He Thought She’d Never Leave—Until She Did - Chapter 13

Song Yu casually picked up another fruit knife from the coffee table and tossed it toward An He. “This one’s sharper. If you want to die, go ahead.”

An He’s trembling hands caught it, and the last glimmer of hope in her heart went out. She didn’t even dare kill a chicken, let alone herself.

Her fingers shook so badly she could barely hold onto the handle.

Still, she refused to back down. Her gaze locked stubbornly onto Song Yu’s eyes as she slowly raised her hand, pressing the blade against her neck.

She hadn’t controlled her strength—instantly, bright red blood welled up from her soft skin.

But that sting was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

“You really won’t let me go?” she asked again.

“No,” Song Yu’s voice was low and unyielding. “Even if you die, I won’t.”

“Why?” An He bit her lip. “You clearly don’t care about me, so why won’t you let me leave?”

“Who said not caring means I’ll let you go?” His jaw tightened. “I’ve never been one to follow rules. Even if I don’t care about you, I won’t let anyone else have you.”

He sneered. “You’re in such a hurry to leave—must’ve found another man, right?”

“What’s wrong? Not satisfied sleeping with me?”

He stepped forward, contempt in his tone. “If I can’t satisfy you, you really think another man could? Hm?”

The most painful weapons in this world were never blades—they were words.

An He knew he had a sharp tongue and said whatever came to mind, but she’d never realized that, in his heart, she was this lowly.

“Song Yu, is that really what you’ve thought of me all along? That I’ve stayed by your side because I’m obsessed with your body?”

“Isn’t it true?” Song Yu raised an eyebrow. “If I’m not mistaken, you even told your friend I had a good body.”

She had. A drunken slip of the tongue. Sweetie had teased her relentlessly that night until she finally admitted it—Fine, I’m tempted by his body. Happy now?

That day, she’d been supposed to watch a movie with Song Yu. He’d called at the last minute to cancel.

Frustrated, she’d invited Sweetie out to drink. They’d had a lot.

When the alcohol had loosened her tongue, Sweetie had asked what she really felt about Song Yu.

And so, that one drunken line had slipped out—I’m tempted by his body.

But that had never been the truth. It wasn’t lust—it was love.

Some loves couldn’t be spoken aloud; they could only hide, blooming quietly in one’s heart.

Sometimes she felt like a thief, stealing glances at something that could never belong to her.

But she couldn’t help it.

Her love ran too deep. She couldn’t escape it.

Sweetie had seen through her immediately, laughing. “You’re not tempted by his body—you’re just hopelessly in love with him.”

Everyone could see her feelings—everyone except him.

She’d asked him so many times, tried explaining so many times, and he’d never believed her.

She didn’t know if it was her fault, or if he was simply unwilling to believe her sincerity.

Some questions, she’d learned, would never have answers.

And now, it no longer mattered.

“Yes, I was tempted by your body,” she said with a twisted smile, her eyes frighteningly red. “But I’m not anymore. So let me go.”

“You’re not tempted anymore, but I am.” Song Yu’s eyes were cold as ice, his voice lower than before. “You may be done playing, but I’m not.”

Playing.

So that’s what it was to him. Her love, her devotion—all just a game.

Song Yu, you really are heartless.

“Your parents won’t agree to us being together,” she said quietly. “You wouldn’t want to go against them, would you?”

“My life is my decision,” Song Yu said with one hand in his pocket, not even trying to take the knife away.

Of course not. He loved watching her struggle.

The more she hurt, the more satisfaction he found.

“No one controls me,” he said. “Not even you.”

“You’re shameless.”

“Yes, I am,” he replied lightly. “So what good deeds did you expect from a shameless man?”

His tone dropped, colder. “You’d better behave, An He, or I’ll find ways to make you obey.”

“What are you planning now?”

“If I can’t keep you myself, I’ll have someone you care about keep you.”

Everyone she cared about was already dead.

