As the cold mask fell from her face, a single tear slid down Han Xue's cheek. She couldn't comprehend how everything had happened so suddenly. He’s really left my life… just like that.

As suddenly as he entered.

Our anniversary is just around the corner…

I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him.

Flashback: Four years ago, in New York

Han Xue had been exploring New York with her friends, each riding their own sports bikes. They stopped by a luxury restaurant that doubled as a club.

At twenty years old, Han Xue looked strikingly pretty as she parked her bike in front of the venue. She removed her helmet, her dark chestnut hair falling to her elbows in waves. Wearing a mask and dressed simply in black jeans, an embroidered light blue top, and a black leather jacket, she was keeping her identity hidden, enjoying her college years away from prying eyes. Despite her modest appearance, her natural beauty shone through.

As she walked toward her friends at the entrance, her phone rang. It was Grandpa’s secretary calling. She gestured to her friends that she’d be right back and stepped into a nearby backstreet alley.

“Miss, Grandpa misses you a lot. He’s disappointed you haven’t visited. Please be careful in New York,” the secretary said over the line.

Irritated, she replied, “Are you keeping tabs on me?”

“Ma'am, it’s necessary for your safety. The U.S. isn’t exactly the safest place. But don’t worry, no one will disturb you,” he assured her.

She sighed and ended the call after exchanging a few pleasantries, annoyed but understanding. The moment she put her phone away, a group of boys appeared from the shadows of the alley. One of them snatched her phone and mask, their eyes gleaming as they checked her out, mesmerized by her beauty.

“Hey, gorgeous, what do you charge for a night?” one of them sneered.

Without engaging, Han Xue quickly reacted, using the martial arts moves she had learned in her childhood. In a few swift motions, she retrieved her phone and mask. Before the boys or the bodyguards Grandpa had watching her could react, she had already sprinted into the luxury restaurant.

Once inside, she ducked into the restroom, composing herself. As she exited, she spotted her friends and began walking toward them. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the boys from the alley entering the restaurant, clearly looking for her.

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They really followed me? she thought, hissing under her breath.

Thinking fast, she saw a man exiting the men’s restroom. She turned abruptly and grabbed him, pulling him close until her back hit the wall, effectively using him to shield herself from view.

The man was tall—at least six feet—with a strong build that seemed to block out all the light that she couldn't make out of what he looked like. He gripped her tightly, caught off guard. “What are you doing?” he demanded, his voice low and irritated.

“Some guys are following me. Just two minutes, please… please,” she whispered urgently.

She bent slightly to the side, peeking around him to point out the boys lurking nearby.

The man, dressed impeccably in a British-style three-piece tuxedo, looked like someone from an affluent family. What Han Xue didn’t realize was that this man was Zi Haoran. He quickly understood the situation, though the close proximity clearly bothered him. Still, without saying much, he removed his coat and threw it over her shoulders, making it look like a casual gesture, before heading back to his table to continue his meeting.

Grateful, Han Xue used the moment to hide until the boys left. She rejoined her friends, who were seated not far from Haoran’s table. Throughout the meal, he couldn’t help but cast occasional glances at the woman with his coat draped over her shoulders, her back to him.

Half an hour later, Haoran’s meeting ended. As he got up to retrieve his coat, he saw Han Xue already rushing out of the restaurant. Without hesitation, he quickly borrowed a bike from another rider outside and followed her. He wasn’t about to let her run off with his coat.

He easily caught up to her, matching her speed as they raced through the city streets. It was clear she wasn’t a bad rider, but she seemed to be in a hurry, possibly unaware of the danger around her. As they approached a crossroad, Haoran spotted a truck speeding recklessly toward her. Acting on instinct, he sped ahead, cutting her off and forcing her to stop by dangerously swerving in front of her.

Han Xue stopped by the roadside, clearly pissed but keeping silent, remembering the coat she still had. Haoran removed his helmet and walked toward her, just as the truck crashed into a wall behind them.

She realized in that moment—he had saved her life. Her heart trembled, not just from the shock of the near-death experience but also from the sight of the man before her. He was utterly handsome, though his face was devoid of any emotion.

She felt a wave of gratitude and was at a loss for words. He had saved her twice now. Before she could thank him, he spoke coldly. “Running off with my coat? Do you need money?”

Flustered, she quickly handed the coat back, bowing slightly. “I’m sorry. I was in a rush and... thank you so much. What’s your name…?”

Without responding to her question, he tossed a stack of cash toward her. “Don’t get into this petty stuff at your age,” he said, turning away. He mounted the bike, revved the engine, and sped off, leaving her standing there, stunned.

Han Xue looked at the money, a smile playing on her lips. Being mistaken for a petty thief was a first for her. She wasn’t sure if she had ever stolen anything in her life, but one thing was certain—the man had stolen a lot from her that day.

Present

The memories flooded back, overwhelming her as she stood in the villa, tears threatening to spill. She could only blame herself.

Her chest tightened, and her vision began to blur. Everything around her started to fade until suddenly, darkness consumed her.

Zi Hospital

The next time Han Xue woke up, she found herself lying on a hospital bed, an IV drip inserted into her arm. Her body felt heavy, and her mind was hazy as she slowly opened her eyes and tried to move.

Noticing her stirring, Zi Qiang quickly approached her bedside. He gently took hold of her hands to stop her from moving further. "Stop moving, you're very weak," he said softly, concern evident in his voice.

Still disoriented, Han Xue furrowed her brow. "Why am I here?" she asked, her voice faint and confused.

Zi Qiang sighed, his gaze heavy with sympathy. She looked so fragile, so broken. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her like this before. It was as if all the light had drained from her eyes, leaving only sadness behind.

His heart ached for her. “Tell me honestly… what happened?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

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