Meet You at Dawn

Chapter 1

[1]

1

[2]

On the day of the Chinese Valentine's Day, my boyfriend leapt from the twenty-seventh floor, leaving a gruesome scene behind.

[3]

The piercing screams triggered the sensor lights in the nearby buildings.

[4]

Jerred, being a police officer, crouched in front of me, questioning the events with a sharp gaze and a tone that was almost chillingly rational. "Where were you when it happened?" he asked.

[5]

"Where were you when it happened?" he asked.

[6]

I was so terrified that sat on the floor,shirtless,shaking unceasingly, like a fish out of water,desperately gasping for air/

[7]

After a moment, he calmly repeated,

[8]

Miss Gilbert, where were you when it happened?"

[9]

I squeezed the sticky feeling between my throat and let out a dry hoarse voice

[10]

:"I was sleeping."

[11]

"The balcony is connected to the bedroom.

[12]

Do not you know he jumped from the balcony?"

[13]

"I was sleeping,

[14]

I didn't know anything."

[15]

"The neighbors said they had heard a heated argument about two hours before the incident.

[16]

Is that true?"

[17]

"Yes."

[18]

es."

[19]

"Wh

[20]

y?"

[21]

That word "why" ignited the remnants of my sanity. I lifted my head, glaring fiercely at the man in uniform with deep-set eyes

[22]

A surge of hatred, filled with a resolve to go down together, swirled within me as I shouted at him, "Because he was a fool, a coward, a scoundrel! He knocked up a colleague, embezzled funds, and disgraced himself completely, so he jumped. Do you understand?

[23]

If you still suspect me,

[24]

I can die too"

[25]

He looked at me quietly, like searching for flaws in my words.

[26]

"You

[27]

..."

[28]

Before he could finish, I scrambled to my feet, hunching over as I rushed toward the wall with a death-defying determination.

[29]

A figure moved faster than me, blocking me in front of the wall.

[30]

My head punched his stomach heavily .

[31]

It so hurt but he might be more hurt. I think.

[32]

"Eileen, calm down," Jerred said, gripping my shoulders firmly, his voice laced with restrained pain.

[33]

gripping my shoulders firmly, his voice laced with restrained pain.

[34]

I stared blankly at him, and in that moment when our eyes met, a wave of sorrow, stronger and deeper than hatred, washed over me.

[35]

"Thank you,"

[36]

I sat paralyzed, struggling to make a sound.

[37]

He said nothing.

[38]

I clutched my arm and burst into tears, like a raving lunatic.

[39]

After examining the scene, policemen include Jerred took me back to the police station for further questioning.

[40]

They didn't allow me to leave until 3 hours later.

[41]

The questioning was essentially listening to me curse my ex for three hours.

[42]

I could never get over the fact a man uses his death to escape his mistakes, leaving the pain to his living relatives.

[43]

It angered me more than his infidelity.

[44]

As I reached the police station's entrance, Jerred caught up with me. He must not have rest for a long time, there was a large dark circle around his eyes, but it did not affect his righteous demeanor in the least. His back was still held upright with a strong spirit, standing tall like a pine tree.

[45]

"I'll take you to a nearby hotel to rest for the night,"

[46]

he offered, his tone no longer as stern as during the interrogation. His calm voice inexplicably reassured me.

[47]

Thinking of the mangled body, I accepted his kindness without hesitation.

[48]

"Thank you."

[49]

you."

[50]

As we parted at the hotel gate, he suddenly bent down, staring intently into my eyes.

[51]

"Don't entertain thoughts of ending your life again."

[52]

"I haven't met a good man yet. I'm not willing to die," I replied, flipping my hair and walking boldly to the hotel, feigning nonchalance and tragedy.

[53]

I replied.

[54]

I tossed my hair back and strode towards the hotel, trying to appear both nonchalant yet with a touch of melancholy.

[55]

2

[56]

A week later, Brad's case was officially ruled a suicide after going through legal procedures.

[57]

However, Brad's mother refused to accept the truth that her son had taken his own life and still suspected me as the murderer, dragging me to the police station to argue.

[58]

She pulled my hair, accusing me of having a heart of stone and driving her son to die in the police station lobby.

[59]

I was furious and pushed and shoved with her.

