She didn't turn immediately, her gaze lingering in the quiet garden, "It feels strange… we are leaving tomorrow after everything that happened here."
He walked over and wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder, "We are not leaving anything behind. We are just going home."
She closed her eyes, leaning into his warmth, feeling his steady heartbeat against her back. "Do you think… everything will truly be peaceful back there?"
His lips pressed gently against her temple. "Peace isn't given, it's made. And we will make it… together."
She smiled faintly, her hand covering his where it lay protectively over her belly, "The baby kicked earlier when you were in the shower."
"Mn?" He chuckled softly, sliding his palm under her nightgown to feel her warm skin. "My little one… already kicking this late at night."
"He's just like you," she teased gently, turning her face to nuzzle against his jaw, "Always awake working past midnight."
He smirked, his eyes soft as he gazed down at her, "Or maybe like you… refusing to sleep when there's something on your mind."
She sighed, her lashes fluttering as she leaned up to kiss him softly, "Let's go to bed. We have an early flight."
He scooped her up without warning, carrying her effortlessly towards their large bed. She squealed quietly, arms curling around his neck as he set her down on the cool sheets.
"Careful… I'm heavy," she murmured, cheeks flushed with shy protest.
"You are just perfect," he said firmly, sliding in beside her and pulling her close until her head rested against his chest. His hand stroked her hair in slow, calming motions.
For a long while, they lay there in silence, listening to each other's breaths and the faint chirping of crickets outside.
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY – MIDNIGHT
Outside their bedroom, Lu Zi Zhen stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall near the window.
He scrolled quietly through his phone, eyes tired but clear. He could hear the muffled sound of his parents' laughter behind their closed door and a faint smile crossed his lips.
At the end of the hallway, Lu Ting Zhou sat on the cushioned bench, elbows resting on his knees, staring blankly at the carpet. His eyes were red-rimmed, though no tears fell. He felt Zi Zhen's gaze and glanced up briefly, forcing a faint, polite nod before looking away again.
Neither spoke. There was nothing left to say tonight.
OLD MASTER & MADAM LU'S ROOM
Down the hall, Old Madam Lu was folding the last of her scarves into her travel case while Old Master Lu watched from his armchair.
"Don't pack too much," he grumbled lightly, "We are going home, not immigrating to the moon. We can always buy these things.."
She paused, smiling softly at his gruff humour. "It's been so long since we stepped back onto Chinese soil… I want to look dignified."
He snorted, but his eyes softened. "You always do."
LU TING CHENG'S ROOM
Lu Ting Cheng lay on his bed, one arm folded behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. The quiet hum of the air conditioning filled the silence. His phone screen blinked beside him with an unread message, but he ignored it, his thoughts far away.
LU MANSION – DAWN
When the first pale light of morning seeped through the curtains, the Lu mansion woke in silent waves.
The maids moved quickly, packing the last suitcases into black SUVs waiting in the driveway. The drivers stood by the cars, their posture straight and respectful.