Chapter 111 Chapter 111

Chapter 111 Chapter 111
Chapter 111

Tang’s POV

“Why did you call me that? Why did you even cling to me? We are not even dating!” I shouted at her the second Pavel walked away.

“I’m sorry, I can get a bit clingy sometimes,” she replied calmly.

“But why did your friend walk away like that? Do you two have an issue or something?”

“You can watch the movie by yourself. I’ll pay for the tickets,” I said, walking over to scan the QR code to make payment.

“I’m sorry if I did something wrong,” she muttered.

“Have fun.” I hurried out, desperately scanning the lobby in hopes of catching up with Pavel, but he was already gone. Could he have gone home?

I pulled out my phone to call him. That was when I saw the missed calls—he had tried to reach me multiple times. There was also a text from him, “Just meet me at the cinema, we’ll watch the movie together.”

If only I had checked my phone earlier, none of this would have happened.

I drove straight to Pavel's apartment. When I unlocked the door, my chest tightened. He was sitting all alone on the couch, tears staining his cheeks.

“Baby, I—”

“Please, don't.” He looked up at me, fresh tears spilling over. The sight of him looking so broken tore me apart. “Don’t add to my wounds, Tang. You’ve done enough.” His voice was barely a whisper, cracked and low. His eyes were red and swollen.

I sank to my knees, reaching out to hold his hands, but he slapped them away. “Go away... I don’t want to see you right now.”

“Please, just listen to me. I beg of you.”

“I don’t want to hear any more excuses. Just leave me alone, Tang. Go back to her. Clearly, I mean nothing to you.” He sobbed.

“Don’t say that! You mean the world to me… You have to believe me.”

“Believe you?” He let out a bitter, hollow laugh and stood up, trembling. “Ever since the holiday started, you’ve barely made time for me. I chose to understand. I told myself you were just working hard so we could have a good future, and I worked hard to focus on my own designs too. But I had no idea your busy schedule was actually just you spending quality time with her!”

I rushed forward and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, letting my own tears fall onto his shoulder.

“Get off me!” he cried, struggling against my grip. “I’m letting you go to her, so why can’t you just let me go?”

“Because I will break if you leave! Please, just hear me out… I have never cheated on you. I swear.”

He stopped struggling, but his shoulders slumped in defeat. “Fine. Let’s hear the lies. I guess I have nothing better to do anyway.” He sat back down on the couch, looking completely hollow.

“My mother has been dragging me to endless business meetings lately.”

He sighed, looking away. “Please, not that excuse again.”

“It’s the truth! But on top of that, she’s been suffocating me about getting a girlfriend. You know how moms can be... she’s obsessed with finding the 'perfect' daughter-in-law.”

“So you went and got one for her because you're ashamed of bringing me home to meet her, right?”

The accusation cut deep. I froze. “I never did that, and I am not ashamed of you. I told her I wanted to wait until after graduation before introducing you, but she completely blindsided me with Sophie today. I couldn't say no to her face, so I planned to slip away after twenty minutes to come find you.” I poured my heart out, explaining the truth as best as I could, but his empty expression told me my words weren't reaching him at all.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was my mom.

“If you don't believe me, then just listen to this,” I said, sliding the screen to answer and putting it on speaker.

“Tang! You left Sophie all by herself at the cinema? Who does that?!” my mom's voice boomed through the quiet apartment. She didn't even give me a chance to speak, but for once, I was incredibly glad she didn't. This was the only proof I had to make Pavel believe me.

“I will send some flowers and an apology letter to her,” my mom continued angrily. “You had better set up another date with her. Do you have any idea how influential her family is?”

Before I could say a word back, she hung up.

I looked at Pavel. “Do you believe me now? I will never be ashamed of you. I just want to do things the right way. Just give me a little more time, and as soon as I graduate, I will introduce you to her.”

He sniffled, crossing his arms. “Whatever.”

“Does that mean you forgive me?” I asked softly.

“No, I haven't forgiven you yet. What, are you going to force me to? You let another girl hold your arm.” He glared at me, but the fire was back in his eyes.

I couldn't help but smile, a wave of relief washing over me. “I'm yours alone, my love.”



I ended up making up a massive lie to my mom so I could spend the rest of the holiday dedicated entirely to Pavel. I stayed home, eager to run any errand he needed and doing whatever chores he threw my way. He was still giving me the cold shoulder, but I was determined to do my best to make it up to him.

At one point, he was sitting at his sewing machine, completely focused on his work. I leaned in to steal a kiss, but he pressed his fingers against my lips, pushing me back.

“Come on, love,” I pouted. “You won't let me touch you or make love to you... at least let me have a kiss.”

“I’m busy. I need to finish this outfit.”

I folded my arms, a frown pulling at my face. “Why do I feel like you're choosing this client over me? You've spent hours on this thing and haven't spared me a single second.”

Pavel slammed his scissors down on the table and glared at me. “Are you seriously saying that right now?”

I winced, quickly raising my hands. “Slip of the tongue! I totally deserved that. What can I help you with next? Should I start on dinner?”

“Yes. And don't forget we're meeting my parents tomorrow. You gave your word.”

“Of course, I won't back down.” I forced a smile, but deep down, my stomach did a flip. I was terrified. What if his family hated me? Pavel had mentioned his parents were divorced, but they were putting their differences aside to have dinner together just to meet me.

God, please save me tomorrow.

“Why are you still standing there? Go start cooking,” Pavel yelled, though there was a slight tug at the corner of his lips.

“On it!”

The next evening arrived in a flash. With dinner only an hour away, I was pacing around the room in a panic, completely lost on what to wear.

Pavel walked in and tossed a beautifully tailored outfit toward me. “Try this on.”

I caught it, blinking in surprise. “Okay... Let me guess, your client has the exact same physique as me? Though I'm sure he's not nearly as handsome.” I said while trying it on.

“You think so?” 

“Are you crushing on your client?” A sudden spark of jealousy flared up, but then I saw him break into a genuine, brilliant laugh. He looked so beautiful when he smiled like that.

“What if I told you he is incredibly handsome?” He teased, stepping closer.

“Huh?”

“And he's currently trying the outfit on right now.”

I froze, the pieces finally clicking in my head. He had been designing this for me the entire time I was busy being jealous.

I threw my arms around his waist and spun him around in the air. “You are the absolute best!”

“Do you like it?” he asked, adjusting the collar.

I nodded eagerly, looking down at the fabric. “I love the sleeves, and the black pants fit perfectly. Can I please kiss you as a reward now?”

“No!” he laughed, dodging out of my reach.

I pouted playfully, watching him walk away.

“I'm going to get dressed. My parents are already waiting,” he called out.

“What you're doing is so unfair,” I mumbled.

“I can hear you!”

I smiled to myself. “I'm just saying... I'm incredibly lucky to have you.”

Once we were both ready, we took a taxi to his dad's house. My heart was pounding against my ribs the whole ride.

When we pulled up, we walked to the front door and knocked. It swung open, and my jaw instantly dropped.

Standing there, smiling warmly, was Coach Bella.

Before I could even process why she was standing in the doorway of his dad's house, Pavel stepped forward. “Good evening, mom. I'm so glad you made it.”

WHAT?!

COACH BELLA IS PAVEL'S MOM?!