Chapter Twenty-Five: Old Flames Rekindled?
Scene One: Silence in the Car and the Private Retreat
The car drove through the night for a long time before finally stopping. Sun gazed out the window and realized this was Qin Che’s private villa—the place she once knew well, a luxurious estate hidden on the city’s edge, far from the noise, filled with memories. She turned to look at Qin Che, her heart conflicted: “Here… why did you bring me here?” Qin Che didn’t answer right away. After getting out, he walked around to her side, opened the door, and took her wrist to lead her into the villa. Once the door closed, the indoor lights automatically lit up. The familiar decor made Sun’s heartbeat quicken—this place had once been their intimate battlefield, now like an old dream resurfacing.
Qin Che let go of her hand, turned to pour two glasses of wine, and handed one to her: “Let’s talk, Sun. You’ve changed these past few years.” His voice was low, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of hidden warmth. Sun took the glass, took a sip, and forced herself to stay calm: “Yes, I’ve changed. From a newcomer you once controlled to who I am now. Congratulations on your marriage, Director Qin. A corporate alliance sounds perfect.” Her tone carried sarcasm, her gaze cold and aloof, yet it couldn’t hide the inner turmoil.
Qin Che smiled, stepped closer, took her glass and set it aside: “Marriage? It’s just a front. A deal with a business partner to block family pressure. No feelings, no wedding.” Sun froze, memories flashing of the sensational news she’d seen at the hospital: “A front? Why didn’t you tell me? Oh right, we’d already cut contact. When I was overseas, you never reached out once.” Her voice held grievance and anger, her eyes slightly red.
Qin Che’s gaze darkened. He pinched her chin with one hand, forcing her to look up: “Cut contact? You were the one who left, Sun. I thought you needed space to grow, but you turned out like this—having quite the fun, huh? All those young guys, those wild nights—I know everything.” His tone carried jealousy and dominance. Sun’s heartbeat quickened