[60]

Jerred arrived to separate us.

[61]

At that moment, I was disheveled, barefoot, and standing on the ground,

[62]

while Jerred, in his crisp uniform, stood tall and dignified beside me, making my plight even more apparent.

[63]

"What happened?"

[64]

he asked.

[65]

"She killed my son," Brad's mother screamed, pointing at me.

[66]

Brad's mother screamed, pointing at me.

[67]

I clasped my arms and sneered, "That was retribution on his part, so you dared to bully me,

[68]

why don't you dare to go to the woman who got knocked up by your son and make a scene?

[69]

I handed over all my savings to Brad's parents, and lost my job by them.

[70]

What more did they want? Did they want me to pay with my life for their son?

[71]

Brad's mother trembled with rage, her swollen eyes glaring at me. "Look at your sharp tongue. If it weren't for your provocation, would my son have been driven to jump?"

[72]

"Look at your mean face. If you hadn't provoked him, would my son have thought twice about jumping off a building?

[73]

I just wanted say something,Jerred stopped me.

[74]

He leaned in and whispered,

[75]

"Don't provoke her. Leave it to me."

[76]

I grabbed my hair irritable

[77]

Brad, the scum of the earth, is irresponsible himself, and a death is a complete relief.

[78]

Instead, I'm going to live in his shadow for the rest of my life, talked about, second-guessed, and tormented by my own guilt and fear.

[79]

"I'm just as aggrieved as his mother is,"

[80]

I choked out, looking up at Jerred.

[81]

The day Brad died, I did revile him.

[82]

When I found out he betray on me and still expected me to help him out, I lashed out, venting my anger on his entire family.

[83]

But was I wrong?

[84]

Faced with such a man, was I supposed to comfort him kindly?

[85]

Telling him he just made a mistake that all men will make?

[86]

I couldn't do it!

[87]

It's a mercy I didn't hit him.

[88]

He said if I abandoned him, he'd die.

[89]

But such a horrible man, shouldn't I break up ?

[90]

I didn't think he'd jump just as I was falling asleep.

[91]

How much better was I when that scene of blood and flesh haunted me every moment?

[92]

Jerred's eyes softened, and he patted my shoulder. "Wait for me next door."

[93]

and he patted my shoulder. "Wait for me next door."

[94]

I wiped my tears fiercely and walked away, trying to leave a bold and decisive impression.

[95]

But after a few steps, my shoulders slumped, and I had no energy left to put on a brave front.

[96]

About an hour later, Jerred came to find me.

[97]

I looked behind him and breathed a sigh of relief

[98]

Facing the mother who lost her son, I felt guilty, but I couldn't say anything to apologize.

[99]

"It's over. Don't dwell on it.

[100]

Legally, you're not guilty of any crime against Brad,"

[101]

sitting across from me, his elbows resting on the armrests,

[102]

leaning slightly forward. His tone was much softer than before.

[103]

"Thank you,"

[104]

I murmured, my head bowed.

[105]

Leaving the police station, I felt conflicted, unsure of where to go, and sat dazed at the nearby bus stop.

[106]

The sky began to drizzle, the rain gradually intensifying.

[107]

After some time, a black SUV stopped in front of me, the window rolling down to reveal a chiseled face.

[108]

It was Jerred.

[109]

He had changed out of his uniform, wearing a black shirt that accentuated his tall frame and sharp shoulders.

[110]

Through the rain, I couldn't see his expression clearly, but his deep, magnetic voice cut through the noise of the rain. "Where are you going?

[111]

I'll

[112]

take you."

[113]

I stared at him blankly, tears streaming down my face before I could speak.

[114]

"I don't know "

[115]

where to go."

[116]

3

[117]

Perhaps seeing how pitiful I was, Jerred offered to take me out for a meal.

[118]

I, without much resistance, agreed.

[119]

After Brad's death, I didn't dare go home, meet friends, talk about it, or even be alone in a quiet place. I broke down countless times.

[120]

Jerred's identity and presence gave me immense security, something I couldn't refuse.

[121]

I even hoped he could be by my side all the time.

[122]

For dinner, we had hot pot, a boiling pot with a constant steamy white mist, a red broth that tumbled and smelled delicious.

