The cold marble floors of the Lu family mansion gleamed under the chandeliers' warm light as Lu Cheng led Su Nian inside. His grip on her hand was steady, but Su Nian could feel the tension radiating off him in waves.
The grand hall was filled with the murmurs of his relatives—his grandparents, parents, brothers, and others—gathered like a court awaiting a verdict. They all turned to look at the couple as they entered.
Grandfather Lu's piercing gaze fixed on Su Nian, sharp and disapproving. "So this is the girl you've chosen to marry?" His voice was as commanding as ever.
Lu Cheng squared his shoulders. "Grandfather, I didn't choose her to please you. I chose her because I love her."
A collective gasp rippled through the room. His father's jaw clenched visibly. His mother's lips pressed into a thin line.
Su Nian's heart pounded fiercely. The power in this room was overwhelming, but she stood tall beside Lu Cheng, her hand still tightly holding his.
Grandfather Lu's expression hardened. "Love? That is a luxury our family cannot afford. Your duty is to the family, to its legacy."
Lu Cheng met his gaze, unwavering. "Our family's legacy is built on strength and honor, not on forcing people into loveless marriages. Su Nian is talented, hardworking, and kind. She makes me a better man. That's the future I want."
For the first time, a flicker of surprise crossed Grandfather Lu's face. "You defy your family for this… commoner?"
"I defy anyone who stands in the way of what's right," Lu Cheng said firmly.
A tense silence followed, broken only by Su Nian's soft voice. "I may come from humble beginnings, but I have dreams, just like Cheng. I want to be a designer. And I want to build a life with him—one filled with love, respect, and trust. I'm not here to take anything from this family. I want to contribute."
The younger brothers exchanged glances, a few nodding subtly.
Grandmother Lu's voice softened slightly, "Perhaps… we should give her a chance."
The tension in the room eased a fraction.
Lu Cheng smiled at Su Nian, pride shining in his eyes. "Thank you, NianNian, for standing by me. Together, we will prove them wrong."
Su Nian's cheeks flushed, and she smiled back. "Together."
Later that evening, away from the formalities and the scrutinizing eyes, Lu Cheng took Su Nian to a small rooftop garden in the mansion. The city lights glittered beneath them, a sea of stars in the urban night.
He pulled her close, his voice low and tender. "You're braver than you think, NianNian. I'm proud of you."
Su Nian rested her head on his shoulder, warmth flooding through her. "I'm proud of us. We're stronger than I imagined."
His hand cupped her cheek, thumb tracing gentle circles. "This is only the beginning. There will be challenges, but we face them side by side."
She looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "Side by side, always."
With the city's quiet hum around them, Lu Cheng's lips brushed hers—a kiss filled with promise, hope, and the fierce love they'd both fought so hard to protect.