Because I Cannot Hurt You

The father-son duo rushed out to prove each other wrong. Shuang watched them speechlessly.

They were just arguing right now! How did it culminate into a race?

Si Min chuckled. She walked towards her and held her hands. "Thank you, dear. It's because of you that this happened. Otherwise, I really don't know if Jack would have ever talked to us. Both were really stubborn to not break the ice. In the end, I had to force Daniel to end this fight once and for all," she harrumphed.

Shuang smiled. "I did nothing. I felt as if I paid my debt. When things were rough between my father and me, it was Jack who pushed me to talk to him. Otherwise, I would have continued hurting Dad. Now that he had some problems with his father, it was my turn to push him to resolve the differences between them. In the end, I am glad that they will slowly come to terms."

She nodded. "Yes. Even I got to know these things about Daniel very late," she sighed, "Daniel underestimates his good deeds too much. He might still be uncomfortable accepting Jack's sexuality…"

Shuang smiled. "I know. It won't be easy. He had carried that fear and uncertainty for far too long now. It won't vanish within a day. But I am hopeful that he will try to accept him at his own pace even if it takes time. There are things Jack has also learned about his father, which will take time to understand it from his perspective. But it seems to be a good beginning."

Si Min beamed. "Yes, it does. I am so glad that Jack found such a wise and beautiful woman like you," her gaze softened.

Shuang coughed. "Well…Now that we are here, I would like to apologize for sending you and Mr. Daniel back that day. It might come off as rude."

She laughed. "No, no. In fact, we were really impressed. Daniel even commented that you are quite feisty, just perfect to get someone like Jack straight on his path. Also, we realized that it was indeed wrong of us to suddenly come unannounced. I got too excited. So, we appreciate that you took charge."

Shuang sighed in relief. "Thank you."

When the father-son duo returned, Daniel had a victorious smirk on his lips. "Who is the oldie one now, huh? I won! Hah! I won!"

Jack huffed and puffed as he rolled his eyes.

Daniel went to Si Min to earn praise from her while Shuang whispered in Jack's ear, "So…who won really?"

Jack shrugged. "Dad. Seems like he was right. I need to start exercising. I cannot let him win everytime or he will grow only prouder and make my life hell."

Shuang tried to stop her smile from stretching her lips. She had watched their race from the window, and she felt that Jack had purposely slowed down to let Daniel win.

She pinched his cheek and then kissed it. "You are so cute."

"Where does this come from?"

"Nothing."

"Dad really won."

"I didn't say anything."

"You…"

She grinned. "Don't worry. My lips are sealed."

Jack coughed and nodded. "That's good."

—

For several days, Jack accompanied his parents on a tour of Beijing. Si Min was the most excited to return to her home country and visit all the places she had visited when she was young. They insisted Shuang come with them too, but she disagreed firmly and remained behind.

It was a crucial time for them as a family to enjoy this time and bond with each other. They had to fill this gap that was left because of the ten year ice blocking their way.

Now that all the misgivings had been cleared, they only needed time to repair their relationship and come together as a family once again. She didn't want to be the outsider and hinder anything.

A few days later, the atmosphere around them seemed to be warmer than the time they had first met. Though Daniel and Jack still threw snarky comments at each other, Shuang took that as a sign of their relationship improving.

When things progressed smoothly, Daniel asked if they could meet Shuang's family. An Guoting and An Yueqin were very much thrilled.

Caihong and Zizi already started their wedding preparations, thinking that it was a meeting to finalize the last step. Xinyi and Ah Cy joined them too, all excited and hyper.

On the other side, Zhiyuan, Xiaosi and Yunru already sent him gifts and all the stuff a groom needed.

Jack and Shuang were speechless.

"Hey, hold on. We are not getting married. Not now," Jack stated. ƒ𝔯𝗲𝗲𝙬𝒆𝚋𝐧oѵℯl.𝒄𝑜m

That deflated everybody's balloon of excitement.

"But your parents are meeting!" Zizi protested.

"Well, they are here anyway so they thought to meet Uncle and Aunt An. It doesn't mean that wedding bells are gonna ring," he scratched his head.

Xiaosi and Yunru made it a point to click their tongues loud enough for them to hear.

"..."

When everybody else got busy with other stuff, Shuang held his hand and brought it closer to her. "Mr. Jack. I don't think it's a bad idea."

Jack blinked at her. "What?"

"Marriage. You see, I have waited long enough for things to settle down in my life. Even though we started dating just a while ago, we have known each other as friends for a long time now. I know I want to spend my life together with you. There is no doubt about it. It's not gonna change. I love you, Jack Si and that feeling is never going to waver. I want to marry you. But of course, if you want to-"

Jack jumped to hug her and kissed her lips. "I am ready! I am ready! Let's get married!"

Her jaw dropped. "Didn't you just-"

"That was because I thought you were not ready. But honestly, I cannot wait to make you my wife!" His bluish-grey eyes shone with brilliance.

"Congratulations!!"

Everybody was sneaking on their conversation, started jumping and hopping around.

"Shuang proposed!!!"

"Yay!"

"Celebration time!"

Shuang - "..."

She shook her head and chuckled. "Mr. Si. Think about it once again. Once you are mine, you are bound to me forever. So, Mr. Jack," she knelt on the floor, making Jack's eyes widen as she took her hand in his, "Will you marry me?"

Everybody gasped too followed by loud squeals from all the women.

Jack dumbfoundedly watched her. "You…stole my thunder!"

She smirked. "That's what I do because I am cool."

"..."

Jack entwined his hand against hers and pulled her up. "Yes. Let's get married, Shuang," he pressed his forehead against hers.

Her gaze brightened and she radiated pure bliss as her eyes slightly turned misty, recalling how she had given up on any hope for a happy life.

"En. Let's get married, Jack."