CHAPTER 20
I woke up before dawn, much earlier than my strict routine dictated I should. Insomnia had defeated me, and memories of the previous night's encounter spun endlessly in my mind. Ai. My wife. Because even though she believed otherwise, to me, she never stopped being that.
The cold water on my face failed to dispel her image: her elegant demeanor, the shine of her hair under the lights, and the coldness in which she had confronted me, as if I were no more than a stranger. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, seeing a man who seemed as controlled as ever, but inside was in chaos.
I walked over to the bedroom window. From here, Shanghai looked like a carpet of lights, slowly waking up. Yet, the vastness of the city seemed insignificant compared to the void she had left in me. I had spent five years following her from a distance, convinced that surveillance was enough to protect her. But seeing her last night, I understood it wasn't.
The sound of my phone broke the silence. It was Jiang.
"What do you have?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
"Mr. Chen, Mrs. Chen has returned to Shanghai with the intention of opening several workshops. She is seeking investors to expand her brand in Asia. Her schedule is almost full, but she might be free in two days," he said with his usual professionalism.
Two days. The time sounded like both a sentence and an opportunity.
"Have you confirmed that nothing can alter the plan?"
"Yes, sir. Additionally, I've reinforced security at the building where she's staying. No unwanted visits will be permitted."
"Good. Make sure to keep me informed of everything that happens."
"Understood, sir." I hung up before he could add anything else. I put the phone back on the nightstand and stood still for a moment, gazing into the emptiness of the room.
"Why, Ai?" I thought. How could she remain so serene while I had spent years consumed by her absence?
The morning passed like a fog. The reports I was supposed to review at the office were mere shadows of numbers and graphs that I couldn't decipher. Meetings passed like distant echoes, I could not even remember the faces of my executives. No one dared to mention my distraction, though it was clear. Jiang, of course, knew exactly why.
At the end of the last meeting of the day, I stayed seated in the boardroom while everyone else left. Normally, this was the time when I would evaluate the day's achievements, but today I felt nothing but emptiness. Jiang appeared in the doorway; his presence was always silent but prompt.
"Anything else you need, Mr. Chen?" he asked in his professional tone, though his gaze showed some concern. I shook my head, slowly standing up.
"No, Jiang. You can leave for today."
"Understood, sir," he replied, nodding slightly before exiting.
I picked up my coat from the back of a chair and headed to the elevator, feeling the weight of five years of my wife's absence in every step I took. In the building's lobby, I passed the receptionists, who bid me their usual bows. I didn't respond; my mind was elsewhere.
The chauffeur was already waiting at the entrance, but this time I gestured for him to give me the keys.
"I'll drive today," I said curtly. He didn't argue. He handed me the keys with a "yes, sir," and stepped back. I got into the car and headed to where I knew she was staying.
The drive was silent. I didn't turn on the radio, nor did I answer the calls that vibrated on the phone. My gaze remained fixed on the road, while my mind revolved around one single thought: her.
Finally, I stopped in front of the building where Ai was staying. I didn't plan to enter or make my presence known, but I couldn't resist the impulse to be close, even if just from the shadows.
I watched the illuminated entrance from the driver's seat. Guests came and went, but she did not appear. I closed my eyes and let the memories invade me: the nights she waited for me with a dinner I never tasted, her timid smile when she tried to get my attention, the little gestures I ignored, believing that keeping her at a distance was for the best.
My phone vibrated in the back seat. It was another message from Jiang:
"Everything is in order, sir. Mrs. Chen is safe." I let out a sigh of relief. I started the engine and drove back home. Upon arrival, I entered my office. I turned on the lamp and took out a black leather notebook that had been by my side for years. Opening today's page, I took a pen and wrote with determined strokes: Ai has returned. No matter how much she tries to distance herself from me. She is still my wife, and I am not ready to give up on her. This time, I will not make the same mistakes. I closed the notebook and held it against my chest. For years, hope had been a luxury I couldn't afford, but now it was different. In two days, I would see her again. And this time, I wasn't going to let her go without a fight.
CHAPTER 21
The two-day wait had been an exercise in patience I never thought I'd have to practice. I had managed multimillion-dollar projects, international negotiations, and corporate crises without blinking, but the weight of waiting for this meeting with Xu Ai was a burden none of my skills could lighten.
I spent the hours meeting with the other three businessmen, men with whom I shared more implicit rivalry than camaraderie. I summoned them to my office under the pretext of discussing the economic situation of the industry, but the real purpose was revealed as soon as I closed the door.
"Let's talk about Xu Ai," I said bluntly, seeing how surprise painted their faces.
