Chapter 64
Ping sat by the window, staring at the soft glow of lanterns outside. The night was quiet, save for the distant rustling of leaves. She could still feel the warmth of Ling's touch from earlier, the way he had held her hand, the way his eyes had softened when he felt their child move.
She had spent so long being angry, guarding her heart against him. But was she really protecting herself, or was she just punishing them both?
She heard footsteps outside her door. She knew it was Ling. He had been coming by every night, waiting, hoping. But this time, instead of turning away, she spoke.
"You can come in."
The door creaked open, and Ling stepped inside cautiously, as if afraid she might change her mind.
Ping looked at him—truly looked at him—for the first time in weeks. He seemed different. Tired. Worn down. And yet, in his eyes, there was still the same unwavering devotion.
Ling took a hesitant step forward. "Ping…"
She held up a hand to stop him. "I need to say this first."
He froze, waiting.
She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening slightly over her belly. "I was angry. I still am, a little. You hurt me, Ling. When I found out about the marriage, I felt… discarded, like I never mattered to you."
Ling's jaw tensed. "You've always mattered to me."
Ping exhaled. "I know that now. But at the time, I was scared. I thought I had lost you before I even had the chance to admit how much I—" She stopped, pressing her lips together.
Ling stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "How much you what?"
Ping met his gaze. "How much I love you."
Ling's breath caught. For a moment, he looked as if he hadn't heard her right. But then, before she could take it back, he was in front of her, his hands cupping her face so gently, as if she might disappear.
"You love me?" he repeated, searching her eyes.
Ping nodded slowly. "Yes."
Ling closed his eyes, his forehead resting against hers as he exhaled, his hands trembling slightly against her skin. "I thought I had lost you," he whispered. "I thought I would never hear those words from you."
Ping placed her hands over his, squeezing them lightly. "I was stubborn. But I see now… you never wanted to hurt me."
Ling pulled back just enough to look at her. "I will spend the rest of my life proving that to you, if you let me."
Ping smiled faintly, for the first time in what felt like forever. "Then don't waste time, my king."
Ling let out a soft chuckle, relief washing over him like a tide. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before wrapping his arms around her.
This time, she didn't pull away.
She sank into his embrace, finally allowing herself to let go of the hurt.
Finally, she let herself forgive.