The wind had picked up, whispering secrets through the streets as Ah Yan rode home from work.
The hum of his scooter was steady, but his senses were anything but.
Something was wrong.
He glanced over his shoulder for the third time in ten minutes.
Nothing.
Just cars, neon signs, the casual bustle of the evening crowd.
But that feeling hadn't left him since he pulled out of the garage.
He was being followed.
He knew if he was a dangerous person before loosing his memories, then whoever following him could hurt Yueyue too.
His fingers gripped the throttle tighter, and when the light turned green, he turned off his regular route and sped into the inner alleys, winding around the city like a shadow trying to outrun a darker one.
Though he couldn't remember his past, every cell in his body moved with a grace, a precision that only experience could build.
If there was one thing he knew—he had been trained for danger.
He weaved through side streets, slipping through narrow alleys, cutting through shortcuts only locals would know and changed directions multiple times.
A half-hour passed, then another.
He made random turns, circled neighborhoods, and changed lanes until his own reflection in shop windows surprised him.
Finally, he slowed.
Stillness.
---
It was nearly 9 p.m. when he pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex.
He parked, climbed the stairs, and quietly turned the key in the lock.
The apartment was dim, but warm.
There, curled up on the sofa in a fluffy pink throw, lay Lin Yue—fast asleep.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he stepped closer.
The TV was still on, casting a soft glow over her peaceful face.
She had clearly been waiting for him.
He knelt beside the sofa, resting on one knee.
Up close, he could see every detail of her face—like a delicate painting brought to life.
Her smooth skin, dewy and fair, looked soft enough to melt.
Her long lashes trembled slightly, as though caught in a dream.
Her lips, soft and naturally red, were slightly parted as she breathed evenly.
She's... beautiful.
Her face was small—palm-sized—and still full of youthful collagen. He found it hard to believe she was twenty.
If someone had told him she was a high school girl of sixteen or seventeen, he might've believed it.
How could anyone hurt her? How could her adoptive parents raise their hands against this face... this heart? They were monsters.
He didn't realize how long he'd been staring until her lashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Soft and bleary, she blinked at him.
"Ah Yan... you're back?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, husky from sleep.
"Yeah," he said gently.
She sat up, stretching like a sleepy kitten. "You must be hungry. Wait—I'll heat up dinner."
Before he could argue, she was already heading to the kitchen, tying up her messy bun with one hand.
He followed her, helping her plate the food and warm the soup.
They ate in comfortable silence, the clink of chopsticks the only sound between them.
Afterward, they washed the dishes together, shoulder to shoulder.
---
When they returned to the living room, Ah Yan pulled her gently into his lap.
He decided to tell her what's going on.
"Ah Yan?" she asked, looking up at him.
"I've... been feeling uneasy this week," he said, voice low.
She tilted her head. "Why?"
"I don't know. Just... this strange tension. Like something's going to happen. And today, I think I was being followed."
She tensed in his arms. "Followed?"
"I couldn't see anyone. But I felt it. I'm not saying this to scare you, Yueyue. I just... want you to be careful."
She nodded, eyes filled with concern.
"Promise me," he said, brushing his fingers through her hair, "if anything ever feels off—you call me. Or if you see anyone suspicious. Don't wait."
"I promise," she said softly.
There was silence for a moment. Then, as if pulled by gravity, their lips met.
The kiss started slow. Gentle. Exploring.
But it deepened quickly—desire laced with a silent ache they hadn't dared speak of until now.
She responded to him with equal passion, her arms wrapping around his neck.
Their breathing grew ragged, kisses more urgent.
Ah Yan lifted her gently, carrying her to her room.
The door closed behind them with a soft click.
---
That night, their bodies spoke louder than words.
Ah Yan kissed every inch of her with reverence, memorizing the shape of her, the way she trembled beneath his touch.
Their bodies spoke all the things their hearts had only whispered.
He held her like she was the only thing keeping him sane.
And she gave herself to him fully—without fear, without hesitation.
...
Morning light slipped through the curtains, casting golden ribbons across the bed.
Ah Yan woke first.
He turned slightly, eyes settling on Lin Yue beside him.
She was curled under the sheets, lips slightly parted in sleep, hair fanned out like silk.
He didn't move for several minutes.
Just watched her breathe.
Then he sighed quietly, kissed her forehead, and got up.
He padded to his own room, grabbed fresh clothes, and showered.
The scent of body wash and coffee soon mixed in the air as he made breakfast.
He was just plating the eggs when Lin Yue wandered in, rubbing her eyes.
"You're up early..." she said, voice drowsy.
He glanced at her, smiling. "Wash up—breakfast's ready."
She nodded, yawning as she shuffled to the bathroom.
They ate quietly.
---
Afterward, Ah Yan put on his helmet and turned to her at the door.
"Be safe and take care, okay?"
"I will. You too."
He then left disappearing down the stairs.
---
Moments after the door shut, Lin Yue turned toward the kitchen to clean up.
But suddenly—
Her stomach churned.
A strong wave of nausea surged up her throat.
She clamped a hand over her mouth and rushed to the bathroom.
She barely made it to the sink before vomiting violently.
Her knees buckled.
She sank to the floor, chest heaving.
What's wrong with me? I was fine last night...
She rested for a while on the couch, trying to breathe through the nausea.
But it hit again.
Three times.
By the fourth time, her whole body was trembling.
Drenched in cold sweat.
She sat in the living room, dazed and pale.
Her phone buzzed.
It was an unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Hi! Is this Lin Yue?"
"Yes..."
"It's me, Mo Yuwei. Do you remember me? I bought your painting last time."
Lin Yue sat up straighter. "Yes! I remember. Good morning."
"Morning! I was wondering, do you have any more paintings? I'd love to buy a few more. Your style is just... stunning!"
Lin Yue blinked. "I do have more."
"When are you free?"
"Anytime."
"Perfect!" There was a pause. "By the way... can I ask something? Don't be offended—but... how old are you?"
Lin Yue laughed. "Why?"
"Well, when we met, I thought you were still in high school. You looked so young. But I didn't want to pry."
"I'm twenty," Lin Yue said, chuckling. "I just haven't started university yet."
"Oh wow, I'm sorry! You really look like a teen. I was just curious."
They chatted a while longer before hanging up.
---
Thirty minutes later, she sat in the waiting area, heart pounding. She fiddled with her sleeves.
The nurse finally called her in.
Inside the consultation room, a friendly female doctor looked up from the files and smiled.
"Miss Lin Yue?"
"Yes."
"Please sit."
She sat.
The doctor closed the file slowly and looked at her.
"Congratulations. You're about two weeks pregnant."
Silence.
The words didn't register right away.
"Your body is very healthy, but you need to eat more balanced meals. Cut back on overly salty snacks. Drink more—"
"I'm... what?"
The doctor paused. "Pregnant. Two weeks along."
Lin Yue stared at her.
Her lips parted.
Her heartbeat roared in her ears.
Pregnant?
Pregnant?!
---