❝Three times. I both lost you three times.❞
Zhong Chenle, a newly appointed head manager of their family business, built his reputation with his skills and dominating nature. His professional image is already commended by most, but one day, he saw h...
Chenle and Sulhee are going strong as ever. They celebrated their one-year anniversary at a private resort and stayed on the booked accommodation for two days. It was fun and magical, and they fully enjoyed it without a care to the world.
For the first time, Chenle didn't came back to China during the school break. He spent time with Sulhee's family, who may I add, are very smitten to him. It looks like they already accepted him completely and rooting for the two of them.
Align with this, Chenle's parents are pressuring him twice as much. They are already angry because he didn't came home, and he's being stubborn about the marriage. He's not answering any of their messages and calls if it was about the marriage either.
Anyway, with the graduation on sight, Chenle feels like he's running to a checkered goal. The finish line is still far, but he is ready to claim it with his chin up. He worked hard for it, focused his eyes on his goal, never disappeared on the Dean's List, and he always possess leadership skills.
Chenle can prove himself that he doesn't need an unwanted marriage just to lead the business well. He knew that his parents will push on the marriage because it is the strongest key to lock the merging and they will benefit on it.
Sulhee will just get dragged on it if he'll tell her everything, or worse, she might start to doubt their relationship and leave him. Chenle doesn't want that. He knows that honesty is one of the foundations of every relationship, but he can't bear to witness his girl being squeezed in a situation that she doesn't deserve.
Chenle wants to prove that the family doesn't need to marry him off. In order to do that, he must grit his teeth and endure the exhaustion in school so he can come back to China to start his training. He wants to prove to his family that his relationship wouldn't drag him down, but rather lift him up more. He doesn't want to stay with a girl he doesn't love in one roof.
So, it isn't that Chenle cannot tell Sulhee about it. He just simply don't want.
"How was your defense?" Sulhee approached him with a warm smile and hugged him.
"We passed without revisions." Chenle proudly said and hugged her tighter. "Gosh, I waited hours to feel you like this."
"Tired?"
"Exhausted and hungry."
Sulhee chuckled and tapped his back. "You did well, my love. All of those sleepless night and tight time management paid off. I love you. I'm always proud of you."
Chenle pulled away and kissed her lips. "Can I claim my prize now?"
"Of course" Sulhee chuckled and kissed him again.
Together, they went to Sulhee's house and the family celebrated the alpha's achievements. They spent the night there, cuddled under the cold night.
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Graduation day; the students are now huddled with their families and friends, capturing the wonderful moment. The ceremony just ended with happy tears and proud faces, concluding the agonizing life of being a student.
Sulhee spotted Chenle on a corner; with him are two unfamiliar faces, but she assumed that they were his parents by the resemblance. Suddenly, she felt something uncomfortable bubbling inside her.
The more she watched Chenle's interaction with them, the more she felt uneasy. What is this about? Sulhee doesn't have any idea.
"Oh, that's Chenle-hyung! Let's go, I want to congratulate him," Yushi beamed, dragging her to where the alpha is.
Sulhee tried to yank her hand away and continuously called his brother's attention, but before she could scold him, they were already near the alpha, and their sudden presence might've gained their attention.
"Hyung, congratulations," Yushi said with a wide smile.
"Who is this new face?" the woman asked, loud enough for the siblings to hear.
Gulping down his nervousness, Chenle flashed a warm smile and acknowledged the younger. "Yushi-ah, thank you."
Chenle and Sulhee exchanged eye contact. There was something in his gaze that made Sulhee feel like they shouldn't be in here. It almost looks like Chenle wants her to go.
"Congratulations, Chenle. We just came here to greet you." Sulhee held her brother's wrist, then bowed at them. "We'll be going now."
Chenle watched the two walk away. It was obvious that Sulhee is literally dragging the male, as it seems like he doesn't want to go.
Chenle would trade everything just to talk to them. It's just that he can't.
"Who is that?" his father asked. "He looks like you two are close."
"Just a schoolmate, dad," Chenle naturally lied.
"And the girl?" his mom added. "Is she your girlfriend?"
What should you say now, Chenle? He took a deep breath. He looked at his parents, whose gazes were now burning him.
Are you denying your girlfriend? How bad of you to do that!
"She's someone close to me. She's in the same friend group with me and Jisung," he vaguely answered.
"Just a friend?" his mom cornered
Chenle tilted his head, feeling bad about the situation. "Let's just go somewhere else. It looks like you're not here because it's my graduation."
"Of course we're here because of you. You're summa cum laude." His mom pulled him into a hug and tapped his back. "We're so proud of you, son."
Chenle doesn't know what to feel, though. It almost feels like they're not sincere.
Good god, I need Sulhee.
"We have dinner reserved in a restaurant. Come now. Cali is also there."
"What?" Chenle almost yelled.
"Let's go, Chenle." His dad heavily eyed him and nudged his head for him to follow his mother.
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