The Substitute Bride - Yizhan

Chapter Twenty-Two 💐

Zhan felt a soft tap on his shoulder that woke him from sleep. When he opened his eyes, Yibo was there, staring at him. His face, darkened by a freshly grown beard, resembled a slate that had been wiped clean. There wasn't a hint of anger or blame on his face. Not even curiosity. Just deadly, deadpan politeness.

"Yibo?" he said groggily. What time is it? Did he just come back now from last night?

Yibo turned and headed to the window. Zhan followed him with his gaze as he drew the curtain aside, allowing the bright sunlight to flood the room. Zhan shielded his eyes with his hand.

As Yibo walked back toward him, he noticed that Yibo was already dressed in fresh clothes, and his slightly damp hair indicated that he had just taken a shower.

"W-what time is it?"

"Quarter past ten," Yibo answered, in a voice that was as emotionless as his face. "I didn't want to wake you, but we'll be late for our flight to Gusu Island." Yibo stepped toward their luggage and began organizing them.

"Gusu Island," Zhan murmured as he got up. He was surprised that Yibo was still up for their trip after what happened last night.

"Our flight is at noon. We might get stuck in traffic. You overslept."

"Y-yes," he replied. He had only fallen asleep at dawn, that was why he woke up late. Honestly, it felt like he had just gone to bed. But there's no way he was going to tell Yibo that.

"While you're getting ready, I'll call room service for your breakfast." Yibo didn't look at him as he spoke, focused on what he was doing. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"I-I'm not hungry." It was too late to take back what he had said. Zhan felt churlish. It was impossible for Yibo to believe that he wasn't hungry, especially since he hadn't had dinner last night. He quickly added, "But coffee and toast would be fine."

Expression flared into Yibo's eyes. Yibo gave him a discerning look.

Zhan avoided his gaze, getting up from the bed and making his way to the bathroom. He fiddled with the water temperature, took off his clothes, and stepped into the shower. He just stood there, letting the warm water pour over him.

What will happen to the two of them now?

Will they always be this cold to each other in the coming days, as if they were strangers?

Is he the one to blame?

A tear rolled down his cheek, mixing with the warm water from the shower that cascaded over his body.

💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️

As he stepped out of the bathroom, Yibo was standing in the middle of the room, looking like he was waiting for him. He was holding his jacket in one hand and suitcase in the other. Zhan also noticed that breakfast had been delivered. On a rolling tray were steaming coffee, fresh orange juice, scones with what looked like almond nuts, and a slice of papaya. His stomach growled with hunger.

"We still have time," Yibo said, likely noticing the way Zhan was eyeing the food.

"You can still have breakfast. I'll wait for you in the lobby and have the porter bring the rest of our luggage." After saying this, Yibo turned his back again.