Zhan spent the entire day in his room, crying in deep distress. His face was swollen and red from all the tears. Eventually, Dai Jie called, and the moment he answered, Zhan broke down, unable to speak through his sobs. Alarmed, Dai Jie, who was with Granny, became deeply concerned. Both of them exchanged worried glances as Dai Jie gently asked, "Zhan, what's wrong? Why are you crying like this? What's happening?"
Through his tears, Zhan finally managed to explain everything to Dai Jie, ending with, "Dai Jie, please, I just want to come home. I can't take this anymore. How can I handle it all? The jealousy eating me alive because of Hannah, or the constant chaos that Mom Ella keeps stirring between Yibo and me? I can't do this. I need to leave because if I stay, they'll keep causing problems until a bigger fight breaks out. I don't want that..."
Dai Jie fell silent, not wanting to say anything too harsh in front of Granny and Bei, who were also in the room. Instead, she comforted Zhan, urging him to stay calm and not act impulsively.
After the call ended, no one spoke for a while. Finally, Dai Jie looked at Granny and tried to downplay the situation, saying, "It's nothing too serious; they'll work things out. Fights like this happen sometimes."
Granny didn't respond but instead picked up her phone and called Wang Dad. When he answered, she told him she needed to meet with him and his wife.
Dai Jie tried once more to ease Granny's temper, sensing her rising frustration. She stayed at the house until late afternoon. When Wang Dad and Mom Ella arrived, Dai Jie quietly excused herself with Bei, leaving the room to give them privacy.
Once they were alone, Granny didn't waste time. She looked at them directly and said, "I've told you before, Hannah needs to leave Yibo's house. You didn't listen, and now things are escalating. This constant turmoil is putting unnecessary stress on Zhan, and if you're not careful, something serious could happen.
"Ella, you were the one who pushed Hannah into this situation, trying to force her into Yibo's life, even though you were told that he's married and has no interest in anyone else. If this continues and it gets to the point where Zhan has to leave his home because of Hannah, I promise you it won't take a week before I have your husband here separating from you. You better focus on the mess you're creating and stop trying to force someone else's husband to abandon their spouse for your daughter."
Mom Ella was stunned by Granny's words, as if struck by lightning. She stared at Granny in shock, trying to comprehend if this was some kind of misunderstanding or the ramblings of old age. With a trembling voice, she asked, "Mother, what's this talk about divorce? How does a disagreement between Marshal and his husband concern me? Why would my marriage be dragged into this?"
Granny ignored her entirely and turned to Wang Dad. "You heard what I said, didn't you?"
Wang Dad nodded and replied, "Mother, it will be as you say."
"Take your wife and leave. I don't want to hear this conversation repeated."
As soon as they left the room, Mom Ella was furious. The mention of divorce had shaken her to her core, and seeing Wang Dad's obedient agreement with his mother made her realize there was no arguing against it. Her legs trembled as she made her way to her room. Once inside, she grabbed her phone and immediately called Hannah, her voice quivering with anger.
"Hannah, pack your things and leave that house right now!"
Startled, Hannah stared at her phone, confused by her mother's frantic tone. "Mom, what do you mean leave? I've just started enjoying myself here, and now that the household is in chaos, it's even more entertaining. I'm not going anywhere."
"What? I'm telling you to leave the house, and you're saying you won't? Listen carefully: your marriage to Marshal is now out of the question. Mother has threatened to make Yibo's Dad divorce me if you cause any more problems in Zhan and Yibo's marriage. Pack your things and leave, Hannah!"
Shocked, Hannah replied, "Mom, so what if you divorce Wang Dad? If I can get into Marshal's house, isn't it worth it? You've had your time-there's nothing left for you to lose. If your marriage ends so I can be happy, isn't that a fair trade? I'm not going anywhere, Mom, now that I'm finally seeing a chance to secure my future."
Mom Ella lost it, hurling insults and yelling at Hannah, who calmly ended the call, muttering to herself, "Mom's really starting to lose her grip."
Mom Ella, consumed by rage, felt like she was on the brink of madness. She couldn't calm down until Hannah left Yibo's house. Without hesitation, she called Yibo directly.
