## Author’s Note
The silence between them is louder than any argument.
In the aftermath of a terrifying collapse, Habiba finds herself caught in the crossfire of Lin’s desperate secrets and his undeniable connection to her.
He says he is fine, but his eyes tell a different story—a story of a mystery girl and a pain that refuses to be ignored.
As the walls begin to close in, Habiba must decide how much of herself she is willing to give to save him.
The weight of his silence is about to change everything.
Read on.
## Chapter 13: Echoes Of Affection
After the tension had finally broken, they had all retreated to their separate bedrooms.
The silence of the house was deceptive, masking the chaotic battle being fought behind closed doors.
In his room, Lin Sheng could not contain himself.
He paced back and forth, occasionally jumping on his bed, his face lit with pure, electric joy.
He replayed every second of the morning in his mind—the way he had pulled Habiba close, the intensity of his kiss, and the way his hands had moved, caressing her with a lover’s touch.
“I love you so much, Habiba,” he whispered to the empty room, his voice trembling with genuine happiness.
“I’m so glad I finally had the chance to show you. I know you don’t understand, and you won’t know it’s you I’m expressing my love to, because of your past agony.”
“But I had to do it. I promise myself I wouldn’t be a coward. I’m done hiding behind alcohol.”
He laughed, a sound of relief and triumph.
“I love you so much, and I know one day I will be able to tell you properly and caress you even more.”
On the other side of the room, Zhou Han lay awake, his mind heavy with dread.
He had watched Lin Sheng’s struggle with his condition for so long, and his heart ached.
My God, he thought to himself, staring at the ceiling.
What will happen if Lin Sheng continues to hold these feelings inside, hiding them like this?
I can see it will not end up in a good way.
Yet, even in his worry, he felt a flicker of relief.
I’m really glad he finally held Habiba, kissed her, and caressed her.
He needed to show her his love.
I’m just glad he had that chance.
The next morning, Habiba woke up feeling a strange, heavy sense of relief.
Lin Sheng was well.
But as she sat there in the bedroom, staring at the walls, she began to unravel her own thoughts.
she asked herself, frustration bubbling up.
So many things have happened to me.
My heart is covered in scars, but am I even normal?
She sat on the edge of the bed, not ready to face the world.
She replayed the memory of his touch.
Touching her lips, “Sheng is such a good kisser,” she whispered, her thoughts betraying her.
“The way he kissed me, the way he caressed me—wow! it was really, really nice. The kisses were so deep and sweet!”
She felt a sharp, bitter pang of jealousy.
“There is something fishy here, because I’m not stupid. I have fallen in love before. The way he kissed hold of me… every time he looses control of himself, I will think to myself that he is in love with me.”
“But no—that is not the case. Cause he is in love with someone else. And I don’t feel anything. I’m completely numb to these things. Still, I have to admit, he is the best kisser. His hands, his touch… and his hugs, so tight and warm!”
She sighed, a deep envy sinking into her bones.
“Wow.
I’m so jealous of that girl.
She has found a man who will be there at her disposal.
After finishing these heavy thoughts, Habiba finally walked out of the bedroom and went into the sitting area.
As she approached, she heard Zhou Han and Lin Sheng talking.
She stayed back, listening.
“Man, can’t you see this situation is hurting both of you? It’s hurting you badly, and I can’t see it’s starting to hurt our Biba. The way she reacted yesterday, crying like that, she was hurting Sheng. Even though she says, she has closed her heart to romance, the way she cares for you—the way she shares your pain. It’s killing you both slowly.”
“Because I know you can’t see her in pain. It will pain you more. You have to do something about this.”
Lin Sheng was silent for a long time before replying.
“I’ll do this sooner than expected, but not now. Let her enjoy her career first.”
“Okay,” Zhou Han said, his voice heavy with emotion.
I just want to See you guys happy.
Can you do that?”
“Yeah,” Lin Sheng whispered.
“At least I will try my best, Zhou Han.”
Habiba listened.
Her heart ached.
Even though I have closed my heart to this world of romance, She thought.
I can feel his pain.
I’m sharing his pain because of how much I cried yesterday. Visit novelping.com for the full chapter.
I feel his pain too much within me.
If I didn’t know myself better, I would think that I’m in love with him.
But no—that is not the case.
I’m not that person.
I’m not in love with him.
I care for him as a friend.
That’s why I’m sharing his pain.
As Zhou Han was about to walked outside to the garden, “Come on, Han—Oh, Biba, you’re here,” Lin Sheng said, his voice firm and sincere.
“Tomorrow, we will go to our project site in Shanghai. And you, Han, you’re going to your projects, too. I think I will be fine, Han, Biba. Come on. sit.”
Habiba approached them with a smile.
“Hi, zao a (good morning?) How are you two doing this morning?”
“I’m okay,” Lin Sheng said, smiling at her.
“Really happy. Don’t worry about me, Biba. I am perfectly much better.”
Zhou Han was just watching him, how happy he was replying to Habiba.
They spent the rest of the morning taking breakfast together, the rest of the day spending, talking, laughing, and drifting into their stories, finally finding a moment of fun, a welcome relief from the tension of yesterday.
## Author’s Note
The dust has settled for now, but the storm is far from over.
Lin has made a promise, but can he really keep it when the mystery of his past is still pulling the strings?
And Habiba—caught in a cycle of worry and care—is she closer to the truth than she realizes?
The foundation has been laid; now, the real struggle for their future begins.
🌟 A Quick Note from the Author:
Girl of Fantasy has officially entered the Webnovel contest!
💖
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