"You love me?" he asked quietly, his gaze piercing into her tearful eyes, "Tell me, when was the last time you looked at me without thinking of what you could gain? When was the last time you held my hand without cameras flashing nearby? When was the last time you spoke to your sons without calculating how it would reflect on your image? When was the last time we even had a simple dinner together? When was the last time we sat down to enjoy a movie?"
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out to express herself and refute those claims. She was too busy to be bothered by their existence... How could she let go of her career that had taken her time and sweat to grow?
He exhaled softly, his expression unreadable, "You can keep pretending if it gives you comfort, but don't ever expect me to believe it again."
"Li Feng… please…" her voice cracked as tears streamed down her cheeks, her mind spinning frantically looking for another angle, another ploy to tether him back to her side, "I can change… I promise… I will be a better wife… a better mother… I will do anything… please… don't abandon me… please…"
But as her sobs broke into quiet, choking gasps, he only stared at her with a hollow emptiness that made her knees weaken.
"You are the mother of my sons," he said softly, almost gently, "For that alone, I will not throw you out, but do not mistake my tolerance for forgiveness. Don't you overstep your boundaries..."
He stepped back and turned away, his voice dropping to a tone so icy that it made her blood chill, "From now onwards, you will focus on your duties here, and be a better mother to them. No more unnecessary filming schedules, no galas, no media interviews. If your career truly matters to you more than this family, then leave now. Otherwise… you should remember your place in this family. You should make arrangements to retire, and make an official announcement..."
She bit down hard on her trembling lip, nodding frantically as her mind raced with silent fury, 'I won't leave, not when everything I ever wanted is finally within reach. I will make you see my worth again, Li Feng. Even if it kills me… or you.'
With that final vow echoing viciously in her chest, Shen Li spun around abruptly, tears spilling afresh down her flushed cheeks.
She fled the beroom, her silk robe fluttering behind her as she stumbled up the marble staircase. Her sobs echoed faintly through the silent halls, and each step was a desperate, dramatic performance only she could hear.
She burst back into the master bedroom, slamming the door shut before pressing her back against it, her chest heaving with ragged breaths.
Her gaze darted around wildly until it landed on the vanity mirror reflecting her tear-streaked, trembling figure.
Slowly, she pushed herself off the door and staggered towards the dresser. She collapsed onto the tufted stool, burying her face in her hands as her shoulders shook violently.
"Why… why… why won't you love me all over again…?" she whispered brokenly, her voice muffled against her palms, though no one was there to hear her pitiful cries.
The ornate gold clock on the wall ticked on steadily, ignoring her silent vows and frantic calculations, as she wept alone in the vast, silent bedroom, planning her next move.
—