[123]

After several failed attempts to find a topic of conversation, we both fell silent

[124]

The atmosphere starkly contrasted with the lively excitement at the next table.

[125]

I couldn't think of any other way to put off spending a little more time together other than shoveling food into my mouth one way or another.

[126]

I didn't put down my chopsticks until I finally couldn't eat any more and opened my mouth again to spit it out.

[127]

After dinner, Jerred drove me home. When we reached my building, he looked up at my balcony.

[128]

"Have · you · thought · about · moving?"

[129]

"Why should I move?"

[130]

I retorted angrily. "Moving would just show them I'm weak-minded?."

[131]

He looked down at me, his gaze deep. After a moment, he concluded, "You're fighting with yourself."

[132]

After a moment, he concluded, "You're fighting with yourself."

[133]

I paused for a couple of seconds,

[134]

then snapped,

[135]

"that's none of your business'!"

[136]

Feeling guilty after snapping, I was about to run when Jerred slightly shifted to block my path.

[137]

"Let's exchange contacts."

[138]

He took out his phone, opened the social Whatsapp QR code, and held it out to me, his gaze calm and steady.

[139]

Perhaps he was too open and natural for me to blaspheme in the slightest

[140]

I quickly took out my phone, scanned the code in one go,

[141]

added him as a friend, and carefully noted him as "Mr. Williams ."

[142]

He nodded with satisfaction,

[143]

"If you're ever in trouble, just let me know."

[144]

I pressed my lips together, not speaking, but thought to myself, can't I reach out if there's no trouble?

[145]

"I suggest you date a psychologist,"

[146]

he added.

[147]

I nodded quickly, then shook my head.

[148]

There's no point in seeing a psychologist; isn't everything something you have to endure on your own?

[149]

I replied in my mind.

[150]

It wasn't that I was introverted; I just had no interest in speaking at that moment.

[151]

But I didn't expect that in Jerred's eyes, my condition was so severe that early the next morning, he came to drag me to a psychological clinic.

[152]

"I'm not sick."

[153]

After a sleepless night, my voice was weak and soft, and just walking out of the bedroom to open the door left me feeling exhausted.

[154]

He stood at the door, dressed in black, one hand in his pocket, scrutinizing me with a furrowed brow.

[155]

After a moment, he commanded, "Go wash up and get ready to go out.

[156]

A sudden surge of anger welled up inside me, and as if I had lost my mind, I grabbed a cup from beside me and hurled it at him. "I'm not sick, you're the one who needs help!

[157]

I grabbed a cup from beside me and hurled it at him. "I'm not sick, you're the one who needs help! you're all sick!

[158]

He sidestepped, and the cup crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces.

[159]

I glared at him, my expression fierce.

[160]

He didn't speak, nor did he show any sign of blame, just quietly met my gaze,

[161]

like calming a stubborn child, with immense patience.

[162]

After a long while, he extended his hand to me,

[163]

"Be good."

[164]

I conceded, my hostility fading in his calm gaze.

[165]

Failure, irritability, anger, sensitivity... I had nothing to argue about.

[166]

I had nothing to argue about.

[167]

So, I resignedly followed Jerred to the psychological clinic. After talking with the psychologist, the doctor suggested I talk more with friends and maintain contact with the outside world.

[168]

I was greatly disappointed with this outcome and complained to Jerred as we left, "Spending money here for some platitudes, I might as well read some self-help books.

[169]

Not to mention I have no desire to confide in anyone, and even if I did, I don't have anyone to confide in.

[170]

Everyone I know just wants to dig up gossip or hear my sob stories;

[171]

and those I don't know, why should I bother?

[172]

You can talk to me," Jerred said after a moment of silence.

[173]

Jerred said after a moment of silence.

[174]

" But I'm not very good at chatting, and I'm usually busy, so my replies might be late."

[175]

An unaccountable ecstasy came up like a tidal wave, and I suddenly wanted to laugh and cry, with mixed and intense emotions.

[176]

Someone was willing to lend me a hand, so I couldn't give up.

[177]

Since then, I've been pestering Jerred every day, sharing all sorts of trivial daily things, good songs, and good movies with him.

[178]

Even though his replies were late and dull, I found it all very enjoyable.

