Wenli's POV:
One day later
Something is wrong with Ruofei.
Ever since we visited his parents yesterday, he's been... off.
Quieter than usual, more withdrawn.
He goes through the motions—eating, talking, even smiling—but there's a distance in his eyes that worries me.
I tried asking him about it this morning, but he just shook his head and said he was fine.
He's lying. I know him too well.
Maybe he's worried about leaving his family like this.
Or maybe the reality of the pregnancy is finally sinking in, making everything feel more real and overwhelming.
Or maybe—and this is what scares me most—maybe he's having second thoughts about leaving. About running
from Qingyue.
No, I tell myself firmly. He said he wants to forget him. He said he's leaving.
But I'm not sure who he's lying to at this point—me or himself.
I'm sitting on the edge of Ruofei's bed, watching him sleep.
It's late—or early, depending on how you look at it.
Nearly 4 AM, and I haven't been able to sleep.
My phone buzzes, and I grab it quickly before the sound can wake Ruofei.
It's a message from Qingxue.
Qingyue's twin sister.
Wenlan's wife.
And, despite the complicated family dynamics, a friend.
Qingxue: Wenli, we need to talk. Now.
My stomach drops.
I slip out of the room as quietly as possible and close the door before calling her.
She answers on the first ring.
"Qingyue knows something's wrong," she says without preamble.
Her voice is tight with worry. "He's been asking questions. About Ruofei, about why he hasn't seen him, about whether I know anything."
"Did you tell him anything?" My own voice comes out sharper than intended.
"Of course not. But Wenli, he's suspicious. He's had people watching Ruofei's usual locations. He knows Ruofei isn't at the mansion, isn't at the office. It's only a matter of time before he figures out Ruofei is planning to leave."
Fuck.
"How much time do we have?"
"Not much. A day, maybe two if we're lucky. But Wenli..." She pauses. "My brother is obsessive when it comes to Ruofei. If he thinks Ruofei is running from him, he'll do everything in his power to stop it."
"We're leaving today," I say, the decision crystalizing instantly.
"Right now. Before he can figure it out."
"Good." Relief floods her voice. "I'll do what I can to misdirect him, but you need to move fast."
"Thank you, Qingxue."
"Take care of him, Wenli. And..." Her voice softens. "Tell him I'm sorry. For what my brother did."
"It's not your fault."
"I know. But I'm still sorry."
We hang up, and I stand in the hallway for a moment, trying to calm my racing heart.
We're leaving today. In a few hours. I need to wake Ruofei and tell him.
I take a deep breath and re-enter the room.
Ruofei is awake, staring at me with those sharp purple eyes that miss nothing.
"Did I wake you up, soulmate?" I ask quietly.
He shakes his head. "What happened, Wenli?"
There's no point in sugarcoating it. "I'm sorry, Ruofei."
His expression shifts immediately to concern. "Did something serious happen?"
"I'm afraid we need to leave sooner than planned."
"Why!?" The worry in his voice is sharp, immediate.
I sit on the edge of the bed. "Qingyue is already suspecting something. Qingxue just called—he's been asking questions, having people watch for you. If we don't leave now... I don't think we'll be able to leave later."
For a long moment, Ruofei doesn't respond.
Then I see it—the first tear sliding down his cheek, followed by another, and another.
No. No, no, no. What the hell did I do!?
"Ruofei! Please, don't cry. I'm really sorry—"
He wipes his tears on the sleeve of his pajamas and looks at me with a sad smile that breaks my heart.
"It's not your fault, Wenli." His voice is thick with emotion. "I just... I really thought he would never hurt me. That we would be happy together. I can't believe he did this..."
He laughs—a broken, hollow sound—as more tears fall. "Just why? Why did he have to hurt me like this after all those years I loved him?"
I pull him into a tight hug, and he closes his eyes, letting himself cry against my shoulder.
"That monster doesn't deserve your love, Ruofei," I murmur into his hair.
Then, gently, I touch his stomach. "They do."
His eyes fly open in shock. "They?"
I pull back slightly so I can see his face. "Yeah. I've been doing some research, and I'm pretty sure you're pregnant with twins, Ruofei."
The transformation is immediate. His tears stop, his eyes widen, and a smile—a genuine, radiant smile—spreads across his face.
"Twins? Really?"
"I can't be completely sure until you get an ultrasound," I caution. "But there's a high possibility. It runs in families, right? My mother and your mother are twins. Qingyue has a twin sister. Genetically, it makes sense."
"I'm going to have two babies," Ruofei breathes, hands moving to his stomach with wonder.
"Two babies to keep me company. To love and protect. A family of my own."
The joy on his face is so pure, so unguarded, that it makes my chest tight.
I know how much Ruofei has always wanted a big family.
How he's spent years thinking it was impossible because of his recessive omega status.
And now—despite everything, despite the circumstances—he's getting that dream.
Just not in the way he imagined.
His expression shifts, joy fading back into seriousness. "Are we... really going to leave today?"
