Wang's Pov.
Morning came faster than I expected. I lay awake, watching Zhan sleep peacefully beside me, his hand still curled around my shirt as if he were afraid I'd disappear.
I smiled to myself. He worried too much.
Carefully, I slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. I had a few things to handle before our flight. Ji Li was already up, making breakfast, while Grandma sat on the couch with Mia curled up beside her.
"You're up early," Ji Li noted, flipping an egg.
"Got things to do," I muttered, grabbing my phone.
I stepped outside to make a call. Dre picked up on the first ring.
"You guys still good?" he asked.
"Yeah. Everything set for tonight?"
"Of course. Your flight is locked in. Just make sure you're at the airport on time."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I sent all of Black's money back last night."
Dre let out a low whistle. "Damn. You're really done with this place, huh?"
"More than done."
There was silence for a moment before Dre chuckled. "You really love that boy, don't you?"
I smirked. "What gave it away?"
"The way you're throwing away millions like it's pocket change."
I leaned against the railing, staring at the sunrise. "Money means nothing if I can't live freely with Zhan."
Dre hummed in agreement. "Then get the hell outta here before anyone realizes what's happening."
"I intend to."
Ending the call, I took a deep breath. Tonight, we'd be gone.
I went back inside, and as if sensing my presence, Zhan stirred awake, his eyes meeting mine immediately.
"Good morning, gorgeous," he smiles.
"Good morning, heartthrob," I reply, grinning back.
"I'll be right back," I say, grabbing my keys. "I need to take care of a few things and pay my dad's soldiers."
Zhan grins. "Alright, don't take too long. Bye!"
I give him a small smile before heading out.
An hour later, I return, stepping inside to find him still waiting for me.
We spent the day lounging, chatting, and enjoying each other's company, the air filled with laughter and easy conversation.
"Have you been to Canada before?" Mia asks out of the blue, her excitement evident.
"A couple of times," I reply, a nostalgic smile tugging at my lips.
"I can't wait to see it," she says, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I chuckle, imagining the adventures that await her.
"I'm sure you'll love it," I say, smiling back at Mia. "Canada's beautiful. The people, the scenery... there's so much to explore."
Mia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I can't wait to get there! It's going to be so different from here."
I chuckled. "Yeah, it's a whole different world. But it's also peaceful and calming. You'll fit right in."
Zhan leaned against the couch, watching me with a fond smile. "You make it sound like paradise."
"It kind of is," I said, my eyes meeting his. "Especially with you by my side."
Zhan's smile deepened, his hand sliding into mine.
"Do you think we'll find peace there?" he asked softly.
I squeezed his hand, my heart swelling. "I know we will. We're starting a new life, together. Nothing else matters."
Mia looked at us, her face scrunching up in thought. "I'm happy for you two. I've never seen Zhan this happy before."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Really? Not even when he used to smile all the time back here?"
Mia shrugged. "That was different. He wasn't... well, he wasn't himself. But now, now I can see it. The real Zhan. The one he's always meant to be."
My chest tightened with affection for Zhan. "I'm glad you see it too."
Zhan rested his head on my shoulder. "Thank you, Mia. That means a lot."
"I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking," Mia said with a grin. "You guys are meant to be."
I couldn't help but agree. We were. And soon, everything would change for the better.
I didn't want us all heading to the airport together it was safer this way.
At 6 PM, Ji Li and Grandma left first. Thirty minutes later, Mia followed in a cab. Zhan and I waited until 7 PM before heading out in a cab as well.
By 8 PM, we had all checked in and were now seated in the waiting area. Zhan rested his head on my shoulder, his fingers lazily intertwined with mine. It was finally happening. In just a few hours, we'd leave this place behind for good.
Then my phone rang.
My mother.
I sighed, debating whether to answer. Zhan lifted his head slightly. "You should pick up."
Reluctantly, I did.
"Where are you?" she demanded.
"I'm at home but heading out now," I say, adjusting my jacket.
"I got a call from your accountant," my mom says. "He said you withdrew a million dollars this morning."
"Yeah, buying a penthouse for Lusi as a wedding gift," I reply casually.
There's a pause. "Ohh, I see," she finally says, her tone unreadable.
"Anything else?"
"No," she replies, then ends the call without another word.
I sigh, slipping my phone into my pocket. It doesn't matter. I've already made my choice.
"You bought a penthouse?" Zhan asks, raising a brow.
"An excuse to withdraw money," I reply, smirking.
