Wang's Pov.
As we cram ourselves back into the cab, I turn to Zhan excitement still flickering in my eyes. "Zhan, let's have dinner and invite a couple of our friends."
I glance at him, my heart still fluttering from everything that just happened. A small, amused smile tugs at my lips. "Okay," he says, knowing that even if we don't have the most extravagant wedding, a night surrounded by the people we love will be perfect.
Zhan grins and leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips, soft, lingering, full of unspoken emotions. Mia groans dramatically beside us.
"Can you two save the honeymoon phase for when I'm not trapped in a small space with you?" she complains.
Ji Li just laughs. "Leave them alone, Mia. They're newlyweds. Let them be sickeningly in love for at least 24 hours."
Zhan pulls away slightly, resting his forehead against mine, ignoring their banter. "Tonight is about us," he murmurs. "And the people who matter."
I nod, feeling warmth bloom in my chest. "Yeah. Let's celebrate."
As the cab speeds back toward home, I can't help but think this is only the beginning. And for the first time in a long time, the future doesn't seem so terrifying.
My heart still racing from what we just did. My husband. Zhan is my husband. The thought alone sends a thrill through me.
I grin, leaning in to kiss him again, ignoring Mia's exaggerated groan. Zhan kisses me back, slow and deliberate, his hand coming up to rest on my cheek.
When we pull away, I brush my thumb over his lower lip, my voice low enough that only he can hear. "I just married you, but I still feel like I need to keep proving you're mine."
His eyes darken slightly, and he exhales a small laugh. "You don't have to prove anything. I am yours."
My chest tightens at his words. I know he means them. But there's still a small voice in my head whispering that we just did something reckless, that reality is waiting for us outside this cab, and sooner or later, we'll have to deal with the fallout.
But not tonight.
Tonight, we celebrate.
Back at the house, Zhan and I waste no time sending out invitations. It's nothing extravagant, just a small dinner with the people who matter to us. We send a message to a few close friends, telling them we are inviting them to dinner without revealing too much.
Mia complains the whole time. "I still don't know how you pulled this off. Like, did you two just wake up and decide 'Hey, let's get married today'?"
Zhan smirks. "Pretty much."
Ji Li laughs. "Iconic behavior."
As we prepare breakfast, Zhan moves around the kitchen, focused and efficient, and I can't stop watching him. He's not doing anything special, just chopping vegetables, and setting things in order, but everything about him captivates me. His hands, the curve of his neck, the way his ring catches the light when he moves.
I walk up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my chin on his shoulder. "Do you think they'll be happy for us?" I ask quietly.
Zhan pauses, then turns his head slightly toward me. "The ones who matter will be."
I press a kiss to the side of his neck. "Then that's enough for me."
As we finished breakfast, I slid my credit card across the table to Mia. She arched a brow, but I simply leaned back, sipping my coffee.
Mia stares at the credit card in her hand like I just handed her a live grenade. "Wait. You're trusting me with your money?"
I nod, adjusting my shirt. "Yes, Mia. I need you to take everyone shopping while I handle a few things at home. I trust your judgment."
Ji Li snickers. "Oh, he'd look gorgeous, don't worry."
Mia glares at him before turning back to me. "Fine, but if you come back and find Zhan wearing something completely ridiculous, just know it's his fault for not agreeing to my request."
Zhan, who has been quiet up until now, chuckles. "I have faith in you, Mia."
Mia grins, looking way too pleased with herself. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
I roll my eyes, then turn to Zhan, stepping closer. "I won't be long."
His expression softens as he reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Take your time. I'll be here when you get back."
Something about the way he says it makes my chest feel warm. Without thinking, I lean in and kiss him, slow and lingering, ignoring the exaggerated groans from Mia and Ji Li in the background.
When we finally pull away, Zhan's thumb brushes over my ring, almost absentmindedly. "Be safe," he murmurs.
I nod, giving his hand one last squeeze before stepping away and heading out the door.
The cab ride home is quiet, giving me time to gather my thoughts. It's strange waking up single this morning and now heading home as a married man. But there's no fear, no hesitation in my heart.
I love Zhan.
And I will do anything to protect what we have.
As the cab pulls up in front of my house, I take a deep breath. There are a few things I need to take care of before tonight, things I should've dealt with a long time ago.
Tonight, we celebrate.
But first... I need to make sure the past doesn't come knocking on our door.
I grip my phone tightly as my brother's words echo in my ears. "Wang, are you insane? Do you have any idea what's going to happen when Mother finds out?"
I expected this reaction, but it still stings.
I exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Just be happy for me, brother."
He scoffs. "Happy? Wang, you were supposed to get married to someone else. Have you even told your fiancée?"
A sharp pang of guilt cuts through me, but I push it aside. That engagement was never real, not to me, at least. It was arranged, a transaction between families, a future decided for me before I ever had a say.
My brother lets out a shaky breath, filled with a mix of disbelief and concern. "This is madness, Wang. Absolute madness."
My voice is softer now. "Maybe it is. But for the first time in my life, I did something for myself. I love Zhan. I chose him. And no matter what happens next... I don't regret it."
Then, finally, he exhales. "You're impossible."
I smile faintly. "I know."
He sighs again. "Fine. You're married. But don't expect me to clean up the mess when everything blows up in your face."
I chuckle. "Wouldn't dream of it."
There's a long pause on the other end of the line. When my brother speaks again, his voice is quieter. "You love him that much?"
I close my eyes, my grip on the phone loosening. "Yes."
Another silence stretches between us, and for a moment, I wonder if he's going to hang up. But then he sighs. "Wang... I hope you know what you're doing."
I smile faintly. "I do."
He doesn't say anything else, just mutters something under his breath before hanging up.
I stare at my phone for a moment, letting out a slow breath.
The consequences of today's decision will come. I know that.
But right now, none of it matters.
For the first time in my life, I chose love. And I will stand by that choice no matter what.
I stood in the dimly lit hallway of my home, my heart still racing from the phone call with my brother. His words lingered in my mind, insane, dire consequences. But none of that mattered. I had made my decision, and I wasn't looking back. He'd come around eventually. After all, he had agreed to send a wedding gift, hadn't he? That was his way of saying he supported me, even if he thought I was making the biggest mistake of my life.
I exhaled, pushing those thoughts away as I entered the house.
The second I stepped in, Lusi was there, arms crossed, her glare sharp enough to pierce through my skin.
"Where have you been?" she hissed, her voice tight with frustration. "You didn't pick up my calls or reply to my messages."
I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. "Sorry, Lusi, I slept off."
"Do you know how worried I was?" she pressed, eyes narrowing.
I forced a small smile, trying to ease her tension. "I'm sorry, but I'm fine." Leaning forward, I pecked her cheek before stepping past her. "I'm taking a few friends out for dinner tonight. You should dress decent."
Lusi scoffed, following me as I entered my room. "What's the dinner about?"
"Celebration of life," I said simply, a smile creeping onto my face.
Her expression softened a bit. "I like your mood today."
"Good." I hummed as I moved around the room, picking out my outfit for the evening. I have a new perfect suit just for tonight.
Lusi stood by the door, watching me with arms still folded. "So, you're not going to tell me what's going on?"
I glanced at her through the mirror. "What do you mean?"
She leaned against the door-frame. "Wang, you barely leave the house unless you have to. Now, suddenly, you're throwing a dinner? And you're humming?"
I chuckled. "Maybe I just woke up feeling good."
She arched a brow. "Or maybe something happened that you don't want to tell me about."
I shrugged. "Think what you want, Lusi. Just be ready by seven."
She huffed but didn't push further. Instead, she left my room, muttering something under her breath about me always being secretive.
I shook my head, turning back to the mirror. My reflection stared back at me, calm, composed, but beneath it all, a storm was brewing.
Tonight was about more than just celebrating life. It was about embracing my choice, consequences be damned.
I called Zhan every hour, my fingers restless against my phone.
"You're counting down, aren't you?" he teased after the third call.
I sighed dramatically. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."
"You left my place four hours ago," he chuckled.
"Exactly—ages."
We planned to meet at 7 p.m., but it felt impossibly far away.
I checked the time again.
Still, hours to go.
I couldn't wait.
The waiting was unbearable, so I stepped outside, letting the fresh air calm my restless energy.