At first, they tried to fake indifference, but they soon admitted their interest in her and her project. Each had been evaluating how to partner with her brand to use the prestige it brought with it. However, there was no room for competition; not when it came to her.
"I will make you step back from this play," I informed them with the same coldness in which I sealed a deal. "I want no competition. Of course, it won't be free. Each of you will receive fair compensation for leaving the table, but during the dinner, you will play your part."
There were no questions. They knew that refusing would mean a confrontation with the Chen Group, something none of them could afford. The three agreed to my proposal, though not without some resentment. As they left, I felt a strange mix of triumph and unease. I had won the first step of this game, but the real battle was far from over.
*****
The restaurant was an exclusive venue, designed to impress with its understated luxury. The private room where dinner was to take place was elegantly decorated, with a long table covered by a flawless white tablecloth and a floral arrangement that scented the air with notes of jasmine. The lighting was warm and soft, illuminating the attendees with an intimacy that seemed designed to reveal more than it did.
I arrived before the others, as always. It was a habit I had developed over the years: to see the space, to study the ambiance before any interaction took place. This time, however, my attention was divided. I couldn't help but imagine how Xu Ai would look as she walked through that door.
When she finally did, the room seemed to pause.
She wore a black dress that clung to her figure with a sophistication that left one speechless. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun, exposing the elegant line of her neck, while earrings sparkled with each of her movements. She wore no other jewelry; she didn't need to. The strength of her presence was more than enough to eclipse anyone else in the room.
My eyes followed her as she greeted the other businessmen, accepting their compliments with a professional smile that didn't reach her eyes. It was as if she had built a wall around herself, an invisible barrier that none of them seemed capable of crossing. But I knew that, however high that wall might be, there were still cracks.
I took my assigned seat at the opposite end of the table, watching as she took her place in front of the businessmen. I listened as they began to shower her with praise, speaking of her achievements with almost exaggerated admiration. To each compliment, she responded with modesty that only enhanced her aura of greatness.
While the others spoke, I called over one of the waiters. Calmly, I gave him precise instructions on what to serve Xu Ai: a selection of dishes I remembered she liked, from small details like seafood-stuffed dumplings to a light mango dessert she used to enjoy after dinners.
When the waiter presented the plate to her, I saw her hesitating for a moment, her eyes falling on the food before glancing at me. Our gazes crossed, and in that instant, her unbreakable facade wavered, though only for a fraction of a second. I allowed myself a slight smile before looking away, giving her space to regain her composure.
As the dinner progressed, the businessmen began to make their offers. Each proposal was more ambitious than the last: initial capital, logistical support, exclusive locations. It seemed like a covert auction, and they were willing to give it all to ensure that Xu Ai would choose to work with them.
However, I stayed silent, letting the game unfold without intervening. I watched from my place, attentive to every reaction from Xu Ai to every slight change in her expression. It was admirable how she kept her composure, evaluating each offer with professionalism, but I knew she was also exhausted by the frenetic pace of the negotiations.
When the third businessman finished his proposal, the atmosphere was filled with expectant tension. Everyone turned to me, waiting for my move.
I picked up my wine glass, taking a leisurely sip before speaking.
"I offer double what he proposed," I said calmly, setting the glass back on the table with care.
The silence that followed was absolute. The other businessmen exchanged glances before conceding.
"I'm sorry, but I can't match that offer," said the first, rising from his seat.
"Neither can I," added the second.
The third simply nodded to Xu Ai before excusing himself with a polite excuse.
When the door closed behind them, the restaurant felt incredibly empty.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms while letting the discomfort of the moment settle. Xu Ai was watching me, her expression a mix of incredulity and defiance.
"I guess that only leaves me," I finally said, breaking the silence with calculated calm.
She took a deep breath, as if gathering the strength to face me.
"I won't accept your proposal, Chen Hao. I don't want you by my side again," she stated firmly, rising from her seat.
Before I could respond, she turned and left the room. But even as she walked away, the impact of her words couldn't silence the certainty that had grown in me from the moment I saw her again: I would do whatever it took to win back her love.
*****
The echo of my heels resonated through the restaurant's hallway as I followed the maître to the private room. The place's luxury was undeniable, yet it did not impress me. I had been in more ostentatious settings in Paris and Milan, but there was something about this dinner that kept me on edge. Something that made my heart beat a bit faster than I would have liked to admit.
"Don't think about him," I told myself as I adjusted the belt of my dress. It was my design, one I had created to convey power and sophistication, to remind myself who I was and how far I had come. But why was I still thinking about Chen Hao?
