The Billionaire's Debt-Bound Lover

014

"It’s better if I take care of my own fiancée, don't you think?" Han Yuming said sharply, pulling Yi Lanyou directly into his embrace to create a clear distance between her and Di Jun.

​"You... you are Xiao You’re fiancé?" Di Jun knew the answer was yes, yet he still clung to a sliver of ridiculous hope—hoping that none of this was real.

​He had known from the start that there was someone else in Yi Lanyou’s heart. But that person hadn't appeared for sixteen years. During that decade of absence, Di Jun had been the one by her side for eight years, protecting her, caring for her, and silently loving her.

​He had thought that time would eventually allow her to see him. But eight years of devotion had failed to defeat a few months from sixteen years ago. Now that this man had appeared, Di Jun didn't even have the right to stand beside her and protect her anymore.

​"I am. And thank you for stepping up to save my fiancée today." Han Yuming extended his right hand with practiced politeness to express his gratitude.

​"..." Di Jun shook the hand mechanically. He knew that now that Lanyou’s Prince Charming had returned, there was no longer a reason for a "Black Knight" like himself to stay. All he could do was watch her back as she walked away and silently wish for her happiness.

​"My fiancée has had a shock. I’ll take her back now. Goodbye." Without waiting for a response, Han Yuming supported a fragile-looking Lanyou and led her toward the exit.

​Lanyou offered no explanation and no resistance. She leaned submissively into Han Yuming’s chest until they vanished from sight.

​It wasn't that Lanyou didn't want to resist; she simply didn't want Di Jun to harbor any more illusions. Their paths could never truly cross. Long-term pain was worse than a sharp, sudden break—letting him give up on her now was the kindest thing she could do for him.

​Brother Dijun, you have to be happy without me. You’ll surely find a good girl who is worthy of your heart, Lanyou prayed silently.

​The Drive and the Deception

​Han Yuming glanced at Lanyou in the passenger seat, noticing she was still staring distantly out the window.

​He assumed she was still thinking about that man from the bar. Just like her mother, he thought bitterly, always flirting and stringing men along. They weren't even officially married yet, and she was already entangled with others. Who knew what she’d be like after the wedding? He had briefly been impressed by her pure appearance, but it seemed he had underestimated this little girl. She clearly wasn't going to be a puppet; she likely had plans of her own. He would have to stay on his guard.

​My father was bewitched by your mother, but I won't repeat his mistake. I will make you suffer the same humiliation and pain my mother endured.

​"This isn't the way to my house," Lanyou said, her face clouding with suspicion.

​"We’re going to my place first." Han Yuming’s face was cold, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

​"Why? I want to go home!" Lanyou went on high alert immediately.

​"Please. I just saved you, and instead of a thank you, you’re guarding against me like I’m some wolf. Is this how you treat your savior?"

​Han Yuming hadn't expected her to be so defensive. It proved she wasn't as naive as she looked. Taking his revenge wouldn't be as easy as he thought; if she was tough, the emotional damage might not be deep enough. He had to find a way to hurt her more—to inflict the maximum damage possible.

​"I'm sorry. Thank you," Lanyou murmured. "But why go to your house first?" Even though they were technically enemies, he had saved her despite their history. She felt she shouldn't judge his character so harshly after he’d helped her.

​"I don't want you going home looking like that. People might think I did something to you." In truth, Han Yuming didn't care what people said; with his status, no one would dare. He simply didn't want anyone else seeing his woman in such a "sexy" state of disarray.

​"The things you should have done... and shouldn't have done... you’ve already done them all anyway," Lanyou muttered under her breath, pouting.

​"What? You sound aggrieved. Was being with me really that bad? Maybe we should try again—I can be very gentle." Seeing her adorable expression, a wicked, playful smirk played on Han Yuming’s lips.