While waiting for their dinner, Chang Yi gazed out of the lounge window at the breathtaking sunset view of the Taipei Rose Garden, lost in her thoughts. Slowly, Xin Yue gently caressed Chang Yi's hand, bringing her attention back to the present.
"Do you want to tell me what happened between you and Ms. Wei?" Xin Yue finally asked, her tone careful and gentle.
Chang Yi took a deep breath, contemplating how much of her story she could share with Xin Yue without causing her any pain. "We were classmates in college, and we lived together after graduation," she began, her voice laced with a hint of hesitation. "I was running away from my father with the help of my mom to Toronto because he was angry with me due to my orientation."
Chang Yi paused, trying to organize her thoughts. "One day, he found out my contacts and pressured me to come home, but I refused. Long story short, he discovered Wei Han and her family's business," she continued, letting out a deep sigh. Despite her inner turmoil, Xin Yue's reassuring touch gave Chang Yi the courage to continue.
"I was a coward back then. While her family pushed her to come home, I just left her there because I knew my father would catch me. That was the last time I saw her until today," Chang Yi confessed, her voice filled with shame.
Unable to find the right words to respond, Xin Yue played with Chang Yi's fingers, trying to offer comfort. "What happened with her family?" she asked softly.
Chang Yi locked eyes with Xin Yue as she continued her story. "Today, A Han told me that her father's business went bankrupt, and his father passed away last year. Her brother got divorced, and her mom's whereabouts are unknown," she explained, her guilt weighing heavily on her.
"And why did you come back here if you're so afraid of your father? Has he accepted you now?" Xin Yue asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Chang Yi shook her head. "I came back because my mom got sick three years ago. That was two years since the last time I saw A Han," she replied.
Xin Yue's eyes sharpened with jealousy upon hearing Chang Yi use Wei Han's nickname. Unaware of Xin Yue's jealousy, Chang Yi continued, "When I heard the news about my mom's illness, I immediately returned to Taipei. I didn't even tell my father when I would be coming home but he already at the airport when I touched down Taipei. After that, he put me under house arrest until I had a chance to run away again." She sighed heavily, the weight of her past burdens evident in her words.
"He took my passport, so I couldn't go abroad all these years, and I've been moving around from one company to another to erase my trace," Chang Yi confessed, gripping Xin Yue's hands tightly. "Last night, while you found me on the call, that was my friend who works in my father's company. He told me that my father might be searching for my whereabouts now. That's why I'm worried about what he might do to you, to us, if he finds out about us," she explained desperately.
Now Xin Yue understood what was troubling her lover, and before she could respond, the waiters arrived to take their order, forcing their hands to separate. Xin Yue nodded, then reassured Chang Yi, "I understand your worries, Yi er, but we're not in the same situation as you and Wei Han were many years ago, right? I believe we can find our own way to deal with your father," she said softly. Then she asked, "How is your mom now? Is she okay?"
Chang Yi nodded. "Despite being a demon to me, my father loves my mom so much, and he takes good care of her. He's provided her with the best care possible in Taiwan, so she's okay now," she replied.
After that, they lost themselves in their own thoughts while eating their dinner. The surroundings buzzed with crowds since it was dinner time, but they were immersed in their own world. Then, Xin Yue raised her head and asked Chang Yi, "Who is your father? How come he had the power to destroy someone else's business so easily?"
At first, Chang Yi hesitated to answer, concerned for Xin Yue's safety. But something in Xin Yue's eyes made Chang Yi change her mind. "He is the owner of Xu Yuan Corporation," Chang Yi said in a weak voice.
Hearing this shook Xin Yue deeply, causing her to drop her fork. "That Xu Yuan from the green energy industry?" Chang Yi nodded slowly, remaining silent. "Then you are the lost heiress, Yi er??" Xin Yue asked with a raised voice.
No wonder Xin Yue was shocked by the information, because Xu Yuan Corporation is one of the biggest green business industries in Taiwan, backed by a president and one of the richest families, not just in Taipei, but in the whole of Taiwan itself. Her company seemed insignificant compared to Chang Yi's father's empire, and Xin Yue now understood the extent of her lover's worries.
"I understand, Yue er, if you change your mind about us. It's my fault for not being honest with you about who I am and getting us into trouble," said Chang Yi with sadness. "I tried so hard not to get romantically involved with you, but I can't lie to my heart. I love you, and you matter to me. You make me lose control, my love."
Xin Yue wrapped her fingers around Chang Yi's. "I understand the risk, Yi er. I understand your worries. Even though we've only been involved for a short time, you've already captured my heart completely. How can I let you go easily?"
Chang Yi's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she looked into Xin Yue's eyes. Despite the complexities and dangers surrounding their relationship, Xin Yue's unwavering support and understanding gave her hope.
"You're everything to me, Yue er," Chang Yi whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I promise to do whatever it takes to protect you and keep you safe. We'll face this challenge together, hand in hand."
Xin Yue smiled softly, her eyes reflecting both love and determination. "We'll find a way, Yi er. We'll overcome every obstacle that comes our way. Our love is stronger than any adversity."
As they finished their dinner, they felt a sense of unity and strength wash over them. Holding hands tightly, they left the restaurant and stepped out into the bustling streets of Taipei. The city lights illuminated their path as they walked side by side, ready to confront whatever the future held.
Back at Xin Yue's penthouse, they sat together on the balcony, gazing out at the twinkling lights of the city below. The cool night air wrapped around them like a comforting embrace, and they found solace in each other's presence.
"We'll make it through this, Yi er," Xin Yue said, her voice filled with determination. "No matter what challenges lie ahead; we'll face them together."
Chang Yi leaned her head against Xin Yue's shoulder, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the city and the warmth of their love, they knew that they could conquer anything as long as they were together.