The evening was quiet, but the apartment felt heavy.
Mingyun sat on the couch, the children playing quietly around her, each absorbed in their little worlds. She watched them—three small faces, full of curiosity, intelligence, and life. Every gesture reminded her of Gu Yi, and a part of her ached.
The Weight of Two Years
Two years.
She had managed everything alone.
Feeding them
Educating them
Nurturing their curiosity
Shielding them from the truth
She had done it all silently, without complaint, without anyone knowing.
But tonight… the questions lingered.
"Mama… why don't we have a Daddy?"
The words echoed in her mind, refusing to let her move on.
Her chest tightened. I've protected them, yes… but at what cost to myself?
Conflicted Thoughts
She imagined Gu Yi.
Would he even want to know?
Would he feel guilty, angry, or… distant?
Could he really step into their lives after all this time?
Her hands trembled slightly.
I can't keep doing this alone.
Her eyes softened as she looked at the triplets.
Each of them so bright, so perceptive—yet still oblivious to the complicated world around them.
They deserve a father… they deserve him.
Seeking Guidance
Mingyun wasn't reckless.
She wanted to prepare, to control the situation.
She spoke to Mei first.
"I think… it's time. I can't do this alone anymore. I need him… to help."
Mei's eyes widened, but she didn't speak.
She simply nodded.
She understood.
Xinyi, always perceptive, added quietly:
"Be careful. But… you've carried this too long. Maybe it's time to let him in."
Mingyun exhaled, a long, shaky breath.
She felt the weight on her shoulders shift slightly—less her burden, more a responsibility shared.
The Decision
She stared at her phone, the cursor hovering over Gu Yi's contact.
Her finger hesitated.
Fear tangled with hope.
Will he understand?Will he hate me?Or will he… step up?
After a long pause, she pressed send.
"Gu Yi… we need to talk. It's about the children."
The screen blinked as it sent.
Her heart raced.
Fast. Loud. Trembling.
She turned to the children, watching them laugh, unaware of the storm about to break.
The Silent Wait
Minutes passed.
No reply.
Her mind raced. She imagined his reaction:
shock, guilt, anger, confusion… maybe even joy.
The uncertainty clawed at her.
Whatever happens, I can't turn back now.
Across the city, Gu Yi's phone buzzed.
He stared at it, unreadable expression.
"We need to talk. It's about the children."
For a moment, the world seemed to stop.
His mind reeled.
His heart pounded.
His past, present, and future collided in a single moment.
And just like that—everything he thought he had lost, everything he hadn't known existed, suddenly demanded his attention.