He huffs. "I could get a job and contribute."
I shake my head. "No, you're going to perfect your drawing."
"Oh, my drawing is already perfect," he grins. "Wait until you see them."
"Another surprise?" I ask, amused.
"I don't know," he teases, snuggling closer.
Mia clings to Grandma, giggling about something.
I exhale, looking around at the people I love. No more hiding, no more running.
This is our fresh start.
"In no time, we were boarding."
"First class?" Mia grins, eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes," I confirm, leading the way to our seats.
She practically bounces as she settles in beside Grandma, while Zhan leans into me, already comfortable. Ji Li was just grinning from ear to ear.
As the plane takes off, I glance at him. He looks out the window, lost in thought. I squeeze his hand, and he turns to me with a small smile.
"We're really doing this," he murmurs.
"Yeah," I say, pressing a kiss to his temple. "A new beginning."
And just like that, we soar into the sky.
I didn't realize when we landed until Zhan nudged me gently.
"Wake up, love. We're here," he says with a soft smile.
I blink, rubbing my eyes. "Sorry, I slept off," I reply, my voice rough from sleep.
He chuckles. "No offense taken. I love watching you sleep."
I shake my head, smirking, and stretch before grabbing my hand luggage. The others do the same. We packed light since I planned to take everyone shopping once we settled in.
"Ready for our new life?" I ask, lacing my fingers with Zhan's.
"More than ever," he says, squeezing my hand.
As we walked into the airport, Mia and Grandma wandered off to the restroom. While waiting, Zhan leaned into me, sighing softly.
Mia returned first, a shopping bag in hand. "I couldn't resist," she giggled, holding up a bottle of expensive perfume.
Grandma followed soon after, eyes still scanning the beautiful airport. "This place is something else," she murmured, taking in the grand architecture.
"Where are we going?" Zhan asked curiosity in his eyes.
"Niagara-on-the-Lake," I replied, squeezing his hand.
His eyes lit up. "I can't wait to see it." He leaned into me, pressing his cheek against my shoulder.
"We should head home now," Grandma finally said, looking a little tired from the long flight.
"Sure," I nodded. I had already arranged for a driver to pick us up.
As we made our way to the pickup area, I spotted a man holding a placard with my name on it. He was dressed professionally, standing near a sleek black SUV.
"Hello," I greeted as we approached.
"Welcome," he replied, shaking my hand before turning to help with our luggage.
But just as we were about to step into the car, a swarm of policemen began moving toward us.
At first, I wasn't alarmed. We had done nothing wrong, and our passports were legit.
Still, Zhan's grip on my hand tightened. I turned to him and smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. They're not here for us."
But as the officers came closer, their eyes locked onto us.
"Excuse me, sir," one of them said, stopping directly in front of Zhan. "Are you Sean Wang?"
Zhan froze for a second before nodding. "Yes, I am."
"You need to come with us."
The air around us seemed to shift as the officer's words sank in.
Zhan stiffened beside me. "W-what?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
My grip on his hand tightened as I stepped forward. "There must be some mistake," I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. "What is this about?"
The officer, his badge glinting under the airport lights spoke firmly. "Xiao Zhan, you are under arrest for passport forgery, rape and murder. Please step forward and place your hands where we can see them."
Mia gasped, her perfume bag slipping from her fingers. Grandma clutched her chest in shock.
"This is insane!" I snapped. His name his Sean and I am Wang. We are married and "You can't just arrest him without proof!"
The officer didn't even flinch. "We have an arrest warrant issued based on evidence collected in an ongoing investigation." He pulled a document from his pocket and held it up. "Mr. Xiao Zhan, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
Zhan was trembling now. "I... I didn't do anything!"
Another officer moved forward, reaching for his wrist. "You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the state."
I stepped between them. "Don't touch him! He's innocent!"
"Sir, step aside," the officer warned. "Obstructing an arrest is a crime."
Zhan turned to me, eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Wang—"
"Don't say anything," I told him quickly. "I'll fix this."
Before I could do anything else, the officer pulled out a pair of handcuffs and clicked them around Zhan's wrists. The cold metal clamped shut with a finality that sent rage boiling through my veins.
"Please," Zhan whispered, his voice breaking as they pulled him away.
I lunged forward, but two officers blocked me. "Sir, do not interfere."
I watched helplessly as they led Zhan toward a police vehicle, his head hanging low.
"We'll get you out," I shouted after him. "I promise!"
But the doors slammed shut, and the car sped away.