As they disappeared under the shaded veranda, Zi Zhen lowered his phone and exhaled a long, shaky breath. A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at his lips. He flicked through the photos and saved them into a hidden album titled:
"Mom & Dad – Real Love."
His fingers lingered on the screen for a moment before he placed the phone down on his desk. Leaning back in his leather chair, he rested his elbows on the armrests and closed his eyes, letting the fading golden light wash over his tired features.
For so long, he had wondered if love was meant only to destroy, to belittle, to break, but seeing his mother now, held so gently, so reverently, and feeling the strong, stable home they had built with Lu Zhi Hao, something inside his chest loosened, releasing a pain he hadn't even known he still carried.
"Someday…" he whispered quietly, his voice soft and raw, "…I want to love someone like that too."
The setting sun cast its last orange rays into his study, illuminating his calm, thoughtful face as he sat there in silence, listening to the muffled sounds of his parents' laughter echoing up from below.
And for the first time in years, Lu Zi Zhen felt truly at peace and assured of the future....
LU MANSION – MASTER BATHROOM
The golden twilight faded softly beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows as Lu Wan Ruyi and Lu Zhi Hao stepped into their spacious master bedroom, their hands still intertwined.
The warm glow of the bedside lamps cast a gentle halo around them, illuminating the muted creams and rose-gold accents of the elegant room.
Ruyi slipped off her garden shoes, her bare feet sinking into the plush ivory carpet. She let out a small sigh of contentment, leaning lightly against Lu Zhi Hao's side as he draped an arm securely around her waist.
"Welcome back, Madam, Master," one of the maids greeted softly, bowing her head respectfully as she emerged from the bathroom, "Your bath is ready."
"Mn," Lu Zhi Hao hummed in acknowledgement, his dark eyes glancing towards the open bathroom door where steam curled out invitingly, "You may all leave now."
"Yes, Master."
The maids exited silently, closing the bedroom door behind them, leaving the couple wrapped in warm privacy.
Lu Wan Ruyi stretched her arms above her head with a quiet groan, her loose silk garden dress sliding up slightly to reveal a sliver of her smooth thigh.
Lu Zhi Hao's eyes darkened, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he stepped forward, catching her wrist gently and pulling her into his chest hugging her closely.
"You look tired," he murmured, pressing his lips softly to her forehead, "Let's get you into the bath."
She smiled, her eyes half-closed with exhaustion and tenderness, "I could say the same for you, CEO Lu… You have been working without rest."
"It's for you," he said simply, his deep voice rumbling through her as he guided her towards the bathroom.
Steam curled lazily into the air, carrying the gentle scent of rose milk bath salts.
The marble tub was filled nearly to the brim with warm, frothy water, scattered with delicate pink rose petals floating atop. Lu Zhi Hao carefully placed her inside.
Lu Wan Ruyi leaned back against the edge of the tub, her skin flushed from the heat, eyes closed in bliss as she let the warmth seep into her tired muscles.
Her damp hair cascaded around her shoulders, droplets glistening on her long lashes.