Love is a mistake that cannot be escaped

Gu Yichen grasped my hand; his palm was warm and dry, yet it conveyed a tremor that I couldn't ignore.

"We'll be alright." He said firmly, but his eyes betrayed his weariness.

Du Yue's incident was like a bomb, shattering the once peaceful surface of the Gu family.

Grandpa Gu looked much older overnight. Although he didn't directly blame me, his gaze towards me was more complex and scrutinizing.

I know he's blaming me, blaming me for getting involved in this scandal with the Gu family.

At the family meeting, Gu Yichen publicly announced that he would recover all of Du Yue's assets and shares and sever his mother-son relationship with her.

His tone was cold and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

"Yichen, what have you done to the Gu family's reputation?" An elder stepped forward, his words filled with displeasure.

"The Gu family's reputation has been ruined by people like this!"

Gu Yichen slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. He looked around, his eyes sharp, "I'm making this clear today: anyone who dares to protect Du Yue again is my enemy!"

The atmosphere in the meeting room was extremely tense, and no one dared to utter a word of rebuttal.

I sat in the corner, watching Gu Yichen fight against his entire family for my sake, and I felt a mix of emotions.

Finally, Mr. Gu waved wearily and adjourned the meeting.

He kept Gu Yichen behind alone. I don't know what they talked about, but when Gu Yichen came out, his face was even more gloomy.

"What's wrong?" I asked worriedly.

"It's nothing, just some family matters." He forced a smile, trying to hide his inner turmoil.

“Yichen, let’s leave here.” I suddenly grabbed his hand, my gaze resolute. “Let’s go somewhere where no one knows us and start over.”

He gripped my hand tightly, his eyes filled with struggle and exhaustion. "Yan Yan, you know this is impossible. I can't just leave like this."

I know he's telling the truth. The Gu family and the Gu Group are like two mountains, weighing heavily on his shoulders. And I don't want to be the last straw that breaks the camel's back.

“Mingxuan said we can go to the south. He knows a friend who opened a studio there. We can…” My voice trailed off and eventually disappeared into the air.

“Yan Yan,” he interrupted me, his tone gentle yet firm, “believe me, I will handle all of this and give you a future.”

I forced a smile, but a bitter feeling welled up inside me.

The future—what a wonderful word! But where is our future?

That night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in bed, my mind replaying everything that had happened in the past few days—confusion, anxiety, worry—a jumble of emotions that made it hard to breathe. I got up, put on my coat, and quietly left the room.

The villa was quiet, except for the light in the study.

I walked over as if possessed, gently pushed open the door, and saw Gu Yichen standing by the window with his back to me, seemingly lost in thought.

“Yichen…” I called him softly.

He turned around, saw me, and a look of surprise crossed his face. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

“I…” I opened my mouth, but didn’t know what to say.

Just then, I heard a deep voice coming from the next room. It was Old Master Gu's voice: "Yichen, I know you're not feeling well, but you must understand that you carry the hopes of the entire family on your shoulders..."

I held my breath and instinctively hid behind the curtains.

"Grandpa, I know."

Gu Yichen's voice was a little hoarse, "I will not give up the Gu family, nor will I give up..."

His voice grew softer and softer, and I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I could feel the heaviness and helplessness in his tone.

At that moment, I suddenly realized that taking care of the family was not just a responsibility for him, but also an inseparable bond.

I covered my mouth to prevent myself from making any sound.

Every word Grandpa Gu said pierced my heart like a needle. I finally understood that there was an insurmountable chasm between us.

I love him, so I can't selfishly confine him to my world.

Back in my room, I turned on my computer and began writing a letter. Each word I typed was soaked with tears.

I told him I understood his difficulties and believed he would handle everything. I chose to leave so he wouldn't have any worries, and also so I could find my own place in the world.

It was past midnight when I finished writing the letter. I packed my simple luggage, took one last look at this place that held countless memories for him and me, and then left without looking back.

I don't know how Gu Yichen will react after seeing the letter, but I believe he will understand my choice. Leaving him was the hardest decision of my life, but I believe time will heal everything.

I came to the South alone, to this unfamiliar city, where I felt neither his presence nor his familiar face.

I rented a small apartment and started trying to live independently.

During the day, I go to the library to study and prepare for my doctoral entrance exam; at night, I work at a coffee shop to keep myself busy and avoid thinking about him.

Life was tough, but I didn't give up. I told myself, Fu Yan, you can do it, you must live well!

A month later, I received an email from University A: I was accepted! I jumped for joy; it was the best news I'd received since leaving him. I knew that a new chapter was about to begin in my life, and he, too, would have his own wonderful future.

That day, I finished my work at the coffee shop and was walking home.

Suddenly, a black sedan stopped in front of me, the door opened, and a familiar figure stepped out...