Chapter 6: A New Life

I threw myself into my work, navigating the cutthroat world of business. It was exhilarating—planning projects, researching markets, designing products. The sense of achievement outshone any shopping spree. Xie Yao and Shen Zhaoyue's engagement made headlines, their photos radiant. My heart ached briefly, but I had no time for nostalgia.

Memories crept in. In our last life, we tried for a child through IVF. The pain was excruciating, but I wanted it—a piece of us. But I miscarried one night when Xie Yao was working late. I called him, no answer. In the hospital, I overheard my mother berating him outside my room: "You were with that woman last night!" He claimed Shen Zhaoyue was just a friend, upset over a layoff. "Mingwei's my wife. I'll take care of her forever," he said. My mother, weakened by cancer, backed down. I woke, saw his guilt-ridden face, and believed his love. Now, I saw the lies.

Qi Wensheng's message pulled me back—a flirty selfie, teasing about being drugged and needing rescue. I ignored it, sending his bodyguard instead. But he showed up at my door, half-drunk, half-charming, and I let him in, kicking him into a cold shower. He laughed it off, kissed my cheek, and said, "See? You've got me. No need to watch them."