As I entered the room, the murmur of conversations ceased. All eyes turned to me, and I felt the weight of their gaze as I walked to my seat. I forced a smile; a perfectly rehearsed expression I had used hundreds of times at events like this.
"Miss Xu, it is an honor to have you here," said one of the businessmen, rising to shake my hand.
"The honor is mine," I replied politely as I took my seat.
The table was exquisitely decorated, with a centerpiece of fresh flowers and delicate china that reflected the soft light of the lamps. The other three businessmen began to speak of my achievements, listing awards and honors as if they were reciting a resume.
"I have followed your career since your beginnings in Europe," one said with an affable smile. "It's a pride for our country to see how you have taken Chinese design to the international stage."
"Your collections are truly unique. No designer has captured the essence of modernity and tradition like you have," another added.
I nodded, thankful for their words but also uncomfortable with the adulation. I had always been more at ease discussing my work than listening to praise.
As they continued, I forced myself not to look towards the end of the table. Chen Hao was there, and his presence was impossible to ignore. He hadn't said a word since arriving, but I could feel his eyes on me. Every minimal movement he made seemed designed to destabilize me.
When the waiter approached with a carefully prepared dish, I looked at it with curiosity. I hadn't ordered anything yet.
"Mr. Chen selected this dish especially for you, Miss Xu," he said with a slight nod before placing the plate in front of me.
My fingers tightened around the napkin. On the plate, perfectly presented, was a selection of foods I recognized instantly. They were my favorites, from seafood dumplings to a small mango dessert. For a moment, my professional facade wavered. How could he remember something so trivial after so many years?
I looked up at him, and our gazes met. Hao remained impassive, as if his gesture was of no great importance. But I knew it wasn't so. I knew everything he did was loaded with intent, and I hated how he managed to make me feel vulnerable even now.
I took a deep breath and looked away, focusing on the businessmen who were still talking enthusiastically.
"It's an honor to work with someone like you, Miss Xu. I'm sure that together, we can take your vision to a whole new level," one said, raising his glass in a toast.
The others followed, including Chen Hao, though he stayed silent. His tranquility irritated me more than I wanted to admit. It was as if he knew something the others did not, putting me at a disadvantage.
As they began to present their proposals, the atmosphere changed. Each businessman seemed to try to outdo the others, offering better conditions: more locations, greater investment, exclusive agreements. The tension in the room was palpable, and I struggled to keep a neutral expression as I evaluated each offer.
But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. There was a strange choreography to their movements, as if they were following a script. And while they spoke, Chen Hao remained silent, watching me with a disquieting calm.
Finally, when the third businessman finished his proposal, an awkward silence filled the room. All eyes turned to Chen Hao.
He took his wine glass, drinking slowly before speaking.
"I offer double what he proposed."
The air seemed to freeze. The other businessmen exchanged looks, and I saw their expressions shift from surprise to resignation.
"I'm sorry, but I can't match that offer," one said, rising from his seat with a nod towards me.
"Neither can I," added another.
The third simply nodded before excusing himself. One by one, they left the room, leaving me alone with Chen Hao.
The silence was deafening. Chen Hao leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he watched me with an expression I couldn't decipher.
"I guess that only leaves me," he said calmly, as if all of this was just a game to him.
My chest tightened, but I kept my posture. I was not going to let him have control.
"I will not accept your proposal, Chen Hao. I do not want you by my side again," I stated firmly, standing up.
He made no move to stop me. I simply gathered my things and left the room without looking back. But as I walked down the hallway, I felt the weight of his gaze following me, like a shadow I couldn't shake off.
CHAPTER 22
The mansion was, as always, enveloped in an eerie silence, broken only by the muted echo of my footsteps on the marble floor. I didn't turn on the lights. The darkness was sufficient. It always had been.
As soon as I closed the door of my office, I let myself fall into the chair. My gaze wandered while my fingers, almost instinctively, touched the ring on my ring finger. That ring she had placed on my hand on our wedding day, with trembling but loving hands.
Remembering that moment was a punishment I imposed on myself, a constant reminder of what I had lost. For years, I had believed that her love was just a means to an end, that she had married me seeking the power and status I could offer her. That conversation I overheard between her mother and another woman at our wedding had planted doubt and resentment in my heart.
"Marrying Chen Hao was the best decision for our family." Those words had haunted me, tainting every interaction, every glance, every gesture.
My eyes closed as I remembered her look during dinner. It was full of anger and pain; emotions I couldn't blame her for feeling. But there was something else, something that clung to hope. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I thought I saw a glimmer of what we once were. No, of what she had been to me, because I had never been worthy of what she offered me.