"Yes." I take his hand. "I'm sorry, Ruofei. I know you wanted to stay here longer, but if we wait, he will find you. And I can't let that happen."
He nods slowly, squeezing my hand. "I understand." He looks down at his stomach, protective. "Please give me an hour to pack and get ready. We can leave right after..." A small, wry smile. "...we eat something."
I burst out laughing at the sudden shift, and after a moment, he joins me.
"I'm going to order takeout," I say, standing. "What would you like?"
"A sandwich and lemonade, please."
"Done."
Two hours later
Ruofei's POV:
I stand on the tarmac, staring up at the private jet my aunt sent for us.
It's real. This is actually happening.
I'm leaving China. Leaving my family, my home, everything familiar. Running from the father of my children to a country where I'll be safe but alone.
Well, not alone. I'll have Wenli. And my aunt. And eventually, the twins.
Twins.
The thought still sends a thrill through me. Two babies. Two little lives that I'm going to protect with everything I have.
Even if it means running from the man I love.
My phone buzzes with incoming messages.
Mum: We're so proud of you, baby. You're doing the right thing. We'll video call as soon as you land, and we'll visit as soon as it's safe. Take care of yourself and those grandbabies. We love you more than words can say. ❤️
Dad: Be safe, son. Remember everything we talked about. You're stronger than you think, and you're never alone. We're always with you, no matter the distance. Call anytime, day or night. I love you.
The messages make my eyes burn with unshed tears.
Another notification—this time from Wenlan.
I open it to find a long message with a screenshot attached.
Wenlan: Little brother, I'm proud of you for being brave enough to do what's best for you and the babies. I know this isn't easy, but you're making the right choice. Also—I blocked and deleted Qingyue's contact. I don't care that he's technically my brother-in-law. He hurt you, which makes him dead to me. Stay safe. Call if you need anything. I mean it. Love you.
The screenshot shows Qingyue's contact—blocked, then deleted entirely from Wenlan's phone.
My brother is cutting all ties with his best friend.
For me.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, so I do neither.
Just save the screenshot and send back a quick: Thank you. Love you too.
The only person who hasn't texted is Lexin.
But that's normal—she hates texting, finds it uncomfortable. She prefers phone calls.
I send her a quick message: We're leaving now. I'll call you after we land in Korea. Love you, little sister.
She probably won't see it for hours. She's likely buried in work, as usual.
Wenli appears at my side, taking my hand. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"
I look at him—my soulmate, my best friend, the person who's dropped everything to help me escape—and manage a genuine smile.
"Yeah. I promise."
"Good." His expression shifts into a grin that's almost mischievous. "My mum told me she'll be waiting for us at your favorite restaurant. She's really missed you."
The thought of seeing Auntie again makes warmth bloom in my chest. "I missed her too. I'm glad we'll see her soon."
I glance at the jet, reality settling over me like a weight. "Should we?"
Wenli steps aside with exaggerated gallantry, gesturing toward the stairs. "Mothers first."
I look at him in mock surprise. "How come you're such a gentleman now?"
He glares. "Shut up before I change my decision."
We both burst out laughing, the sound carrying across the empty tarmac.
For a moment—just a moment—everything feels normal. Like we're just two friends going on a trip, not running from danger.
We board the jet, and I choose the window seat, pressing my face against the glass to look out at China spread below us.
My home. The country I love. The place where my family is.
The place I'm leaving behind.
As the engines start, Wenli pulls out his phone and starts playing Vivaldi.
The music floats through the cabin—familiar, soothing, timeless.
I close my eyes and let it wash over me, carrying away some of the tension knotted in my chest.
I'm doing the right thing, I tell myself. For the babies. For myself. This is the right choice.
Even if it doesn't feel like it right now.
The jet lifts off, and I feel the exact moment we leave Chinese airspace. Like a cord being pulled taut, then released.
The bond.
Qingyue must feel it too—this sudden distance between us. Will he know what it means? Will he understand that I've left?
Probably, I think. He's too smart not to figure it out.
But by the time he does, I'll be in Korea. Safe. Hidden.
Beyond his reach.
I hope.
Exhaustion pulls at me, the emotional weight of the past few days catching up.
My eyes drift closed, Vivaldi's strings lulling me toward sleep.
Just stay calm, I tell myself. Even if things take a drastic turn, stay calm. For the babies.
I let sleep claim me, hoping my dreams will be kind.
One hour later
Qingyue's POV:
"Where the hell is he!?"
The words echo through my office, sharp enough to make my men flinch.
They're standing in a line in front of my desk, all of them refusing to meet my eyes. As they should be. They've failed.
"I gave you one simple task," I continue, my voice dropping to something more dangerous than shouting. "Protect him. Keep eyes on him. Report his movements. And you failed to do both."
I stand, moving around the desk to face them directly. "So tell me—why should you have eyes if you can't use them properly?"
