My Faraway Love

Colliding Destinies

Yiyi was buzzing with nervous excitement as she prepared for her trip to New York. It was her dream to travel the world, and today marked the first step toward fulfilling that dream. Yet, the day felt far from perfect.

Her company had recently been acquired by a foreign firm, and she was chosen to represent her team, tasked with presenting the company's values and policies to her new boss and his team.

It was a huge responsibility, especially for someone who had been working at the same company for five years—their first and only job.

"Are you coming to pick me up, or should I call a cab?" Yiyi asked over the phone. "I just finished my meeting," Momo replied.

"I'm at the parking lot. Pack your things and come down; I'll be there in thirty minutes." True to her word, Momo arrived, and the two friends headed to the airport. "Did you meet him again?" Yiyi asked as they settled in the car.

"Yes," Momo sighed. "Not just once, but every day. He's staying at our house."

"What do you mean he's staying at your house?" Yiyi's brows furrowed in confusion. "He's back in China for good," Momo explained.

"He's staying with us until Mr. Li and his wife return. Mom tried to talk to Dad about it, but he wouldn't listen. He still thinks there's a chance."

"Why does he have to stay with your family?" "Because my father said so," Momo replied with resignation.

"And Li's family wanted it too." Yiyi shook her head in frustration, but she knew Momo had no say in her family's decisions.

When they reached the airport, they still had twenty minutes before Yiyi's flight. Just as they were chatting, a voice interrupted them.

"Sister!" It was Yi Shian, Momo's younger brother. "What are you doing here?" Momo asked. "I came to dropLi Wan off," Yi Shian replied.

Yiyi's stomach turned when she saw Li Wan walking toward them. She quickly averted her gaze.

"Hello, Miss Yi,"Li Wan greeted, his tone formal, as though they were mere acquaintances. Yiyi didn't respond, and Momo gave only a curt nod.

"So, are you leaving for good, or is Mr. Li going to summon you back again?" Momo asked bluntly.

"I'm heading to New York for a business trip, Miss Yi," Li Wan replied calmly. "So yes, I will return."

Momo and Yiyi exchanged stern looks. Yi Shian watched the exchange in confusion. He couldn't understand the cold hostility between them.

The trio boarded the same flight to New York. Yiyi had originally booked an economy class ticket, but Momo had upgraded her to first class. Though Yiyi felt out of place, Momo reassured her.

Li Wan kept himself busy chatting with someone on his phone, while Momo quietly fumed, thinking about how to deal with his presence back home.

When they landed, Yiyi and Momo shared a ride to their hotel, while Li Wan had a private car waiting for him. Yiyi checked into her company-provided room, and Momo booked a separate room in the same hotel. That evening, while Yiyi attended a work meeting, Momo decided to explore the city.

She was about to leave a shop when she found Li Wan standing in front of her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

"What do you want?" Momo asked tersely. "Dinner," Li Wan replied simply. "Not yet. Do you want to join me?" she asked, more out of politeness than interest. "Sure. My pleasure," he said with a faint smile.

They dined at a nearby restaurant, ordered their own meals, and paid separately. Li Wan stopped Momo from drinking afterward, knowing she wasn't a drinker and couldn't handle alcohol.

But Momo, determined to enjoy herself, went to a pub after Li Wan left. There, a stranger offered her a drink. Just as she was about to accept, Li Wan appeared, snatched the glass from her hand, and dragged her out. "How did you know I was here?" Momo demanded. "That's not your concern,

"Li Wan replied curtly, ushering her into his car and driving her back to the hotel. When they reached her room, Yiyi was pacing in the hallway. Seeing Momo half-drunk in Yi Wan's arms, she hurried over.

 "How much did she drink?" Yiyi asked. "No idea. She was already drunk when I found her," Li Wan replied. Yiyi unlocked her room since Momo's key card was missing. Li Wan laid Momo on the bed, and as he was about to leave, Momo grabbed his hand. 

"Don't go," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please stay." Li Wan hesitated before nodding.

 "Okay, I will." Meanwhile, Yiyi retrieved a spare key for Momo's room. But when she returned, she found Momo and Li Wan asleep together. Not wanting to disturb them, she closed the door quietly and went to Momo's room instead. As she approached, a man appeared, blocking her path.

 "Miss Yi, may I join you in your room?" he asked with a smirk. Yiyi tried to brush him off, but he persisted, attempting to force his way in. 

"It would be better if you stepped away from her," a firm voice interrupted. The man turned and froze in fear. Yiyi's breath hitched as she recognized the newcomer. 

"Are you okay?" he asked her softly. 

"Yes, I am," she replied. 

"How did you know I was here?" 

"Yi Wan told me," he said.

 Yiyi's expression darkened. "Of course, he did. I should have expected this." Before he could respond, Yiyi closed the door behind her, whispering to herself, "*He's back.*"