Her grandmother had loved her most, but she’d passed away years ago.

Later, the director of the orphanage had cared for her like family too—but he had died early, leaving behind a young grandson.

That boy had always called her “Sister An He.”

She glared at him. “You can’t touch Song Yang.”

“Can’t I?” Song Yu ran his tongue along his teeth. “You know exactly what I’m capable of. As long as you behave, no one gets hurt. But if you don’t—Song Yang will be the first to pay.”

He leaned closer. “So, Hehe, will you behave?”

An He was silent.

She couldn’t risk Song Yang’s safety. Her grip loosened, and the knife clattered onto the carpet.

Song Yu kicked it under the sofa, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. His hand clamped onto her jaw. “Looks like I’ve spoiled you too much. Tonight, I’ll show you what it means to never defy me again.”

He hoisted her up onto his shoulder despite her struggling and carried her upstairs by force.

When the door slammed shut, he threw her onto the bed. The moment she tried to get up, he caught her by the ankle and dragged her back.

His body pressed her down, trapping her beneath him. “An He, you can’t run.”

His fingers were searing hot against her skin. Her heart burned painfully as she stared up at him, eyes glistening red. “Song Yu, you won’t let me go—because you love me, right?”

Her voice trembled. “Do you love me?”

She told herself that if he said yes, she’d forgive everything. She’d stay. Donate blood, save his precious Zhou Rong, endure whatever torment he wanted—she’d do it all.

As long as he loved her.

That was her bottom line.

She could live without dignity, but she couldn’t love without it.

Her love wasn’t grand, but it was her everything.

And she wanted Song Yu to give at least that much in return.

Song Yu, please—just say you love me.

Her pulse raced as she waited. Her entire body trembled, just like she had waiting for her college entrance exam results years ago.

That time had been nervous anticipation.

This time—it was desperate hope.

Song Yu, please don’t disappoint me.

…

But he did.

“Love you?” His sharply defined jawline glowed in the light, his face handsome as ever—but his words were crueler than a knife. “Do you even deserve it?”

Her heart plummeted into darkness.

He actually said she didn’t deserve it.

Good. Perfect. Wonderful.

An He raised her hand and covered her eyes, her lips twisting upward in a broken smile.

“You’re right—I don’t deserve it. Ha… hahaha.”

“I really don’t deserve it! Hahahaha!”

Her laughter turned into violent coughing. Tears soaked her lashes. “You’re right. A girl like me—an orphan—never deserved it.”

“It was my own foolish dream.”

All hope gone, she was nothing but a shell now. The thought of leaving him returned, clearer than ever.

“You’re right—I don’t deserve it,” she said quietly. “But tell me, Song Yu… does Zhou Rong?”

At the mention of Zhou Rong, Song Yu’s face darkened. He grabbed her throat. “You have no right to say her name.”

“Why not?” she rasped. “I’m the one who saved her life. Without me, would she even still be alive? It’s my blood keeping her that way.”

She raised a trembling hand to touch his lips, his face. Her voice was almost a whisper. “Tell me something, did you know I was the one giving her blood?”

He didn’t answer, but his lips pressed tighter.

“Let me guess.” She smiled faintly. “You knew—and you approved. You knew I was afraid of pain, that I faint at the sight of blood, and you still let it happen. Because to you, Zhou Rong is the only one who matters.”

“You know long-term blood donation can cause problems for the donor.”

“But even if you knew I’d suffer for it, you would’ve let me continue, wouldn’t you? Because Zhou Rong is the one you love.”

“I really wonder what you’re like when you love someone.”

“Do you cook for her?”

“Buy her flowers?”

“Remember every holiday?”

“Are you gentle with her in bed?”

“Do you—”

“Enough!” Song Yu’s roar cut her off. “An He, you’re just the orphan my family took in! You have no right to compare yourself to Zhou Rong! You saved her—you should be grateful!”

“Grateful?” An He let out a hollow laugh. “Should I thank her for not killing me?”

