She had already nearly harmed Xiao Yixun once. If she were to escape the capital, would she really drag him into a life of exile with her?
If she loved Xiao Yixun, that would be one thing. But she didn’t. How could she possibly burden him again?
Di Ronghua spoke calmly, “I’m pregnant.”
She used the most ruthless and direct way to reject him, with a reason that brooked no argument.
In truth, Xiao Yixun had guessed she wouldn’t agree before he came. Yet, he still remained silent for a long moment before saying, “Alright, I understand.”
Di Ronghua nodded. “Then I’ll head back first.”
Xiao Yixun watched her retreating figure, his eyes deepening. “Before the Mu family fell from grace, Mu Qingshuang was the Crown Princess he had been taught to recognize since childhood. So when my father forced Qingshuang to marry me, and he didn’t understand why she chose me, the Crown Prince, who had never lost anything in his life, was naturally furious. No one had ever dared to betray him like that.”
Di Ronghua’s steps faltered.
The man’s low voice continued slowly, “The anger and resentment from that sudden loss made Qingshuang a special presence in his life. But even at the height of their relationship, his feelings for her were nothing more than those of a dutiful fiancé. It wasn’t even close to the intimacy he shares with you now. It’s just that when it comes to emotions, he’s slow. He might not even know how to explain this past to you.”
She stood still for a long time. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you’ve decided not to leave him, and I want you to be happier.”
He sighed. “Ronghua, the way Qingshuang has become now is partly the responsibility of my father, me, and Xiao Hanjin. That’s likely why he can’t completely wash his hands of her. You don’t have to forgive him, but don’t make things harder for yourself.”
—
The entire imperial garden was filled with white begonias. Di Ronghua found a quiet corner and lay down.
When Xiao Hanjin arrived, the first thing that caught his eye was the woman’s hair spread out on the grass. The pale golden light shone on her fair, serene profile, her expression calm and peaceful.
He instinctively softened his steps as he approached, crouching beside her. But before his fingertips could touch her cheek, the woman opened her eyes and looked at him, a hint of dazed confusion in her gaze before she quickly regained clarity. “What is it?”
Xiao Hanjin’s hand paused mid-air, but he still poked her cheek. “Were you asleep?”
“No, just sunbathing.”
As if he had developed a habit, he poked her cheek several more times. Di Ronghua suddenly frowned. “Xiao Hanjin, what’s wrong with you?”
The man’s fingers paused, and he glanced at her. “You just met with Xiao Yixun?”
Di Ronghua’s expression immediately turned wary.
Xiao Hanjin met her clearly suspicious gaze and suddenly laughed. “Ronghua, why are you looking at me like that? Although I was very unhappy that he almost married you, I’m not the type to casually kill my own brother.”
Di Ronghua pursed her lips. “Then why are you asking?”
So now he couldn’t even ask?!
A sharp, dark intensity flashed in the man’s eyes. His fingers moved to grip her chin as he leaned down and kissed her fiercely.
Di Ronghua’s eyes widened.
The scorching gaze and breath overwhelmed her senses. Xiao Hanjin pressed close to her ear, his voice tinged with displeasure. “You’re the mother of my child. You meet another man alone, and I’m not allowed to be concerned?”