[179]

Because I knew he would respond eventually, and my waiting wouldn't be in vain.

[180]

I liked this feeling.

[181]

".Mr. Williams, are you single?"

[182]

One late night, I impulsively sent him a message.

[183]

A few minutes later, I regretted it.

[184]

Because I'm not sure of my motivation, is it need, or yearning, or is it just empty loneliness?

[185]

"Never mind, you don't have to answer," I sent another message.

[186]

I sent another message.

[187]

This time he replied quickly,

[188]

"I don't believe in marriage."

[189]

4

[190]

I found a new job and was preparing to move into a new apartment. Just when I thought everything was gradually getting better, Brad's mother reappeared in my life.

[191]

"How can you live so well?

[192]

My son is dead,

[193]

why should you live so comfortably?"

[194]

One morning, as I was heading downstairs to go to work, she suddenly appeared, glaring at me as if she wanted to skin me alive.

[195]

"Ma'am, how do you expect me to live, like you?"

[196]

I shot back defiantly, "This kind of thing isn't about whoever is pitiful,

[197]

refusing to let go you keep harassing my life and I'll call the police.

[198]

I tried to walk past her, but she grabbed my arm tightly and do not let me go.

[199]

During the struggle, she suddenly fainted, scaring me into immediately dialing 120.

[200]

While paying the hospital fees, I was contemplating whether to call Jerred for help, fearing what might happen if I had to face Brad's father alone. Suddenly, I bumped into someone.

[201]

Before I could apologize, a familiar voice sounded above me,

[202]

"Eileen, what are you doing here?"

[203]

Looking up, I saw it was Jerred, one arm in a cast and the other holding an IV stand, looking a bit pitiful.

[204]

The invincible image I had of him suddenly seemed much more down-to-earth.

[205]

"What happened

[206]

to you?"

[207]

He looked a bit anxious, "Injured on a mission.

[208]

I need to use the restroom first, I'll explain later."

[209]

With that, he hurried off, clearly in a rush.

[210]

I followed him, "How do you get your pants off here?

[211]

Let me help you."

[212]

help you."

[213]

Such a straightforward offer startled him into running even faster.

[214]

At the restroom door, I caught up with him, "If you're nervous, just close your eyes.

[215]

It'll be quick."

[216]

He didn't dare move a muscle, the tips of his ears red

[217]

I was nervous too, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Seeing people gathering around to watch, I hurried my actions.

[218]

As soon as the belt was undone, both Jerred and I breathed a sigh of relief.

[219]

"You can handle the zipper yourself,"

[220]

I said, quickly slipping away.

[221]

Not long after, I reluctantly returned. Having undone his belt, I felt obligated to help fasten it back.

[222]

Jerred emerged from the restroom, his belt already fastened.

[223]

I was slightly surprised,

[224]

"Did you get someone else to help you?"

[225]

His face turned a shade of embarrassment, swallowing before he looked at the IV stand and replied, "I asked someone to hold the stand."

[226]

"I asked someone to hold the stand."

[227]

I suddenly understood; so that's how it was.

[228]

Why hadn't he thought of that earlier?

[229]

"Why are you at the hospital?"

[230]

he asked.

[231]

I remembered and quickly said, "Brad's mom suddenly fainted, and I brought her to the hospital.

[232]

You have to help me;

[233]

I'm afraid she'll use this as an excuse to cause trouble."

[234]

Jerred raised an eyebrow,

[235]

"Why did you send her to the hospital when you were so scared?

[236]

I didn't reply, lowering my gaze, feeling conflicted.

[237]

If I didn't bring her to the hospital and something happened, I'd have even more trouble explaining.

[238]

"Let's go,"

[239]

Jerred said.

[240]

I quickly and eagerly took his IV stand, leading the way.

[241]

When we reached the emergency room, he suddenly called out to me, "Eileen, kindness isn't a mistake

[242]

Don't doubt yourself because of others' wrongdoings."

[243]

"Mr. Williams, your advice is really quite ordinary," .

[244]

I laughed.

[245]

Jerred laughed too, looking in good spirits, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

[246]

Suddenly, someone stumbled out of the ward, about to bump into me. Jerred quickly pulled me aside.

