Fake Pregnancy? Oops, It’s Real — and So Is the Husband - Chapter 88

A soft touch pressed against his cheek, and Pei Jingyan stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Shen Lai quickly put some distance between them, her expression slightly awkward but still trying to hold her ground. “Are you satisfied now?”

Pei Jingyan raised his hand to touch the spot she had kissed, as if he could still feel the lingering softness. His eyes darkened with an unreadable emotion.

An intangible hint of ambiguity seeped into the atmosphere. Just then, the assistant emerged from the tent and said to Pei Jingyan, “Mr. Pei, your and Miss Shen’s belongings have been packed.”

Seizing the opportunity to escape the awkwardness, Shen Lai quickly interjected, “Since everything’s ready, let’s hurry and leave.”

Without waiting for Pei Jingyan to respond, she turned and strode outside.

Watching her retreating figure and the flushed tips of her ears revealed by the wind-tousled hair, Pei Jingyan’s lips curled into a faint smirk. Hands in his pockets, he followed her at a leisurely pace.

The boat arranged by the production team had arrived. Since Pei Jingyan and Shen Lai were the only ones with a speedboat, they wouldn’t be returning with the others.

After bidding farewell to the group, Shen Lai was about to board when she noticed Huo Chilin standing on the deck, watching her.

“Miss Shen, aren’t you coming aboard?” Pei Jingyan’s voice suddenly cut in.

Standing on the speedboat, the sea breeze ruffling his hair, Pei Jingyan extended his hand toward Shen Lai, chin slightly lifted.

Shen Lai’s gaze lingered on his hand for a moment before she silently placed hers in it.

From afar, Huo Chilin watched the scene, his eyes darkening completely.

On the way back, Shen Lai closed her eyes, enjoying the cool sea breeze.

Then her phone buzzed. She opened her eyes and glanced at the message: I’ll always wait for you.

She could almost picture Huo Chilin’s expression as he sent it.

But it was too late now.

Some mistakes couldn’t be undone, no matter how much one regretted them.

By the time they returned to the villa, night had fallen, the sky draped in darkness, dotted with distant stars like punctured lanterns.

After spending so many days on the island, the sudden return to such comfort made Shen Lai feel utterly relaxed.

Home really was the best.

Home… Shen Lai suddenly jolted awake, shaking her head vigorously.

This was Pei Jingyan’s home, not hers.

At most, she was just a guest.

With that thought, she hurriedly carried her luggage back to her room. Staring at the empty bed, she suddenly realized a crucial issue.

Did that mean she and Pei Jingyan would be sleeping separately again tonight?

Shen Lai lowered her eyes slightly, then clenched her fists.

It was better this way, no one would steal the covers from her.

Dismissing the chaotic thoughts, she began unpacking.

That night, news of Bai Hansui’s arrest spread like wildfire.

Within half a day, Huo Chilin posted a breakup announcement on social media, stating that Bai Hansui had deceived him throughout their relationship and committed malicious acts, leading to their separation.

Soon after, Bai Hansui’s agency also announced the termination of her contract.

Overnight, Bai Hansui became public enemy number one.

As Shen Lai scrolled through the online comments, she wondered if Bai Hansui regretted joining these two variety shows, otherwise, her true colors might never have been exposed.

Finally having some time to rest, Shen Lai made a special trip to the hospital early the next morning to visit her mother.

“Mom, I’m here!” Shen Lai called out cheerfully as soon as she entered the room.

Chang Suning turned her head to glance at her, her expression complicated, but she remained silent.

Noticing her mother’s unusual demeanor, Shen Lai sat down by the hospital bed and asked, puzzled, “Mom, what’s wrong? Why do you look like that?”

Chang Suning’s face was grave. “Lai Lai, why didn’t you tell me about your marriage to Pei Jingyan?”

Shen Lai’s heart skipped a beat. Seeing her mother’s stern expression, she forced a stiff smile. “Mom, what are you talking about?”

Chang Suning’s tone was serious. “I saw it on TV. Did you really think you could hide it from me?”

That morning, Chang Suning had turned on the television and happened to catch the news about Bai Hansui’s arrest, which was how she learned that Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan had appeared on a variety show as a married couple.

Shen Lai swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.

Chang Suning pressed on, “When did you two register your marriage?”

Shen Lai bit her lip. Realizing she couldn’t keep it a secret any longer, she reluctantly admitted, “A… a little over a month ago.”

“You’ve been married for so long, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Chang Suning frowned. “And didn’t you two always clash? How did you end up together?”

Before Shen Lai could answer, Chang Suning added in a heavy tone, “Did you marry him because of me?”

No wonder she had sensed something off between them last time. Pei Jingyan, a high-profile CEO, wouldn’t have stooped to personally escort Shen Lai to the hospital without a reason.

Shen Lai quickly denied it. “Of course not, Mom! What are you thinking?”

Chang Suning looked skeptical. “Really?”

“Of course it’s true.”

Shen Lai didn’t dare reveal the truth. Knowing her mother’s personality, if she found out that Pei Jingyan was covering all her medical expenses, she would refuse further treatment.

She didn’t want her mother to feel guilty.

“Our clashes were just childhood stuff. Actually, our relationship isn’t that bad now.” Shen Lai couldn’t possibly admit that she had married Pei Jingyan for her mother’s medical bills and her own future, so she made up an excuse. “Besides, I ran into some trouble at a hotel before, and Pei Jingyan was the one who helped me.”

Chang Suning studied Shen Lai’s face. Her expression didn’t seem deceitful, so her tone softened slightly. “When did you two start dating?”

Shen Lai hesitated. “Six months ago.”

That was around the time Pei Jingyan had returned to the country. This answer wouldn’t raise her mother’s suspicions.

Chang Suning sighed. “Even so, you should have discussed it with me. How could you just marry him like that?”

Shen Lai squeezed her mother’s hand. “You weren’t in good health, and I didn’t want you to worry.”

Chang Suning spoke earnestly, “I’m just afraid you’ll suffer. Our family isn’t what it used to be. Would the Pei family really accept you?”

Shen Lai smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Mom. His parents are quite happy with me, and with Pei Jingyan around, he won’t let me suffer.”

This wasn’t a lie. Though Pei Jingyan’s words could be harsh, he had always stepped in to resolve any trouble she faced.

After much persuasion, her mother finally accepted the fact that they were together, though she still worried that Pei Jingyan might not treat Shen Lai well.

After all, the Pei family was no ordinary household.

“You should bring Pei Jingyan over when you have time,” Chang Suning instructed. “I need to talk to him, otherwise I can’t rest easy.”

Shen Lai tucked the blanket snugly around her. “Alright, as you wish. Next time, I’ll bring him to visit you.”

They chatted a bit more about amusing things that had happened recently, and only after Chang Suning’s mood had settled and she had fallen asleep did Shen Lai quietly leave the hospital.

Stepping out of the main entrance, Shen Lai let out a heavy sigh of relief, feeling like she had just survived a surprise homework check from a teacher back in her school days.

Just then, her phone rang from her pocket.

She pulled it out and saw Pei Jingyan’s name flashing on the screen.

Shen Lai answered the call casually.

“Where are you?” Pei Jingyan’s deep voice came through the phone.

Shen Lai glanced up at the building overhead. “I’m at the hospital, about to hail a cab back.”

“Visiting your mom?”

“Yeah.”

Pei Jingyan replied calmly, “I happen to be passing by. I’ll give you a ride, wait for me.”