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Love and Hate Entwined: Unable to Escape Fate
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter One
The fortieth anniversary celebration of the Family Business was in full swing, with glasses clinking and the air filled with the scent of expensive perfumes.
The light from the crystal chandeliers cascaded down, illuminating a sea of insincere smiles.
The bubbles in the champagne burst on my tongue, yet it felt as bitter as gall, nearly impossible to swallow.
He Yun stood not far away, dressed in a black gown that made her appear like a ghost in the night.
Her gaze was icy, as if she could see through all the facades.
I knew she was waiting for an explanation from me.
An explanation about betrayal, about lies, about our shattered marriage.
But I couldn't bring myself to say anything.
The truth lodged in my throat like a fishbone—impossible to spit out, impossible to swallow.
I walked toward her, each step heavy as if I were weighed down by lead.
The surrounding noise surged like a tide, threatening to drown me.
"He Yun," I called softly, my voice hoarse and unrecognizable.
She did not respond, merely watching me in silence, her eyes filled with mockery and disdain.
"I want to talk," I said, trying to grasp her hand, but she violently shook it off.
"What is there to talk about?" she scoffed, "About how you deceived me, how you betrayed me?"
Her voice was not loud, yet it pierced my heart like a sharp knife.
I opened my mouth, but found myself at a loss for words.
Each of her words struck me like a hammer, pounding relentlessly on my soul.
I felt a wave of suffocation, as if I were submerged in the deep sea, unable to breathe.
The music in the banquet hall suddenly became jarring, and the lights twisted and blurred.
I staggered back a few steps, darkness creeping into my vision.
He Yun's silhouette gradually faded into the crowd, like a kite with its string cut, drifting towards an unknown distance.
I reached out my hand, wanting to grasp her, but only caught a handful of emptiness.
I knew it was over between us.
Nothing could go back to how it was before.
A sharp pain surged in my chest; I clutched my heart and collapsed helplessly to the ground.
The crowd around me began to stir, with some gasping in shock and others gathering to watch.
But I could hear nothing, see nothing.
In that moment, my world completely shattered.
The noise of the celebration felt like a funeral bell, ringing out repeatedly against my nerves.
Chapter Two
The clamor of the celebration seemed to echo in my ears, yet I found myself in the cold corridor of a hospital.
The sharp scent of disinfectant filled my nostrils, making me feel nauseous.
My stomach churned violently, spasms wracking my body.
It felt as if a massive stone pressed down on my chest, making it hard to breathe.
Just moments ago at the celebration, an unexpected wave of pain had nearly caused me to faint.
My bodyguard rushed me to the hospital.
Now, I sat outside the examination room, waiting for the doctor's verdict.
People came and went in the corridor, their footsteps, voices, and cries intertwining like a chaotic symphony.
My thoughts were as chaotic as the noisy environment around me.
He Yun's cold gaze and sharp questions replayed incessantly in my mind.
Our marriage was like a delicate porcelain piece, once perfect and flawless, now marred by cracks.
I didn't know how to make amends or how to face the situation.
"Mr. Lu," the nurse's voice interrupted my thoughts.
I looked up to see the nurse standing at the door, holding my examination report.
Her expression was serious, her eyes filled with a hint of pity.
A heavy weight settled in my heart, an ominous premonition washing over me.
I followed the nurse into the consultation room, where the doctor sat at his desk, reviewing my report.
He looked up, removed his glasses, and spoke in a grave tone, "Mr. Lu, your condition is not optimistic."
My breath caught in my throat, and it felt as if my heart had stopped beating.
"You have a rare blood disease," the doctor paused before continuing, "and there is currently no effective treatment available."
His words struck me like a bolt from the blue, leaving me dizzy and disoriented.
Rare disease?
No effective treatment?
What does this mean?
I dared not think about it.
"Your life..." The doctor hesitated, his eyes filled with sympathy.
"What about my life?" I forced myself to calm down, but my voice trembled uncontrollably.
"Your life may only have a few months left." The doctor finally spoke the harsh truth.
A few months?
It felt as if my world collapsed in that moment.
I only had a few months left?
I hadn't even had the chance to make amends with He Yun, hadn't found the meaning of life, hadn't...
My vision blurred, tears streaming down uncontrollably.
I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging deep into my flesh, yet I felt not a hint of pain.
I felt like a wild beast trapped in a cage, desperately struggling but unable to find an exit.
At that moment, I heard a familiar voice coming from the hallway.
It was He Yun.
She was speaking to a man in a low voice, and I couldn't make out what they were saying.
