She moved to the adjoining walk-in closet and pulled out a pale cream blouse and a simple pleated skirt, dressing quickly before tying her long dark hair into a neat low ponytail.
When she stepped into Shen Xuan's room, he was already awake, sitting up on his little blue racecar bed and rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"Good morning, Xuan'er," she whispered softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Morning, Mommy," he mumbled, blinking up at her with drowsy eyes before breaking into a wide sleepy smile.
"Come on, let's wash your face and get ready for school," she coaxed, brushing back his hair with her fingers.
They moved through the morning routine together, brushing teeth, washing his little face, dressing him in his dark green kindergarten uniform with its tiny embroidered school crest over the chest pocket. Yueyao knelt down to tie his shoelaces carefully, humming softly under her breath.
When they came downstairs, breakfast was already laid out by the housekeepers, steamed buns, congee, sliced fruits, and warm soy milk.
She sat beside him at the round dining table, peeling a boiled egg and placing it in his bowl.
"Eat well, Xuan'er," she smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling softly as she watched him gulp down his soy milk with enthusiasm.
"Mommy, today I have drawing class," he said brightly between bites of bun. "Teacher said we can draw our families today!"
Her hand paused briefly, but she forced her smile to remain gentle. "That's wonderful. Draw Mommy and Daddy and yourself, okay?"
He tilted his head, frowning seriously. "But Daddy is always busy. Can I draw Grandpa and Grandma instead? They always come to see me."
A sharp ache stabbed at her chest, but she nodded, stroking his cheek softly. "Of course, baby. Draw whoever makes you happy."
After breakfast, she walked him out to the driveway, holding his small hand as the black Bentley idled at the front steps. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door respectfully.
Yueyao knelt down, adjusting Xuan'er's little backpack straps securely over his shoulders.
"Be good today, okay? Listen to your teachers, and don't forget your lunch box."
"I will!" he chirped, wrapping his arms around her neck and pressing a wet kiss to her cheek. "Bye bye, Mommy. I love you."
She hugged him tightly, burying her face into his soft hair for a brief moment, breathing in his sweet milky scent.
"I love you too, Xuan'er, so so much."
She watched as the car pulled away down the long driveway lined with sculpted hedges, her heart swelling and aching all at once.
When she returned inside, the mansion was silent again. Empty.
She spent the rest of the morning tidying up his toys scattered across the living room, folding the laundry with quiet efficiency, and sitting by the window for a few moments, sipping lukewarm tea as she watched the sun climb steadily across the sky.
As evening fell, the soft rumble of the Bentley returning echoed through the driveway.
She rose from the sofa, smoothing down her skirt as she hurried to the foyer. The door opened, and Shen Xuan burst in, his backpack bouncing against his back, cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Mommy, Mommy! Look!" he waved a crumpled drawing in his tiny hands as he ran to her, nearly tripping over his shoelaces.
She laughed softly and knelt down to catch him in her arms, smoothing back his hair as he thrust the paper towards her.
On it, in messy bright crayon strokes, was a stick figure drawing of himself, Yueyao, and her parents holding his hands.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, kissing his cheek as tears pricked faintly at the corner of her eyes. "Absolutely beautiful, my love."
He beamed proudly, pressing his face into her neck as she hugged him tight.
For a moment, in that silent foyer, there was no cold mansion, no empty side of the bed, no husband who never came home.
There was only her son's warmth, his tiny heartbeat pressed against hers, reminding her of the single bright light left in her life.
And for now… that was enough.
Yueyao gently took Shen Xuan's little hand and led him upstairs to the bathroom.
"Let's wash your hands and face first before dinner, okay?" she said softly.
"Okay, Mommy," he chirped, his small voice filled with warmth.
She turned on the warm water and helped him roll up his sleeves. His tiny fingers curled around hers as she guided his hands under the stream, rubbing soap between his palms until bubbles foamed up around his knuckles.
He giggled softly, watching the bubbles slip down the drain.
"Close your eyes now," she murmured, cupping warm water and rinsing his face with careful strokes. Droplets clung to his long lashes, and she wiped them away with a soft cotton towel.