*Chapter 19: Cracks in the Ice*
A storm raged outside, rain battering against the windows as thunder shook the city. Inside, the tension was no less fierce.
Zhao Liang returned late, drenched from the rain. Without a word, he discarded his jacket, his expression colder than the storm itself.
Li Xue hesitated before bringing him a towel. "You'll catch a fever."
He paused, eyes flicking to hers, unreadable. Slowly, he took the towel — their fingers brushing for the briefest moment.
A spark. Fragile. Dangerous.
But then he pulled away, his voice sharp. "Don't pretend you care."
Her throat ached. "I don't have to pretend."
The words hung between them, louder than the thunder outside. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with something she couldn't name.
For the first time, he didn't respond. He simply turned, retreating into the shadows.
But Li Xue's heart raced, because she had seen it — the cracks forming in his ice.