he had another woman outside, and they even had a child.
Burying my pain and anger deep inside, I said calmly, "No need.
Just focus on your work. I can take care of myself."
Shen Yifeng frowned deeply, a hint of urgency in his eyes.
Suddenly, he stood up, looking at me with a mix of worry and helplessness.
After a moment, he moved back to my side, crouching down again.
He held my shoulders firmly, looking at me with determination.
"Yuyou, don't say that. No matter how important work is, it can't compare to you.
I know I haven't been attentive enough lately. It's my fault.
If there's anything bothering you, just let it out on me.
Don't keep it to yourself. It hurts me to see you like this."
His voice was choked, tears glistening in his eyes.
Seeing his pained expression, my heart ached.
I shook off his hands, saying, "I said there's no need. Leave me be, let me have some peace."
Shen Yifeng sighed helplessly, his eyes filled with sorrow and helplessness.
He stood up quietly, moving to the other side of the sofa, sitting silently, accompanying me without a word.
The room fell into silence, with only the sound of our breathing intertwining in the air.
I gazed out at the night, my mind a tumult of thoughts.
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