After what felt like forever, Lianyi finally loosened his hold enough for Mimi to breathe. Her head rested against the curve of his neck, and he clung to her as though letting go meant losing her forever. He buried his face in her hair, filling his lungs with the scent he had been starved of—sweet and familiar pulling him closer, tempting him toward a sin he fight so hard resist.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice trembling,
The sound of it pierced through her making her heart twisted, so much with pains that hot tears welled up her eyes, slipping down her cheeks. She had promised herself to stay away, to reject him, to punish him for the wounds he caused. Yet now, seeing him so fragile, so desperate, all her resolve melted away. Her body yielded to his embrace as if it was where she belonged all along.
"Stop crying, Mimi…" His words brushed against her ear, soft and low, almost a plea. "I promise—it won't happen again."
She lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes glistening with sorrow. Her lips trembled as she spoke, each word soaked with exhaustion. "I'm tired, Lianyi… tired of trying so hard to have you. Tired of fighting Yue Rong. All I wanted was a peaceful life. I thought you were happy with her. She's more beautiful… her father is the general… she fits your title far better than I ever could."
Every word struck him like a blade. His chest tightened, aching under the weight of her pain. He shook his head, almost violently, refusing her doubts.
"No, Mimi. You're wrong." His hands framed her face, firm yet trembling. His eyes searched hers, desperate for her to see the truth. "Yue Rong has no ethics. I have never loved her, and I never will. Do you hear me?" His voice broke, softer now. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known… but it was never your beauty that held me—it was your heart. So pure… so brave. Your parents raised you well, Mimi. And I—"
His words faltered. Overcome, he pressed his lips to hers again, this time with raw hunger, pouring all the love and regret he couldn't speak.
The kiss lingered until the world around them blurred, until the silence between their breaths became its own language. When they finally pulled apart, they foreheads were still resting on each other's, the storm inside them had quieted.
Their voices turned gentle, almost fragile, as though neither dared disturb the peace that had settled between them. Lianyi brushed a loose strand of hair from her damp cheek, his thumb grazing her skin with quiet tenderness.
"How was your stay at Grandfather's place?" he asked in a low voice.
Mimi sniffled lightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. "It was peaceful… but lonely," she admitted softly. "Grandma made me drink too much tea." A small laugh escaped her lips, fragile but real.
The sound eased something inside him, and he found himself smiling too, watching her cheeks flush with a softness that reminded him of the girl he had first fallen for.
"And the old man?" he teased gently. "Did he scold you as much as he does me to me?"
Her laughter grew a little steadier, though her eyes were still rimmed with tears. "He tried… but I think he likes me more than you." She said, making him chuckle.
They talked and teased each other quietly, the heaviness between them lifting bit by bit as smiles replaced tears,
As the continue to talk, time quickly slipped away. It was close to midnight when Lianyi finally rose to leave, his heart heavy with longing, while Mimi's heart trembled between the warmth of his touch and the fear of what tomorrow might bring.
At the door, he lingered a little as his gaze clinging to her one last time, making her lower her gaze shylyish, neither of them spoke. The silence carried more than words could ever do. Then, at last, he turned and disappeared into the silent night.
____
The next morning, Lianyi was still buried in sleep when a sharp knock rapped against his chamber door. Half-conscious, he mumbled a faint reply.
"The visitors are preparing to leave," came the maid's voice from outside.
His eyes shot open. "Leng Yue…" he breathed, as he threw off the covers. In a rush, he quickly washed up and dress before hurrying toward the throne room.
By the time he arrived, Leng Yue and Tian Yu were already standing there, ready for their departure.
"Were you planning to sleep the day away, or have you forgotten that you had guests?" the emperor's tone was edged with irritation, his gaze stern as it settled on Lianyi.
Lianyi bowed his head respectfully. "Good morning," he offered quickly. As he stepped forward towards the visitors.
"Good morning, Lianyi," Leng Yue said warmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "So… did you let her sleep last night?"
Lianyi stiffened, heat rushing to his face. He cleared his throat quickly and looked away, trying to hide his fluster as he moved toward Tian Yu.
"Good morning," Tian Yu greeted politely,
When it was time to part, Leng Yue clasped Lianyi's arm saying. "Farewell, brother. Until we meet again."
Tian Yu gave a respectful nod. "I look forward to next time,"
Before they could depart, the emperor arrived with a group of soldiers. He walked up to Leng Yue and Tian Yu, lowering his voice as he spoke.
"I know you don't truly need them," he said quietly. "But it would be impolite to send you off without escort. Tell your emperor that I am honored."
With that, the two young men mounted their horses and set off, the soldiers following behind them.
After Leng Yue and Tian Yu departed, the emperor remained still for a moment, his gaze fixed on the gates where they had disappeared. Then, without hesitation, he called for a trusted messenger.
"Prepare at once," he ordered firmly. "This letter must reach Emperor Jin yuchen without delay. Tell him it concerns a matter that cannot wait—we must meet."
The messenger bowed and hurried off, vanishing down the long corridor.
As the emperor turned back toward his chambers, the weight of unspoken secrets pressed heavily on his shoulders.