When Yibo saw her name on his phone, he hesitated to answer. He had no interest in dealing with more drama, especially since things between him and Zhan had been tense for days. They hadn't even been sleeping in the same room because of the ongoing conflict. Reluctantly, Yibo picked up the call.
Mom Ella immediately broke into tears, accusing Zhan of saying something to Granny that made her furious. "Granny is so upset that she forced Wang Dad to agree to my divorce if Hannah doesn't leave your house immediately! I don't know what Zhan told her, but I'm begging you-tell Hannah to leave before this situation spirals out of control!"
Yibo closed his eyes tightly, overwhelmed and unsure why everyone seemed to be in such turmoil-especially Zhan. Their separation was causing unbearable pain for both of them.
When Yibo returned home, he have no idea that Mom Ella had called Zhan again, pressuring him about Granny's decision. She went further, saying that even if Yibo didn't marry Hannah, she couldn't guarantee Yibo wouldn't an entra affair with anyone else in the future. The call left Zhan deeply distressed. He cried bitterly, unwilling to let Granny force Wang Dad to end their marriage, especially given their age and respect.
Feeling defeated, Zhan made the difficult decision to leave the house. He believed that his departure would ease the tension and allow everyone to calm down. If he left, perhaps Yibo would follow him, leaving Hannah behind. And if Yibo did, Zhan was sure Hannah would leave eventually, unable to endure the empty house without them. Besides, Zhan knew Yibo would prefer the baby to be born at home, not amidst this chaos.
When Yibo came home that evening, he didn't look for Zhan, fearing another argument about Hannah. Instead, he called Hannah and told her to pack her things, as the driver would take her back to her house. Hannah burst into tears, but Yibo hung up, throwing his phone onto the couch in frustration.
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Meanwhile, Zhan booked his ticket without informing Yibo. The night before his flight, Zhan went to Yibo's room. Yibo was sitting at his desk, working on his laptop. Zhan stood by the door for a moment before speaking. "I've booked a ticket. I'm leaving for China tomorrow."
The coldness of Zhan's words irritated Yibo, but he didn't even lift his head to look at him. With a clenched jaw, he simply said, "Safe travels."
Hurt by Yibo's indifference, Zhan turned and left the room, his heart burning with pain. Once in his room, he began packing his things, his tears falling silently as he prepared for the early morning flight.
The next morning, Yibo left for the office before Zhan woke up. He also made sure Hannah was picked up and taken back to her apartment, despite her tearful protests. Yibo made it clear to her that he felt nothing for her and only loved Zhan. Devastated, Hannah decided to leave the country. She bought a ticket to California to stay with her Mother's cousin, refusing to return to China.
At the journey to the airport, Zhan sat silently in a taxi, his eyes brimming with tears he tried to hold back. He already missed Yibo, even though he hadn't left the country yet. As the plane took off, Zhan closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face, unable to stop the pain of leaving the man he loved.
As Zhan's plane landed, he took a taxi home, his face swollen from all the crying during the flight. Exhausted from the journey and his advancing pregnancy, he felt unwell but managed to reach the house.
The security guards, recognizing him, hurriedly took his luggage and helped him to the second gate. Just then, Fang, who had come to deliver the night's meals to the guards, spotted Zhan. Overjoyed, she approached him with respect, took his suitcase and handbag, and greeted him warmly before leading him inside.
Granny and Bei were in the sitting room, chatting, when they noticed Fang pulling in the suitcase with Zhan walking behind, his face puffy with emotion. Bei quickly stood up to greet him and guided him to sit beside Granny, who was staring at him, as if about to rise herself.
Zhan hugged Granny tightly, tears streaming down his face as he forced a smile. "I've missed you, Granny. I hope you're all well?"
Granny placed a comforting hand on his head, smiling gently. "Welcome back, Zhan. Did you travel alone?"
Zhan didn't respond, avoiding Granny's eyes. Instead, he glanced at Bei, who greeted him kindly and offered to take him to her room so he could freshen up, have a meal, and rest.
Zhan nodded and stood up, following Bei to the her room. Meanwhile, Fang went to Zhan's old room to start tidying it up.
That night, Zhan slept deeply for the first time since the arguments with Yibo had begun. He hadn't realized how much he needed the rest.
