My Forbidden Lover

CHAPTER 17 – The Reunion

The Moonlit Resorts was a luxury hotel chain that offered an extraordinary experience to its guests. Designed by Jiang Wu, an engineer and the heir to a powerful conglomerate, Moonlit Resorts was more than just a brand –it was a masterpiece of innovation, sustainability, and elegance.

Each resort featured private villas with infinity pools overlooking breathtaking views, world-class spas, fine-dining restaurants, exclusive beach clubs, and cutting-edge fitness centers. The hotels were built with eco-friendly technologies such as energy-efficient architecture, rainwater harvesting systems, and a strict zero-waste policy.

The brand’s vision was clear – to serve high-end travelers, business executives, and celebrities seeking privacy, sophistication, and a sense of belonging in paradise. The first Moonlit Resort opened in Bali, with expansion plans in Phuket, the Maldives, Dubai, and even a floating hotel in the Philippines.

A Year After the Pain

It had been one year since Jiang’s mother passed away, and since the day his fiancé, Kaoro Takashi Nikihimura, betrayed him.

The heartbreak was unbearable. Jiang vanished from everyone’s lives – no closure, no explanations, no second chances. He blocked all contact, deleted Kaoro’s number, ignored even their mutual friends. For three long months, Jiang lived in silence, drowning in grief and anger, rebuilding himself piece by piece.

Now, Jiang had become stronger. He buried his pain beneath his work and became the Founder and Executive Director of Moonlit Resorts, taking over the responsibilities that once belonged to his late mother. His father, Mr. Wu, was the CEO of one of China’s largest corporations. Together, father and son managed vast international partnerships that spanned across continents.

One morning, while Mr. Wu was in his office, an email arrived – from Japan.

The Email

From: Kaoro Takashi Nikihimura

To: Mr. Wu

Good day, Mr. Wu,

I am Kaoro Takashi Nikihimura from Japan. I am reaching out to explore the possibility of a business partnership with your esteemed company, Moonlit Resorts. I am impressed by your organization’s vision and achievements, and I believe our companies could complement each other well.

I would like to discuss the terms of a potential partnership, including the possibility of becoming a major shareholder in Moonlit Resorts.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Kaoro Takashi Nikihimura

When Mr. Wu called Jiang to review the proposal, his eyes widened the moment he saw the name.

Kaoro Takashi Nikihimura.

The man who broke his heart.

He froze. Memories – the proposal, the laughter, the betrayal, flashed before him like a cruel movie. Out of instinct, Jiang closed the email and didn’t respond for two days.

Father and Son

“Son,” Mr. Wu called from his office, “how’s our contact from Japan?”

“Ah— uhmm… I forgot, Papa. I’ve been so busy,” Jiang replied, avoiding eye contact.

Mr. Wu sighed softly. “Jiang, this is business. Money doesn’t wait. Whatever personal issues you have, leave them at home. Business is business.”

“Yes, Papa,” Jiang said quietly.

Seeing his son’s hesitation, Mr. Wu gently smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it this time.”

He opened his laptop and typed a reply himself.

Reply Sent

From: Wu Cheng Jiang, Founder, Moonlit Resorts

To: Mr. Kaoro Nikihimura

Dear Mr. Nikihimura,

Thank you for reaching out and expressing interest in a partnership with Moonlit Resorts. I appreciate your willingness to discuss how our companies might collaborate.

I am open to hearing more about your proposal and discussing how we can create mutual value. As a potential major shareholder, your role would be pivotal in shaping our company’s future.

Would you be available for a call or meeting to discuss further?

Best regards,

Wu Cheng Jiang

Founder, Moonlit Resorts

Ten minutes later, a reply came in.

“I’ll fly to China. I’d rather discuss it in person.” – Kaoro.

Jiang frowned. In person?

He typed back quickly:

“Maybe a video call would be more convenient.”

“No,” Kaoro replied.

“I need to see you. This is business, after all.”

“I know your style. Nothing will happen,” Jiang muttered under his breath.

“It’s about business,” Kaoro added, followed by a heart emoji and a short Japanese message:

“もちろん、あなたも (Of course, you too).”

Jiang groaned. “What the hell is he saying now?”

He copied and pasted the message into a translator, but before he could read the result, his secretary entered – “Sir, there’s an urgent meeting.”

He closed his laptop. Maybe it’s better not to know.

The Meeting

Three days later, Kaoro arrived in China. The staff couldn’t help but whisper as he passed — tall, sharp-featured, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.

“Isn’t he the young master’s ex?”

“Yes! And he’s even more handsome in person!”

Mr. Wu overheard the gossip and chuckled. “Handsome, indeed. My future son-in-law, huh?”