I struggled to stand up and walked to the door, peering through the crack to see outside.
The man was Xu Feng.
My business rival, and also... He Yun's former lover.
They stood together, their postures intimate, as if they were a couple.
On He Yun's face was a gentle smile I had never seen before.
My heart felt like it had been pierced by a sharp knife, bleeding profusely.
So this was the truth.
She had betrayed me and was with my enemy.
And I, like a fool, had been kept in the dark while desperately trying to salvage this broken marriage.
I felt a wave of nausea, my stomach churning violently.
I leaned against the wall, struggling to steady myself as darkness flickered before my eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I fought to regain control over my emotions.
I couldn't fall; there were still many things I needed to do.
I wanted revenge. I wanted those who had hurt me to pay the price.
I would make He Yun regret it, make her realize how much she had lost in me.
I would ruin Xu Feng, showing him the consequences of opposing me.
My gaze grew colder, filled with the flames of hatred.
I turned and left the examination room, my steps firm and unwavering.
I knew my life was nearing its end.
But I wouldn't give up just like that.
With the time I had left, I would execute my plan for revenge.
I would make this world remember my name.
At the end of the corridor, the figures of He Yun and Xu Feng gradually faded away, as if they had merged into the darkness.
I stood at the boundary between light and shadow, waiting for the dawn to arrive.
The cold air of the hospital brought me back to my senses.
My stomach still churned, but compared to the despair I felt moments ago, it now felt more like a burning anger.
My footsteps involuntarily quickened; I just wanted to escape this place filled with sorrow and betrayal as soon as possible.
In the corridor, He Yun and Xu Feng had already vanished from sight.
Where had they gone?
What had they done?
I dared not imagine.
Flashes of He Yun's gentle smile kept appearing in my mind, directed at Xu Feng, not me.
It felt as though my chest was being torn apart, making it hard to breathe.
The vows we once exchanged seemed so ridiculous now.
Sweet memories of the past have now turned into sharp blades that pierce the heart.
My footsteps quickened, almost breaking into a run as I exited the hospital.
The driver was already waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing my pale face, he hurried over.
"Mr. Lu, are you alright?"
"Drive," I rasped, my voice barely forming coherent words.
The driver dared not ask further questions and swiftly opened the car door.
I settled into the seat and closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart.
Yet those images, those sounds, clung to me like a parasite that refused to let go.
What was the relationship between He Yun and Xu Feng?
What exactly did Xu Feng say to He Yun?
I needed to know the truth.
"Go to He Yun's gallery."
The driver hesitated for a moment but then immediately started the car.
I forced myself to calm down as I made my way, contemplating how to face He Yun.
Should I question her?
Beg her?
Or perhaps... give up?
No, I couldn't give up.
Even if there were only a few months left, I needed to uncover the truth behind it all.
I wanted He Yun to tell me the truth herself.
The car stopped in front of the gallery, and I took a deep breath before opening the door and stepping out.
The gallery was quiet, with only soft music flowing through the air.
He Yun stood in front of a painting, her expression focused.
She wore a simple white dress that made her look particularly elegant.
I stood at the entrance, quietly watching her, my heart filled with mixed emotions.
Once, she was my wife, my beloved.
She had now become a stranger, a betrayer.
"He Yun." My voice was low and hoarse.
She turned around, and upon seeing me, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes before she returned to her cold demeanor.
"What do you want?"
Her tone was icy, devoid of any warmth.
"I want to talk to you."
"There’s nothing to discuss between us." She turned to leave.
I grabbed her arm firmly. "He Yun, look at me and tell me, what is your relationship with Xu Feng?"
Her body trembled slightly, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.
"Let go of me!" She struggled fiercely but couldn't break free from my grip.
"Tell me!" My voice rose, filled with anger and desperation.
"I... I have a relationship with him..." She hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn't bring herself to say it.
"Say it!" I nearly shouted.
"We are friends." Her voice was low, almost inaudible.
Friends?
I let out a cold laugh. "Friends? He Yun, do you take me for a fool?"
Her gaze flickered, unable to meet my eyes.
"Lu Chen, please calm down."
Calm down?
How can I calm down?
My wife, my lover, is with my enemy—how am I supposed to remain calm?
"I'll ask you one last time: what is your relationship with Xu Feng?"
She fell silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "He and I... were once lovers."
Once lovers?
Those words struck me like a thunderclap, echoing in my mind.
So my suspicions were true.
She betrayed me, choosing to be with my enemy.
I released her arm and took a few steps back, feeling a wave of weakness wash over me.
"Why?" My voice trembled, filled with pain and confusion.
She lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes brimming with complex emotions.
"Lu Chen," she paused before continuing, "what we had is long over."
Over?
Yes, it is over.
Our marriage, our love, all of it has come to an end.
I managed a weak smile, feeling an emptiness settle in my heart.
"I understand now."
I turned and walked away from the gallery, my steps unsteady.
The sunlight outside was blinding, yet I felt no warmth at all.
The world seemed to have lost its color, leaving only endless darkness and despair.
I wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do.
My life had only a few months left.
Yet, I had lost the meaning of living.
I walked down the street without purpose.
The sunlight was blinding, but it could not penetrate my cold heart.
He Yun's words pierced my heart like a sharp knife.
Once lovers?
How ironic.
I thought the problems in our marriage stemmed from my neglect, from my busyness.
I believed that if I tried hard enough, I could win her heart back.
But I was wrong.
Terribly wrong.
She has never had me in her heart.
The one she loves is Xu Feng.
It has always been Xu Feng.
I feel like a fool, kept in the dark, foolishly giving and foolishly hoping.
Looking back now, it’s truly laughable.
My steps grow heavier, as if weighed down by lead.
A storm churns in my stomach, and the wave of nausea hits me again.
I lean against a tree, retching a few times, but nothing comes out.
Only bitter bile rolls in my throat.
I lift my head to gaze at the azure sky, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me.
The world spins before my eyes, blurred and unclear.
I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and struggle to keep myself awake.
I cannot fall.
I still have many things to do.
There are many tasks left unfinished.
I still have... my family.
Family...
These two words weigh heavily on my heart, like a massive stone, making it hard for me to breathe.
The interests of the family, the honor of the family, the future of the family...
All of these are my responsibilities.
I cannot escape.
I must bear them.
But now, what strength do I have left to shoulder this burden?
My heart is already shattered.
My body is on the verge of collapse.
What more can I do?
How much longer can I hold on?
A sudden ringtone broke my train of thought.
I took out my phone and saw that it was my father calling.
I hesitated for a moment but eventually answered the call.
"Hello, Dad."
"Lu Chen, where are you?" My father's voice was deep and authoritative.
"I'm outside."
"Come back immediately. Family meeting."
A family meeting?
At this time?
"Dad, I—"
"No 'buts.' Come back right now!" My father commanded, leaving no room for argument.
I took a deep breath. "I understand."
I hung up the phone and leaned weakly against a tree, closing my eyes.
The family meeting...
I knew that the content of this meeting would surely be related to my marriage.
The elders of the family would never allow me to continue entangled with He Yun.
They would force me to get a divorce.
They would compel me to marry a woman who would benefit the family.
I opened my eyes and looked at the bustling street, feeling a wave of helplessness.
My fate has never belonged to me.
My life has never been my own.
I felt like a marionette, controlled by the interests of my family, with no autonomy.
I took a taxi back to the Family Mansion.
As soon as I entered the hall, I saw that the family elders had already gathered, and the atmosphere was tense.
My father sat in the main seat, his face ashen.
Seeing me enter, a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes.
"Lu Chen," he said in a deep voice, "you have disappointed me greatly."
I lowered my head and remained silent.
"Look at yourself. What have you become?" My father's voice was filled with anger. "You are the heir of a family; your actions reflect the image of the entire clan!"
I knew he was referring to my relationship with He Yun.
"Dad, I know I was wrong."
"Wrong?" My father scoffed. "Do you have any idea how much damage your actions have caused to the family?"
"I know."
"If you know, then why did you still choose to do it?"
"I..." I opened my mouth but couldn't find the words.
I love He Yun.
I want to be with her.
Yet, in the face of family interests, these feelings seemed so insignificant.
“Lu Chen,” my father’s voice softened a bit, “I know you still have feelings for He Yun, but you must understand that you are the heir of a family. Your marriage is not just your own affair; it concerns the entire family.”
“I know.”
“So,” my father looked at me, his eyes filled with expectation, “I hope you can make the right choice.”
The right choice?
What exactly is the right choice?
To give up He Yun and marry a woman I do not love—could that really be the right choice?
I fell silent.
“Lu Chen,” my father continued, “I know this is difficult for you, but you must make sacrifices.”
Sacrifices?
I have already sacrificed too much for the family.
My love, my happiness, my health…
What more do I have left to sacrifice?
“Lu Chen,” an elder spoke up, “we all understand your feelings, but you must consider the future of the family.”
"Yes, Lu Chen," another elder said, "you cannot give up the entire family for one woman."
