Awakening Hearts.

Xie Ming retreated to her room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. Her fingers unconsciously traced her lips, the sensation of Liwei's kiss still lingering. A whirlwind of emotions swept through her as she stared into the distance, lost in thought.

Just days ago, she had been another man's wife in a different world. Now, thrust into this new life as Liwei's spouse, she found herself surprised by the relief and happiness settling over her. This kiss, this moment of tenderness, was unlike anything she had experienced before.

In her past life, her wedding night with Ji Cheng had been devoid of love, fueled only by primal desire. She remembered his blood-red eyes, clouded with lust, as he approached her. That night had left her battered and worn, but she had accepted it as the norm between husband and wife, unaware of the gentleness that could exist in such a relationship.

Her heart ached at the memory of Ji Cheng's subsequent absence, always away at war or in distant lands. She had never known the tender gaze she had longed for.

But Liwei's kiss... it had been gentle, loving. His touch had sent tremors through her body, awakening sensations she had never known. Yet, this unfamiliar affection terrified her. Did she deserve such love? Was it right for her to find happiness in another woman's life?

Xie Ming sighed, contemplating her conversation with Liwei. What had gone so wrong in their relationship to push them to the brink of divorce and suicide? Was it his fault? Xie Ming's? Or perhaps a combination of both?

She realized that, unlike her past life where the Empress Dowager and Xiao Li had been the source of her misery, Xie Ming's struggles seemed to stem from within her marriage itself. If only they had made an effort to understand each other, perhaps their story would have been different.

But what had driven Xie Ming to attempt suicide? It seemed out of character for the woman she had heard about. Without Xie Ming's memories, the truth remained elusive.

Exhausted by her racing thoughts, Xie Ming approached the mirror. Gazing at her reflection—Xie Ming's reflection—she spoke softly, "I don't know where you are, but I hope you've found peace. I don't understand why I'm here, why I've taken your place. But I feel there's more to your story than anyone knows. What secrets did you carry?"

As she stared into the unfamiliar eyes in the mirror, a searing pain suddenly tore through her head. She clutched at her temples, her vision blurring as sweat beaded on her forehead. Her legs weakened, and she collapsed to the floor, still gripping her head in agony.

Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to breathe, the pain overwhelming her senses. She lacked the strength to call for help, and soon, darkness engulfed her.

Sometime later, Yu Mei approached Xie Ming's room, carrying a tray with her medications. She knocked gently on the door, her voice tinged with concern. "Madam, I've brought your medicine."

When no response came, Yu Mei's worry deepened. She knocked again, louder this time. "Madam Xie Ming? Are you alright?"

The silence continued to greet her, and panic began to set in. Yu Mei remembered that Xie Ming had slept through most of the day, which wasn't unusual given her recent awakening from a coma. But her weakened state made this prolonged silence alarming.

"Madam, please answer if you can hear me," Yu Mei called out, her voice rising with anxiety. She rattled the doorknob, finding it locked.

The commotion drew Liwei's attention from across the hall. He emerged from his room, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What's happening?" he asked, irritation giving way to worry as he took in Yu Mei's distressed expression.

"Master, it's Madam Xie Ming," Yu Mei explained hurriedly. "She's not responding. I've brought her medicine, but she won't answer the door. Given her condition, I'm worried something might be wrong."

Liwei's expression darkened with concern. Without hesitation, he strode to the door, his hand closing around the doorknob. "Xie Ming?" he called out, his voice authoritative yet tinged with worry. When no answer came, he exchanged a worried glance with Yu Mei.

With a swift motion, Liwei forced open the jammed door. The sight that greeted them sent a chill through his body. Xie Ming lay unconscious on the floor, her hair obscuring her face, her body drenched in sweat.

Panic seized him as he rushed to her side, brushing the hair from her pale face. Her skin was ice-cold to the touch. "Call the doctor. Now!" he barked at Yu Mei, carefully lifting Xie Ming into his arms and placing her on the bed.

As he covered her with a blanket, Liwei found himself whispering, "Wake up, Xie Ming." He rubbed her cold hands, trying to infuse warmth into her lifeless form. The fear gripping his heart surprised him—when had he started to care so deeply?

At that moment, as he watched her ashen face, Jin Liwei realized that something had shifted within him. This new Xie Ming, with her gentle demeanor and vulnerable honesty, had awakened feelings he never thought he'd have for her. The walls he had built around his heart were crumbling, replaced by a growing desire to understand and protect her.

As they waited for the doctor to arrive, Jin Liwei found himself stroking Xie Ming's hand, his touch gentle and filled with concern. He marveled at how quickly his perceptions had changed. Just days ago, he had been ready to end their marriage, but now, the thought of losing her filled him with dread.

"Please be alright," he whispered, surprised by the emotion in his own voice. He realized he wanted to explore this new dynamic between them, to see where it might lead. The mysteries of her changed personality no longer seemed like a problem to solve, but rather an opportunity to start anew.

Liwei's mind raced back to their earlier conversation, her words echoing in his thoughts. Her apology for past behavior, her promise not to embarrass him—it all seemed so sincere, so different from the Xie Ming he thought he knew. He found himself wondering about the woman behind those words, the person he might have overlooked all this time.

As he held her hand, he remembered the warmth of their kiss, the spark he had felt—a spark he had never expected to experience with her. It was as if he was seeing Xie Ming for the first time, and the possibility of what they could be together both excited and terrified him.

The sound of approaching footsteps signaled the doctor's arrival, pulling Liwei from his reverie. He reluctantly let go of Xie Ming's hand, stepping back to allow the doctor into the room to examine her. As he watched the medical examination unfold, Liwei made a silent vow to himself and the unconscious Xie Ming.

When she opened her eyes, he would make an effort to truly know her, to build the relationship they should have had from the beginning. This time, he wouldn't let his prejudices or past resentments stand in the way. He would give them both the chance they deserved.

"We'll figure this out together," he murmured, his heart set on a future he never thought he'd want—a future with her. As the doctor worked, Liwei's mind filled with possibilities, hopes, and a determination to make things right. Whatever had happened to change Xie Ming, whatever mysteries lay in their past, he was now committed to facing them together.

For the first time since their marriage, Liwei felt a glimmer of hope for their future. He silently urged Xie Ming to wake up, to give them the chance to rewrite their story. As he watched her pale face, willing her to open her eyes, Liwei realized that this moment might be the turning point they both needed—a new beginning born from the ashes of their troubled past.