The soft rays of the early morning sun filtered gently through the sheer curtains, casting warm patterns of gold across the marble floors of the penthouse bedroom. Birds chirped quietly in the distance, but inside, everything was still—quiet, serene.
Wu Mei stirred first. Her delicate lashes fluttered, and her eyes slowly opened to the familiar scent of cedarwood and warmth that always lingered on Qin Yanzhou's side of the bed. Turning her head slightly, she saw him still sleeping, chest gently rising and falling. His arms had fallen to the side sometime during the night, giving her the perfect opportunity to slip out unnoticed.
She rose from the bed quietly, careful not to make a sound, and padded barefoot into the bathroom. The mirror greeted her with a sleepy reflection and love marks along her collarbone, a lingering reminder of the passion from the night before. She blushed faintly, shaking her head, and stepped under the warm spray of the shower.
The hot water streamed down her body like silk, rinsing away tension and lingering memories—both recent and ancient. The night with Qin Yanzhou, the rescue at the cliff, her stepsister's wickedness—it all felt like chapters of a surreal novel. But this—this moment of quiet—was real.
As she turned off the water and wrapped a towel around herself, the bathroom door suddenly opened. Wu Mei startled slightly.
"Yanzhou?" she whispered.
He stood in the doorway, dressed only in a pair of dark slacks, his chest bare, eyes still clouded with sleep but sharp with intensity. His hair was slightly messy, and his jaw was tense.
Without a word, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, pressing her damp back to his warm chest.
"I had a dream," he said softly against her shoulder, his voice hoarse.
She looked at him in the mirror. "What kind of dream?"
He met her eyes in the glass. "That you left me."
Wu Mei turned in his arms. "It was just a dream."
He buried his face in the crook of her neck and held her closer. "I can't lose you. Not again."
She raised a hand to his cheek, wiping a droplet of moisture she wasn't sure was from the shower or his own eyes. "I'm here."
He kissed her softly before pulling back. "Your hair is still wet. You'll catch a cold." He took the hairdryer and began gently drying her hair, threading his fingers through the strands as he worked.
As the hum of the dryer filled the air, his thoughts grew louder than the sound.
Even if it's a lie that you love me, Wu Mei... I accept it. But what I can't accept... is losing you.
When he finished, he turned her toward him fully and looked into her eyes.
"Wu Mei," he said.
"Yes?"
"Will you marry me?"
She blinked, startled. "Marry you?"
A flash of memory surged through her mind—her past life.
That snowy day, when he had slipped an engagement ring onto her finger. Her heart had been already broken, her soul numb. She had whispered back then, It's too late already. I don't deserve you.
But now… now she was alive again. Given a second chance.
She swallowed, her eyes stinging slightly, and said with a gentle smile, "I do."
His face lit up with disbelief and joy. "You do?"
She nodded. "I want to be your wife."
Qin Yanzhou's eyes softened, and a grin broke across his face. "If you ever try to leave me again, I'll tie you up and lock you in this room with me forever."
She laughed softly. "I don't think you'd really do that."
He leaned in and whispered, "Try me."
"I'll be a good girl for you," she murmured, brushing her lips over his. "I promise."
He kissed her again, this time slower—more meaningful.
Later that afternoon, the skies above the city were clear and endless. In a secluded garden adorned with lilies and jasmine, Wu Mei stood in a stunning white gown—elegant, ethereal, with delicate embroidery along the bodice and sheer sleeves. Her hair was done in soft waves, a veil draping behind her like mist.
Qin Yanzhou, standing tall in a pristine white suit, reached for her hand.
Their vows were simple but filled with emotion.
With only a few close witnesses and no fanfare, they became husband and wife under the open sky.
After the ceremony, Qin Yanzhou carried her bridal-style into their home.
Inside the penthouse, rose petals were scattered along the floor, and the lights were dimmed to a warm glow. He carried her all the way to their bedroom.
As he set her down, his lips brushed against her ear. "It's time."
She laughed nervously. "Time for what?"
"Our wedding night," he said, a dangerous smile forming. "Let's fulfill our duty as husband and wife."
Wu Mei flushed and gently pushed his chest. "But I haven't taken a shower yet."
She turned to head toward the bathroom, but before she could take another step, he caught her hand.
"Then let's shower together," he said with a glint in his eye.
"I— I…" she stammered.
He didn't wait for her to finish. He swept her off her feet again, carrying her into the bathroom with ease.
Steam filled the space quickly as hot water cascaded from the rainfall showerhead.
Wu Mei stood beneath it, droplets gliding over her bare skin. Qin Yanzhou stood behind her, slowly sliding his hands around her waist. His lips found the back of her neck as he whispered, "You're mine now. Completely."
She gasped as his fingers traced the outline of her hips.
"You look like a goddess," he said, voice deep and low.
Their bodies pressed together, skin to skin, heat rising between them as the water streamed down. He turned her gently, their eyes locking. Then, he kissed her—slow, deep, possessive.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart racing.
He lifted her again and carried her out of the shower, setting her on the bed without drying either of them. Drops of water kissed the sheets as his lips claimed every inch of her.
He worshipped her.
His kisses were gentle at first, then ravenous—trailing from her lips to her throat, over the swell of her breasts, down to her navel. She moaned his name, her voice trembling.
"Yanzhou…"
"I want you to remember this forever," he growled against her skin.
Their bodies joined again, tangled in passion and heat.
Each thrust was a vow.
Each kiss, a promise.
Each gasp, a declaration of belonging.
And as their bodies trembled together under the weight of pleasure, Wu Mei knew—this time, it was real. This time, it was love… not pain, not betrayal.
Only him.
Only them.
Together.
Forever.