I looked at them, at these so-called family elders, and felt a wave of disgust wash over me.
They claimed to care for the family, but did they truly?
What they really cared about was their own interests.
They only wanted to use me, to use my marriage to solidify their positions and expand their wealth.
I took a deep breath. "I understand."
"You really understand?" My father looked at me, his eyes filled with doubt.
"I understand," I repeated firmly.
I knew I had no choice.
I had to make sacrifices.
For the family, for my responsibilities, for... the life I was about to end.
The pressure from the family surged like a tidal wave, and I felt as if I were suffocating.
Separation was the final judgment they handed down.
I felt powerless to resist.
I dragged my heavy footsteps out of the Family Mansion.
The night wind was biting, slicing against my face like a knife.
Separation.
What a ridiculous word.
He Yun and I, once so deeply in love, now had to become strangers.
The pressure from my family loomed over me like a mountain, suffocating me.
I wandered aimlessly down the street, lost in thought.
How should I face He Yun?
How should I confront this shattered marriage?
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Chen Jie.
"Are you okay?"
I looked at the message, a warm current flowing through my heart.
Chen Jie is He Yun's best friend and one of the few people I can confide in.
"It's not good," I replied.
"I know," Chen Jie quickly responded. "I've already heard from He Yun about the outcome of the family meeting."
"Is she okay?" I asked with concern.
"She seems calm, but I know she must be hurting inside."
I fell silent.
I knew that He Yun's calmness was merely a facade.
The pain deep within her was greater than mine.
"Lu Chen," another message from Chen Jie came through, "have you ever thought about why He Yun has become like this?"
I paused for a moment.
Why has He Yun become like this?
It was a question I had never seriously considered.
I always thought it was the monotony of marriage and the trivialities of life that made He Yun lose her love for me.
But now it seems that things are not so simple.
"I don't know," I replied.
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie said, his tone becoming serious, "have you ever considered that perhaps there are some misunderstandings between you and He Yun?"
Misunderstandings?
What misunderstandings?
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie continued, "I hope you can calm down and think carefully about what has really happened between you and He Yun."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
What has really happened between me and He Yun?
Our love used to be so beautiful, so sweet.
But when did everything start to change?
When did the distance between us begin to grow?
"Chen Jie," I asked, "do you have anything to say?"
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie replied, "I know you love He Yun very much and you've been trying hard to salvage your marriage. But have you ever considered that the methods you're using might be wrong?"
I was taken aback.
My methods were wrong?
"I don't understand."
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie continued, "you've been trying to compensate He Yun with material things and money, but have you thought about what He Yun really needs?"
I fell silent.
What does He Yun truly need?
This question had never crossed my mind seriously before.
I always assumed that women loved money and material possessions.
As long as I provided her with enough money and material goods, she would come back to me.
But I was wrong.
What He Yun needed wasn't money or material things.
She needed my love, my care, my understanding.
"Chen Jie," I asked, "what should I do?"
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie replied, "you need to understand He Yun, to comprehend her inner world and what she truly desires."
Understand He Yun?
How could I come to know her?
"Chen Jie," I asked, "can you help me?"
"Of course," Chen Jie answered without hesitation. "I will do everything I can to assist you."
"Thank you, Chen Jie."
"No need to thank me," Chen Jie said. "We are friends."
After hanging up the phone, I looked up at the night sky, filled with hope.
Chen Jie is my friend and my beacon of hope.
I believe that with her help, I can win back He Yun's heart and restore our marriage.
Chen Jie began to help me analyze He Yun's psychological state.
She told me that He Yun is a woman with a very sensitive heart; what she needs is a sense of security and belonging.
Yet, I have never given her any of that.
I was always busy with work, preoccupied with social engagements, and I neglected her feelings.
I always tried to compensate her with material things but never truly cared about her inner world.
Chen Jie’s words made me suddenly realize my mistakes.
I finally understood where I went wrong.
I was wrong in not truly understanding He Yun, in not genuinely comprehending her.
I decided that from now on, I would change myself; I would get to know He Yun again and understand her anew.
I want to give her real love, true care, and genuine understanding.
I want her to feel secure and to feel a sense of belonging.
I want her to fall in love with me all over again.
In addition to psychological analysis, Chen Jie also began investigating Xu Feng's background.
She told me that Xu Feng is a very dangerous person, someone who is deeply calculating and ruthless.
He approached He Yun with a hidden agenda.
Chen Jie’s words left me feeling uneasy.
I began to worry for He Yun’s safety.
I decided that I would protect He Yun and ensure she came to no harm.
During our investigation, we uncovered an astonishing secret.
