Seeing the now-thin Yun Mei, Jing Mo felt guilty. When she left, Yun Mei had looked robust, but now… “You should know my elder sister has always liked you. Since you’re married to her, you should fulfill your responsibilities…”
“Enough,” Yun Mei’s body trembled. What was she saying? Neglected by his wife for two years, had this not been his intention? Yun Mei held back tears, asking with a trembling voice, “If you had the chance back then, would you take me away or choose him?” She blamed herself for being weak, for asking when she already knew the answer.
Jing Mo’s eyes flashed with guilt. “You should know my answer.”
She knew. In that moment, Yun Mei wanted to laugh, but her eyes held no mirth. “You gave up the Jing family headship for him, and now he’s about to marry your sister. Your decision led to your father’s illness and death. Is this what you wanted by abandoning me?”
“Yun Mei, I was wrong about what happened back then. If only…”
“Leave, and don’t come to see me again.”
Yun Mei turned away and closed her eyes, tears overflowing. Even though they hadn’t seen each other for two years, and he had missed her, he no longer wanted to hear her voice. He dared not tell anyone the truth about what happened back then, fearing mockery and realizing that deep love could be unrequited. He couldn’t let anyone know it was because his beloved leaked information, leading to his humiliation and loss of reputation. Those grievances he could only endure alone.
After Jin Mo left, Yun Mei couldn’t help but cry again. Dao’er beside her didn’t dare to speak, unable to offer comfort.
Su Xi rarely went out now. Jin Yu sent meals daily and sometimes cooked personally. Xiao Lian focused on the baby in Su Xi’s belly, touching her stomach and looking happier than Su Xi.
One day, Su Xi was picking vegetables in the courtyard, occasionally letting his mind drift to thoughts of what to do after the child was born. His belly was slightly protruding, though not visible under clothes, but it would eventually become obvious.