I twisted the ring on my finger, feeling its weight against my skin. It was a symbol of a promise that she had kept and that I had betrayed. I relived the moment she put it on me, her shy smile and her eyes full of a light that I had not known how to appreciate. That day, she had given me everything she was, and I, blinded by my pride and the false belief that I needed to protect myself, rejected her.
I opened my eyes, letting the memories flood in. The way she tried to catch my attention, to keep a marriage alive that I let die slowly. The dinners she prepared so carefully, which I never tasted. The nights she waited up just to hear how I would shut the door of my office without saying a word. I had been a fool. I had been cruel. And now, five years later, I found myself alone, clinging to a ring that represented everything I had lost due to my own stupidity.
I opened the black leather notebook I had begun using to organize my thoughts. With firm strokes, I wrote: She is my wife. She always has been. No matter how much she hates me, how much she rejects me, I will not let the past define our future. I will do whatever it takes to win her back. Not out of guilt, but because I love her more than I ever imagined I could love anyone.
I closed the notebook and left it on the table, leaning my hands on it as if it were an anchor to keep me from sinking completely. I looked out the window again, this time with renewed purpose.
Xu Ai was still my wife, even if only I knew it. And this time, I was determined to fight for her, not with empty words, but with actions. I wanted her to love me again, to see the man I could be, not the one I had been.
I stood from the chair, allowing determination to replace the guilt. The road would not be easy. I knew that. But after what I saw tonight, after seeing how she shined despite everything I had done, I couldn't let her slip away again.
This time, I wouldn't lose her.
CHAPTER 23
The doorbell chimed softly in my apartment, and I hurried to open it. Upon doing so, I found Meng Lihua holding a small paper bag, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"Is this where you've decided to settle?" she asked as she crossed the threshold and glanced around.
"Yes, Mei found it, and it seems quite suitable for me," I replied with a slight smile as I closed the door behind her.
Lihua walked slowly towards the living room, allowing her gaze to sweep across every detail of the space. I followed her, watching as she inspected the neutrally painted walls, adorned with minimalist paintings. The furniture, which blended elegance and simplicity, seemed to meet her exacting standards.
"It really looks like you've decorated it yourself," she commented, turning to look at me.
"That's true," I answered, enjoying her silent approval.
"Have you managed to do all this in less than a week?" she arched an eyebrow, impressed.
I nodded with a light smile. "I knew exactly what I wanted, so it was just a matter of finding the right pieces."
"You're incredible, Ai," she said admiringly as she set the bag down on the dining table and removed her coat. "Everything here has your essence."
"Thank you. It's a small refuge, but enough to feel comfortable. Come, sit down," I said, gesturing to the table that I had carefully prepared with a set of white porcelain plates and perfectly folded napkins.
"What have you prepared? It smells delicious," she asked as she settled into one of the chairs.
"Nothing too elaborate," I responded, heading to the kitchen and returning with a platter of fresh salad and a tray of steamed dumplings. "Something light. I assumed you'd want something simple after a morning of meetings."
I watched her as I served the food, noticing how her gaze lingered on each of my movements.
"Always so meticulous," she remarked with a smile. "This reminds me of the dinners we used to share in Paris. Remember that night you tried to make Peking duck?"
I let out a laugh, relaxing my posture a bit. "Yes, and I ended up with a kitchen covered in grease and a burnt duck. I think we ordered pizza that night."
We both laughed, allowing the shared memories to soften the atmosphere. But then, the sound of our laughter faded, and her expression grew more serious.
"Ai, tell me the truth. What are you going to do about Chen Hao's offer?"
The atmosphere instantly changed, and I set down my chopsticks before leaning back in the chair and crossing my arms.
"I still don't know, Lihua. It's a complicated situation," I answered, trying to remain calm.
She nodded, giving me space to continue.
"I'm sure it was all his plan. I'm certain he met with the other investors before dinner. Nothing that happened that night was by chance," I said, pressing my lips together as frustration seeped into my voice. "I can't believe he's still trying to control me after all this time."
"Are you sure that's his goal?" she asked cautiously, leaning forward and fixing her gaze on me.
"What else could it be? He's always been like this. His way of acting, his need to be in control..." I sighed deeply, releasing some of the tension I had been holding. "I don't know what he's really after, but I'm not going to let him interfere in my life."
Meng sat quietly for a moment, watching me with a mix of concern and admiration.
"I understand your doubts, Ai. But I also know how much this project means to you. Are you willing to give up such an opportunity just to avoid Chen Hao?"