"Sir, I think that's enough." Charlie's voice cuts through the tension.
My head snaps toward him, and I see him standing in the doorway, expression carefully neutral but eyes sharp with warning.
"Shut up, Charlie." My voice is cold. "What would you do if your girlfriend disappeared without a trace? If she was hiding from you?"
His eyes darken. "I would hunt her down and punish her for trying to run away."
"Exactly." I turn back to my men. "You will do everything to find him. Understood? Check airports, train stations, border crossings. Review all surveillance footage. Talk to anyone who might have seen him. I want him found. Today."
They nod frantically, practically tripping over themselves to leave.
When the office is empty except for Charlie, I move to the window, staring out at the city.
"He's gone," I say quietly.
"You don't know that—"
"I know." I press my hand against my chest, where the bond sits like a living thing. "I can feel it. The distance. He's not in the city anymore. Maybe not even in the country."
Charlie is silent for a moment. "What are you going to do?"
"Find him." I turn from the window. "I don't care how long it takes or what resources it requires. I'm going to find him, and when I do..."
I don't finish the sentence. Don't need to.
"Should I prepare the plane?" Charlie asks.
"Not yet. First, I need to know where he went."
I pull out my phone and dial a number I haven't used in months.
My sister answers on the third ring. "Qingyue."
"Qingxue. I need you to tell me the truth. Do you know where Ruofei is?"
A pause. Too long.
"Why would I know that?"
"Because you're friends with his cousin Wenli. Because you talk to Ruofei's sister. Because you're one of the few people who could help him disappear." My voice hardens. "So I'll ask again—do you know where he is?"
"Even if I did," she says carefully, "I wouldn't tell you. Not after what you did."
"What I did?" Anger flares hot in my chest. "I bonded with my own omega. I claimed what's mine. How is that—"
"He didn't remember consenting, Qingyue!" Her voice rises, rare emotion breaking through her usual calm.
"He woke up with missing memories and your mark on his neck. How do you think that felt?"
The words hit like a physical blow.
"He was drugged," I say, but even to my own ears, it sounds like an excuse. "I was helping him through the heat—"
"And you marked him without asking. Without making sure he wanted it." She sighs. "I love you, brother. But you crossed a line. And now he's doing what he needs to do to feel safe."
"Safe?" I nearly laugh. "He's safest with me. I would never hurt him—"
"You already did."
The line goes dead.
I stare at my phone for a long moment, her words echoing in my head.
You already did.
No. No, I didn't. I would never—
The bond pulses, uncomfortable and insistent. The distance is growing. Every passing hour, he's getting further away.
Princess, I think, pressing my hand over my heart. Where are you going? Why are you running from me?
I need to see him.
Need to explain.
Need to make him understand that everything I did was because I love him, because I've loved him for years and couldn't stand the thought of anyone else touching him.
I pocket my phone and head for the door.
"Where are you going?" Charlie calls after me.
"Home. I need to think."
But I don't go to my apartment.
Instead, I drive to a property I bought three years ago—a small house on the outskirts of the city that no one knows about except me.
My secret.
My sanctuary.
My shrine to the man I love.
I unlock the door and descend the stairs to the basement, flipping on the lights.
The room illuminates, revealing walls covered in photographs.
Hundreds of them, maybe thousands.
All of Ruofei.
Training in the courtyard, focused and deadly.
Laughing at something his sister said, rare and beautiful.
Sleeping in his office, vulnerability he'd never show anyone else.
Walking through gardens, sitting in meetings, existing in a thousand captured moments.
I've been collecting them for years.
Every photo a piece of him, a moment frozen in time that I can keep forever.
In the center of the room is a table, and on that table is a ring box.
I cross to it and open the lid, looking at the ring inside. Platinum band, single diamond—simple, elegant, perfect for him.
I was planning to propose here. To bring him to this room, show him how much I've loved him, how long I've been preparing for a future together. I had it all planned—the words I'd say, the way I'd kneel, the hope in my heart that he'd say yes.
But now he's gone.
Running from me instead of running to me.
I pick up one of the photos from the wall—my favorite. Ruofei at seventeen, before the engagement was announced, before everything got complicated.
He's smiling at something off-camera, genuinely happy, and the sunlight catches in his white hair like a halo.
Beautiful. Perfect. Mine.
"Oh, princess," I murmur to the photograph. "You think you can run away? Dream on."
I set the photo down carefully and pull out my phone, sending a message to my contacts around the world.
I'm looking for someone. Huang Ruofei. Priority one. All resources available. Report any sightings immediately.
Then I add: Alive and unharmed only. Anyone who hurts him answers to me.
I'll find him. I don't care if it takes days or weeks or months.
I'll find him, and when I do, I'll make him understand.
He's mine. He's always been mine.
And I'm not letting him go.
"I'm coming for you, princess," I say to the empty room, to the hundreds of photos watching me with purple eyes. "And once I find you..."
I smile, though there's no humor in it.
"This might get pretty ugly."