"Thank you, mother," Ruyi murmured, her heart swelling with gratitude as she and Lu Zhi Hao ascended the short flight of steps leading towards the master suite.
He kept his arm firmly around her waist, pressing a brief kiss to her temple as they walked down the quiet hallway lined with modern Chinese ink paintings framed in dark rosewood.
"Welcome home," he whispered lowly, his voice a deep rumble only she could hear.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as her heart echoed the words back silently:
Home.
LU MANSION – MASTER SUITE – MID MORNING
The cool hush of the air conditioning mingled with faint birdsong outside the tinted windows.
Though bright spring light gleamed beyond the glass, the intelligent tinting system darkened the room into a peaceful twilight, perfect for exhausted bodies recovering from the long flight.
Wan Ruyi emerged from the ensuite bathroom, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her delicate, slightly flushed face.
