"The Forced Bond" (Yizhan) Mpreg.

5

Bei embraced Zhan, her eyes filled with tears, her heart aching. She removed the top layer of her clothing and draped it over Zhan to cover him. Gently, she began leading him inside. Zhan's mother, her eyes red and her heart heavy with pain, stood nearby. Though she needed no confirmation, she knew Zhan's marriage had fallen apart yet again. With a broken voice, she said, "Take him to your house, Bei. Don't bring him in here-there are too many people who might figure out what happened. Anything could escalate from this. He needs solitude, and I need some peace of mind too."

Bei turned to her, concerned. "But what about you, Auntie? Uncle Wen is furious. What if he lashes out at you in front of everyone?"

"I'll be fine. Just go."

Without another word, Zhan's mother retreated indoors. She couldn't even bear to look at her son, overwhelmed by the heartbreak of his current state. Bei wrapped Zhan more securely and led him out. Outside, the crowd parted as they passed, their eyes full of curiosity and judgment. Meanwhile, Yibo's security team dragged Sen out to the second gate, giving him a brutal beating. His cries for mercy echoed, but the homeowner, Yibo, had already walked away, indifferent to the commotion. Seeing no intervention from their boss, the guards showed no restraint, pummeling Sen until someone rushed to inform Uncle Wen.

Uncle Wen hurried out, stumbling in his agitation, nearly falling as he reached the scene. He intervened, pulling Sen away from the guards. But Sen, his face bloodied and swollen, glared at Uncle Wen with defiance rather than remorse. Through gritted teeth, he spat, "This is all because of Zhan!" Then, without waiting for a response, he staggered to his car, clutching his aching side. He couldn't even start the car, his vision blurred and his face grotesquely swollen. Uncle Wen quickly called his son Jian, who came out to assist. Together, they helped Sen into the car, and Jian drove them to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Zhan had gone straight to his room upon arriving at Granny's sitting room. His red-rimmed eyes were closed, but he wasn't asleep...sleep was impossible after what had happened. He refused to see or speak to anyone, consumed by his thoughts. Bei, understanding his need for space, stayed in the living room. Letting out a heavy sigh, she sank into a chair, her own mind troubled.

Granny noticed and asked, "What happened? Why do you all look like this? Is everything okay?"

Bei didn't hold back, explaining everything that had transpired. She concluded with, "Uncle Wen blames Auntie for everything. She's in deep distress, and now it seems certain that Zhan's marriage has been called off....again."

Granny's expression darkened. "I've been praying for Zhan's happiness in this marriage, but maybe this is for the best. I only wish him a better future and a partner who will truly bring him joy."

Bei, clearly upset, nodded. Tears filled her eyes as she whispered, "I know Sen wasn't right for him, but after all the wedding preparations, it's heartbreaking to see Zhan's fifth engagement fall apart like this."

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That night, the atmosphere in Granny's house was heavy, almost funereal. Zhan lay on his bed, eyes shut, but his mind was racing. Of all his broken engagements, this one had been the most humiliating.

At Zhan's house, the mood was no better. The joy and excitement surrounding the wedding had been replaced with anxiety and sorrow. No one knew what the morning would bring-whether the marriage would proceed or be called off entirely.

Granny, always the voice of reason, called Zhan's mother to offer some comfort. She reminded her to stay hopeful and accept whatever fate had in store. "Whether the wedding happens or not, trust that it's for the best. Pray for clarity, and let's see what tomorrow brings."