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CHAPTER 434
With her mind still buzzing with the echoes of the fashion show, Andromeda entered the house with a weariness that only a day filled with high-stakes creativity and relentless planning could bring.
She longed for a moment of respite, a brief reprieve from the demanding world she inhabited.
Her steps, a delicate ballet of grace and fatigue, led her straight to the bathroom, where she sought solace in the cool waters that washed away the remnants of the day.
As the refreshing droplets cascaded over her, revitalizing her spirit, Andromeda couldn't help but wonder where Liu Xueyi was amidst the tapestry of their busy lives.
She wondered when it became commonplace for their paths to cross like fleeting shadows, missing each other in the dance of their careers.
Andromeda brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and sighed softly, the weight of the day settling on her shoulders.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Andromeda cast a glance at the clock, her worry robes firmly draped around her. The hands seemed to mock her, as time slipped away with indifferent haste.
Her gaze wandered to the window of their shared bedroom. The room felt empty, devoid of the comforting presence of Liu Xueyi. Andromeda's sigh deepened, her heart yearning for his company.
The fashion contest, despite its grandeur and anticipation, hadn't unfolded as she had hoped.
Unexpected challenges had woven themselves into the fabric of her meticulously crafted plans.
Yet, Andromeda refused to dwell on the disappointments, knowing that tomorrow would bring another opportunity to showcase her creative prowess.
The second stage of the event promised a chance for each participant to create something magnificent on set, breathe life into their visions and captivate the world with their artistry.
Deciding that the best course of action was to find solace in a moment of repose, Andromeda settled herself in their bed.
She yearned for Liu Xueyi's arrival, to find comfort in the gentle caress of his fingers. Patience became her companion as she awaited his return, her mind oscillating between the iPad in her hand and the rhythmic ticking of the clock.
In the silence of the room, Andromeda let her thoughts wander. She knew that while their careers demanded their attention, they had built a love strong enough to weather any storm.
Thanks to that, she knew she needed to focus more on work.
A couple of minutes later, Liu Xueyi entered his bedroom, exhausted from a long day at work.
As he closed the door behind him, he noticed a soft glow emanating from the corner of the room.
Curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the source and found Andromeda, engrossed in her iPad, scrolling through fashion show details.
It was no surprise to Liu Xueyi to find her consumed by her favourite hobby and work, but tonight, he felt a need for solace and companionship more than ever.
Quietly, Liu Xueyi approached Andromeda and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, startling her in the process.
She turned her head, her deep blue eyes widening in surprise. A smile crept onto her face as she put her iPad aside.
"Liu Xueyi, you scared me," Andromeda enunciated, earning herself a smile from him. "How was your day, my love?"
Liu Xueyi sighed, sinking into the bed beside her. "It was...challenging, to say the least," he replied, weariness evident in his voice.
Andromeda sensed his distress and scooted closer, her slender fingers intertwining with his. "What happened, honey? You know you can always share your burdens with me."
Liu Xueyi hesitated for a moment. His gaze fixated on their intertwined hands.
"I was meaning to discuss it with you also. I know you are not telling me the truth. You worry about me but keeping things from me also put me in that state—worry."
Liu Xueyi averted his gaze. It was hard to look at her now.
Ever since he met Zheng Ying that day, he refused to tell her the details and the problem with his son so as not to disturb her.
"Liu Xueyi, if we are to build this relationship, you are going to have to trust me. I am here for you. Stop shouldering everything."
She took a pause, her shoulders slumping as her gaze lowered. "It's Zheng Ying, right?"
Liu Xueyi stiffened and then relaxed his shoulders.
Opening up about his emotions wasn't his strong suit, but Andromeda's unwavering support and love had always provided him with solace.
Taking a deep breath, he decided it was time to let the cat out of the bag.
"It's Zheng Ling," Liu Xueyi began, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's...he's not doing well, Andromeda."
Andromeda's eyes widened, a mix of concern and compassion reflecting in them. "What do you mean? Is he okay?"
Liu Xueyi shook his head, his voice filled with anguish. "No, he isn't. The doctors are doing everything they can for him. The cancer is just…"
A gasp escaped Andromeda's lips as tears welled up in her eyes. She reached out, cupping Liu Xueyi's face with her hands.
"Oh, my love, I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.
Liu Xueyi leaned into her touch, seeking comfort in her embrace. "I've been trying to hold it together, to be strong for my son," he admitted. "But it's tearing me apart, Andromeda. The fear, the uncertainty... I can't bear the thought of losing him when I just found him."
Andromeda held him tightly, her voice filled with determination. "We won't lose him, Liu Xueyi."
"I know but… I also know that I only just met him. But I have to admit, even if it feels like I am not ready, I do not want to see him suffer."
"And you won't. We'll fight this together; with every ounce of strength, we have. Zheng Ling is a fighter, just like you."
Her eyes held deep emotions in them, staring into his eyes, showing him her support.
Liu Xueyi nodded; his heart heavy yet filled with a glimmer of hope. Andromeda's unwavering care gave him the strength to face the challenges ahead.
"I was worried but you aren't alone. We would get through this together."
At that moment, he realized how fortunate he was to have her by his side, to share both the joys and the sorrows that life threw their way.
"I am really sorry I have been missing out on your big moments."
"No worries honey. I understand. Spend more time with your son and leave the rest to me."
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