Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

59. When Rivals Meet

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Minghao gripped the wheel, his gaze fixed on the road, but his thoughts were adrift. His fingers gripping the steering wheel, knuckles almost white. The words Nabi had shared with him before he left home echoed in his mind, and his lips exhaled a sigh, the weight of her words lingering in the air.

In the recent past, Minghao sensed that she had wrought a profound transformation upon him, and he grappled with uncertainty about whether this metamorphosis was for better or worse. Prior to her presence in his life, Minghao had locked away his tears for years, untouched by the catharsis of emotion.

Following her entrance into his life, Minghao's emotions seemed to spiral into chaos. He had long stifled his grief for his sister's death, refusing to let the tears flow. However, with Nabi's presence, it was as though she had the key to unlock all the emotions he had concealed for years, unleashing a torrent of feelings he had tried so hard to keep hidden.

Now, the fear of losing her gnawed at Minghao. He couldn't help but wonder why their paths hadn't crossed like those of two ordinary people—meeting in high school, perhaps at a cozy café, or maybe during a work event or a concert. Why did their paths cross under the grim shadow of a crime, denying them a simpler beginning? 

Nabi's words continued to reverberate within him.

"Minghao... I know I have no right to dictate your choices, but I implore you, keep your distance from my father. He's far more dangerous than you can imagine," Nabi spoke, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with him.

Minghao's brow furrowed momentarily, puzzled by the timing of it all. He had been on the brink of confronting her father, and there was no way she could have known about it. She couldn't have overheard his discussion with the office members or Jeonghan's message, leaving him perplexed by her insight. The message on his phone from Jeonghan simply read, "Let's go."

"Why do you say this?" Minghao asked, his voice tinged with hesitation, yet he held her gaze firmly.

"I just... have this bad feeling. A gut instinct that tells me you're planning to confront him, and I can't bear the thought of you being near him. He's dangerous," she admitted. Now, Minghao understood it clear—the intuitive connection that allowed him to read and sense her emotions worked both ways.

"Nabi," Minghao's voice softened, and his expression gentled as he absorbed her words. "Don't worry. Your father doesn't intimidate me. And I'm determined to make him pay for everything he's done," he reassured her.

"No!" Nabi exclaimed urgently. "Minghao, that's not a good idea. No one can punish him. He has the police in his pocket. He's ruthless. Please, believe me, I know what I'm saying," she implored, her eyes pleading for him to understand.

He sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. He didn't want to cause her more distress, but he knew deep within that he couldn't back down.

"Alright, Nabi. There's no need to worry any longer," he assured her with a reassuring tone. "Focus on your healing," he said, his eyes briefly glancing at her wounded neck. But, deep down, what concerned him most was her wounded heart, and he was committed to being the one to help her find peace.

"Promise me," she said, her gaze unwavering, her voice filled with urgency. "Promise me you won't confront him," she implored, her eyes locked onto his.

He looked at her for a few seconds, his gaze meeting hers. 

"I promise." 

He let out a heavy sigh, grappling with the weight of the promise he had just made. Despite giving his word to Nabi, the determination to confront her father still burned within him as he continued on the path toward their inevitable meeting.