Chapter 104: Don't Tell Him
Ye Tianlin's pupils dilated as he listened to Ryan recount the horrifying events, his mouth moving but delivering words that struck fear deep into Ye Tianlin's heart.
Liang Xiaoluo had gone through something like that? Was that why the child was gone?
Why didn't she tell him?
"Is what you're saying true?" Ye Tianlin asked, reluctant to face the possibility. He wanted to believe this wasn't real, that what Ryan had said was a lie.
Ryan sighed deeply and replied, "Master Tianlin, I believe you know Prince Silo well enough. Whether this is true or not, I think you already know the answer in your heart."
As Ryan prepared to leave, he added, "Master Tianlin, you should check on Miss Xiaoluo. You've hurt her far too much."
Ryan didn't know why he felt compelled to say this, but a sense of unease weighed on him. He feared that if Ye Tianlin didn't go to Liang Xiaoluo now, something terrible might happen.
Ye Tianlin stood still, his own premonition of dread creeping up on him. Without another thought, he turned and pushed open the door.
He arrived just in time. Liang Xiaoluo was clutching a knife, aiming it at her wrist, ready to end her life. She wanted to escape this torturous existence, feeling it would be better to follow her departed baby than continue enduring such pain.
"Liang Xiaoluo!" Ye Tianlin rushed forward, knocking the knife out of her hands.
Tears streamed down her face as she screamed at him, "Ye Tianlin, what do you want? What gives you the right to control my life? What gives you the right!"
She was exhausted, utterly drained of the will to live. She wanted to leave this world quietly, to escape the torment Ye Tianlin inflicted on her, and reunite with the baby she had lost.
Ye Tianlin's chest tightened as he saw her tears. He pulled her into his arms.
He hadn't known what she had been through, hadn't realized she had come so close to losing her life. And yet, he had continued to hurt her with such cruelty.
"I'm sorry, Xiaoluo. I'm so sorry!" Ye Tianlin apologized over and over.
Liang Xiaoluo meant everything to him. He couldn't imagine letting her go, couldn't fathom how he would face the lonely world without her. The thought terrified him.
Liang Xiaoluo struggled in his embrace. "Let go of me! Don't touch me! Let me go!"
To her, his hands were sharp blades, always cutting her deeply.
Her heart was weary, her body was weary. She had no energy left to play his cruel games.
But Ye Tianlin didn't release her. Instead, he held her tighter, as if afraid that letting go would mean losing her forever.
"Xiaoluo, forgive me. I love you too much—I can't control my emotions. I promise you, it won't happen again. Please forgive me," he pleaded, his remorse evident.
Liang Xiaoluo's despair didn't waver. She stopped struggling, resigning herself to his embrace.
His heartfelt words came far too late.
Her silence unnerved Ye Tianlin. "Xiaoluo, come home with me, please? Let's start over. I promise I'll never let you suffer again. I'll listen to you, trust you, I swear!"
Still, she said nothing, not even sparing him a glance.
"Xiaoluo!" His voice was nearly a plea.
Coldly, she replied, "I won't go back with you. I'll never believe another word you say. And if you try to take me back by force, the only thing you'll bring home is a lifeless corpse."
Her words struck Ye Tianlin like a thunderbolt. He hadn't expected her to speak so decisively.
It was clear her heart had completely turned cold. How could he possibly warm it again?
After a long silence, Ye Tianlin finally said, "Alright, I won't force you to come back with me."
Liang Xiaoluo looked at him in surprise, as though she couldn't believe his words.
"Get some rest," he said as he stood up.
She was stunned.
Was this the same Ye Tianlin? The man who never compromised?
"I'll be right outside. If you need anything, just call me," he added naturally, as though he already considered this place his home.
Liang Xiaoluo felt something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Still, his promise to leave her alone brought her a small measure of relief.
Exhausted, she fell into a deep sleep.
She didn't know how long she slept, but in her dreams, she felt someone talking to her, gently stroking her hair. Too tired to open her eyes, she ignored it.
When she finally woke, it was dark. Her throat was dry, and she got up to find some water.
Familiar with the layout after staying here for a few days, she wandered toward the kitchen.
But as she passed the dining area, something caught her eye. She stopped and turned back, stunned by what she saw.
Ye Tianlin and Silo were sitting together at the table, eating as if they were family.
What was going on?
Liang Xiaoluo blinked, wondering if she was dreaming or hallucinating.
Both men turned to look at her. Ye Tianlin was the first to stand. He approached her and gently supported her. "You're awake. Come here. I made some porridge. Have some first, and tell me if you'd like anything else. I'll make it for you."
Liang Xiaoluo was dumbfounded. Had Ye Tianlin lost his mind?
She let him guide her to the table without resistance, still too shocked to react. She stared at the dishes spread out before her as Ye Tianlin placed a bowl of porridge in front of her.
Did he cook all this?
She couldn't believe it.
Blowing on the porridge to cool it, Ye Tianlin said softly, "Here, eat while it's still warm."
Liang Xiaoluo didn't open her mouth. Instead, she asked coldly, "Ye Tianlin, what are you trying to do?"
His behavior was so strange, so unlike him, that it unsettled her.
Ye Tianlin hesitated before answering, "I said I'd respect you and wouldn't force you anymore. But I hope you'll also respect me and not stop me from doing what I want."
She had no words for his response.
Was this what he wanted?
Continuing to blow on the porridge, he said, "What I want now is to take care of you. As long as I see that you're okay, I'll be at ease."
Liang Xiaoluo wanted to punch him. He knew she didn't want him near her, yet here he was, doing exactly that.
"Eat," he urged patiently.
After a moment, she opened her mouth. "Fine. I won't stop you from doing what you want."
Ye Tianlin's face lit up with a smile, but before he could speak, she added, "And don't forget your promise—not to force me, including making me eat this poison you're offering."
He froze, her words cutting deep. His hand lowered slightly, but he forced a faint smile. "Alright. I'll respect your wishes."
He had no right to be angry. The pain she carried was his fault. All he could do now was make amends.
Liang Xiaoluo shot him a cold look before retreating to her room, leaving him behind.
Watching her leave, Ye Tianlin's heart ached. But he had promised to respect her, and he would keep that promise.
"Ye Tianlin, have you had enough?" Silo finally spoke, unable to tolerate his behavior any longer.
This wasn't the Ye Tianlin he knew—the once sharp, prideful man seemed utterly defeated.
Ye Tianlin ignored him, calmly picking up his chopsticks. "As long as Liang Xiaoluo stays here, so will I. And I'll prepare meals for her—and for you too, as a courtesy."
Silo was stunned. He knew Ye Tianlin well, but seeing this shameless side of him made him want to punch him.
Ye Tianlin carried on as if nothing were amiss. "I'll be staying in the room next to Xiaoluo's. I'll have my things moved in tomorrow. Don't worry—I'll pay you double the rent."
He wasn't asking for permission—he was declaring his intent.
With that, he left for the room beside Liang Xiaoluo's.
Ryan, standing nearby, couldn't hold back his disbelief. "Prince Silo, this…"