It was a quiet afternoon in the villa. The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed tea as Jiayi set down two cups on the table. Meixiu sat across from her, fidgeting with her fingers, her usual confidence replaced by an uncharacteristic nervousness.
Jiayi's gaze was calm yet probing as she leaned back in her chair. "We need to talk," she said simply.
Meixiu avoided her eyes, pretending to focus on the steam rising from her tea. "About what?"
"About Ye Chen," Jiayi said, her tone firm. "And about your husband."
Meixiu froze, her fingers tightening around her cup. "What about them?"
Jiayi tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp. "I've noticed how you've been acting around Ye Chen lately. You're not yourself. And I think I know why."
Meixiu tried to laugh it off, but her voice came out shaky. "You're imagining things, Jiayi. There's nothing going on."
"Don't lie to me," Jiayi said, her voice gentle but unyielding. "I'm your sister. I can see it in your eyes."
Meixiu sighed, setting down her cup with trembling hands. "Fine. You're right. I've… I've been feeling something for Ye Chen. But I don't know what it is."
Jiayi's expression softened. "And your husband? What about him?"
Meixiu looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It's complicated."
"Complicated how?" Jiayi pressed, though her tone remained kind.
Meixiu hesitated before speaking. "I care about him. He's my husband, and we've been together for years. But… somewhere along the way, things changed. He's always busy with work, and it feels like we're just… coexisting."
"And Ye Chen?" Jiayi asked, leaning forward.
Meixiu closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Ye Chen makes me feel… alive. He listens to me, makes me laugh, and… I don't know. It's like he sees me in a way my husband doesn't anymore."
Jiayi nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "So, you're torn between loyalty to your husband and these new feelings for Ye Chen."
"Yes," Meixiu admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I hate myself for it."
Jiayi reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Meixiu's. "Meixiu, you're not a bad person for feeling this way. Emotions are messy and unpredictable. But you need to be honest with yourself—and with them."
Meixiu looked at her with watery eyes. "What do I do, Jiayi? I don't want to hurt anyone."
Jiayi sighed, her gaze steady. "You need to figure out what you want. If you still love your husband, then fight for your marriage. But if you're falling for Ye Chen, you need to decide if it's worth risking everything."
"That's easier said than done," Meixiu muttered, rubbing her temples.
"I know," Jiayi said softly. "But avoiding the issue will only make it worse."
Later that evening, Meixiu found herself in the garden, trying to clear her mind. She sat on the bench, staring at the moonlit flowers, when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Meixiu?" Ye Chen's voice was warm and familiar.
She turned to see him walking toward her, his expression filled with concern. "What are you doing out here?"
"Just thinking," she said, forcing a small smile.
Ye Chen sat beside her, his presence calming. "You seem off lately. Is something bothering you?"
Meixiu hesitated, her heart pounding. "It's nothing. Just… a lot on my mind."
Ye Chen studied her for a moment before speaking. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
The sincerity in his voice made her chest ache. "Ye Chen, you're too good to me."
"It's because I care," he said simply.
Meixiu's resolve wavered as she looked into his eyes, but she quickly looked away. "I don't deserve your kindness."
"Of course, you do," Ye Chen said firmly. "You're one of the most important people in my life."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she forced herself to smile. "Thank you, Ye Chen. That means a lot."
As Ye Chen walked away, Meixiu sat in the garden, her emotions in turmoil. Jiayi's words echoed in her mind, urging her to confront the truth. But the thought of losing her husband—or Ye Chen—felt unbearable.
When she finally went back inside, she found Jiayi waiting for her in the kitchen.
"How are you feeling?" Jiayi asked gently.
Meixiu sighed, slumping into a chair. "Still confused."
Jiayi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take your time. But remember, you're not alone in this. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
Meixiu nodded, her heart heavy but grateful for her sister's unwavering support. "Thank you, Jiayi. I don't know what I'd do without you."