[247]

"It's you two?"

[248]

It was Brad's mom, her face pale and her tone acerbic, "When did you hook up?"

[249]

Eileen, did you cuckold my son?

[250]

No wonder he couldn't take it anymore,

[251]

you shameless slut."

[252]

Pointing at Jerred, she shouted to the gathering patients, "This pair of adulterers killed my son!

[253]

Do you know what this man does?

[254]

He's a..."

[255]

a..."

[256]

I almost subconsciously rushed to jerred "s body

[257]

I opened my arms to protect him like a chicken cub, "I advise you to speak kindly. Don't push me to expose your son's dirty deeds online.

[258]

by then your son can really have no good reputation left at all."

[259]

To honor the deceased is crucial, and unless absolutely necessary, I don't want to resort to such measures. But I can't allow anyone to tarnish Jerred or me. In other word I can't stand by while someone sullies Jerred's name.

[260]

Brad's mother fell silent instantly, staring daggers at me.

[261]

I stretched my neck and looked straight at her, refusing to give in to any semblance of softness.

[262]

Behind me, Jerred spoke softly, "Thank you."

[263]

"Thank you."

[264]

I've always been the one to thank Jerred,for he helped me in down..

[265]

It was finally his turn to thank me and I was so excited I wanted to cry.

[266]

Maybe, to him, I finally had some value.

[267]

"Eileen, I can't accept your kindness.

[268]

Just you wait," Brad's mother said, ignoring the doctors and nurses trying to stop her, insisting on leaving the hospital.

[269]

I attempted to reach Brad's father, but there was no answer.

[270]

Unable to connect any of Brad's mother's family, we had no choice but to let her go.

[271]

After following Brad's mother into a taxi, I returned to the hospital to accompany Jerred during his IV treatment.

[272]

"You're doing well lately,"

[273]

Jerred said.

[274]

I forced a bitter smile. "Of course, I have to take care of my emotions and health.

[275]

Otherwise, wouldn't those who hurt me have succeeded?"

[276]

Jerred tilted his head to look at me, the stark white light from the ceiling reflecting in his clear eyes, creating gentle ripples.

[277]

"Not bad,"

[278]

he said softly after a moment.

[279]

Two simple words inexplicably made my heart beat faster,

[280]

and I quickly turned my head and, as if compelled by an unseen force, I blurted out, "The air in this hospital is really nice."

[281]

5

[282]

Three days later, Brad's mother passed away.

[283]

I suffered from severe insomnia, relying on medication to sleep, completely unaware of what happened after I fell asleep.

[284]

That morning, when I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of a pair of legs dangling in mid-air, just a few centimeters from my face.

[285]

A lone red plastic stool lay overturned on the ground.

[286]

In an instant, I was terrified, retreating to a corner, unable to make a sound, my throat constricted, with the relentless pounding of my heart echoing in my ears.

[287]

It took a while before I regained my senses, trembling as I took out my phone to call Jerred.

[288]

His voice came through the receiver, calm and steady as usual,

[289]

"What's wrong"

[290]

I took a deep breath, pinching my thigh to force myself to explain the situation clearly.

[291]

"Don't be afraid, stay there, I'm coming right over,"

[292]

he · said, · a · rustling · sound · in · the · background. · "Don't · hang · up, · wait · for · me."

[293]

The fear and panic that had been lodged in my chest found an outlet and began to slowly dissipate.

[294]

I nodded, realizing he couldn't see me, and quickly said, "Okay, I'll wait for you."

[295]

Before long,

[296]

the sound of police sirens echoed from downstairs.

[297]

Jerred was the first to rush up, wearing his police uniform, his expression composed, his right hand in a cast.

[298]

He stepped around the body and crouched in front of me, pulling me into his arms,

[299]

his hand resting on my head, his voice soft and gentle, "It's okay now."

[300]

All my rationality crumbled. I clung to his waist, turning my suppressed fear into loud sobs, smearing tears and snot on his chest.

[301]

Just like the day something happened to Brad, I was taken to the police station again. The only difference was that Jerred wasn't the one questioning me this time. The process was otherwise the same.

[302]

I didn't know why Brad's mother died or why she died at my doorstep.

[303]

This time, the questioning was shorter, perhaps because the signs of suicide were more apparent.