I stared at her, incredulously. Her words stirred a mix of frustration and doubt inside me.
"Are you suggesting I accept his offer?" I asked, sharper than I intended.
"I'm not saying that" she replied, raising a hand in a calming gesture. "Just consider all the possibilities. This project isn't just for you; it's for your team, for the people who believe in you. And if that means working with Chen Hao, maybe it's worth it... on your terms."
I looked away, processing her words. I knew Lihua was right in many ways but accepting that reality was much harder than I wanted to admit.
"I don't want him to think he still has any power over me," I murmured, more to myself than to her.
Lihua watched me intently, as if trying to decipher the conflict within me.
"And what if he doesn't? What if this is your chance to show him you can work alongside him without letting it affect you?" she suggested, taking a sip of tea before adding, "Sometimes, the best way to win is to confront your fears instead of avoiding them."
CHAPTER 24
The silence in my office was as heavy as the memories that haunted me. In front of me, on the desk, was the photo I had placed there five years ago. The same photo I never moved, not even on the darkest days.
My fingers brushed carefully on the edge of the frame. There we were, Xu Ai and I, on our wedding day. She was smiling, so beautiful and radiant, and I... I couldn't take my eyes off her. At that moment, I believed we were invincible, that nothing could separate us.
But what I thought was perfect love broke too soon.
"Ai..." I murmured, just a whisper that got lost in the air.
Five years of regret, of loneliness, of trying to be a better man so that, someday, I might deserve a second chance with her. And now, after all this time, she was here, in Shanghai, so close I could almost feel her presence.
But how could I convince her that everything had been a mistake? How was I going to tell her that I was still her husband? That I never took the divorce agreement out of the safe?
The sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway abruptly pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up just as Jiang, my secretary, opened the door without even bothering to knock.
"Mr. Chen, excuse the interruption," he said, holding his mobile with both hands as if it were burning him. "But... I think you should see this."
I frowned, puzzled by his unusual demeanor. Jiang rarely lost his composure.
"What's going on, Jiang?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
Jiang hurried toward me and showed me the screen of his phone.
"Your wife, sir. She has sent a message asking about a meeting to discuss the contract."
For a second, my heart skipped a beat. I tried to remain impassive, though I knew Jiang knew me too well not to notice the slight tremor in my hands as I took the mobile.
"Alright..." I murmured, reading the message repeatedly, as if the words might change if I looked at them long enough. My heart was still pounding, but I managed to sound serene. "We will respond calmly. There's no rush."
"Of course, Mr. Chen," replied Jiang, though his eyes betrayed his own contained emotion.
"Write this: Miss Xu, I confirm the meeting with Mr. Chen tomorrow at 10:00 AM at his office. Mr. Chen looks forward to seeing you with great interest."
Jiang began to type, but his fingers were trembling slightly. I saw him delete and rewrite at least three times, getting frustrated with himself.
"Jiang..." I raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile behind my serious tone. "We're not at a stock auction, relax."
"Sorry, Mr. Chen. It's sent."
We stayed silent, both staring at the phone screen as if the future of the company depended on that response. Time seemed to freeze until the phone vibrated, breaking the tension.
Jiang was the first to read the message. Without saying anything, he turned the screen towards me:
"Tomorrow at ten I'll be there. Thank you for your willingness."
For a moment, a sense of relief filled the office. Jiang and I smiled at the same time, as if we had closed a multimillion-dollar deal.
"Well done, Jiang," I said, giving him a pat on the shoulder with genuine approval. "You have a bonus this month."
Jiang bowed slightly, trying to hide his excitement.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen. It's an honor to work for you."
When Jiang left the office, the silence returned, but this time it was imbued with something different. A mix of excitement and nervousness that I couldn't contain.
I took the pen resting on the desk and tried to focus on the documents that needed my signature. However, my hands were trembling slightly, and after several failed attempts, I set the pen aside with a sigh.
I leaned back in the chair and let my gaze wander to the computer screen. An idea began to form in my mind.
"If this is an opportunity to get closer to her, I'm going to take it."
I opened a new document and began drafting the contract personally. I designed each clause not only to help Xu Ai and her project but also to build a bridge between us. I included details about regular meetings, exclusive collaborations, and conditions that only I could guarantee.
As I wrote, my eyes drifted to the wedding photo resting on the desk. Her smile, my loving gaze... It was a constant reminder of what was at stake.
"Ai, this time I won't fail you."
I worked late, reviewing each line, ensuring the contract was not only perfect but also reflected how much I was willing to do to mend the past.