His question left me speechless, a lump forming in my throat. I could only look at him and say, "Just focus on getting better. Don't let your imagination run wild." He looked at me, his dark eyes filled with guilt. "Sister, are you not getting married because I'm sick?" I gave him a faint smile and a hug. "No, it’s just that I haven't met the person I want to marry yet. It has nothing to do with you, so don't worry about it." He opened his mouth to say more, but my mother cut him off. "Chenchen, that's enough talking. You need to rest." You could tell the little guy wanted to protest, but he yielded to her authority and reluctantly fell silent. The medication must have been kicking in, because he was asleep moments later. In the quiet of the hospital room. My mother looked at me, hesitating. After an internal struggle, she finally spoke. "Lili, I know you’re grown up and have a mind of your own. But since you have a boyfriend, maybe you could find some time to bring him home to meet your father and me. You're a young woman, after all. For you to... end a pregnancy when you're not even married... no matter what kind of man he is, as your parents, we can't help but worry." I lowered my head, unable to find the words to answer her. After a long silence, I finally said, "Mom, we broke up." "Broke up?" She stared at me, her voice rising with agitation. "What do you mean you broke up? You're a good girl, you had an abortion for this man, and now you're just... over? What happened?" "Mom, please, let's not talk about this anymore. I know I was wrong!" Looking at her, I just couldn't bring myself to explain the whole sordid story. She was so upset she couldn't sit still, but she couldn't bring herself to scold me harshly. All she could do was sigh. "What a mess... If your father finds out... Oh, Lili!" She sank into a chair, wiping away tears. With my head down, I quietly slipped out of the room. After leaving the hospital, I found myself walking to the apartment without really thinking. I hadn’t been back in days, and a thin layer of dust coated every surface. I spent the afternoon patiently cleaning until the place was finally presentable. I had to give it up. I was in the shower when Gu Zhizhou let himself in; I never heard the door. He must have followed the sound of the running water. Suddenly, his arms were around me. A scream tore from my throat—I thought it was a home invasion—and in my panic, I bit down hard. He lifted me onto the counter, his voice a low growl. "It’s me." At the sound of that familiar voice, my body went rigid before a shaky breath of relief escaped me. Wiping the water from my eyes, I found his handsome face looming over mine. Our eyes met. I froze for a second before whipping around, turning my back to him. "Get out, Gu Zhizhou," I hissed, my voice low. But it was as if I hadn't spoken. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, ignoring my protests as he coldly took what he wanted. The struggle was useless. My attempts to refuse meant nothing. He didn't stop until he saw my face contort in pain as I clutched my stomach. Only then did he release me and stalk out of the bathroom, his expression dark. A long while later. I finally pulled myself together and stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a bath towel. He was standing on the balcony, his tall frame silhouetted against the night, a barely-smoked cigarette dangling between his fingers. At the sound of my approach, he glanced over his shoulder, then crushed the cigarette out. His dark eyes settled on me, devoid of emotion. His voice was cold. "What do you want?" I froze. His meaning was crystal clear. He was here to cut ties. What do I want? I pressed my lips together, but a bitter laugh escaped. I looked at him. "What do you think you *should* give me, Mr. Gu? To make sure I don't disturb your happy little life with Miss Lu?" His brow furrowed, his expression darkening. "Tang Li," he warned, his voice low, "don't test me." Was that a warning? I stepped closer. The scent of tobacco on him was intoxicating. A selfish impulse took over—I wanted to press my ear to his chest, just like Lu Ke'er must, and listen to his heartbeat one last time. But he shoved me away with a look of pure disgust. Before he could explode, I straightened up and met his gaze. "This much," I said, holding up my hand. I knew better than anyone that nothing good would come from dragging this out. He glanced at my hand, a sneer twisting his lips. "Five million? You really are greedy, Tang Li."