By the time Zhan woke up in the afternoon, Dai Jie had arrived. Everyone was cheerful, celebrating his return, though no one dared mention the reason behind it. It was a silent agreement to avoid bringing up Yibo or the unresolved issues. Even Granny refrained from asking questions.
Two days passed quietly, but Zhan's sadness grew. He missed Yibo terribly and dreaded the thought of giving birth without him by his side. Every day, Zhan kept his phone close, hoping for a call or message from Yibo, but there was only silence. His attempts to stay composed eventually failed, and his sorrow became visible.
Granny, Bei, Dai Jie, and even Grandma made efforts to comfort and care for Zhan. They visited often and showered him with attention, knowing how much he was struggling. Despite their best efforts, Zhan's longing for Yibo continued to weigh heavily on him.
Zhan sat in Granny's sitting room, casually eating fruits while Bei was beside him on the phone with her husband. Granny sat nearby, nibbling on an apple that Dai Jie was cutting for her with care.
The scent of a familiar cologne filled Zhan's senses, one so unmistakable that even in his dreams, he'd recognize it. Slowly, he raised his head to glance at the door. His eyes landed on Yibo, who entered the room dressed in a sharp navy-blue Hermès outfit that highlighted his elegance and charisma. His face was calm, yet his presence commanded attention.
Yibo's eyes met Zhan's before he took a subtle breath and looked away. Only then did everyone notice his arrival, and a wave of joy and excitement filled the room as they warmly welcomed him.
Yibo didn't stay long, politely excusing himself after exchanging greetings. He headed to his quarters, freshly prepared for his arrival. There, he showered, ate a light meal, and finally found peace in sleep-comforted by the sight of Zhan, which had brought him unexpected calm.
Meanwhile, Zhan found himself overwhelmed by a sense of tranquility and longing after seeing Yibo. Their brief eye contact had spoken volumes, and Zhan couldn't shake the feeling of love and yearning he saw reflected in Yibo's gaze.
That night, Granny asked Bei to take Yibo his dinner, as he claimed he was too tired to come to the dining table. Though Zhan wanted to go, Granny insisted Bei handle it, knowing Yibo needed rest.
Left alone, Zhan spent the night lost in thought, imagining what Yibo might be doing. By morning, he was already up, freshly dressed and wearing his favorite cologne, but Yibo didn't show up for breakfast. Unable to hold back, Zhan finally asked Bei, "Is Yibo alright? He hasn't come out all morning."
Bei, smiling, replied, "Why don't you check on him yourself? I've done my part by delivering his food last night."
Her words only made Zhan more restless. After lunch, he decided to take Yibo his meal himself, but just as he was about to leave, Yibo walked into the sitting room. He was dressed casually in a sleek black Nike outfit that only emphasized his striking appearance.
Zhan froze, holding the basket of food, unable to look away as Yibo approached. Overcome with emotion, he set the basket down and moved toward Yibo, his eyes filled with longing. As he reached him, Zhan grabbed his hand, trying to speak, but Yibo gently pulled his hand away, avoiding eye contact as he attempted to walk past him.
Refusing to let him go, Zhan grabbed his hand again and stepped in front of him. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and kissed him, pressing their lips together in a way that left no room for doubt. It wasn't just a kiss-it was a plea, an apology, and a declaration of love all at once.
When Zhan finally pulled away, he whispered softly, "I'm sorry, husband."
Yibo said nothing, his silence speaking volumes. Zhan already knew he couldn't stay mad at him. Pulling Zhan into a hug, Yibo kissed him back, though their growing baby made it difficult for them to be as close as they wanted.
A sudden clearing of the throat startled them both. They turned to see Bei standing there, a teasing grin on her face. Zhan stepped back quickly, flustered, his face flushed with embarrassment as he stammered, "Where's Granny?"
Bei smirked and glanced at Yibo, who was trying to compose himself. "Granny came out earlier, saw what was happening in her sitting room, and decided to send me instead. She asked me to kindly remind you both that this is her sitting room, not your private space."
Zhan's eyes widened in shock and mortification. "You're joking, right?"
