Worst Nightmare

Chapter 2

Author's POV

After the heated discussion in Mr. Wang's room, no one brought up the topic of Yoko's marriage again. Kun was resolute, determined to keep that man far away from Yoko.

Meanwhile, Yoko and Lei Folk were cast in another drama together, much to the delight of their fans who had fallen in love with their on-screen chemistry in "First Snow." There was another significant reason for selecting Yoko: the new drama was about the legendary Queen Apsara-Yoko, making it a tribute to the illustrious Wang-Yi dynasty.

The entire family was thrilled about Yoko's casting in a drama that honored their heritage. Her popularity soared, bringing joy but also some unsettling attention.

Among her admirers were several stalkers, the most obsessive being a man named Jan. He constantly proclaimed that Yoko was in love with him, believing himself to be a reincarnated king and that they were lovers in a past life. Jan's delusions escalated to the point where he disrupted a fan sign event, loudly declaring his love for Yoko and traumatizing her in the process.

Initially, the incident led to heightened security measures for Yoko, but after a while, Jan ceased making videos and the situation seemed to cool down. However, the memory of that frightening encounter lingered, a stark reminder of the dark side of fame.

Before starting her shoot for the drama, Yoko immersed herself in every article and book about Queen Apsara-Yoko and the Wang-Yi dynasty. As she delved deeper into the Queen's story, Yoko grew increasingly agitated. The Queen's tragic fate, forced to marry a cruel Thai king and suffer through betrayal, struck a chord with Yoko. The unfairness of it all frustrated her.

Why must she be bound to the same fate? Why was it necessary for the Queen to endure such cruelty from a man who hurt not only her but his own people? The thought of being forced into a similar situation filled Yoko with despair.

Tears streamed down her face as she read the Queen's final words to the king:

"We've all felt unrequited love

I've just felt it more than most.

Maybe I'm guilty of loving too easily.

Maybe I'm guilty of caring too much.

But is there a thing?

Can a person be guilty of loving too easily?

Can a person be guilty of loving too much?

Guilt implies some crime, some form of offense

Who have I wronged?

Surely not myself

Surely not him...

Maybe my only true guilt is in thinking that one could ever really be 'guilty' of love at all.

Because even in this type of love - in this unrequited love - beauty prevails

Surely there is no guilt in beauty.

I love him...

He doesn't love me...

I know this...

But is this not still love?

Does the thought of him not still keep me up at night?

Is the thought of being with him still the one thing that gets me out of bed every morning?

Of course, it does.

Of course, it is.

I love him...

He doesn't love me...

But that doesn't negate the beauty of love...

For to love someone is like nothing else in life...