The wind carried the smell of rain and burning lanterns that night — the last scent Xu Ling would remember of Shuilan.
The Lantern Festival had ended, yet her heart hadn't found peace.
Each step she took seemed heavier than the last, burdened not just by exhaustion, but by the quiet fluttering inside her womb — a reminder that she wasn't alone anymore.
She pressed a trembling hand against her belly.
"Don't worry," she whispered softly. "Mama will keep you safe."
---
Wang Zheng stood by the balcony of his study, his phone buzzing on the table. His assistant Fang Yu had returned with troubling news.
"Sir, someone's been making inquiries — not local ones. Capital-level searches. The Chen family and the Lu financial group are both moving people toward Shuilan."
Wang Zheng's brows furrowed. "Both families?"
"Yes, sir. Whoever Miss Xu really is… they're looking hard."
He turned, eyes dark and decisive. "Get the jet ready. We leave tonight. Quietly."
Fang Yu hesitated. "Sir, she's not well. Her condition—"
"I know," Wang Zheng interrupted softly. "That's why I'm taking her away."
---
Xu Ling sat on her bed, holding a half-packed bag.
Her heart pounded with confusion. Leaving felt like betrayal — to her lost grandmother, to the memories she'd built — yet staying meant danger.
When Wang Zheng entered the room, his presence filled the silence.
"Xu Ling," he said quietly, "I won't force you. But if you stay, they'll find you — and they'll hurt you again."
She looked up, tears gathering in her eyes. "I don't have anyone, Zheng. No home. No name I can even claim."
"Then make a new one," he said. "With me."
Something in his tone — calm, firm, and sincere — broke through her fear.
For the first time in months, she nodded.
"Okay."
-
The night air was cold as they drove through Shuilan's narrow streets toward the private airfield. The twins slept in the backseat, their tiny heads resting against each other.
Xu Ling held her stomach protectively, whispering a silent prayer.
She didn't know what lay ahead, but she knew she couldn't go back.
When they boarded the jet, Wang Zheng guided her gently to her seat, wrapping a blanket over her lap.
"You'll be safe," he said softly, meeting her tired eyes. "I promise."
She managed a faint smile. "You shouldn't make promises to a woman like me."
Wang Zheng looked at her — really looked — and said, "Then let me prove I can keep one."
---
Arrival in Yan City
Dawn broke over the misty mountains of Yan City, bathing the land in silver light.
From the jet window, Xu Ling could see sprawling green valleys, temples hidden in the hills, and the faint glimmer of snow far to the north.
When they reached the Wang Family Estate, she could barely breathe.
It wasn't just large — it was alive with warmth.
The main courtyard was filled with blooming plum trees. Servants lined the path in neat rows, bowing as the family's youngest heir returned.
At the center stood Grandpa Wang, tall despite his age, Grandma Wang, elegant and kind-eyed, and Wang Jian, his father — proud, stern, and commanding.
---
As Xu Ling stepped down from the car, Wang Zheng's grandmother immediately noticed her pale complexion and the way she held her abdomen.
"Oh heavens, Zheng'er!" she gasped, rushing forward. "She's expecting, isn't she?"
Xu Ling froze, startled.
Before Wang Zheng could respond, Grandma Wang's face broke into a radiant smile.
"You poor child! Traveling like this in your condition — come, come inside, we'll have the doctor see you immediately!"
Xu Ling's lips trembled. She wanted to explain — to tell the truth — but Grandma Wang's kindness drowned her words.
"Th-thank you…" she whispered.
Grandpa Wang stepped forward next, his tone gentle but wise.
"Zheng, you finally brought home someone worth protecting. Don't let the world ruin her."
Even Wang Jian, usually so controlled, softened his gaze.
"She'll need rest," he said curtly, but his voice lacked its usual sharpness.
In that moment, surrounded by warmth she hadn't known existed, Xu Ling felt something crack open in her chest — something she hadn't dared to hope for.
Maybe, just maybe, this could be home.
---
Meanwhile in the Capital…
Back in the Lu Mansion, Li Wei sat at a long table filled with the city's elite.
Aunt Mei beamed proudly, gesturing toward the glittering hall.
"Tonight," she announced, "our Li Wei will finally meet the most promising young women in the capital. The Lu family's future must be secured."
Li Wei barely touched his drink. His eyes were cold, his patience thinner than glass.
Lin Yue, the poised socialite fiancée, leaned toward him with a practiced smile. "Wei, you look so tired. Is work keeping you up?"
He didn't answer.
In his pocket, his phone buzzed — a message from his private investigator.
'Target's last known location: Shuilan River. No further trace.'
Li Wei's hand tightened around the glass until it cracked, spilling wine across his fingers.
"Excuse me," he muttered, rising abruptly.
Aunt Mei frowned. "Li Wei! Where are you going?"
"To fix something I broke," he said darkly, walking out into the night.
---
The Wang Estate
Back in Yan City, Xu Ling lay in the guest room, her hands resting on her stomach as the doctor finished his checkup.
"She's weak but stable," the physician said kindly. "The pregnancy is healthy, about six months along."
Six months.
Xu Ling blinked up at the ceiling, realization washing over her. She'd been running for so long, she hadn't even counted the months.
When the door closed and she was alone, a tear slipped down her cheek.
For the first time since that terrible night, she allowed herself to smile — faint, trembling, but real.
Her babies were safe.
She was safe.
Outside her window, the scent of plum blossoms drifted through the air, mingling with the sound of distant laughter from Wang Zheng's family.
And though she didn't know it yet, her peace would not last forever — because two powerful men, driven by guilt and blood, were already tearing the capital apart to find her.