Chapter 13
After gossiping about Zhou Zeyu all night, it was more than a little awkward when the man himself suddenly showed up.
"Am I too late?" Zhou Zeyu strolled in as if nothing had happened, completely unfazed.
"It's already over," the class president replied a bit stiffly.
"Sorry, I had something to deal with."
"It's alright. We'll gather again another time," the class president said flatly.
Once upon a time, he might've invited Zhou Zeyu to stay longer, to chat a bit, maybe even head to another venue. But not now. Not after everything people had heard.
No one encouraged him to stay.
Zhou Zeyu didn't protest. He simply stood there as classmates quickly made their excuses and left.
I didn't drive that night since I'd had a bit to drink. I stood by the curb, waiting for a taxi.
A car window rolled down beside me.
"I'll give you a ride," Zhou Zeyu offered.
"No need." I rejected him immediately.
"Come on, it's on the way."
"I said no." My voice was firmer.
With a sigh, he pulled his car over and got out, walking up to me.
I ignored him.
"You've probably heard by now… about how I was fooled by Lin Yaqi," Zhou Zeyu said, trying to sound casual.
"I did," I replied, making no effort to hide my amusement. "It's hard not to. Pretty hilarious, actually."
"I officially divorced her today," he added, looking at me like he was waiting for a reaction.
I gave him none.
It didn't matter. None of it had anything to do with me anymore.
"Last time… I wasn't sincere enough." His tone dropped, quieter now. "The truth is, I've regretted everything for a long time. I just didn't have the courage to come and beg you properly."
I looked at him and burst into a cold, ironic smile.
"What? Lost your pride now that no one else wants you? Aren't you supposed to be the 'irreplaceable' prodigal son? Isn't that how the story goes?"
"Shen Xi, I admit I said some awful things before. But I never meant to hurt you. I just... didn't know how to make you come back to me. That's why I used reverse psychology," he said helplessly.
"Well, thank you for that. Your little 'reverse psychology' worked perfectly—now I find you even more disgusting."
Zhou Zeyu's face twisted between red and pale, embarrassment and anger warring on his features.
He took a breath and said softly, "Shen Xi, I'm sorry. I really am. I was wrong. I swear I'll never hurt you again. Let's start over. You, me, and our son—we can be a family again."
A family?
The audacity of this man.
As if everything he'd done could just be erased with a few words.
As if I'd been waiting around, desperate for his apology.
As if I was the one who ruined our home.
And still, he dared to say,
"Come home with me."