Xu Feng and He Yun had an unknown connection from the past.
Moreover, this connection was tied to my family.
This revelation shocked me to my core.
I realized that things were far more complicated than I had imagined.
I needed to uncover the truth quickly, to protect He Yun and my family as well.
Chen Jie’s investigation delved deeper, inching closer to the truth.
I sensed that a storm was about to break.
I clenched my fists, ready to face the challenge ahead.
I must protect He Yun, protect my family.
At that moment, Chen Jie suddenly stopped her work and looked at me with a serious expression.
"Lu Chen," she said heavily, "I've discovered something very important."
My heart sank, sensing that something bad was about to happen.
"What is it?"
Chen Jie took a deep breath. "I've found that your family has intricate ties to Xu Feng and He Yun's past."
My mind buzzed, blanking out.
Family... Xu Feng... He Yun...
What connection could there possibly be among these three?
Chen Jie continued, "Moreover, this connection involves a huge secret."
Her words struck me like thunder, reverberating in my mind.
Family, Xu Feng, He Yun.
These three seemingly unrelated elements were now tightly connected.
I felt a wave of dizziness, as if the entire world was spinning around me.
"What... what did you say?" I managed to speak, my voice dry and gravelly.
Chen Jie’s face was pale, her eyes filled with worry and unease.
"Lu Chen," she paused, as if organizing her thoughts, "I found out that Xu Feng's father used to be an employee of your Lu Group."
I struggled to recall the past regarding my father's company, a massive influx of information crashing into my mind like a tidal wave.
My father had built Lu Group from the ground up, employing thousands. How could I possibly remember every single one?
"And then?" I pressed on, my heart racing faster.
"He was sent to prison by your father for embezzlement," Chen Jie’s voice was low, "and later, he committed suicide in prison."
I abruptly lifted my head, shock filling my gaze.
Embezzlement?
Suicide?
These words pierced through my nerves like sharp knives.
"This... how is this possible?" I murmured to myself, unable to accept this reality.
My father had always been just and stern; how could he have done something like this?
"The information I've found shows," Chen Jie said, his voice trembling slightly, "that Xu Feng's father was wronged."
Wronged?
My breath quickened.
If that's true, then Xu Feng's approach to He Yun and the Lu Group was all for revenge?
"He Yun... what does she have to do with this?" I struggled to ask, sensing that the answer would only bring me more pain.
Chen Jie took a deep breath. "He Yun's mother is Xu Feng's father's ex-wife."
I felt as if my heart was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand, making it nearly impossible to breathe.
He Yun's mother?
Xu Feng's father?
What... what is going on?
My mind was a chaotic whirlwind, various pieces of information intertwining and leaving me unable to think.
Chen Jie looked at me with a pained expression and sighed softly.
"Lu Chen," her voice was filled with sympathy, "I know this is hard for you to accept, but this is the truth."
I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself.
I had to remain composed.
I needed to uncover the truth of the matter.
"Is there anything else?" I opened my eyes, my gaze resolute.
Chen Jie nodded. "I found out that your father believed Xu Feng's father embezzled funds because someone provided false testimony."
False testimony?
Who was it?
Why would they do this?
"Who gave the false testimony?" I pressed, my voice trembling slightly.
Chen Jie hesitated for a moment. "It was... your uncle, Lu Ming."
Lu Ming?
My uncle?
I couldn't believe my ears.
My uncle, could he really have done something like this?
"This... this is impossible," I shook my head, unable to accept the reality. "How could my uncle...?"
"Lu Chen," Chen Jie interrupted me, "I know this is hard to accept, but the evidence is undeniable."
I fell silent.
Undeniable evidence.
Those four words struck my heart like a hammer.
My uncle had actually framed Xu Feng's father, leading to his family's ruin.
And I had been completely oblivious, even harboring hostility towards Xu Feng.
A wave of deep guilt and self-blame washed over me.
"What... what should I do?" I asked in confusion, feeling lost.
Chen Jie gently patted my shoulder. "Lu Chen," her voice was filled with encouragement, "the most important thing now is for you to calm down and think carefully about what to do next."
I took a deep breath, striving to calm myself.
I had to remain composed.
I needed to find a way to make amends for everything.
I had to protect He Yun, protect my family.
I lifted my head and looked out the window.
The sky was gradually brightening.
A new day was beginning.
And I would face new challenges.
I had to be ready.
For He Yun, for my family, for the truth.
I immediately convened the Family Business Board of Directors.
I intended to publicly expose Xu Feng's conspiracy and prove my determination to He Yun.
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