Can't let it go

The soft morning light streamed through the curtains of Lu Xiao's bedroom, casting a golden hue across the room. She stirred slightly, her body nestled against Lei Han's. For a moment, she let herself remain in the warmth of his embrace, the events of the night before replaying in her mind like a dream she never wanted to wake from.

Lei Han's arm tightened around her, pulling her closer. His deep voice, still laced with sleep, broke the silence. "Good morning."

Lu Xiao turned her head to look at him, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Good morning."

He leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded, her cheeks flushing. "Better than I have in a long time."

His smile was soft, almost boyish, as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "I meant what I said last night, Lu Xiao. I love you. And I'll do everything in my power to protect you."

Her chest tightened at his words. "I believe you, Lei. I really do. But…" She hesitated, biting her lip.

"But?" he prompted gently, his brows furrowing slightly.

"It's just… everything feels so fragile right now. With Chen Wei, the company, and whatever else you're dealing with. I'm scared that this—" she gestured between them, "—will get caught in the middle."

Lei Han propped himself up on one elbow, his expression serious but tender. "Lu Xiao, what we have isn't fragile. It's stronger than anything Chen Wei or anyone else can throw at us. But I need you to trust me and let me handle things my way."

She nodded, though her worries lingered. "I trust you, Lei. I just wish I could do more to help."

"You're already helping more than you know," he said, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

---

By the time they got up and dressed, the weight of reality had started to creep back in. Lei Han's phone buzzed incessantly with messages, and Lu Xiao knew he would have to leave soon.

As they stood by the door, Lei Han pulled her into a tight embrace. "Stay safe today," he murmured.

"You too," she replied, her arms wrapped around him.

He kissed her one last time before stepping out the door, leaving Lu Xiao with a mixture of warmth and unease.

---

At the office, the day began as usual, but the air felt charged. Lu Xiao noticed the glances from her colleagues, the whispered conversations that stopped when she walked by.

Clara approached her mid-morning, her expression curious. "You okay, Lu Xiao? You seem… distracted."

"I'm fine," Lu Xiao replied quickly, though she could tell Clara wasn't convinced.

"You know, if there's anything going on, you can talk to me," Clara said, her tone gentle.

"Thanks, Clara," Lu Xiao said, offering a small smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

---

By lunchtime, Lei Han called her into his office. His usual composed demeanor was intact, but she could sense the tension beneath it.

"Close the door," he said as she entered.

She complied, sitting across from him. "Is something wrong?"

He hesitated, his fingers drumming against the desk. "There's been some movement on Chen Wei's side. Nothing definitive yet, but it's enough to warrant caution."

"What should I do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the knot forming in her stomach.

"For now, just stay alert," he said. "And if Chen Wei tries to approach you again, let me know immediately."

Lu Xiao nodded, her resolve hardening. "I will. And Lei… I meant what I said last night. I'm not going anywhere."

A flicker of emotion crossed his face, and he reached out to take her hand. "Neither am I."

---

As the day wore on, Lu Xiao couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming. Chen Wei's shadow loomed larger than ever, and she knew that their newfound happiness would soon be tested.

But as she looked at Lei Han from across the room, his presence a steadying force in the chaos, she reminded herself of his words: "What we have isn't fragile."

She would hold onto that truth, no matter what lay ahead.