"Not at all," Bei said with a laugh. "So, before you blind Granny with your romantic displays, I suggest you both move somewhere else."
Yibo, now thoroughly embarrassed but maintaining his composure, motioned toward the dining room. "Let's eat," he said, his voice steady.
The two of them walked off together, trying to ignore Bei's laughter. That night, after dinner, they left Granny's quarters hand-in-hand. Though Yibo said a casual goodnight, Zhan couldn't shake the weight of embarrassment and kept quiet, too shy to say anything.
After greeting Wang Dad in his sitting room, where Mom Ella sat beside him stirring his fragrant tea, Zhan and Yibo excused themselves, not wanting to disturb his rest.
As soon as they closed the door, Yibo pulled Zhan into his arms, his fingers brushing lightly over Zhan's lips as he said, "I love you, hubby."
"I love you too," Zhan responded softly, his voice so delicate it made Yibo's heart flutter. Without wasting another moment, they retreated to Yibo's bedroom, where they immersed themselves in their love.
In the early hours of the morning, Zhan was struck by intense labor pains. Tears streamed down his face, overwhelmed by both the physical pain and the embarrassment of labor beginning so soon after spending the night together. He dreaded Granny knowing the cause of his sudden labor.
Yibo immediately called Granny, who rushed to their aid with Bei. Dai Jie also arrived to assist. Together, they took Zhan to the hospital, leaving Dai Jie behind to prepare breakfast for everyone.
Forty minutes later, the baby was out safely. Zhan, exhausted and pale, was moved to a recovery room, while Granny and the others were shown the healthy baby girl. She bore a striking resemblance to Yibo, with her only similarity to Zhan with her big beautiful eyes and small lips like Zhan's. The family was overjoyed and refused to leave the hospital until Zhan awoke from his deep, restful sleep.
When Zhan finally opened his eyes, he saw Yibo sitting on the couch, cradling their baby girl with so much love and tenderness it made Zhan smile. As Yibo noticed him awake, he moved closer, placing their daughter gently in Zhan's arms. Despite Dai Jie being in the room, Yibo didn't hesitate to lean in and plant a kiss on Zhan's forehead before Dai Jie leaving to give them some privacy.
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Three days later, they were discharged and returned home to find everything prepared for Zhan's postpartum period. Family members came to congratulate them, and Bei was ecstatic, unable to contain her joy. Granny gave their daughter the name Wang Xiao, and Grandma called her "Fated Daughter," a name that touched Zhan deeply.
Two weeks later, Dai Jie married Dr. Kuo, and the couple left for Hawaii, where Dr. Kuo had a short-term assignment. Shortly after, Bei departed for New York, leaving the household quieter with only Granny, Zhan, Yibo, and the new housekeeper.
Mom Ella, however, left for California, determined to confront Hannah over an issue that had been troubling her. After much drama and tears from both women, they returned home, seemingly reconciled. Hannah began considering suitors not because she wanted to marry but to avoid causing more trouble for herself.
When Wang Xiao turned three months old, Zhan and Yibo prepared to return to Hawaii for a fresh start. Life there was peaceful and filled with love, their bond growing even stronger.
A year later, Bei and her husband, Kai Xu, tried one last round of IVF after multiple failed attempts. Zhan, witnessing their struggles, proposed being a surrogate for them. Yibo, deeply moved by Zhan's selflessness, supported his decision. After extensive tests and preparations, the doctors confirmed Zhan was an excellent candidate for surrogacy.
When Zhan shared the news with Bei and Kai Xu, they were overwhelmed with emotion, crying tears of joy and gratitude. Shortly after, the embryos were successfully transferred to Zhan. Surprisingly, during a routine check-up, it was revealed that Zhan was already three weeks pregnant with his and Yibo's second child.
The doctors explained the risks of carrying both pregnancies simultaneously but allowed the couple to make the final decision. After careful consideration, Zhan decided to proceed with both pregnancies. Miraculously, all the babies thrived.
Zhan was now pregnant with three babies: twins for Bei and Kai Xu, and another child for himself and Yibo. Despite the doctors restricting his physical activities, nothing could hinder the love and affection Yibo showered on him daily. Their love remained unshaken, growing stronger with each challenge they overcame together.