In Song Yu’s eyes, An He had always been obedient and gentle—a girl who could be soothed with a gift, no matter how hurt she was.

She always smiled. Happy or sad, she smiled.

To him, she was the easiest person to please.

She rarely got angry—if ever.

This hysterical outburst was the first.

She’d once promised she’d stay with him forever, that even if he drove her away, she’d never leave.

But now, the one who’d promised forever was the one walking away.

Song Yu couldn’t allow it.

Anyone else could betray him—but not An He.

Because…

She was different. How, he couldn’t quite explain.

“You’re not like Zhou Rong,” he said.

“You’re right,” An He replied quietly, her eyes clear now. “She gets everyone’s love, but I never will.”

“She’s the precious daughter of your family’s benefactor. And I’m just the orphan you took in out of kindness.”

“She only has to lift a finger, and everyone rushes to please her. But me? I could die, and no one would care.”

“But, Song Yu, you know something?” she said through tears. “I never cared about anyone else. I only cared about you.”

“Even if the whole world abandoned me—as long as you wanted me, I’d be happy.”

“I know I’m cheap, but that’s only because I love you.”

Her fingers brushed his lips. “But I don’t plan to love you anymore. It’s too exhausting. I’m done.”

Her hand slipped away—but he grabbed it, nearly crushing her fingers.

“You said you won’t love me anymore?”

“That’s right. I won’t.”

“I won’t allow it!” he roared.

An He gave a soft, broken laugh. “You’re so domineering. Do you forbid Zhou Rong from not loving you too? Do you ever want to tear her apart the way you do me?”

Of course not. He’d never felt this way about any other woman—only her.

She was his possession, his to do with as he pleased.

“Be good, An He,” Song Yu said finally, his tone gentler. “As long as you behave, you won’t have to donate blood anymore. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.”

“Didn’t you want to be my personal secretary? I’ll agree to it.”

She had once dreamed of that—but not anymore.

“You’re still not listening, Song Yu,” she said softly. “I told you I’m tired. I won’t love you again. I’m leaving.”

“I don’t care about being your secretary. I don’t care about you—or the entire Song family—anymore.”

“I don’t allow you not to care!” Song Yu’s hand tightened around her throat. “Say it. Say you won’t leave me!”

An He bit her lip hard and said nothing.

…

That night, neither of them ate. Afraid she’d slip away in the dark, Song Yu tied their hands together.

That way, if she moved, he’d know.

Late at night, a faint voice broke the silence. “…Cold… cold, so cold…”

An He curled up at the edge of the bed, whispering.

Song Yu opened his eyes, turned on the lamp, and saw her pale face. He sat up quickly, pulling her into his arms, shaking her lightly. “Hehe, Hehe, wake up. Wake up!”

“I’m cold… so cold… Ayu, I’m cold…”

He touched her forehead and froze at the burning heat. Grabbing his phone, he barked into it, “Get to my apartment—now! Hehe’s sick. Hurry!”

Her fever had climbed to nearly forty degrees Celsius.

The private doctor—his close friend, Cheng Xun—came rushing over.

After setting up an IV, Cheng Xun pulled Song Yu outside, leaning against the wall. “Ayu, you’d better stop playing with fire. If anything happens to her, you won’t be able to handle it.”

Song Yu didn’t understand his own feelings, but everyone else did.

He was stubborn to the point of cruelty—caring while pretending not to care. Torturing himself in the process.

“How is she?” Song Yu asked.

“How do you think?” Cheng Xun sighed. “Keep this up, and you’ll kill her.”

He paused, then added deliberately, “Tell me, Ayu—what exactly do you feel for An He?”

Song Yu rarely smoked, but tonight he did. Exhaling a thin stream of smoke, his tone was calm. “She’s just a sister.”

The door had been left slightly ajar. His words slipped inside easily.

And on the bed, An He slowly opened her eyes.

An He, this time you can finally give up for good.