Morning light crept past the curtains, pale gold spilling across the bed. Qing Yun stirred, blinking slowly awake, only to find herself still nestled in the circle of Ze Yan's arms.
He hadn't moved all night. His embrace was steady, protective, as though letting go even for a moment would risk losing her again.
Her lashes fluttered, and a faint smile touched her lips. "You didn't even take off your watch."
Ze Yan followed her gaze, then glanced at the watch still strapped to his wrist. He only hummed in acknowledgment, tightening his arm around her.
"You'll ruin the leather," she murmured.
"I'll buy another," he said simply, voice low with sleep.
Her cheeks warmed at his matter-of-fact tone. She shifted slightly, tugging at the sheets. "Your shirt is gone too. Where did it end up?"
He didn't answer. A small curve tugged at the corner of his lips, and she realized—he had no intention of telling her.
Her heart gave a sharp, embarrassing thump. She turned her face into the pillow, trying to hide her expression.
But he was still looking at her.
---
The weight of his gaze grew heavier the longer it lingered. Qing Yun fidgeted beneath the covers, finally blurting out, "Don't stare at me like that. Yesterday's carriage has already turned into a pumpkin."
Ze Yan's brow lifted slightly. "Hm?"
She pressed her lips together. "Last night, with the makeup and dress… maybe I looked presentable. But now—" she gestured at herself helplessly, hair messy from sleep, bare-faced, her oversized T-shirt draped loosely—"I'm just plain."
Silence stretched between them.
Then he shook his head once, deliberate and sure.
"Qing Yun." His voice was quiet, almost tender. "Don't you know what's in my heart, even after all this time?"
Her breath stilled.
"You're pretty when you smile," he said slowly. "Pretty when you don't. Pretty when you're quiet. Pretty when you're calm. Especially in the mornings." His hand brushed against her hair, smoothing a stray strand away from her cheek. "Why else do you think I insist on sleeping by your side every night? Every detail of you, I love. I want it all."
Heat flooded her face until she couldn't bear to meet his eyes. She buried half her face beneath the quilt, muffling a laugh that trembled on the edge of tears.
---
Without warning, Ze Yan pushed the quilt aside. In one smooth motion, he scooped her into his arms.
"Ze Yan—!" she gasped, clinging instinctively to his shoulders.
He didn't answer. His stride was steady, purposeful, carrying her out of her bedroom and into the master suite at the end of the hall.
The room was vast, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, the air faintly scented with cedarwood. He set her down carefully on the broad bed, then walked to the nightstand.
From the drawer, he retrieved a small velvet box.
Qing Yun's breath caught as he returned to her side, flipping it open to reveal a diamond ring that sparkled in the morning light.
He didn't kneel. He didn't even hesitate.
"Marry me," he said. Not a question. A statement.
Her lips parted in shock. "This… this ring is new."
His eyes darkened, sharp but unwavering. "The old one was for someone else. This one is for Qing Yun. Not Sunny. You."
The words struck deep, cutting cleanly through the shadow she had carried all these years. Her throat tightened, a tremor running through her chest.
---
Her fingers hovered, uncertain. "Ze Yan… is this really okay? Isn't what we have now already enough? Without putting a label on it?"
He leaned forward, gaze unyielding. "You told me not to hold back. You promised you wouldn't make it hard for me. So why should I doubt? I want you completely. Only you."
Her hands trembled. She tried to deflect with a weak laugh, her voice breaking softly. "Then… what if I just be your mistress instead? Wouldn't that be easier?"
For a heartbeat, silence hung.
Then Ze Yan let out a low, incredulous laugh. He caught her left hand firmly, sliding the ring onto her finger without waiting another second.
"Mistress?" His voice was warm but absolute. "Don't insult yourself. You're too precious. The only place you belong is here—with me."
The diamond caught the morning light, gleaming against her pale skin. Qing Yun stared at it, dazed, her heart pounding until she could barely breathe.
---
Ze Yan stood, striding out without another word. She blinked, confused—until he returned moments later, arms full of her clothes.
One by one, he carried them into the master bedroom's walk-in closet. Shirts, dresses, even folded scarves—stacked neatly into place, his movements efficient, commanding.
"This," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument, "is your space."
Her mouth fell open slightly. "Ze Yan…"
He turned, eyes locking on hers, voice low but resolute. "From now on, you sleep here. With me."
Qing Yun sat frozen on the bed, caught between exasperation and a warmth that spread uncontrollably through her chest.
She lifted her left hand, staring at the ring now gleaming on her finger. Her lips curved, helplessly, into a small, trembling smile.