How To Hide The Tyrant's Child In The Apocalypse
Chapter 23. A god’s plot twist in script

Chapter 23: 23. A god’s plot twist in script

THE NEXT MORNING

EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:

I woke slowly, the dull ache in my body still lingering but less sharp than before. The pale morning light filtered softly through the thin curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. My eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was Mei Shen, her face calm, eyes closed, as she slept in the chair beside my bed. Huan was curled up on a small stool nearby, his tiny chest rising and falling in steady breaths.

For a moment, I just watched them, the weight of how close they’d become settling deep in my chest. Mei Shen’s hand rested gently on the edge of the bed, fingers twitching slightly, still holding onto the worry from last night. Huan’s small form looked so peaceful, completely unaware of the storm we’d been through.

Then, that voice, unwelcome, ever present, echoed inside my head with its usual teasing tone.

"Well, well, looks like you had quite the caretakers last night." Zeyrith sneered. "Didn’t expect Mei Shen to nurse you like you were a sick child, did you? Jade leaf tonic, of all things. She’s pulling out all the stops."

I scowled inwardly, already tired of the god’s endless taunts. But even with the teasing, there was a strange comfort in knowing they’d been there all night, not leaving my side.

I shifted slightly, careful not to disturb them, and for a brief moment, allowed myself to feel what I’d been denying: a flicker of gratitude. For her. For Huan.

The past was heavy, the future uncertain, but right now, in this quiet morning light, I was home.

I lay there, eyes half closed but watching them Mei Shen, peaceful in sleep despite everything, and little Huan, curled up like a tiny guardian at her side. The softness of the morning light made their faces look almost unreal, like fragile dreams. A strange warmth stirred in my chest, a feeling I hadn’t dared to admit: gratitude. I swallowed hard, whispering into the quiet room,

"Thank you... for this chance. For this life. Back on Earth, I failed her. I couldn’t protect her, not then, not ever."I muttered.

Silence hung for a beat, then that familiar, sardonic voice echoed in my mind.

"Ah, how touching." Zeyrith mocked, amused. "But do you remember your role in all this? You and Mei Shen? Both reborn into the same story. You, with a weakened body as penance. A fair price to pay for your failures."

I frowned, confusion twisting inside me.

"What? You mean I’m not just some random player in this? I’m... paying for something?"I asked.

The god’s laughter rang out, cruel and light at once.

"Precisely. You weren’t just reborn. You were given a second chance, yes, but not without a cost. Mei Shen’s body was yours to inhabit, but your own strength diminished, fragile. A cosmic debt, if you will. All part of the grand design."

I closed my eyes tightly, the weight of those words crashing over me. It was no simple rebirth. This was punishment, and mercy intertwined together. Yet beneath it all, a stubborn flicker of hope burned. Maybe this time, I could protect her. Maybe this time, I could change the ending.

Back on Earth, before all this chaos, before I was pulled into this twisted fate, I loved her. Deeply. Fiercely. But I never found the strength to tell her. Every time I tried, my own doubts and fears held me back, too scared of rejection, too weak to risk everything on a single confession. I remember those stolen glances, the way my heart pounded when she laughed, how every moment apart felt like a wound. But I stayed silent. I let her slip through my fingers while I hid behind shadows.

"Why?" I whispered, voice breaking in the quiet room. "Why didn’t I say it? Why didn’t I fight harder for her then?"

The god’s voice, sharp and mocking, echoed in my mind.

"Oh, the irony." Zeyrith sneered. "You’re given a second chance, a body that’s weaker than before, and yet here you are, still fumbling with your heart."

I clenched my fists, anger and regret burning together.

"This time, I won’t lose her. Not like before."I muttered.

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I glanced at Mei Shen’s serene face. Somehow, against all odds, I’d get it right this time. I’d protect her, love her, and never be silent again. The soft rustle of movement pulled me from my thoughts. Mei Shen’s eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the morning light. The moment she saw me, her face lit up, relief and happiness shining like a beacon.

"Lianwei." She breathed, voice still sleepy but warm.

My heart slammed against my ribs. Even after everything, seeing her smile like that made my nerves spike like the first time all over again. I swallowed hard, suddenly unsure of what to say or do.

"I-uh... good morning." I stammered, cheeks heating up despite myself.

How was it possible to feel this awkward with her after all we’d been through? She reached out gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead.

"You’re awake. I was so worried."She muttered.

Her touch sent a jolt through me, half comfort, half panic. I wanted to say so much but the words tangled in my throat. I cleared it finally, voice shaky but honest.

"I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere."I muttered.

She smiled again, that soft, genuine smile that made the world feel a little less heavy. Huan peeked in quietly, tugging at her sleeve.

"Mom, dad’s awake!" His grin was wide, full of hope and innocence.

I watched them both, feeling my resolve harden. No more hiding behind fear. This time, I’d be the man they believed I could be. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to steady myself as Mei Shen sat up a little more, still watching me with those gentle eyes.

"Huan’s been asking a million questions." She said with a small laugh. "He’s really happy you’re awake."

I managed a weak smile. _{f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com}

"I’m glad. I missed him... and you both."I said.

Huan peeked his head in again, bouncing on his little feet.

"Daddy! When you gonna play with me? We gonna have fun, right?"Huan asked.

"Of course, little guy. I promise."I said.

Mei Shen’s smile softened, but there was still a hint of worry in her eyes.

"You need to rest, though. You’re still weak."She said worriedly. "Thank you for letting me stay with you and our son. Being here with you two... it makes me want to get stronger."

She reached out, taking my hand gently in hers.

"We’ll do it together." She smiled softly.

The warmth of her hand was steadying. For a moment, I forgot all my fears and doubts. Then, as if on cue, a teasing voice echoed in my head, Zeyrith, the damn god.

"Oh, look at you, blushing like a schoolboy and stumbling over words. Your dark romance turning into a precious little soap opera, huh?"He grinned.

I groaned inwardly but couldn’t help the small smile.

"Shut up, Zeyrith."I said.

"Huan said you looked scared when you woke up." She said quietly, eyes searching mine.

I swallowed hard, unsure how to answer.

"I was... scared. Scared I’d lose you both again."I admited.

"Daddy, no be scared. Me mommy and going to keep you safe. Promise!"Huan said.

I looked at him so small, so full of trust, and felt a swell of emotion I couldn’t put into words.

"Thank you, Huan. I promise to be strong for you."I said.

Mei Shen smiled, but the worry still lingered behind her eyes.

"We’ll get through this. One step at a time."She said.

Before I could respond, that insufferable god’s voice echoed inside my head again.

"Ah, the emperor and his little family, all wrapped in a warm, cozy hug. Just don’t forget, dark romance often comes with a side of tragedy. Enjoy it while it lasts."He smirked.

I clenched my jaw but couldn’t help smirking.

"You’re impossible."I said.

Mei Shen laughed softly, resting her head on my shoulder. I felt a rare peace settle over me, even if only for a moment. No matter what storms came, this was worth fighting for.