Silence All Around

For who knew how many late nights abroad, Li Nian had almost opened Pei Jun's official page as a traditional musician countless times, only to force herself to close it again, gasping for breath.

She was afraid of seeing Pei Jun broken and trembling, or the composure she forced herself to maintain after crying. She was afraid to face how severe Pei Jun's separation anxiety had already been four years ago. Back then, even the thought of Li Nian leaving on a two-day business trip made Pei Jun's hands shake and sweat uncontrollably. And yet Li Nian had left her.

Later, Li Nian returned to China for a new job. By chance, she saw Pei Jun, who had returned to work and seemed even more radiant than before. Pei Jun was elegant, smiling with beguiling eyes, as if she had forgotten everything about the past. Li Nian drew back the hand she'd wanted to reach for hers, her eyes dimming. "I'm glad."

Pei Jun kept smiling and handed her an invitation. "My wedding is next month. I hope you'll join us."

Li Nian was struck as if by lightning. Her fingers trembled as she took the gold-embossed red invitation.

She met Pei Jun's fiancee, a renowned psychologist who had cured her separation anxiety and healed her hands. She had taken good care of Pei Jun's adopted daughter, who had autism. She played the violin with Pei Jun, admired the scenery with her, and cared for her child. She had accompanied Pei Jun from the depths of a career slump back to becoming the same celebrated traditional musician she had always been.

It was only right.

Li Nian accepted the invitation. "I'll be there."

So she didn't see Pei Jun's face turn dark the moment she turned away, all her elegance gone. The darkness hidden in Pei Jun's eyes could swallow Li Nian's retreating figure whole.

Under major revision...

* Same-sex marriage was newly legalized, and society was somewhat more accepting than it is now.

* The secondary couple are not related by blood.

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