I made a few phone calls, confirming details, and setting things in place. Then, on impulse, I bought a few gifts, thoughtful things I knew would make Zhan smile.
I'd give them to him later when it was just us.
By the time I stepped out of my room, Lusi was already dressed, sitting in the living room with her arms folded.
She had chosen a navy blue dress, modest yet stylish, paired with silver earrings.
"I dressed decent," she said dryly.
I smirked. "Good."
The restaurant was high-class, one of the best in the city. Everything about it screamed elegance, from the crystal chandeliers to the soft hum of a live pianist in the corner.
But none of it mattered until Zhan arrived.
I wanted to show him off, to have every eye in the room turn when he walked in.
So I refused to sit at the dinner table.
I'd wait. Because no seat, no meal, no conversation was complete without him there.
When we arrived, my friends were already there, seated at a long table in the center of the room.
Lusi recognized a few of them and greeted them politely before taking a seat beside me.
The air buzzed with anticipation as I adjusted my cufflinks, my mind drifting between the dinner and everything that had led up to this moment. It wasn't just about celebrating life anymore this was about embracing the future, no matter what anyone thought.
Then, the door opened, and Zhan walked in.
My breath caught in my throat.
He wasn't just dressed well, he was breathtaking.
Zhan wore a deep midnight-blue suit that fit him like it had been tailored by the gods themselves. The jacket hugged his broad shoulders, the fabric smooth and luxurious, catching the soft light in just the right way. The crisp white dress shirt underneath contrasted sharply, the top two buttons undone, revealing just a hint of his sculpted collarbone. A sleek black silk tie lay neatly against his chest, and the silver cufflinks at his wrists glinted with understated elegance.
His trousers were tailored to perfection, falling just right over polished Italian leather shoes. The entire ensemble screamed sophistication, but it was the way he wore it with quiet confidence and effortless grace that made him impossible to look away from.
His dark hair was styled just enough to seem deliberate but not overdone, a single stray strand falling onto his forehead, giving him an almost roguish charm. And those eyes sharp, knowing, deep pools of onyx that held secrets and promises.
Damn.
I exhaled slowly, willing my heart to steady itself.
"You're staring," Zhan murmured, a smirk tugging at his lips.
I blinked, clearing my throat. "You clean up well."
He chuckled, adjusting his cuffs. "I try."
Before I could respond, Mia and Grandma entered, and they were nothing short of stunning.
Mia wore an elegant emerald-green gown that shimmered under the lights, the fabric hugging her frame in all the right places before flowing gracefully to the floor. The color made her skin glow, and her dark curls were swept up, delicate tendrils framing her face. She looked regal like she had stepped right out of an old romance novel.
Grandma, ever the timeless beauty, had chosen a deep plum dress with intricate embroidery. The dress was simple yet elegant, with long sleeves that added a touch of class. Her silver hair was pinned in a stylish up do, and her warm smile was the most radiant thing in the room.
Then there was Ji Li.
Dressed in a sharp charcoal-grey suit, he looked effortlessly handsome. The subtle sheen of the fabric gave him a refined edge, and the black dress shirt underneath only added to the sophistication. Ji Li had always carried himself with a quiet sort of confidence, but tonight, he exuded something more an air of purpose, as he belonged here, like this moment was as much his as it was mine.
"Wow," Dre said, eyeing Zhan. "You didn't tell us we had to compete tonight."
Zhan chuckled, smoothing his lapel. "I like to keep people on their toes."
Grandma gave me a knowing smile. "You look happy."
I returned the smile. "I am."
She patted my hand before turning to Lusi. "And you, young lady, look as dashing as ever."
Lusi smirked. "I try."
Mia rolled her eyes but grinned. "Shall we?"
I took one last glance at everyone, Mia, radiant as always. Grandma, elegant and wise. Ji Li is composed and quietly powerful. And Zhan... breathtaking in ways I didn't have the words for.
Then I glanced around at everyone, anticipation buzzing in my veins.
"Can we go to the dining room now?" I asked, my voice smooth but firm.
There was a brief pause before chairs scraped against the floor, and one by one, they rose.
Without another word, they followed my lead.