“Y-yes, boss,” the employees stammered, half-laughing.

Inside the private room, Jiang sat tensely, fidgeting with the documents in front of him. When the door opened, his breath caught.

“Are you okay?” Kaoro asked softly, his deep voice as calm as ever.

“Mm,” Jiang murmured, unable to meet his eyes.

Kaoro reached out and gently held Jiang’s hand.

“Can we talk?”

“Y-yes,” Jiang stammered, pulling his hand back.

They began to discuss the business proposal. Or at least, Jiang tried to. Kaoro, however, said nothing, only watching him, eyes full of longing.

“Hey! I asked what you think about the proposal,” Jiang snapped.

No answer. Just that same intense stare.

“Uhh, proposal?” Kaoro suddenly smirked. “Where’s the ring if you’re proposing to me?”

“I said proposals,” Jiang glared. “You’re here for business, not to flirt!”

“I love you,” Kaoro said simply.

Jiang froze.

“I never stopped looking for you,” Kaoro continued. “I tried to explain, but you blocked me everywhere. Jiang, that night. I was drugged. I didn’t know what I was doing. I thought it was you... I was lost. Please, believe me.”

“Enough.” Jiang stood up, voice trembling. “This meeting is over.”

He walked out before his tears could fall.

A Month of Persistence

For a month, Kaoro stayed in China, sending flowers to Jiang’s office every morning - always with the same message card:

“Let’s make up.”

Jiang ignored them all.

One afternoon, Kaoro visited Mr. Wu directly.

“Sir… do you think your son will ever forgive me?” he asked earnestly.

Mr. Wu chuckled. “If not, I would’ve sent you back to Japan already. Keep trying. He got that stubbornness from his mother.”

The two laughed warmly, unaware that Jiang was quietly standing by the doorway, listening.

He rolled his eyes. “Haynako… he hasn’t changed one bit,” Jiang muttered under his breath.

Then, the door opened behind him.

“How long have you been standing there?” Kaoro asked, smiling faintly.

Jiang turned his heart skipped a beat. There he was again, tall, radiant, his deep brown eyes gentle yet teasing.

“Are you okay, my Moon?” Kaoro whispered.

Jiang blinked rapidly. My Moon…

He quickly looked away. “I-I’m fine.”

“Let’s go out? Coffee?” Kaoro asked.

“No thanks. I don’t waste time on cheaters.” Jiang huffed, blowing air playfully at Kaoro’s face like he used to do then stormed off.

Kaoro chuckled to himself.

“You’re still the same, Jiang. My stubborn Moon.”

The Bar Incident

One night, after a long workday, Jiang joined his friends for drinks.

He drank more than he should have trying to drown the emotions he swore were gone.

At 12:30 a.m., Kaoro arrived at the same bar. He spotted Jiang slumped over the counter, eyes red, voice slurred. When the bartender poured another glass, Kaoro quickly stopped him and dropped a thick bundle of cash on the counter.

“Keep the change,” he said coldly. “He’s coming with me.”

Kaoro carried Jiang to his hotel suite and gently laid him on the bed. He wiped Jiang’s face and whispered softly, “You’re still beautiful, even when you’re hurting.”

Jiang, half-asleep, mumbled in a broken voice,

“Why did you do it…? It hurts so much. I saw you… with her.”

“I’m sorry,” Kaoro whispered, tears welling up. “I was drugged, Jiang. I didn’t know. I swear.”

He kissed Jiang’s forehead. “Don’t worry, my Moon. I’ll make it right. I promise.”

“I love you,” he said again, again, and again — until both of them drifted to sleep, still holding each other.

Morning Light

Jiang woke up the next morning, wrapped in Kaoro’s arms. Startled, he quickly pulled away.

“You’re adorable when you cry,” Kaoro teased. “Like a baby.”

“I am not!” Jiang protested, cheeks flushed.

Kaoro leaned his head gently against Jiang’s shoulder, pouting. “I said sorry…”

“Stop acting cute. We’re not okay yet,” Jiang said, but a small smile escaped his lips.

Kaoro’s eyes brightened. “You smiled!”

He hugged Jiang tightly. “Let’s make up?”

Jiang hesitated then finally whispered, “Mm…”

“What was that?” Kaoro grinned.

“Yes,” Jiang said louder, tears forming in his eyes.

They hugged each other tightly two souls finally finding their way back home.

“Jiang,” Kaoro said softly, taking out a small box. “Marry me?”

Jiang looked into his eyes and nodded. “Yes.”

Kaoro slipped the ring onto his finger and kissed his hand tenderly.

“I love you, my Moon,” he whispered.

Jiang smiled, leaning in to kiss him.

“I love you too, my Moon.”