Meixiu sat in the living room, waiting for Wei to arrive. She had asked him to come over, knowing the conversation ahead would not be easy. The room felt heavy, the ticking of the clock amplifying her nerves.
Jiayi entered briefly, her calm presence offering silent support. "Are you ready?" she asked, setting a glass of water on the table.
Meixiu nodded, though her heart was racing. "I don't think I'll ever be ready for this, but it has to happen."
Jiayi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Remember, Meixiu, honesty is the only way forward. Whatever happens, I'm here for you."
When Wei arrived, he looked weary but hopeful. Dressed in his usual work attire, he carried the air of someone determined to make amends.
"Meixiu," he greeted, his tone warm. "I'm glad you asked me to come."
She motioned for him to sit across from her. "Wei, we need to talk—properly this time."
He nodded, leaning forward slightly. "I'm listening."
Meixiu took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I've been thinking a lot about us—about our marriage. And… I don't know if I can do this anymore."
Wei's expression faltered, and he frowned. "What do you mean? I've been trying, haven't I? I've been making changes."
"I know," she said quickly. "And I appreciate that. But this isn't just about you. It's about how I feel… or rather, how I don't feel anymore."
Wei's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice tinged with hurt. "Are you saying you don't love me?"
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded. "I'm saying that something has changed. And no matter how hard I try to force it, I can't ignore it anymore."
He leaned back, his expression a mix of anger and sadness. "Is there someone else?"
The question hit her like a punch, and she hesitated. "Wei, this isn't about anyone else. It's about us and the fact that we've grown apart."
"That's not an answer," he said, his voice rising slightly. "Is there someone else, Meixiu?"
She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "There's someone who makes me feel alive again… but I haven't acted on it. This isn't about betrayal. It's about realizing what I need."
Wei stood abruptly, his fists clenched. "And what you need isn't me."
Her tears spilled over as she whispered, "I'm sorry, Wei."
He stared at her for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "I don't know what to say, Meixiu. I thought we could fix this."
"So did I," she said softly. "But staying together when my heart isn't in it would only hurt both of us more."
After Wei left, the villa felt emptier than ever. Meixiu sat on the couch, staring at the spot where he had been, her emotions swirling. Jiayi joined her, sitting quietly beside her.
"How are you feeling?" Jiayi asked gently.
"Like I just tore my life apart," Meixiu admitted, her voice breaking. "But at the same time… relieved."
Jiayi nodded, her expression understanding. "It's okay to feel both. You did what you had to do."
Meixiu looked at her, tears streaming down her face. "But what now? How do I move forward from this?"
"One step at a time," Jiayi said, wrapping an arm around her. "And remember, you're not alone."
Later that evening, Meixiu found Ye Chen in the garden, tending to the flowers Lianyi had planted. The sight of him, so calm and focused, brought a strange sense of peace to her heart.
"Ye Chen," she called softly.
He turned, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Meixiu. Are you okay?"
She walked toward him, her steps hesitant. "I talked to Wei today. I told him everything."
Ye Chen set down the watering can, his full attention on her. "How did it go?"
"As well as it could, I guess," she said, wrapping her arms around herself. "It's over."
His expression softened with understanding. "That must have been hard."
"It was," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But it was the right thing to do."
Ye Chen stepped closer, his presence steadying her. "What happens now?"
She looked up at him, her emotions raw. "I don't know. But I do know one thing: you've been my anchor through all of this, Ye Chen. I don't think I could have done it without you."
His gaze was warm but cautious. "Meixiu, I'll always be here for you. But I don't want you to feel pressured or rushed into anything."
"I don't feel pressured," she said, her voice steadying. "I feel… free. For the first time in a long time, I can breathe again."
A small smile tugged at his lips. "Then that's what matters."
Meixiu hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, her hand brushing against his. "Ye Chen… thank you. For everything."
He took her hand in his, his touch gentle. "You don't have to thank me, Meixiu. I'm just glad I could help."
Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to fade away. But Meixiu stepped back, her smile soft but hesitant. "One step at a time, right?"
Ye Chen nodded, his smile matching hers. "One step at a time."