Chapter 60
The palace halls felt colder than ever. Ling sat in his study, running his fingers over the hilt of his sword, his mind elsewhere. Ping.
She had been back for days, yet she barely acknowledged his presence. She refused to look at him, speak to him, or even be near him for too long. It was as if he had become a ghost in her world—someone she once knew but no longer wanted.
And it was driving him insane.
Every morning, he would see her in the garden, her hands resting gently over her stomach, lost in thought. He wanted to go to her, to talk to her, but each time he approached, she would turn and walk away before he could say a word.
During meals, she barely ate. Mei would whisper to her, trying to encourage her, but she remained distant. When Ling sat at the table, she would excuse herself almost immediately.
It was torture.
One evening, he found himself standing outside her chamber, hand raised to knock, but he hesitated. Would she even let him in?
Instead, he exhaled sharply and stepped back.
Why was she so stubborn?
He had explained everything—the forced marriage, his desperation, how he had searched endlessly for her. But she still wouldn't forgive him.
Ling wasn't used to this. He had fought battles, conquered enemies, and ruled a kingdom, but he didn't know how to win back his wife.
That night, when Ping passed him in the hallway, their eyes met for the briefest second.
He wanted to speak—to break this unbearable silence—but she looked away and walked past him without a word.
Ling clenched his jaw, fists tightening.
Fine. If she wanted to act like he didn't exist, then so be it.
But he knew one thing for certain—he wasn't giving up on her.