Chapter 65
The morning sun filtered through the silk curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Ping stirred awake, feeling an unfamiliar yet comforting warmth beside her. Ling.
He was still asleep, his face relaxed for the first time in weeks. His arm was loosely wrapped around her waist, as if afraid she might disappear again.
Ping studied his face—this man who had caused her so much heartache yet had also given her love she never thought she could have. The burden of the past weeks felt lighter now. The anger, the resentment—it had started to fade.
Carefully, she placed her hand over his, resting on her belly. Their child. A part of both of them.
She had spent so much time pushing him away, but now, she wanted to do the opposite.
As if sensing her gaze, Ling's eyes slowly fluttered open. His golden irises met hers, and for a brief moment, he simply stared, as if making sure she was really there.
"You're still here," he murmured, voice laced with sleep.
Ping offered a small smile. "I am."
Ling exhaled, his grip tightening just slightly around her. "I keep thinking this is a dream… that I'll wake up and you'll still be gone."
Ping reached up, brushing a strand of white hair from his face. "I'm not going anywhere."
Ling let out a soft chuckle, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Good. Because I don't think I can survive losing you again."
A comfortable silence settled between them. For the first time in what felt like forever, things didn't feel broken.
Then, a gentle kick from her belly made Ping flinch. Ling's eyes widened, and before she could say anything, he moved his hand over her stomach.
"Was that…?" He looked at her in awe.
Ping nodded. "Our child."
Ling's lips parted slightly as he pressed his palm gently against her belly, waiting. Another soft kick met his hand, and his entire face lit up with pure wonder.
"I can feel them," he whispered, almost in disbelief.
Ping laughed softly. "They seem excited to finally have your attention."
Ling smiled—an unguarded, genuine smile she hadn't seen in so long. "They must take after you, then. Stubborn and strong."
Ping playfully nudged him. "And what about you? You're the most stubborn person I know."
Ling smirked. "I suppose we're both to blame."
Another comfortable silence followed before Ling's expression grew serious. He took her hands in his, squeezing gently.
"Ping, I know it will take time, but I want us to move forward together. Not just for our child, but for us."
Ping looked at him, seeing nothing but sincerity in his gaze.
She nodded. "We will."
Ling exhaled, as if a great weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders. He pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple.