Qin Yanzhou's voice cut through the silence like a sword, steady and sharp. "From now on, Wu Mei is no longer the daughter you can insult or humiliate. She is my wife—and anyone who touches her without permission will answer to me."
Her mother was the first to break the silence. "W-wife? Are you joking? How can a man like you… marry her?!"
Qin Yanzhou's arm tightened around Wu Mei's waist. "Does that bother you?" he asked, his voice chilling. "Should I explain how much I spent on the wedding ring? Or how she screamed my name the night I made her mine?"
Wu Mei's cheeks flushed red. "A-Yan," she murmured under her breath, lightly elbowing him.
He smirked, unbothered. "You're my wife. You should get used to being spoiled in public."
Liang Yue bit her lip hard, her jealousy burning. "You're lying. He wouldn't marry someone like her. Wu Mei is just pretending."
Without another word, Qin Yanzhou took Wu Mei's hand, pulled a small envelope from his coat pocket, and threw it onto the table. It slid across the marble, landing before the stunned crowd.
"It's our marriage certificate," he said. "Do you want to read it aloud?"
The room went deathly silent again.
Wu Mei lifted her chin slightly, her eyes meeting her mother's. There was no longer fear in her gaze—only strength.
Before more chaos could erupt, a server passed by awkwardly offering drinks. Qin Yanzhou took Wu Mei's hand. "Let's go. These people don't deserve your time."
Wu Mei hesitated, but when she looked into his eyes, her heart settled. She nodded.
As they walked out, whispers followed behind them. No one dared to stop them.
Outside the villa, the air was crisp, the sky already painted in hues of soft orange and pink. The moment they stepped into the car, Wu Mei let out a long breath.
"I can't believe you did that," she said softly.
"Which part?" Yanzhou asked, glancing over as the driver pulled away.
"Kissing me. In front of them all. You didn't have to…"
"I did," he said firmly. "They needed to know you're not alone anymore."
She looked at him, eyes shimmering. "Thank you."
Qin Yanzhou took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed her fingers. "For what?"
"For everything."
Later that night, the two returned to their home.
Wu Mei was unusually quiet as she stood in front of the mirror, slowly removing her earrings. The red dress hugged her curves, her lips were still slightly tinted from the earlier lipstick. But her expression was thoughtful.
Yanzhou stepped into the room behind her, watching her in the reflection.
"Do you regret going?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No. It felt… right to face them. But I wasn't expecting you to step in like that."
He walked closer, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "I told you, I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
Wu Mei turned around in his embrace, resting her head against his chest. "You really mean it, don't you?"
"I don't say things I don't mean, A-Mei."
There was a pause. Then Wu Mei whispered, "I love you."
It came out so softly, yet it hit him like a wave. He froze for a moment, stunned. Then his arms tightened around her.
"Say it again," he breathed.
"I love you," she repeated, firmer this time.
Qin Yanzhou's heart thudded wildly. "You're not allowed to take it back."
"I won't."
His lips crashed onto hers—hungry, desperate, reverent. He scooped her into his arms, bridal style, and strode toward the bedroom. She squealed lightly but didn't resist.
"I already told you," he murmured as he lowered her onto the bed, "you're mine."
His fingers traced the zipper of her dress. "And tonight, I'll remind you exactly what that means."
Wu Mei's breath caught in her throat. Her cheeks burned under his gaze.
"I…" she stammered suddenly, trying to catch her breath. Her fingers clutched his shirt. "I can't… tonight…"
Qin Yanzhou raised an eyebrow, amused. "Can't?"
"I—it's my time of the month," she said shy.
His gaze softened slightly, concern quickly replacing the teasing glint in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
She nodded, looking away. "Just some cramping."
He didn't say anything for a moment. Then he exhaled and drew her in for a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Let's go to bed."
He carried her all the way to their bedroom and gently set her down on the bed. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the bathroom.
When he returned, he held a hot water bottle, a warm towel, and a cup of brown sugar ginger tea.
Wu Mei stared at him, stunned. "You… you prepared all this?"
"I asked my assistant," he said casually. "Is it not good?"
"No," she said quickly. "It's perfect."
He sat beside her, handing her the cup, and then placed the towel over her stomach. "Drink it while it's warm."
Wu Mei obediently took a sip. The tea was strong and sweet, just how she liked it.
"You really didn't have to do all this," she murmured.
"I know," he said, brushing her hair back. "But I wanted to."
Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes. In her past life, no one had ever taken care of her like this—not even once. Qin Yanzhou's warmth, his thoughtfulness, was melting her carefully guarded heart.
As she finished the tea, he adjusted the pillow behind her back and leaned close. "Does it hurt a lot?"
"Not too much now," she whispered.
He climbed into bed behind her and pulled her gently into his arms. "Then rest. I'll hold you."
She didn't resist. Nestled against his chest, she could feel the rhythmic beat of his heart. It calmed her.
He kissed the top of her head. "I'm just glad you're here now. That's all that matters."
That night, Wu Mei slept more peacefully than she had in weeks. In the arms of the man who truly loved her
And as Qin Yanzhou held her close, he whispered against her hair, "I love you, I will love you forever."
Wu Mei smiled faintly in her sleep. Her heart was safe. At last.