Life in the new home unfolded like a gentle, comforting symphony. Emma's once restless soul seemed to have found its sanctuary. With Gu Liang and little Ai Nian by her side, she grew steadier— And softer.
Her love was no longer a cautious blend of guilt and obligation. It seeped into every corner of daily life, Unspoken, effortless.
Her internal clock became sharper than any alarm. She always woke at the first soft whimper from Ai Nian. Before anything else, she'd turn toward Gu Liang, Still asleep in the morning light. His complexion was healthy, His face serene, Long lashes casting gentle shadows beneath his eyes.
Emma's heart would swell, Filled with a quiet, almost reverent gratitude.
She'd rise gently, Check the diaper, And if the baby was hungry, She'd place him beside Gu Liang.
Gu Liang would stir, Take the baby, Begin nursing— Naturally, instinctively.
Emma never left. She'd go to the kitchen, Prepare warm water and a simple breakfast— Soft porridge or warm oat milk. Then she'd sit at the edge of the bed, Watching them.
Ai Nian's eager sucking, Gu Liang's lowered gaze, His fingers stroking the baby's fine hair.
The air was filled with milk, white tea, and cedar— Blended like they were always meant to be.
Emma had cut back on work. Her study faced the garden. On sunny days, She'd work from the gazebo, Answering emails, Watching Gu Liang stroll with the stroller, Pointing at flowers, Whispering to their curious son.
She became Gu Liang's most reliable helper. Diapers, burping, bathing, massage— She mastered it all. Even better than Gu Liang.
When the baby cried, Gu Liang sometimes panicked. Emma would appear, Her scent steady, Her hands sure.
"He listens to you more," Gu Liang said once, Watching Ai Nian quiet instantly in Emma's arms.
Emma laughed, Eyes crinkling, Kissed Gu Liang's cheek.
"That's because I'm just like him— We both listen to you best."
Gu Liang blushed, Glared playfully, But his eyes sparkled.
Emma adored that rare, human softness in him.
Evening strolls became sacred. Emma carried Ai Nian in a sling, One hand always holding Gu Liang's.
Their shadows stretched long, Merging.
They talked about little things— Work, baby milestones, Or simply walked in silence, Feeling the breeze and each other's warmth.
Emma couldn't stop watching him— His hair tousled by wind, His smile at the baby's tiny gestures, His increasingly peaceful expression.
She often felt dazed. Was this the same Gu Liang Who once stood cold and sharp at press conferences? Who once bristled with thorns in their shared apartment?
All this change— Because of the small life now babbling against her chest.
She gripped Gu Liang's hand tighter, Needing to feel this happiness was real.
After Ai Nian slept, They had their quiet time.
Curled on the sofa, Watching a movie, Reading, Exchanging soft words.
Emma's gaze always drifted to Gu Liang— His profile glowing under the lamp.
She'd fetch water, Warm his feet, Massage his back when he sat too long.
It was second nature.
One night, Gu Liang leaned into her touch, And asked softly:
"Do you regret it?"
Emma paused. Then understood.
She rested her chin on his head, Voice low and sure.
"I do. I regret how I treated you. I regret almost losing you and Nian Nian. But that mistake— Is the one I'm most grateful for. Because it brought you both to me."
Gu Liang said nothing. Just leaned deeper into her arms.
Emma held him, Felt his warmth, His scent.
Love surged in her chest.
She kissed his hair.
"Gu Liang, I love you more today Than I did yesterday."
It wasn't a line. It was truth.
In the rhythm of daily life, In raising their child together, She saw more of him— His strength, His gentleness, His wit, His little quirks.
All of it made her fall deeper.
Gu Liang turned, Looked at her in the dim light.
His eyes reflected her, Sparkling.
He touched her cheek, Lifted his head, And kissed her.
Soft. Lingering. Not rushed. Just full of devotion.
When they parted, Their foreheads touched, Breaths mingled.
"I know," Gu Liang whispered, Smiling. "I feel the same."
Love had settled— In their routines, In their meals, In their child.
Emma once thought she craved freedom and thrill. Now she knew— True freedom was belonging. True excitement was discovering new sides of the one you love As you journey through life together.
She loved Gu Liang more each day.
Loved the man who gave her a home, And made her whole.
The road ahead was long. But together, Every day would be a new chapter of love.
And Ai Nian—
Was the most beautiful,
Most vivid proof
Of that love.