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Chapter 9 - NIGHTFALL EMBRACE

Chang Yi's heart was beating against her chest as she held Xin Yue close in her embrace. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. She stared up at the ceiling, her mind drifted to the events that had led them to this moment. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for allowing herself to be swept away by her desires. She had a dark past, a past that she had been trying to escape from for years. She had never wanted to involve Xin Yue in her messy life, but now, she had dragged her into it without even realizing it.

Chang Yi knew that she had to be careful, that she had to keep her distance from Xin Yue to protect her from the dangers of her past. But at the same time, she couldn't deny the strong connection between them, the undeniable chemistry that seemed to pull them together like magnets.

She tried to convince herself that it was just a one-time thing, a moment of weakness that wouldn't happen again. But when they found themselves in each other's arms for the second time, Chang Yi knew that she was in too deep to turn back now.

She made a silent promise to herself to be discreet, to be careful, to hide her feelings and her past from Xin Yue. She hoped against hope that maybe, just maybe, she could keep her dark secrets hidden and protect Xin Yue from the storm that was brewing on the horizon.

But deep down, Chang Yi knew that the truth would eventually come out, that her past would catch up to her, and that she would have to face the consequences of her actions. And as she lay there with Xin Yue in her arms, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them, and whether their love could survive the trials that lay ahead.

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As Xin Yue lay in Chang Yi's arms, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up on her. Despite the intimate bond they had shared in the past, there was something different about this moment. Chang Yi's body felt tense, her muscles stiff and unyielding, as if she were holding back something important.

Xin Yue couldn't quite put her finger on what was bothering her lover, but she knew that it was something serious. She had never felt this kind of tension between them before, and it made her heart race with anxiety.

As she gazed up at Chang Yi's face, she saw a flicker of something in her eyes - a distant look, as if her mind were elsewhere. Xin Yue knew that she needed to find out what was troubling her lover, but she was unsure of how to broach the subject.

Their relationship had always been complicated. Chang Yi had been working for Xin Yue for months now, and they had developed a close bond during that time. But their personal lives had always been kept separate, and Xin Yue had never felt comfortable prying into Chang Yi's private affairs.

But now, as she lay in Chang Yi's arms, she knew that she couldn't ignore the tension between them any longer. She needed to know what was going on, and she needed to find a way to help her lover through whatever was troubling her.


Taking a deep breath, Xin Yue mustered up the courage to speak. "Chang Yi, is everything okay? You seem...distracted," she said softly, her voice filled with concern.

Chang Yi sighed, her gaze meeting Xin Yue's. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. It's just...there's something on my mind," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.

Xin Yue reached out and took Chang Yi's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "You can tell me, Chang Yi. Whatever it is, we'll face it together," she said, her eyes filled with determination.

Chang Yi hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. But finally, she took a deep breath and began to speak. "I will.. Later I will tell you everything, I promise", her voice barely above a whisper.

Concerned for her partner, Xin Yue woke up from Chang Yi's chest, gently put her hand on Chang Yi's face, and kissed her softly, trying to cheer her up and show her support.

Realizing that Chang Yi needed a distraction, Xin Yue suggested they go out for dinner together. It had been a long time since they had gone to the bustling Shihlin market, even though it was conveniently close to their office. Initially hesitant, Chang Yi eventually agreed to go, understanding that Xin Yue was just worried about her.

As they walked hand in hand through the bustling market, Chang Yi couldn't help but notice the stares and whispers of the other shoppers around them. She could feel the judgment and disapproval in their eyes, and it made her feel small and vulnerable. But every time she looked at Xin Yue, she was reminded of the love and strength that they shared, and it gave her the courage to keep going.

Xin Yue could sense Chang Yi's inner turmoil, and she knew that their love would be tested in ways that she had never imagined. But she was determined to stand by Chang Yi's side no matter what challenges they faced. She wrapped her arm around Chang Yi's waist, pulling her close and whispering words of encouragement and reassurance.

As they made their way through the market, Xin Yue and Chang Yi found themselves drawn to a small jewelry stall. The vendor, a kind old woman with a warm smile, greeted them and showed them her collection of handmade bracelets and necklaces. Chang Yi's eyes lit up at the sight of a delicate silver bracelet with a charm in the shape of a lotus flower. Xin Yue smiled as she watched Chang Yi admire the bracelet on her wrist. "It looks beautiful on you," she said softly.

Chang Yi blushed and took Xin Yue's hand in hers. "Thank you, my love. This means so much to me."

The old woman behind the stall chuckled at the sight of the two women, clearly in love. "Young love is a beautiful thing," she said, her eyes twinkling.

Xin Yue and Chang Yi both smiled at the vendor, grateful for her kind words. As they continued to browse the stall, they found a matching necklace with a lotus flower pendant. Without a second thought, Xin Yue purchased it for them, wanting to show her love and appreciation.