Love in the Midst of Mistaken Identities

Both of Li Manni’s hands circled tightly around Chu Lui’s elbows in the car. She seemed to be in shock with what had just happened.

“I’m sorry…” Chu Lui embraced Li Manni in his arms. If it wasn’t for him, she would not have met with such a danger. He could still see Xia Ruoxin’s hands around her neck. Up till now, he could not believe what he had just witnessed.

He touched the red bruises on Li Manni’s neck gently. “Is it painful?” He asked in an almost hoarse voice. He had long forgotten that he had nearly strangled another woman to death. It was true that one loved what one treasured. If one was not loved, that person would be damned.

Li Manni shook her head gently. “I’m fine. It’s not painful.” She leaned into Chu Lui’s arms. Her neck might have hurt, but she was feeling delighted in her heart.

“I’m sorry. It will never happen again.” He rested his hand on her head. He was unsure of the reason, but when he said that, his voice was hoarse.

“Lui, it’s alright. I don’t blame you. Truly. I know all men are…” At this point, she was unwilling to continue. No woman in the world would be that magnanimous when she realized her husband was spending time with his ex-wife. However, she would not be angry, jealous, or hateful. She would channel her thoughts in another direction.

She did not want to push him away even further. On the contrary, she wanted to distance him from her; but that did not mean forgiveness.

She could not be angry with him. However, for that woman, Li Manni would hate her with all her heart.

Chu Lui suddenly hugged Li Manni tighter. There would be no next time. He would end it. He had such a good wife and felt really remorseful. Not only had he committed adultery on a physical level, but he had almost allowed another woman to capture his heart.

That woman, Xia Ruoxin, was vicious, and yet—at the same time—she was also his poison. When he was torturing her, he realized he was also torturing himself. He wanted to end things with her, but he couldn’t bear to do it. Now that it had ended, he felt emptiness in his heart.

He had to do it because he had not forgotten that he was married to a wife. They would have a child in the future. As a man, he couldn’t let his wife live her life in danger and unease.

Xia Ruoxin, to them, was a danger.

The car started while he cast a look at the back. When he turned back, he was the same cold and ruthless Chu Lui. Li Manni noticed his depression and struggles. She lowered her head and tugged at her clothes. Searing pain tore her heart.

She must not lose him… or she would die.

The car finally departed. A faint sadness lingered in the air. One could not help but wonder whose emotions those were.

Xia Ruoxin stared as the car vanished from her sight, her eyes empty. She sat up slowly, rolling up her pants carefully. Her ankle was bruised and swollen. She clenched her fist as she tried hard to get on her feet. It was painful, but she tolerated it. No matter how painful it was, she had to put up with it. She limped her way back.

She had no car, only her legs. She had no one to care for her, but she had a daughter whom she could dote on.

Beads of cold sweat trickled from her forehead, and she wiped them off constantly. The sky was getting dark. She wondered if Rainy had missed her or was her daughter afraid.

Rainy was sitting alone at the steps. There was not a single strand of hair on her head. Nevertheless, she still looked beautiful. Her face was smaller, but that only emphasized her big eyes which resembled a black gemstone. They were gorgeous with a dash of navy blue in the black, like stars in the clear night sky. There was practically a whole galaxy in those eyes.

“Dolly, is Mommy coming back soon? I miss her. Do you?”

She hugged Dolly into her arms as she kept looking at the door, searching for her mother. When Xia Ruoxin was not present, Rainy would usually sit alone here and wait for her. She was waiting and looking for her mother.

Passers-by were curious about the bald child and stared at her. She was young but beautiful.

“Why is the child bald?” someone asked, unable to curb her curiosity.

A nurse standing at the side felt sad, and she replied softly, “This child has leukemia. It is difficult to treat, and she is very sick. She’s only three years old. Her hair fell after chemotherapy, but she’s very obedient and adorable.”

“Only three? How did she contract such a disease?” the voice asked again with pity. She could not help but sympathize with the bald child who was sitting on the steps. The child was indeed blessed with beautiful features. She would definitely grow up to be a gorgeous girl. However, would she have the chance to grow into an adult?

Rainy looked down while the others were gesturing at her. By now, she was sensitive enough to know what others were saying about her. She blinked her eyes as tears began to fall. However, she quickly wiped her tears from her face. If only her mother were here, she would not be so scared. Mommy knew magic. She would cure her, and she wouldn’t have to die. She could stay with her mother for a very long time.

“Rainy, it’s time for your injection.” The nurse squatted down beside her, gently touching her little bald head. However, she saw the tears on her tiny face. Her heart ached for the child. She had been crying again.

“Okay, Rainy. Auntie will bring you in for your injection. After you are done, your mother will be back.” She stood up and stretched her hand out to Rainy.

“Okay.” Rainy nodded her head. She placed her small hand into the nurse’s and followed her. However, she turned her head back for another glance. A cheerless look appeared in her eyes.

Mommy. Actually, Rainy was terrified of pain. Those injections hurt. Mommy, Rainy is afraid.

She sprawled on the bed, clutching tightly onto her doll as a layer of mist gathered in her eyes. Her small buttocks were already very swollen. Rainy bit on her lips as tears swirled in her eyes.

She looked up and saw Xia Ruoxin standing at the doorway. She was not sure when her mother had arrived.

“Mommy,” she called out softly and pouted because the needle had pricked into her butt cheek. She squirmed her body, but she did not cry or scream. She merely held her doll tightly.