Strings Attached (Sequel)

Faye's decision

March 18th

Huaze Lei

"You need to be here for her!" Jing shouted through the video call. "I know you're pissed about her and Ximen from the past, but that was in the past! They were never officially together! I don't like when you make her feel neglected and vulnerable, because of your coldness towards her. She's going to be your wife! I can't begin to explain to you that you need to treat her differently from the rest of us. She needs you, Lei."

"Stay out of this," I spoke gently. I had myself rested against the bed rest with my eyes closed. I did not dare ignore calls from Jing. I shouldn't have ignored Faye either. Feeling unwell, I did my best to talk with her.

"Are you joking Lei?!" She shouted and I hesitated for a moment not liking the idea of Jing being very mad with me. "It became my problem when I found Faye crying in her room every night past 1am wishing you were here. She's a mess and she is trying to hide it from us for your sake. We all know she needs the support right now."

"You know I'm not doing well at the moment."

"At least acknowledge her."

"I don't know what to say."

"Anything. Seriously Lei. Anything to let her know you're alive. You already have her doubting your commitment with proposing."

"What?" I opened my eyes to see Jing glaring directly at me on the screen.

"Have you lost your mind?"

"I didn't think...-"

"Well you've clearly been having her questioning and doubting. This isn't the first time she has felt this way. She's like me... she's sensitive. She really needs you Lei. You can't..." Jing sighed stressfully and pushed a few strands of her hair. "... ignore her when she's asking for you. She chose you over Ximen. She chose you over her childhood best friend. Do you not understand how much pain she is enduring? Then for you to act like this only makes things worse for her."

"I don't mean to make her feel this way..."

"I know. I know, but you really have to try harder and be better for her. You really have to be conscious around her. Please come here and ease her worries."

"I-I."

"I will make sure you regret this if you don't get yourself over here before she wakes up tomorrow morning. I swear to you Lei , if you are not here, I will tell Ah Si and Meizuo where you are and drag you here. I am on Faye's side on this and I need her to be alright."

"Alright," I nod. "I'll be there tonight."

"Fine," Jing said, folding her arms. "Hurry and get here." She ended the call and I sighed letting my phone flop onto the bed for a moment. My phone vibrated and I opened my eyes to see there was a text. Bringing my phone close to me I noticed it was a voice message from Faye.

Future wife💍: "Hi Lei, ummm... I'm sorry to bother you again. I know you're... disappointed with me," she sighed and instantly I could tell she was tired and feeling upset. "I really miss you and I know you wanted to have your space, but... I really wish you were here. I feel really sad and lonely without you being here holding me like you usually do and I miss having you next to me. I'm sorry for messing up."

The voice message ended and my heart ached. From her tone I knew she was in tears and was ready to break down. I sighed, stressing knowing this is my fault. I reached for my laptop and looked for the next flight to Sanya.

Faye Calinao

Feeling endlessly tired and worn out, my mind began to slowly gain consciousness. Feeling myself starting to wake, I tried to slowly move my body realizing I was stuck in place. I frowned confusingly for a moment and groaned slightly and tried to turn over this time. Realizing half awake now, there was a shift from behind me and arms were wrapped around my waist.

My eyes opened and it took a moment to adjust to the small light before I looked over to see Lei is the one holding me. His eyes looked down at me as I carefully settled onto my side so I could face him. Feeling nervous suddenly, I bit the side of my cheek wondering how he was feeling.

He sighed and carefully placed a hand against my cheek and I closed my eyes feeling a bit relieved of his touch. Opened my eyes and looked up at him again and he leaned over to kiss me.

"I love you Faye," Lei spoke gently to me after he pulled away from me. "I love you and Ming Yue very much. I'm... sorry for hurting you like this." I could tell with his tone he was guilty and wanted to care for me. He used his thumb against my cheek to rub small circles. His touch continued to send sparks through me.

"I'm sorry," I apologized and lowered my eyes.

"Not your fault Faye," Lei shook his head and I made direct eye contact with. "This was mine. I shouldn't have reacted the way I had to you. I am really sorry for letting this happen."

My eyes brimmed with tears. He is my weakness. Lei is the one person I can easily forgive after all the things we have gone through.

"Please forgive me. I promise you I want to marry you and be with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Are... you sure?" I asked quietly and looked at him sadly. His mouth parts slightly and he showed distress.

"Faye..." he said gently.

"You know how my mind works and how I'd feel if you went cold. To even ignore me for several days."

"I-I"

"It really hurts when you do this to me." Lei sighed and looked down guilty. "You knew this would upset me and break me by feeling ignored. I hate when you do this." I sat up slightly and Lei wrapped his arms around my waist before lifting me off the bed. I gasped slightly as he placed me right onto his lap. "Wh-what?"

"I want you Faye," Lei spoke in all seriousness. "You chose our family over Ximen. You are and will always be my priority. I'm sorry for avoiding my responsibilities to you. I promise to work on my temper when I am with you. It's... difficult for me," Lei sighed.

My arms wrapped around his shoulders and looked at him feeling hopeful. He tightened his grip around me and could tell he was tired and filled with guilt.

"I love you," I said lightly. He smiled sadly. "I will try to be a better person for you."

"You're perfectly fine the way you are Faye. I don't want you to change. I had a temper and said things that shouldn't have been said."

"Okay," I smiled faintly and reached forward to hug him. "I forgive you." I felt his fingers reach for my hair. He began combing my hair and I felt myself melting into his arms. He kissed the side of my head making me feel content for this moment as I closed my eyes and leaned on him.

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Next update: July 28th, 2022