Chapter 6 — Gardenias After the Rain

I will make sure the two of you live a happy life together. On the drive back, I could not help but speak up.

Actually... you do not need to take my mother’s words so much to heart. Meeting you, as far as I am concerned, is already the greatest fortune of my life. I dare not ask for anything more, so please do not feel pressured.

Hao Chi slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road, unbuckled his seatbelt, and looked straight into my eyes.

Star, what do you mean by that?

I mean... I faltered, gathering my thoughts. I mean, everything you just said to my mother... you do not have to strictly carry it out. I support you in having your own life; you do not need to bind yourself to me and the child.

His expression remained calm, yet his words felt like a knife piercing my heart.

So you mean... I am free to go find my true love?

Suppressing the pain, I nodded.

And what about you? Will you also go searching for your true love?

I immediately shook my head. No... how could I...

He chuckled softly. Then wouldn't that be... terribly unfair?

Not at all. You once told me you would not love me, and since I did not want to make things difficult for you, I gave you your freedom. That makes it fair.

He clenched his jaw and muttered under his breath, Star, you really are... a fool!

Then, he suddenly leaned over, wrapped his arms around my waist, and pressed a passionate kiss to my lips. My eyes widened in utter disbelief, completely lost as to what was happening.

He opened his eyes, pulling back from my lips for a brief moment. Then, bowing his head, he gently kissed my eyelids as a hoarse voice whispered, Close your eyes.

I obediently followed his command. And then... that familiar sensation returned to my lips. But this time, the kiss was no longer a fleeting, gentle brush—it was warm, moist, and soft, flooding into my mouth. His kiss was fiercely demanding, robbing the very air from my lungs. And I... was utterly incapable of resisting.

It felt as though an eternity had passed, so long that the car behind us impatiently honked its horn. Only then did Hao Chi reluctantly release me. He said nothing, offering no explanations. Yet I could sense a growing impatience and restlessness within him. Even as his hands remained steady on the steering wheel, the car quietly glided forward.

Upon returning home, he immediately stepped out, opened my door, swept me up into his arms in a bridal carry, and strode straight inside. The moment the door clicked shut, he bent down in haste, continuing our kiss as though he could not bear to wait another single second. He kissed me until my limbs turned to liquid and my entire body burned with heat, only then forcing himself to stop.

Gazing into my moist, shimmering eyes, his look ignited once more. But as his gaze drifted to my swollen, reddened lips, he contented himself with a lingering, gentle kiss on my cheek.

I never once said I wouldn't come to care for you.

His words came out of nowhere. It took me a moment to realize—he was refuting what I had said back in the car.

I only said I wasn't certain. I wasn't sure if my feelings now were the same as they were ten years ago, or if it was merely the effect of hormones. Especially... after you successfully seduced me into bed. But now, I am certain—I still love you, just as I did ten years ago. Because that day, when you said you wanted to sleep on the sofa, a deep, unsettling ache gripped my chest. It felt as though the most precious treasure I owned was about to be snatched away. And then last night, when you were grieving, there was a vast, hollow emptiness in my heart. All I wanted was to make you happy again, to see you smile at me once more.

The solemn Dr. Liang, having completed his thorough psychological analysis, finally delivered his conclusion: In short—I believe... I adore you. More than just adore.

Seeing his grave and earnest expression, I could not help but burst into laughter.

Doctor Liang, you have officially been diagnosed. You have been poisoned by... love.

He pressed a tender kiss to my forehead and let out a soft sigh. Indeed. So I must ask Mrs. Liang to prescribe the proper remedy for me.

After officially confirming our feelings for one another, I moved into Hao Chi’s master bedroom. The upside was that when nighttime leg cramps struck, I no longer had to grit my teeth and endure the pain all by myself. Having someone there to care for me made all the difference. The downside was that the twenty-six-year-old bachelor had to frequently resort to taking cold showers ever since.

However, by the middle of my pregnancy, the doctor announced that the baby had stabilized. I decided to reward him a little for having exercised such long forbearance. Wrapping my arms around him, I climbed onto his lap and coaxed him playfully. It is fine~ the doctor even said light activity is perfectly fine.

Fire blazed fiercely in the doctor's eyes, yet he stubbornly insisted on holding his ground. Absolutely not. It might affect your health. Stop messing around, be a good girl, and go to sleep.