Fleeting Hearts | YIZHAN FF

34

As Zhan stood there in shock, hearing Yibo’s warm voice say, “Welcome home, darling,” he felt a wave of relief and disbelief. He barely registered his own movements as he practically threw himself into Yibo’s arms, clinging tightly as though he might disappear if he let go.

“Yibo… I missed you so much,” Zhan whispered, his voice wavering with emotion. He hugged him fiercely, taking in Yibo's familiar warmth and feeling as if everything he had been through was suddenly worth it.

Yibo held him just as tightly, pressing a reassuring kiss to his temple. He motioned to his main guard to leave them, and his guard nodded, taking the others with him out of the mansion. Once they were alone, Yibo gently led Zhan to the sofa and helped him sit down, but as he was about to get up to bring food, Zhan tightened his grip on his hand, not wanting him to go.

“I’m just going to get you something to eat, Zhan. I’m not leaving you, I promise.” Yibo’s voice was calm and reassuring.

Reluctantly, Zhan nodded, finally letting go. True to his word, Yibo returned with a small tray and set it down in front of Zhan. Zhan tried to ask questions, but Yibo simply watched him with a patient smile, waiting until he had eaten every last bit on the plate.

Once Zhan was done, he looked up expectantly, as if waiting for the answers he had been desperate to hear. Yibo set the plate aside and leaned close, pulling Zhan into a gentle embrace before brushing his lips softly over Zhan’s. They stayed like that for a few heartbeats, letting the moment sink in, before Zhan pulled back, his questions rushing to the surface.

“Yibo, why did you have to kidnap me?” Zhan asked, looking into his eyes with both relief and confusion. “I mean, I’m glad… but why?”

Yibo held his gaze, his expression serious. “I had to protect you, Zhan. I couldn’t stand by and let Bowen and your family force you into something you didn’t want.” He paused, gently brushing a hand over Zhan’s cheek. “The truth is… there’s a tracking device in your phone. I put it there so I could hear what was going on around you. Every time Bowen lied or manipulated the situation to make me look bad, I knew.”

Zhan’s eyes widened in surprise, taking in Yibo’s words with a mixture of shock and relief. “You… you were listening the whole time?” he murmured, stunned by the realization.

Yibo nodded, his gaze steady and resolute. “I couldn’t let you face it alone. When I heard about the engagement, I knew I had to act fast.” His expression softened as he reached out, holding Zhan close again. “I’ve always been watching out for you, Zhan. I just didn’t expect things to escalate this way.”

Zhan felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing Yibo had been protecting him all along. The betrayal he’d felt from his family and Bowen was still painful, but Yibo’s presence made him feel safe, as though he wasn’t facing it alone anymore. He looked up at Yibo, a soft smile breaking through his sadness as he whispered, “Thank you… for everything.”

Yibo pulled him closer, his lips brushing over Zhan’s forehead. “I would do anything for you. You’re safe here. I promise you, no one will come between us.”

As Zhan leaned into Yibo’s embrace, he felt a new strength growing within him, knowing he had someone by his side who truly understood and cared. For the first time in days, the fear and confusion faded, replaced by a renewed hope as he clung to Yibo, feeling truly safe and loved.

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In the grand hall of a mansion, the atmosphere was tense, filled with a thick silence until a sudden crash shattered it. A man had hurled a glass to the floor, sending shards scattering. The sound echoed, and everyone in the room flinched, turning to look at the furious figure before them, fear evident in their wide eyes.