Chapter Five: Why Won't You Let Me Go?
"Exactly! Exactly!"
The one who could wound Yao Shan’s heart most deeply was always Pei Yi.
Pei Yi stood up and slowly climbed into Xu Miao’s embrace, nestling closely against her.
His movements were so natural, as if Xu Miao were truly his mother.
Watching this scene, Yao Shan felt a sudden dizziness, as though her heart was being torn apart, the pain unbearable.
All along, Yao Shan had been striving to play the role of the perfect wife and mother. She devoted herself to caring for her family, hoping to earn their recognition and love.
Yet reality continually disappointed her.
Pei Qizhou’s coldness, Madam Pei’s disdain, and Pei Yi’s rejection—all of these left her feeling utterly hopeless and helpless.
“In that case, we’ll go through the divorce procedures tomorrow.”
Yao Shan took a deep breath, struggling to compose herself before stepping forward decisively.
She hadn’t intended to exacerbate the situation in front of Madam Pei and Pei Yi, but now she had no other choice.
Since Pei Qizhou refused to agree to the divorce, she would bring it up right before them.
Yao Shan’s voice was so calm it surprised even herself; her eyes no longer held the usual struggle and pain, but instead a sense of relief and resolution.
She knew this decision might be a liberation, the beginning of the end of her painful marriage.
Pei Qizhou slowly lifted his head, a flicker of complex emotion passing through his gaze before quickly returning to cold indifference. “Yao Shan, you still can’t remember what I told you,” he said, his voice low and powerful, laced with an unyielding authority.
With that, he swiftly grabbed Yao Shan and pulled her back into the room.
His movements were rapid and decisive, allowing no resistance.
The atmosphere in the room turned unbearably tense, suffused with a stifling oppression.
Pei Qizhou threw Yao Shan onto the bed, a contemptuous smile twisting the corners of his mouth.
“How long do you plan to make a scene?”
His eyes brimmed with anger and disappointment, as if questioning why Yao Shan remained so stubborn. “It seems I won’t get you to behave unless I stop your father’s medicine,” he added with a hint of helplessness and finality.
Already feeling unwell, Yao Shan’s stomach churned violently from the harsh fall.
Her heart was filled with despair, yet also an inexplicable sense of release.
“Pei Qizhou, do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?” she asked weakly, yet with a note of determination.
“Kill me...” she silently thought.
Perhaps then she could find freedom. She no longer struggled, quietly awaiting whatever fate had in store.
---
Fear for the future filled her heart, yet alongside it burned a yearning for freedom.
Her consciousness blurred, a strong metallic scent rising from deep within her body.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in a hospital bed.
Beside her, no one was present, the emptiness especially chilling.
Yao Shan looked up at the drip, a faint, cold smile curling her lips.
She wondered whether Pei Qizhou had learned of her condition.
The door to the ward opened, and Madam Pei entered.
She carried two documents, which she slammed heavily onto Yao Shan’s bedside table.
“The divorce agreement is ready. You just need to sign it,” Madam Pei said coldly.
Upon hearing the word “divorce,” Madam Pei’s heart leapt with joy.
Yao Shan gazed at the papers, a wave of inexplicable calm washing over her.
She did not immediately pick up the pen, instead looking steadily at Madam Pei with an unprecedented firmness in her eyes.
“I will sign,” she said, her voice faint but remarkably clear.
A triumphant smile appeared on Madam Pei’s face, as if victory was already within reach.
However, Yao Shan’s next words froze that smile.
“But not now.”
Yao Shan continued, “I want to talk with Pei Qizhou first.”
Madam Pei’s pride instantly turned to anger; she had not expected Yao Shan to make demands at this moment.
Yet Yao Shan’s resolve was unwavering, and Madam Pei knew that if she wanted the divorce to proceed smoothly, she would have to concede.
“Fine, I’ll have him come,” Madam Pei said through gritted teeth, then turned and left the ward.
Yao Shan closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She knew this might be her last chance to speak face to face with Pei Qizhou.
She asked for nothing more than for her parents to receive proper care after she was gone.
About half an hour later, Pei Qizhou finally appeared at the ward’s door.
His face bore no expression, cold and serious.
Just last night, he had sent Yao Shan to the hospital, while Xu Miao suddenly claimed she was feeling unwell.
---
Pei Qizhou hadn’t had time to inquire deeply into Yao Shan’s condition before hurrying back home.
Now, seeing her frail state, he felt somewhat dismissive, even believing she was making a fuss without reason.
“After the divorce, I want you to take good care of my parents,” Yao Shan lifted her head, looking at Pei Qizhou with unwavering determination.
She didn’t want to waste words now; she only hoped he would grant this one wish.
“I won’t divorce you,” Pei Qizhou’s face darkened immediately at the mention of the subject.
His tone was resolute, as if his decision was unshakable.
“Pei Qizhou, why can’t you just let me go?” Yao Shan’s voice quivered, her eyes filled with helplessness and pain.
She could not understand why Pei Qizhou remained so obstinate, refusing to release her.
Her heart swelled with doubt and sorrow; she didn’t know how much longer she could endure.
“Focus on getting better,” Pei Qizhou said, grabbing the two documents from the bedside and tossing them into the trash without hesitation.
His actions were decisive, as if declaring his resolve.
Desperation flickered in Yao Shan’s eyes. She knew Pei Qizhou’s stubbornness but still clung to a glimmer of hope.
She wished he would change his mind and understand her feelings.
“Everyone wants us to divorce. You don’t have any feelings for me anymore. What are you still holding on to?”
Yao Shan’s question left Pei Qizhou speechless. He turned his back to her, silent and brooding.
His heart was full of conflict and struggle; he didn’t know how to answer her.
The room grew heavy with silence, interrupted only by the wind outside and Yao Shan’s faint breathing.
Despair filled Yao Shan’s heart; she didn’t know how much longer she could hold on.
Pei Qizhou’s heart roiled like a storm. He knew his feelings for Yao Shan were complicated and deep, but his pride and ego kept him from speaking openly.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then slowly turned to face Yao Shan.
“I will handle their opinions. Just take care of yourself.”