Chapter 151: Disappearances and the Wedding of the Century
Ye Tianlin's grip tightened, and so did the storm brewing in his heart. This woman's recklessness—someday, it would destroy her.
Liang Xiaoluo's wrist throbbed in pain, and her face involuntarily contorted. Yet, she refused to yield. Her fiery gaze clashed with his, daring him to push further, to see just how cruel he could be.
But the expected torment didn't come. The crushing force on her wrist faded, replaced by a flicker of something she couldn't quite place in his eyes. Yet, it was gone in a blink, leaving behind his usual frigid expression and that chilling gaze that made her feel small.
Tianlin's lips barely moved as he looked into her trembling eyes. Beautiful, defiant, and so fragile. For a moment, something stirred within him, but he quickly crushed it. His eyes darkened as he reached a hand to brush her cheek.
"You're so desperate to be with me that you'd die for it, hmm?" His voice was low, mocking.
Liang Xiaoluo flinched, her lips trembling but defiant. "Let go of me," she spat. "Even if it costs my life, I will end you."
Her breathing grew labored, unsure if it was fear or the suffocating pressure of his presence that was squeezing the air from her lungs.
Tianlin's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Don't worry," he murmured, his finger tracing the curve of her face. "When I decide to die, you'll be the first to know."
The eerie calm in his voice sent shivers down her spine. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin, yet as chilling as a ghostly whisper from the abyss.
"Ye Tianlin, you—" Her voice cracked as memories of his cruelty flooded her mind. Her body trembled, her words faltering. "You won't get away with this. You'll face retribution—"
"Retribution?" He interrupted with a soft laugh. "Let it come. I'll wait."
His thumb brushed her lips. That touch—gentle yet suffocating—reminded him of the sweetness he once savored. His eyes deepened with desire, a dangerous glint flashing as he leaned in closer.
Liang Xiaoluo pushed against his chest, but her resistance only seemed to embolden him. His hand slid to the back of her neck, gripping just firmly enough to hold her still as he closed the gap between them.
Just as their breaths mingled, Xiluo intervened. In a swift, decisive motion, he pulled Xiaoluo behind him, shielding her with his body. His voice was as sharp as ice: "Ye Tianlin, control yourself."
Tianlin chuckled darkly, unbothered. "Control?" He glanced at Gu Lingzi, who stood frozen, her face pale with rage and humiliation. With a mocking grin, he added, "My dear wife-to-be understands me well, don't you, Lingzi?"
He leaned close to her ear, his voice dripping with venomous sweetness. "You're understanding, aren't you? You wouldn't mind a little distraction, would you?"
Lingzi swallowed hard, her body trembling. She wanted to lash out, but she knew better than to show weakness.
Behind Xiluo, Liang Xiaoluo seemed to shrink. Her courage dissipated, leaving her a hollow shell. Facing Ye Tianlin was like staring into an abyss—cold, unrelenting, and insurmountable. She turned to leave, her movements robotic, her head bowed.
"Don't forget what I said, Liang Xiaoluo." Tianlin's voice chased her as she stepped away, his tone slicing through her resolve like a blade.
Xiaoluo didn't respond, didn't turn. She kept walking, her footsteps heavy and uneven, as if every step drained what little strength she had left.
"Xiaoluo!" Xiluo called after her, worry lacing his voice.
She didn't stop. She didn't look back.
Xiluo turned to Tianlin, his eyes blazing with fury. "Ye Tianlin, I don't know what you've done to her before, but let me make this clear: if you ever hurt her again, I'll make you regret it." With that, he stormed after Xiaoluo, leaving Tianlin standing alone.
For a fleeting moment, Tianlin's feet itched to move, to follow her. But could he? Should he?
"Darling," Lingzi's voice broke his thoughts. "We need to finish the photoshoot. The photographers are waiting."
Tianlin's jaw clenched. His sharp gaze turned to Lingzi, and his words came like a blade: "It was you."
Lingzi's blood ran cold. Her eyes darted nervously. "W-what are you talking about, darling? I don't understand."
"You disobeyed me," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I warned you to leave her alone."
"I didn't—" Lingzi stammered, her voice rising. "I have no idea what you're saying! We should go; the light is perfect for the photos—"
Before she could escape, Tianlin grabbed her arm. His grip was firm, unyielding. "This is your final warning, Lingzi. If you ever touch her or her family again, I'll make you regret it."
He released her roughly and walked away without looking back.
Lingzi stood frozen, her thoughts swirling in chaos. She had lost. Even with her schemes, she had failed to win his heart.
As Liang Xiaoluo left the grand estate, the echoes of laughter and joy only deepened her despair. The road ahead seemed endless, each step heavier than the last.
"Xiaoluo," a familiar voice called.
She turned, her eyes meeting Ye Tianqing's concerned gaze. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure of how to address him. Finally, she forced a weak smile. "Big brother."
"What happened?" he asked gently, his worry etched into every line of his face.
Xiaoluo shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Nothing. Nothing at all."