When Liwei heard Xie Ming's question, he observed her sad eyes and nervous fidgeting with the teacup. Confusion washed over him. Why would she ask such a thing?
Their relationship had always been distant, devoid of mutual interest. He had never expected much from her, only that she behave as Mrs. Jin and not embarrass him. He wanted her to reciprocate his family's affection, but Xie Ming had always been aloof, engrossed in her phone during visits to the Jin Mansion.
She'd talk back to guests his mother introduced her to, eventually causing Mother Jin to stop trying to involve her. Xie Ming preferred partying with her friends, often returning home in the early morning hours. Their relationship was fraught with doubts, fights, and stubborn behavior.
Despite their many misunderstandings, Liwei had never said anything harsh to her. But when he reached his limit and asked for a divorce, she threatened suicide. Her status as Mrs. Jin meant everything to her. He was driven to despair when she attempted to drown herself in the pool.
After a long pause, Liwei finally answered, "Xie Ming, I'm not evil. I wouldn't be indifferent to your death. You're my wife, and although our relationship wasn't harmonious, I never mistreated you, did I?"
He continued, his voice tinged with regret, "I married you because of my grandfather. My inability to love you was my problem. I distanced myself to avoid raising false hopes, but you seemed to delight in annoying me."
"Our relationship worsened, but I never hated you. I didn't visit you in the hospital because I felt powerless. I hated that I failed to protect you as your husband. You almost died because of me, Ming. That's why I wanted a divorce—so you could hate me, move on, and not waste your life on someone who couldn't return your love. But I never hated you. Remember that."
As she listened, Xie Ming felt a mixture of helplessness and pity for her past self and this man trapped in a loveless marriage. She could feel the loneliness that permeated such a relationship.
Tears flowed as she remembered her own struggles, loving a man who didn't reciprocate. Now, in this new life, she wondered if anyone in her old world even cared about her passing.
Seeing her silent sobs, Liwei felt an unfamiliar ache in his heart. He realized he had misjudged her, assuming she didn't care about his actions or feelings.
Before he could speak, she interrupted, "I'm sorry if I bothered you before. Since I don't remember anything, I can only apologize for my past rudeness."
Her voice trembled as she continued, "Liwei, I can't change the past, but I promise not to embarrass you in these next six months. Yu Mei told me how I disrespected your family before. It seems it was my fault our relationship reached this point."
"I'll leave quietly after six months as promised. I'd leave now, but I have nowhere to go. I have to rely on you for this period, but I'll make sure not to be a burden. That I promise you."
Liwei glared at Yu Mei, who quickly retreated from the room. He could see the helplessness on Xie Ming's face, guilt etched in her features as she grappled with her past behavior.
Since her memory loss, he had begun to see her differently, finding her less annoying than before. His heart softened at the sight of her tear-stained face.
Overwhelmed by emotion, he stood and approached her. Startled, she looked up, their gazes meeting. His eyes gentled as he bent down, one hand on the sofa's armrest, the other cupping her face. Without warning, he kissed her.
The touch of her soft, plump lips sent a surge of desire through him. Xie Ming's eyes widened in shock, staring at him in a daze. He chuckled at her surprised expression.
Realizing the impropriety, she tried to push him away, but her petite frame was no match for him. Her struggles only intensified the kiss, turning it passionate.
Xie Ming melted under his touch, her mind in turmoil. Was this right? She wasn't truly Xie Ming, but a stranger in this world. Could she embrace this as the start of a new life? What if she returned to her old world?
These questions swirled in her mind as Liwei finally broke the kiss. Both were panting heavily. He gazed at her flushed cheeks and dazed expression, unable to discern if she was pleased or upset.
Regaining her senses, Xie Ming bolted from the sofa and ran upstairs without a backward glance. Liwei watched her flee, amused by her rabbit-like retreat. He touched his lips, still tingling from the kiss.
"How can a person change so completely after losing their memories?" he wondered, convinced she wasn't pretending. "Was this always her true self?"
Liwei found himself drawn to this new version of Xie Ming, intrigued by the changes in her personality and the possibilities they presented for their future.