He gazed at her, his dark eyes filled with unwavering devotion as his thumb continued stroking her soft, warm skin, "Done... Anything else you wish for… my wife?"
She reached out, brushing his hair back from his forehead with a feather-light touch, her eyes shining with quiet longing. "I only wish… for you to stay by my side… like this… forever."
His chest tightened with silent resolve as he leaned forward to press a tender kiss against her brow, sealing a vow without words.
He captured her fingers in his and pressed them against his lips, his voice an unbreakable vow, "You will have me… until the very end."
And there, in the quiet dimness of their new master suite, surrounded by silent promises and their unborn child's quiet presence, their hearts beat as one, already living their eternity, moment by moment.
Wan Ruyi closed her eyes, feeling his warm breath brush over her skin, his steady heartbeat echoing against her palm. In that moment, all her fears and exhaustion seemed to melt away, leaving only quiet, unshakeable peace.
She shifted closer, resting her forehead against his chest as his arms wrapped securely around her shoulders... "Let's nap for a while," she whispered drowsily, her voice soft and slurred with sleep.
"Mn," he murmured, pressing a final kiss to the crown of her head. "Sleep… I will be here when you wake up."
Within minutes, her breathing evened out, her delicate lashes fanning across flushed cheeks as she drifted into a calm, dreamless slumber. Lu Zhi Hao remained awake, gazing down at her serene face, his fingers brushing rhythmic circles against her back.
Outside their tinted windows, the late morning sun climbed higher in the pale spring sky, casting gentle warmth over the sprawling estate. Staff moved quietly through the halls, preparing lunch and finishing last-minute unpacking.
But inside their room, time slowed to a tranquil standstill.
He adjusted her slightly to lie more comfortably against his chest, resting his cheek atop her head as his eyes slipped closed, allowing himself this rare moment of undisturbed stillness, holding his entire world in his arms.
Tomorrow would come with its responsibilities, meetings, and public facades.
But today, there was only her.
Only them.
And that was all he needed.
OLD MASTER & MADAM LU'S BEDROOM – MORNING
The spacious master suite on the ground floor was decorated in soothing creams and deep mahogany tones, with intricate carved panels lining the walls. Tall windows framed the landscaped gardens outside, while silk drapes fluttered gently in the mild spring breeze.
Old Madam Lu sat gracefully on the edge of their grand carved bed, arranging her jade hairpins on the rosewood vanity table. Her movements were slow but elegant, a quiet dignity in every gesture.
Behind her, Old Master Lu reclined against the upholstered headboard, his cane resting at the bedside. His sharp eyes softened as he watched his wife, a small, tired smile curving his lips.
"You have been quiet today," she remarked gently, glancing at him through the vanity mirror.
He hummed in his chest, shifting slightly to ease the weight off his joints, "It feels… surreal. To finally be back here after so many years abroad."
She turned, her gaze tender as she walked over and sat beside him, resting her delicate hand over his knotted, veined one, "This is home, Lao Lu. We are back with our children… our grandchildren… this is all we ever prayed for...."
"Mn." His thumb stroked the back of her hand slowly, and thoughtfully, "And yet… There is still so much unfinished. So many shadows."