[304]

When I came out, Jerred was waiting at the door. He was in uniform, holding his police cap in his hand, standing tall and looking every bit the righteous officer.

[305]

As soon as he saw me, his stern expression softened a bit. He reached out and ruffled my hair,

[306]

"It's okay now."

[307]

I looked up at him blankly, tears welling up in my eyes.

[308]

"Do you believe me?"

[309]

I asked after a while.

[310]

"Police work relies on evidence, not personal bias," he said,

[311]

his gaze unwavering and straightforward.

[312]

I understood, but I also felt wronged, tears uncontrollably streaming down my face.

[313]

He frowned slightly, opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he said nothing, simply handing me a pack of tissues.

[314]

I refused to take it, walking past him in a huff.

[315]

Suddenly, a heart-wrenching roar erupted behind me,

[316]

"Eileen, give me back my wife and child! I won't let you get away with this!"

[317]

I stopped in my tracks, the fear I had been suppressing breaking through my defenses, sweeping into the depths of my soul.

[318]

Isn't it?Two lives.

[319]

How did I become burdened with the weight of two lives?

[320]

What unforgivable thing did I do?

[321]

The sudden confusion made my expression blank. Turning around, I saw Brad's father, eyes bloodshot, glaring at me like an exposed lion, radiating hatred.

[322]

If not for the two officers holding him back, he might have rushed over to tear me apart.

[323]

"Eileen, I'll kill you,"

[324]

he said hideously.

[325]

Images of Brad and his mother smiling and waving at me flashed through my mind. My legs buckled, and I sank to the floor, my chest heaving, every pore exuding coldness.

[326]

Footsteps approached from afar.

[327]

Jerred stopped in front of me, wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and helped me up, supporting most of my weight.

[328]

I caught the clean, reassuring scent of his freshly laundered uniform, his arms strong and secure.

[329]

Under his towering presence, I felt like I had a place to hide. On impulse, I buried my head in his chest, clinging tightly to his waist.

[330]

His breath hitched for a moment, then he held me close as we walked forward.

[331]

"I'll take you home. Don't be afraid of anything."

[332]

Behind us, Brad's father's curses grew louder and louder. Suddenly, his tone changed, filled with a strange excitement.

[333]

"You must be colluding with the authorities to murder my wife and son. I'll report you!"

[334]

I'll report you!"

[335]

By the time we left the police station, the weather had cleared up. As I stepped into the sunlight, a sudden calm washed over me.

[336]

"I must live my life to the fullest. I have done nothing wrong.

[337]

As long as I don't care about morality, no one can morally kidnap me.

[338]

"Eileen, stay strong," Jerred said, patting my shoulder with his left hand, his features striking in the bright light.

[339]

patting my shoulder with his left hand, his features striking in the bright light.

[340]

On the way home, we sat quietly in the back of the taxi, neither of us speaking.

[341]

The scenery outside the window kept retreating, the city as bustling and lively as ever.

[342]

I leaned my head against the window, tears falling uncontrollably.

[343]

When the taxi stopped downstairs, I clenched my fists, summoning the courage to make a swift exit, afraid that if I hesitated, my courage would falter.

[344]

"Eileen."

[345]

he said

[346]

Just as I was about to go upstairs, a deep, pleasant voice called out from behind.

[347]

Tears welled up again. I turned slowly and saw Jerred standing straight in the sunlight, his eyes shimmered with a bright, watery sheen.

[348]

He hesitated for a moment, then said seriously,

[349]

The place you're staying isn't safe. I'll find you somewhere else to live."

[350]

The weight on my heart suddenly lightened a bit, a ray of light breaking through.

[351]

I crouched down, hugging my knees, and cried out loud.

[352]

Jerred stood in front of me, draping his jacket over my head, shielding me completely in darkness.

[353]

After crying until I was exhausted, Jerred helped me upstairs to pack my things, then took me to a taxi.

[354]

Throughout the journey, I was in a daze, placing all my hopes on him.

[355]

I never expected him to take me to his own home.

[356]

In that moment, all my nerves tensed up, and my fantasies shattered.

[357]

Did he suspect me and want to keep an eye on me?

[358]

No, I must be too sensitive.