Bound By It (Xianwang)

Away From Me

"Ma, where is Wangji?" Wuxian asked, his voice filled with a mix of anxiety and urgency.

After receiving that text from Wangji, he had expected a follow-up call or message once he was on his way to Gusu. Wangji had mentioned there wouldn't be a signal in Gusu, so he had expected updates from him at least before he reached there. Did Wangji even know the way back home? Wuxian reassured himself that Wangji was old enough to make his own decisions and plan his journey properly... but the days were passing, and still, there was nothing.

He couldn't even call Wen Qing for help, as she had started her new job in another city, and with the engagement preparations nearing, he couldn't just ask Jiang Cheng to drop everything and go to Gusu to ensure he is there. It seemed like none of them knew about Wangji's departure—he hadn't mentioned a word to anyone. The sense of unease grew stronger by the day.

So, he finally called his mother, hoping she might have an answer.

"Wangji..." Mrs. Wei began hesitantly. She hadn't known where he'd gone either. The only clue had been a small note he left behind, which said, 'Sorry for all the trouble I caused you,'  Mr. Wei had already burned it, wanting no trace of it left behind. She couldn't tell Wuxian about the it, that would make him suspicious of their treatment of Wangji. She decided to go with the flow.

"He just left me a text that he was going to Gusu and then left, he didn't give ma a call." he said, wanting to know if there was any emergency for him to leave like that.

Her tone turned pitying, almost dramatic. "Oh, my dear, he didn't even bother to call you? People who truly love each other don't just leave without a word. He was rude, Wuxian. He just told us he was leaving and walked out, that's all. I even asked him to stay at least until the engagement but he didn't listen"

Wuxian felt his heart tighten. He couldn't believe what his mother was saying. "That's not like Wangji, Ma... I..."

"I know it hurts, A-Xian," she continued, her voice taking on a soothing, maternal tone. "You genuinely cared about him, but trust me, a mother knows what's best for her child. That boy never listened, never respected us. He did everything according to his own will. Ask your dad and uncle if you don't believe me. I really don't think he ever loved you."

"No... Ma, what are you saying?" Wuxian's voice trembled. He knew Wangji loved him; he had seen it in his eyes, felt it in every touch, every word.

"Do you not trust your mother, dear?" Mrs. Wei's voice quivered, an edge of hurt creeping in. "I gave birth to you, raised you, and now you stand by a man you've known for only a few months? He disrespected us, Wuxian, hurt your parents!"

"Wangji would never do that, Ma! He's so kind, so loving... he wouldn't," Wuxian insisted, struggling to keep his composure. "Why would he do that in the first place?"

"A-Xian," she sighed, her tone turning weary and resigned, "you can't know someone's true intentions in just a few months. People can pretend, wear masks... but eventually, their true face is revealed, just like Wangji's was."

"I... I can't believe..." Wuxian muttered, his mind reeling. The Wangji he married would never act like this.

"It's a mother's instinct, Wei Wuxian," she continued, her voice breaking as if she were on the verge of tears. "I tried to keep him away from you, but you... you wouldn't listen. Oh, if only my son used his brain for something more than just studying, he would see things clearly."

Wuxian felt torn, confusion and hurt swirling in his chest. He knew Wangji; he knew the depth of his love and sincerity. His heart ached, caught between the love he had for Wangji and the trust he was supposed to have in his parents.