In the dimly lit room, tension hung in the air like a storm ready to break. Shi Zhang’s eyes blazed with a mix of anger and pain as he stared at you, his once-loving gaze now cold and unforgiving.

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” you stammered, your voice trembling. “I don’t know what happened that day. I was confused.”

“Confused, huh?” Shi Zhang’s voice was laced with bitterness, his words cutting through the silence like a knife.

“Yes, yes,” you repeated, desperation creeping into your tone.

“Confused?” he echoed, his voice growing louder, more menacing.

You tried to reach out to him, your hand trembling as you spoke, “Yes, let me tell you, Shi Zhang—”

But before you could finish, he grabbed you roughly, his fingers digging into your arms as he pulled you closer. His face was inches from yours, his breath hot against your skin.

“What are you going to tell me?” he snarled, his grip tightening. “The way you went behind my back? The way you made up your lies?” His hand cupped your face, the touch both tender and cruel.

“No, no, no, please,” you pleaded, your voice cracking. “I understand your anger, but if you think things through, there’s still a possibility that we can stay together.”

He abruptly let go, shoving you away with a force that made you stumble. “Please, do you think I care about that?” he spat, his eyes filled with contempt.

“Shi Zhang, please,” you begged, tears welling up in your eyes. “Don’t say that. I love you, and I know you love me too. You’ve shown it to me.”

He laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and empty. “And what good has it done? How stupid I was… How fortunate I felt, thinking I had the love of a smart, beautiful young woman. To me, you meant everything, everything!”

“Please, Shi Zhang,” you whispered, your heart breaking with every word. “Believe me, I love you.”

“Oh yeah?” he said, his voice cold as ice. “And since when does love mean to lie, betray, and be with another?”