Tugged the Wrong Heartstrings

Main Story: Anya's POV

That young woman posted another update.

"I'm ready to give myself to my crush. Do you think he'd go for it?"

The photo showed a set of alluring lingerie.

In the kitchen, Eli was busy cooking pasta.

His phone rang twice. When he picked it up, his eyes flickered toward me.

I sat in the living room, a smile curling on my lips as I watched him.

Eli untied his apron and walked over.

"There's an emergency consultation at the hospital, so I have to go. The meal's ready—go ahead and eat without me."

With a smile, I teased, "What's the big emergency? Please don't tell me it's another patient asking you out."

His eyes flickered for a moment.

He stepped closer and gently pinched my cheek. "What are you saying? It's just a last-minute call. I'll be back before you know it."

I knew it was another lie.

I reached out and grabbed his sleeve. "I don't feel well. Can you stay with me?"

"Where does it hurt?" he asked, nervously touching my forehead.

I pointed to the left side of my chest. "Right here."

Eli chuckled softly and kissed my forehead. "You little troublemaker. Quit teasing me. I promise I'll come back early to be with you."

With that, he closed the door behind him and stepped out.

We hadn't been intimate during this period. He must have been feeling restless.

I slipped on my coat and quietly followed his car.

For someone usually so sharp, Eli was surprisingly careless this time.

He'd rushed out without his keys and even left his glasses behind.

Without them, he was practically blind.

I waited in the hotel lobby for two long hours.

By 2:00 am, he still hadn't come out.

…

When Eli walked in, I kept my back turned to him.

The crisp sound of water running in the bathroom soon pierced the quiet.

My chest tightened, making it hard to breathe.

After a moment, he pulled back the covers and slipped into bed.

As he wrapped his arms around me from behind, I tried to pull away.

"Baby, I'm really tired tonight. Please don't push me away," he whispered.

His lips brushed against my hair. The faint, unfamiliar scent on his skin made me feel nauseous.

I gripped the edge of the blanket, my fingers shaking uncontrollably.

Noticing my unease, he asked softly, "What's wrong, Anya?"

He propped himself up. Seeing my pale face, his brows knitted in concern.

"You haven't seemed yourself lately. Are you hiding something from me?

"You don't have to bear this alone. Just promise me you won't keep it all inside, okay?"

Looking into his familiar but distant eyes, a lump caught in my throat.

"It's nothing… Maybe I'm just too anxious. The wedding is so close, after all."

Eli's voice softened. "No matter how messy or exhausting things get, I'm here with you. Don't be afraid. I'll take care of everything."

I remained silent.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "Have you ever thought about what life will be like after we're married?"

"No."

We were never going to reach the wedding day, after all.

"I used to believe marrying you would complete my life."

So why was he still planning to run away?

"I want to watch you brewing coffee in the kitchen. I'm excited for the day we have children—some who inherit your traits, and others who carry mine.

"No matter if it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, I want you by my side every single day.

"Why would you think I'd run away at the last moment? That could never happen. I've done everything to keep you close."

Eli's performance was flawless. I wouldn't be shocked if he believed it himself.

Unfortunately for him, I wasn't going to be fooled again.