Despite the passing years, old wounds remained fresh in Li Wei's heart. The demands of her career and the joys of raising Mei Ling filled her days, but there were still moments when thoughts of Zhang Ming would resurface, unbidden and unwelcome.
One evening, as Li Wei prepared dinner, Mei Ling sat at the kitchen table, coloring a picture of their family. She drew herself, her mother, and a figure Li Wei recognized as Zhang Ming. Li Wei's heart tightened at the sight.
"Mama, do I have a daddy?" Mei Ling asked innocently, looking up from her drawing.
Li Wei felt a lump form in her throat. She had always known this question would come, but she hadn't prepared herself for it. "Yes, sweetheart. You do."
"Where is he?" Mei Ling's eyes were wide with curiosity.
Li Wei took a deep breath, kneeling down to meet her daughter's gaze. "Your daddy... he had to leave before you were born. But he loved you very much."
Mei Ling seemed to ponder this for a moment before nodding. "Can we see him?"
Li Wei's heart ached. "It's complicated, Mei Ling. But know that you have me, and I love you more than anything."
Satisfied for now, Mei Ling returned to her drawing, leaving Li Wei with her thoughts. She wondered if Zhang Ming ever thought about them, if he missed the life they could have had.
The next day at work, Li Wei's mind wandered back to her time with Zhang Ming. She couldn't deny that their love had been genuine, even if it was built on a foundation of misunderstandings and secrets. The pain of their separation still lingered, but she had moved on, building a life for herself and Mei Ling.
During a lunch break, Li Wei's colleague, Jing, noticed her distraction. "Everything okay, Li Wei?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.
Li Wei smiled, grateful for her friend's support. "Just thinking about the past, Jing. Sometimes it feels like the more I try to forget, the more it finds a way to remind me."
Jing nodded sympathetically. "It's hard to move on from something that meant so much. But you've done an amazing job with Mei Ling. You're strong, Li Wei, and you've built a wonderful life for yourself and your daughter."
Li Wei appreciated Jing's words. They reminded her of how far she had come and the strength she had found within herself. "Thank you, Jing. That means a lot."
As Li Wei returned to her office, she decided it was time to face her feelings head-on. She pulled out an old photo album and flipped through the pages, letting the memories wash over her. Pictures of her and Zhang Ming, smiling and happy, brought a bittersweet ache to her heart.
That evening, after putting Mei Ling to bed, Li Wei sat down with a cup of tea and a journal. She began writing about her journey—her love for Zhang Ming, the betrayal, the pain, and the joy of raising Mei Ling. Writing helped her process her emotions, bringing a sense of closure she hadn't realized she needed.
As she closed the journal, Li Wei felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The past would always be a part of her, but she was ready to embrace the future. She had found strength in herself and in the love she had for her daughter.
And while the scars of old wounds would never fully fade, they were a testament to her resilience and the journey she had undertaken. Li Wei was determined to move forward, carrying the lessons of the past with her as she forged a new path for herself and Mei Ling.