Chapter 84: Love Him, And You're Doomed
Xiaoluo's heart wavered as she listened to the steady, yet erratic rhythm of Ye Tianlin's heartbeat. His words carried a raw, unguarded sincerity, the kind she'd never expected from a man who had once wielded power over her life with such ruthlessness.
A Nightmare's Aftermath
The room was dim, but the tension between them shone brighter than any light. Xiaoluo's voice trembled as she asked, "How can I trust you when every moment here feels like a battle to survive?"
Ye Tianlin's arms tightened protectively around her. "I know I've hurt you," he admitted, his tone laced with regret. "But I swear, Xiaoluo, I'll make things right."
Her laughter was hollow, a bitter sound that cut through his chest. "You can't undo the past, Ye Tianlin. My father… my life… you've already taken everything."
The Shadows of Guilt
Tears blurred Xiaoluo's vision as she remembered the haunting dream that had shaken her awake. In it, Gu Lingzi's cruel hands had choked her breath and threatened her unborn child. The words "I'll destroy you and everyone you love" echoed in her ears.
"Promise me," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Promise me you won't let her hurt my father or my child."
Tianlin cupped her face, his touch tender yet firm. "I promise," he said. His words carried a conviction that was almost enough to make her believe. Almost.
A Love Confession
As the night deepened, Tianlin's voice softened, filled with an emotion he could no longer suppress. "I've never been good at expressing my feelings, Xiaoluo. But you need to know... I love you."
Xiaoluo froze, her breath hitching. His confession hung in the air, heavy with significance.
"Don't say that," she replied, shaking her head. "Don't say things you don't mean."
"I mean every word," Tianlin insisted. He took her hand and placed it over his heart. "Feel that? That's for you. Every beat, every thought—it's all for you."
Tears welled in Xiaoluo's eyes, but she turned away. "You're just saying this to keep me here."
"No," he said, his tone resolute. "I'm saying it because it's the truth. Because no matter how much you push me away, I'll still be here. Loving you."
Gu Lingzi's Revenge
Meanwhile, in her room, Gu Lingzi seethed with rage. The image of Xiaoluo and Tianlin together was a thorn in her side, an insult she couldn't ignore.
"I'll make her regret ever stepping into this house," she muttered, her voice venomous.
Gu Lingzi pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen. She had plans—plans that would leave Xiaoluo broken and isolated. But as she schemed, a dark figure stepped into her room.
"Lingzi," Hua Lin said, her tone icy. "You've crossed the line."
Lingzi smirked, unrepentant. "What are you going to do about it, Auntie? You don't scare me."
Hua Lin's eyes narrowed. "You should be scared. Because when I'm done with you, no one will be able to save you—not even your precious Tianlin."
A Battle of Wills
Back in Xiaoluo's room, the tension between her and Tianlin reached a boiling point.
"I can't trust you," Xiaoluo said, her voice firm. "Not after everything."
Tianlin's jaw tightened. "Then don't trust my words. Trust my actions. Let me prove to you that I'm serious."
"Prove it?" she repeated bitterly. "How? By keeping me trapped here? By controlling every aspect of my life?"
"I'm trying to protect you!" Tianlin snapped, his frustration boiling over.
"I don't need your protection!" Xiaoluo shot back. "I need my freedom."
Their argument was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. It was Ye Tianhao, his expression unreadable. "Brother," he said, his tone measured. "We need to talk."
Tianlin looked at Xiaoluo, his gaze softening. "We're not done here," he said before following Tianhao out.
A Dangerous Alliance
As the brothers left, Xiaoluo felt a chill run down her spine. The mansion was a battlefield, and she was caught in the crossfire. But for the sake of her child, she vowed to survive.
In the shadows, Gu Lingzi watched and waited, her smile sharp as a blade. "Love him all you want, Xiaoluo," she whispered to herself. "Because in the end, it will only destroy you."