Chapter 49 – The Secrets Mo Chen Buried
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Night wrapped around City A like velvet, but inside Mo Chen's study, the silence was brittle—ready to crack.
Bai Xueqing sat on the couch, her fingers laced tightly together. Mo Chen stood by the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink he wouldn't touch.
Finally, he said, "I wasn't always the man you know now."
She tilted her head. "That much is clear. But I need to know what you're hiding. About her. About us."
He stared into the amber liquid, as if answers swam in its depths.
"In our past life," he began slowly, "I was engaged to Lu Yiran."
Xueqing's breath hitched. "You what?"
"It was political," he said quickly. "Arranged by our families before I ever met you. I didn't care for her, but I didn't fight it either… until you came along."
She rose to her feet, eyes sharp. "So when I was fighting to protect the Bai name, you were playing dutiful fiancé?"
"No!" His voice rose. "Once I met you, everything changed. I broke it off with Lu Yiran. That's what sparked her descent."
"She tried to kill me."
"I know." His voice cracked. "And she failed. But not before... she made you doubt me. And in that moment—just that moment—I hesitated."
Xueqing's hands curled into fists. "You let me die alone."
"I came back for you," he said desperately. "But I was too late. I held your body in my arms, swore to the heavens I'd never fail you again."
Her lip trembled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because if I did," he whispered, stepping forward, "I was afraid I'd lose you all over again."
Silence fell between them.
Then she turned her back. "You say you love me. Then prove it."
"How?"
"Help me destroy her. No more holding back. No more secrets. I want her erased from every shadow she hides in."
He stepped behind her, close but not touching. "Then we go to war."
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Later that night, Xueqing stood alone on the balcony, watching the stars blink overhead.
Somewhere out there, Lu Yiran was plotting her next move.
But Bai Xueqing had just declared war.
And this time, she wasn't fighting alone.