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"Zhan-ge, please be careful," Yibo said as he noticed Zhan attempting to get out of bed. He quickly moved to his side, concern etched on his face. "What do you need? You know you're on bed rest until your pregnancy stabilizes."
Zhan frowned and replied, "I just wanted to pee. And for the record, I'm perfectly fine! I don't feel anything wrong. But no-you and Bei connived with the doctor to put me on bed rest. Heartless people, the lot of you."
Yibo chuckled as he bent down, lifting Zhan effortlessly. He carried him to the bathroom and waited until he was done before gently placing him back on the bed. "Bei Jie and Dai Jie are on their way here. When I leave for work, you'll need to behave and listen to whatever they tell you," Yibo said with a playful grin, especially after seeing the exaggerated pout Zhan gave him. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed Zhan's lips before sitting on the sofa to check his emails, waiting for Bei and Dai to arrive.
That night, they lay in bed, with Zhan nestled comfortably against Yibo after a cascade of kisses. Zhan cleared his throat and softly said, "Hubby, I have something to talk to you about."
"Mn, I'm all ears," Yibo replied, his attention fully on Zhan.
Zhan took a deep breath before explaining, "Bei, Dai Jie, and I have been discussing starting a small perfume business. You know how Mama and Dai Jie used to make local perfumes? Well, Bei and I also know how to craft them. We want to modernize the idea-create perfumes, fresheners, body mists, and more. It's for our future children, you know?"
"That's a wonderful idea, Zhan-ge. I'll definitely invest in it," Yibo said with a wide smile, leaning in to kiss Zhan's forehead.
"Only with 10% of my 40% share," Zhan quickly clarified, playfully smacking Yibo's chest. "Bei and Dai Jie would each get 30%. Hubby, you're already super-rich. Give us a chance to build something of our own, too!"
Yibo laughed and pulled Zhan closer. "Alright, I agree. But I'll buy the building for the business."
When Zhan started to protest, Yibo cut him off. "It's a gift for giving me our beautiful Xiao. You can't refuse, and that's final. Speaking of which, how is Bei doing with Xiao?"
Zhan rolled his eyes dramatically. "Can't you leave them alone for at least a few hours without checking on them every thirty minutes? For heaven's sake, they're in the next room, not on the other side of the world."
Yibo pouted. "Zhan-ge, I can't help it. I love Xiao so much..."
"And what about me?" Zhan asked, pretending to sulk. He even tried to wriggle out of Yibo's arms, but Yibo held him tight and laughed.
"Silly husband," Yibo teased, his voice full of affection. "The reason I love her so much is because you gave her to me."
Zhan refused to look at him, still feigning hurt. Yibo laughed again and hugged him tightly. "Ahh... Zhan-ge, Didi ai ni."
End...
Epilogue
13 Months Later.
The warm Hawaiian sun bathed the Wang family's sprawling beach house in golden light. Waves crashed gently against the shore, providing a soothing backdrop to the lively gathering inside. Laughter and chatter filled the air as the family celebrated a long-awaited milestone-the grand opening of their perfume company, Ethereal Essence.
Zhan stood near the patio, holding their youngest daughter, Jing, a radiant Six-month-old who clung to his shoulder. Dressed in a flowy white shirt and light blue slacks, Zhan looked every bit the proud father. His husband, Yibo, stood beside him, his arm resting protectively around Zhan's waist as he gazed out at the scene with a contented smile.
"Look at them," Zhan said, his voice soft and full of pride as he watched Bei and her husband, Kai Xu, cooing over their twin daughters, Yue and Xin. The twins, just as chubby and adorable as Jing, were sitting on a picnic blanket with Dai Jie and Dr. Kuo, who kept them entertained with colorful toys.
Yibo leaned in and kissed Zhan's temple. "We've done well, haven't we? Our little family keeps growing in every way."
Zhan chuckled. "Don't get too comfortable. If Jing ends up as spoiled as Xiao, I'll never hear the end of it."
Before Yibo could respond, Bei approached with a glass of sparkling juice in hand. "Zhan, stop hogging Yibo. We need him to give the toast," she teased, her eyes gleaming with happiness.
