She closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh of relief, her body relaxing completely in his hold as he massaged her.
"Are you feeling better now?" he murmured into her ear, kissing her temple tenderly before biting her earlobe.
"Mmm…" she hummed softly, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks adorably, "Don't stop… please." She was feeling really good and relaxed.
"I won't," he promised, his voice was low and warm, "You have carried so much, so let me take care of you."
For a few minutes, there was only the gentle sound of water and her quiet breathing, his touch soothing away the ache as she rested against him, feeling safe and cherished.
Finally, he wrapped his arms protectively around her belly from behind, pressing a light kiss to her damp shoulder, "Let's get you dressed before the doctor scolds me for keeping you in warm water too long."
She chuckled softly, nodding as he helped her up carefully, holding her close with every movement.
LU MANSION – DINING ROOM
An hour later, freshly bathed and dressed in a loose cream knit sweater and soft maternity pants, Wan Ruyi walked down the wide hallway with Lu Zhi Hao by her side, his hand warm against the bare back of her shoulders....
The dining room glowed under soft golden lights, illuminating steaming dishes neatly arranged along the polished dark oak table. The rich aroma of braised beef, stir-fried vegetables, and herbal chicken soup filled the air, comforting and homely.
At the far end, Lu Zi Zhen sat with one elbow resting lightly on the table, dressed in a black hoodie with his hair still damp from his evening shower. His sharp teenage features softened when he glanced up to see them, his lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.
"Mom, Dad," he greeted calmly, his deep voice carrying a warmth that belied his usual cool demeanour, "Took you long enough."
Wan Ruyi chuckled, brushing a stray lock of damp hair behind her ear as she moved to sit beside him, "We didn't keep you waiting too long, did we?"
Lu Zhi Hao leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her temple before taking his seat on her other side, "Your mother needed a little massage before dinner," he said with a teasing lift of his brow, eyes gleaming with unspoken meaning.
Zi Zhen smirked faintly, shaking his head as he picked up his chopsticks, "Just don't break her before she even gives birth, Dad."
"Zi Zhen!" Ruyi exclaimed softly, lightly slapping his wrist with mock scolding, though her cheeks glowed a rosy pink at his blunt words.
At the other side of the table sat Lu Ting Cheng, dressed crisply in a navy mandarin-collar shirt with his sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms.
He sipped his soup silently, his sharp eyes darting briefly towards Ruyi with a small nod of acknowledgement before lowering back to his bowl.
Even though their stepmom and father didn't have a harmonious relationship in the beginning, they could now tell they were head over heels for each other... They were truly perfect for each....
Looking at those two faces, definitely, their little one will be so beautiful or handsome, if they had a little sister, they would pamper her endlessly... And if it were a little brother, they would teach him how to be independent...
Next to him sat Lu Ting Zhou, dressed neatly in a dark grey long-sleeved sweater and black slacks. He kept his head bowed low, quietly spooning rice into his bowl without uttering a single word.