From Bitter to Blissful: An Arranged Tale of Love

Chapter 18

The hospital room was shrouded in a heavy silence, only the  rhythmic beeping of the machines heard. Zhan sat by his father's bed, holding his hand, his heart heavy with worry and sorrow. He was half asleep when he felt a slight movement in his father's hand Zhan looked up, his eyes wide.
Mr. Xiao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze settling on his son. He smiled, a warm and loving smile, as if he wanted to capture Zhan's face in his memory forever.
"Father, you are finally awake. You made me so worried," Zhan said, his voice trembling .
"Zhan, you're such a great son. I'm proud of you," Mr. Xiao whispered, his voice barely audible.
Standing beside Zhan, Yibo watched the tender moment between father and son. Mr. Xiao's eyes found Yibo, and he gestured for him to come closer. Yibo stepped forward, bending down to listen to Mr. Xiao's faint voice.
"Yes, Uncle, I'm here," Yibo replied softly.
"Take care of Zhan for me. He loves you so much. Don't let him grieve alone," Mr. Xiao said, his words coming out in a strained whisper.
Just as he finished speaking, the beeping of the machines grew louder and more erratic. Mr. Xiao's hand slipped lifelessly from Zhan's grasp, and the lines on the monitor went flat. Panic surged through the room as doctors and nurses rushed in, but it was too late. Mr. Xiao had passed away.
"I'm sorry, your father is no more," the doctor said and left the room.
Tears filled Yibo's eyes as he turned towards Zhan, enveloping him in a tight hug.
"I'm sorry ge " Yibo whispered, his voice breaking.
Zhan, though visibly shaken, gently pushed Yibo back.
"We have to do the required process for further procedure," he said, his voice steady but hollow. He left the room to make the necessary arrangements, leaving Yibo stunned by his composed demeanor.
Yibo took out his phone and dialed his mother's number.
"Hi Mom," he said, his voice cracking.
"Yibo, are you alright?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.
"Mom, Uncle has left us," he replied, struggling to hold back his tears.
"Oh Yibo, calm down. You have to take care of Zhan. He needs you right now," she said gently.
Yibo nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I will, Mom. I promise," he said, he resolved to be there for Zhan in this moment of profound loss.
The atmosphere of Mr. Xiao's funeral was thick with the scent of incense and the quiet murmur of condolences. Yibo diligently oversaw all the arrangements, ensuring everything was in place. Zhan, despite his heavy heart, stood at the entrance, welcoming people and thanking them for their kind gestures.
Mr. and Mrs. Wang arrived, their faces etched with sorrow. Zhan welcomed them with a forced smile. Mr. Wang enveloped him in a tight hug, whispering consoling words before moving inside to greet other guests.
"Zhan, are you alright?" Mrs. Wang asked, her heart aching for him.
"Yes, Mom, don't worry," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Son, we're family. You don't have to feel alone," she said, patting his cheek gently.
Zhan only nodded, the weight of his grief evident in his eyes.
"Let's go inside Aunt, Jiyang said softly, coming up from behind and taking Mrs. Wang by the arm. They moved inside, leaving Zhan at the entrance.
Everything proceeded as planned, but a silent worry loomed over everyone about Zhan. He moved through the motions like a statue, his face a mask of stoic composure, betraying no emotion.
As the funeral drew to a close and the last of the guests departed, only the family remained, sitting together in the quiet room. Mrs. Wang looked at Zhan with deep concern.
"Yibo, take Zhan home to rest. He must be exhausted," Mrs. Wang said,her eyes never leaving Zhan, Yibo nodded and approached Zhan.
"Son, we're here now. Go take some rest and try to calm down. We know it's not easy for you, but I'm sure your parents would want you to be happy and move on with your life," Mrs. Wang said gently.
Zhan looked at her, his eyes filled with a sadness that words could not express. He nodded slowly, allowing Yibo to guide him out. They walked towards the home that had been left lonely for a while, its emptiness now a painful reminder of the loss they had suffered.The silence between them was heavy as they entered the house zhan fell on the couch as he can't feel his body giving more support.
Yibo looked at Zhan, his heart breaking as he saw the pain in his lover's eyes. He came and sat next to him.
"Ge, you don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you," he said softly, hugging him. Zhan nodded, his eyes staring blankly ahead.
"Thank you, Yibo," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Zhan's grip tightened around Yibo's waist as he started to cry, like a child who had been holding back for too long.
"Cry it out, ge. I can't stand to see you like this. Let it all out," Yibo said, gently patting the back of his head.
Zhan continued to cry, melting into Yibo's embrace, releasing all his pent-up stress until he eventually fell asleep in Yibo's arms. Yibo carefully carried him to the bedroom, laid him down, and pulled the sheets over him.
He sat beside him, watching over him.
"I'll try my best to help you forget this sorrow, gege," he murmured, waiting to see what would happen next.