"Fine, fine," Zhan relented, handing Jing over to Bei. "Take care of your niece while I let this man steal the spotlight."
Yibo laughed, tugging Zhan along as he stepped up onto the deck where a small stage had been set for the occasion. The chatter gradually died down as all eyes turned to him.
"Thank you all for being here today," Yibo began, his deep voice carrying warmth and sincerity. "This celebration isn't just about the launch of Ethereal Essence. It's about family-our shared dreams, hard work, and the love that binds us together." He glanced at Zhan, his gaze softening. "Zhan-ge, Bei Jei and Dai Jie, this company is a testament to your passion and dedication. I'm so proud of what you've built."
The crowd erupted into applause, with Zhan blushing under the praise and Bei raising her glass in triumph.
As the toast ended, the party picked up again. Plates of tropical delicacies circulated, and the scent of freshly bloomed flowers mingled with the faint aroma of the perfumes they had created. Children giggled as they played by the pool, and the adults gathered in groups, sharing stories and laughter.
Later in the evening, Zhan found a quiet moment with Bei and Dai Jie by the edge of the deck, overlooking the ocean.
"We did it," Bei said, her voice filled with emotion. "I still can't believe this is real."
"It's real," Zhan replied, squeezing her hand. "And it's just the beginning. Imagine what the future holds for us."
Dai Jie smiled, a little misty-eyed. "To think this all started with Mama's local perfumes. She'd be so proud of us."
Their mother stepped in, holding a tray of baked cupcakes. "I am proud of you," she said warmly. Behind her, Grandma, Granny, and Wang Dad joined in, their faces lit with pride.
They all fell silent for a moment, letting the waves carry away their unspoken thoughts.
Behind them, Yibo approached with Jing in his arms, her sleepy head resting on his shoulder. "Alright, Zhan-ge, it's time for her bedtime-and probably yours too."
Zhan laughed, leaning into Yibo. "Fine, but only if you promise to save me some of that cake before you eat it all."
"Deal," Yibo said, kissing the top of his head.
Grandma suddenly looked at Zhan with wide eyes. "Zhan, are you pregnant again?" she asked, startling him.
Granny, Yibo's grandmother, stepped in. "Leave my boy alone! Look at those four beautiful children he's already blessed us with."
Grandma smiled, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I surrender," she said, laughing along with Wang Dad and the rest of the family.
The next day, as they gathered for lunch, Bei took Zhan's hand and squeezed it. "Zhan, you know you're not just my friend or brother-in-law. You're my brother, my savior. I will never thank you enough for what you've done for us. Thank you so much." Tears filled her eyes as she leaned in, kissed his cheek, and hugged him.
Yibo cleared his throat loudly, earning a glare from Bei. "Ah, Yibo, really? You can't be jealous of me!"
Kai Xu joined them, thanking Zhan repeatedly before leaning down to kiss his forehead. He hugged Zhan, winking at Yibo, who was busy feeding Jing her formula.
Yibo scowled from his seat. "Hey, enough hugging and kissing my husband!" he grumbled, causing the rest of the family to burst into laughter.
Zhan walked over to Yibo, leaning in to kiss him lightly on the lips. Glancing at their daughter in Yibo's lap, Zhan chuckled.
Yibo whispered, "Zhan-ge, is she glaring at us?"
Zhan smiled and whispered back, "She is. With clenched fists, no less."
Indeed, little Jing, already an expert at glaring like her father, was scowling at them. Her tiny fists were clenched, and it seemed as though it would take an army to make her smile.
In the guest room, Xiao was playing with Grandma and Granny. Yue and Xin were busy tugging at Wang Dad's face in the corner. Dai Jie and Dr. Kuo were chatting by the pool while Bei and Kai Xu flirted over their plates of food.
Zhan sat beside Yibo, leaning his head on his shoulder. Together, they looked out at their family-a vibrant, happy, and chaotic group bound by love and laughter.
As the Hawaiian sun set over the ocean, Zhan couldn't help but think how perfect life was. They had built something beautiful, not just in their business but in their family. And in that moment, he knew they had a lifetime of joy, challenges, and love still ahead.
And me the Author says enough for this. 😄
Take care and be safe my dear friends. Lots of love. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