Can't let it go

The days following the gossip article were tense but eerily quiet. It was as if the office had been enveloped in a thick fog of unspoken words and lingering stares. Lu Xiao could feel the weight of everyone's curiosity pressing down on her. Whispers trailed behind her as she walked through the halls, but no one dared to speak to her directly.

She kept her head high, focusing on her work and refusing to let the rumors break her. But deep inside, the constant scrutiny was exhausting. She hated that her relationship with Lei Han—a bond built on trust, love, and mutual respect—was being reduced to fodder for office gossip.

Lei Han, as always, maintained his calm, composed demeanor. But Lu Xiao could see the tension in his jaw, the flicker of anger in his eyes whenever someone mentioned the scandal. He had made it clear to her that he wouldn't tolerate anyone disrespecting her, and she believed him. Still, the situation felt like a ticking time bomb.

---

Late one evening, as the office began to empty, Lei Han summoned Lu Xiao to his office.

"Close the door," he said when she stepped inside.

She complied, sitting across from him. His expression was grave, his fingers steepled as he leaned forward.

"There's something you need to know," he began, his voice steady but low.

Her heart sank. "What is it?"

"Our investigators found something," he said, sliding a folder across the desk to her. "Chen Wei is planning to leak more fabricated stories. He's trying to tarnish my reputation, and by extension, yours."

Lu Xiao opened the folder, her eyes scanning the documents inside. They contained screenshots of emails, false invoices, and manipulated photographs—all designed to paint her as an opportunist who had seduced Lei Han for personal gain.

Her hands trembled as she closed the folder. "This… this is disgusting," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lei Han reached across the desk, taking her hand in his. "I won't let this happen. I'm working on a plan to counteract it. But I need you to trust me and stay strong."

"I do trust you," she said, meeting his gaze. "But it's hard knowing someone is out there trying to ruin everything we've built."

His grip on her hand tightened. "Chen Wei thrives on fear and chaos. But he doesn't understand what we have, Lu Xiao. He doesn't understand that we're stronger together."

Her chest swelled with emotion at his words. "We'll get through this," she said firmly.

"We will," he agreed.

---

That night, Lei Han insisted on driving her home again. As they sat in the car, the city lights casting flickering shadows across their faces, Lu Xiao turned to him.

"Lei," she began, her voice hesitant, "what if the rumors get worse? What if people start believing them?"

He glanced at her, his eyes soft but resolute. "Let them believe what they want. The truth doesn't change, Lu Xiao. And the truth is that I love you. Nothing and no one can change that."

Her throat tightened, and she looked away, blinking back tears. "You always know what to say."

"It's the truth," he said simply.

---

When they reached her apartment, Lei Han walked her to the door. The cool night air nipped at their skin, but Lu Xiao barely felt it. All she could focus on was the man standing in front of her, his presence a source of comfort and strength.

"Promise me something," he said, his voice low.

"What?" she asked.

"No matter what happens, don't let Chen Wei or anyone else make you doubt yourself—or us."

She nodded, her heart full. "I promise."

He smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, Lu Xiao."

"Goodnight, Lei," she whispered, watching as he walked away.

---

Later that night, as Lu Xiao lay in bed, her mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. She knew the battle with Chen Wei was far from over, but she also knew she wasn't facing it alone. Lei Han's love and unwavering support gave her the strength to keep going, even when the odds seemed stacked against them.

She fell asleep with a renewed sense of determination. Whatever storms lay ahead, she was ready to face them—because some bonds were unbreakable.