After their moment of intimacy, Xiotan fell asleep for about an hour, feeling a bit exhausted from what had transpired between them. When she woke up, she noticed that Li Cheng was no longer beside her. A small wave of disappointment washed over her, one she tried to shake off as she scolded herself for expecting too much. She knew he hadn't fully accepted her, but she still didn't like the feeling of waking up alone.
She tried to remind herself that what happened this morning was normal for married couples, but she didn't want their relationship to be just that. She longed for more—love, affection, and the sweet moments other couples shared. She wasn't sure if that would ever happen between them.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Xiotan got up and headed to the bathroom. After a refreshing bath, she dressed up in a black V-neck A-line chiffon knee-length dress, paired with black rhinestone flower stud earrings, a tiny gold chain, and a bracelet. She applied light makeup and styled her hair into a sleek ponytail, finishing the look with black two-strap tapered heel sandals.
Feeling a mix of nervousness and determination, she walked out of the room and descended the stairs, looking as beautiful and graceful as always. She decided to have a light breakfast before heading out, but as she reached the sitting room, she was shocked by what she saw.
Li Cheng was still there.
He was sitting on the large couch, engrossed in his phone. He looked impeccably handsome in an obsidian suit that had a subtle sparkle, matching trousers, and shiny obsidian shoes. Every accessory he wore was gold—his watch, rings, earrings, and chain—all adding to his striking appearance.
Even the maids couldn't hide their surprise when they saw him sitting there. He had instructed them to prepare breakfast, which was something he had never done before.
Is this real? she wondered as she walked up to him. Gently tapping him on the shoulder from behind, she tried to suppress her excitement, not wanting to get her hopes up too high.
"You're still here. Aren't you going to work? Won't you be late?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. He looked up at her with a gentle smile, a stark contrast to the cold expression he usually wore when they first met. It was the sweetest smile he had ever given anyone, and even he didn't fully understand why.
As he looked at her, all he could think was how beautiful she was. Her beauty seemed to eclipse even his mother's, something he never thought possible.
"Why are you worrying? It's not like anyone will sue me for being late—I own the place," he said proudly.
"I know, but... you're an early bird. Won't it look weird?" she replied, still trying to grasp the situation.
"No, it won't. I decided to drop you off myself. Breakfast is ready, let's go eat," he said, finally taking in her outfit. As he scanned her from head to toe, a smile tugged at his lips. "You are beautiful," he whispered, making her blush as her cheeks and ears turned a faint red.
The maids and guards exchanged glances, surprised to see their master talking to his wife so openly for the first time, and even more shocked that he had stayed home just to drop her off. This was a new side of him, one they had never seen before, and it left them wanting to see more.
As they walked to the dining room, Li Cheng pulled out a chair for Xiotan, who couldn't help but smile as she sat down. It was becoming clearer that he had indeed been waiting for her. The happiness she felt at that moment was overwhelming, and she could hardly believe that this was really happening.