Can't let it go

The morning sun filtered through the blinds in Lu Xiao's office, casting long shadows across her desk. The weight of the past few days lingered in her chest, but she pushed it aside, focusing on her work. Yet, her thoughts kept drifting to Lei Han. The intensity in his eyes, the protective edge in his voice—everything about him seemed to pull her in deeper, even as the danger around them grew.

She was about to take a sip of her tea when Clara walked in, shutting the door behind her.

"Lu Xiao," Clara began, her voice low and urgent, "there's something you should know."

"What is it?" Lu Xiao asked, setting her cup down.

Clara hesitated, her expression serious. "There are rumors circulating—about you and Lei Han. Some people are saying you're… involved."

Lu Xiao's heart sank. She had expected whispers, but hearing it confirmed made her chest tighten. "Who's saying this?"

"I don't know exactly, but Chen Wei's name has been mentioned. Be careful, Lu Xiao. You know how ruthless he can be."

Lu Xiao nodded, her mind racing. "Thanks, Clara. I'll handle it."

---

By midday, Lu Xiao found herself summoned to Lei Han's office. The tension in the air was almost tangible as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

Lei Han stood by the window, his back to her, his hands clasped behind him. When he turned, his expression was unreadable.

"Lu Xiao," he began, his voice steady, "I've heard the rumors."

Her stomach twisted, but she met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "I can handle it, Lei. People will always talk."

"This isn't just talk," he said, walking closer. "Chen Wei is using it to sow discord. He's trying to undermine us."

"Then let him try," she said firmly. "I won't let him dictate how I live my life—or how I feel about you."

His eyes softened at her words, and for a moment, the weight on his shoulders seemed to lighten. "You're incredible, you know that?"

Lu Xiao smiled faintly. "I just know what's important. And that's us."

---

Later that evening, as the office emptied and the city outside came alive with lights, Lei Han and Lu Xiao sat across from each other in the privacy of his office. They spoke in hushed tones, strategizing about how to handle Chen Wei's next moves.

"I've instructed security to keep a close watch," Lei Han said. "But I want you to be extra cautious, especially when you're alone."

Lu Xiao frowned. "I don't want to live in fear, Lei. That's exactly what Chen Wei wants."

"And I don't want to lose you," he countered, his voice filled with quiet desperation.

She reached across the desk, her hand covering his. "You won't. We'll face this together, remember?"

His fingers tightened around hers, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away.

---

As she left the office that night, the cool night air greeted her, and she pulled her coat tighter around herself. She felt a presence nearby and turned her head sharply. A shadowy figure lingered by the corner of the building, watching her.

Her pulse quickened, but she kept walking, determined not to show fear. When she reached the main road, the figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving her with a lingering sense of unease.

When she got home, her phone buzzed with a message from Lei Han.

Are you safe?

She typed back quickly. Yes, but I think someone was following me.

His reply came almost immediately. Stay inside. I'm sending someone over to watch your building.

Lu Xiao sighed, staring out the window of her apartment. The city lights twinkled below, but the sense of safety they usually brought was gone. She knew the storm was brewing, and this was only the beginning.