Chapter 10 — The CEO's Only Antidote

I stared at his calm, composed face, feeling as though my entire worldview had just been shattered. Simply because a client was difficult to deal with... he bought their entire company? Is that how it works? If you have enough money, you can just do whatever you please?

Huo Yunting! Are you insane? I snatched the mouse away from him. That was a startup with so much potential! Why would you—

Potential? He let out a cold, mocking laugh. A company that rose to prominence by stealing ideas and manipulating the media—what kind of potential is that?

He opened several links and turned the screen toward me.

Look for yourself. All the designs they call original are plagiarized from a niche foreign designer. They just tweaked a few minor details and had the audacity to claim them as their own. Not to mention, their founding team is deeply problematic: withholding employee wages, engaging in dirty competition... A company like that isn't worth a second of your time. I gazed at the evidence on the screen, unable to utter a word. I had only seen the polished, glamorous exterior of the brand, completely unaware of the mountain of scandals hidden beneath.

But what about my designs? I had spent over half a month working on them; were they just going to be thrown into the sea?

It wasn't a waste of effort. He ruffled my hair. I have already contacted the foreign designer. We plan to collaborate with them to launch a joint collection under the Huo Corporation label. And you, Jiang Shiwei, will be the lead design coordinator for this project on the Chinese side.

My eyes widened in shock. Me? The lead designer?

Yes. He looked at me, his eyes filled with absolute trust and encouragement. I believe in your talent. This is the true stage where you can finally showcase your full potential.

My heart felt as if something had struck it with immense force. Everything he had done was not to flaunt his wealth or to control me. It was his own way of clearing away every obstacle, building a better stage for me, so that I could shine with confidence.

Huo Yunting... I looked at him, my eyes welling up with tears.

What? Are you moved? He arched a brow, looking smug. If you’re moved, shouldn’t you show it?

As he spoke, he leaned in to kiss me. My instinct was to recoil, but this time, I didn't pull away. I closed my eyes and leaned into his kiss. It was no longer a probing curiosity or a playful tease; it was filled with genuine love and gratitude—a true, heartfelt kiss. That evening, after the children were asleep, Huo Yunting led me to the rooftop of the villa’s highest floor. He had transformed it into a scene from a fairy tale: twinkling starlight, fragrant roses, and a long table draped in white lace, set for a delicate candlelit dinner.

Why did you do all this? I asked in surprise.

To make up for... a proper, formal confession.

He pulled out a chair for me to sit before taking his place opposite mine. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair meticulously groomed, making him look even more devastatingly handsome than usual. He looked at me with an intensity and depth I had never seen before.

Jiang Shiwei, I know our beginning was a bit... absurd. Five years ago, I was a scoundrel. I caused you so much grievance and left you to bear everything on your own. For the past five years, there hasn’t been a single day I didn't search for you, not a single day I didn't regret my actions. I regret that, after waking up that day, I didn’t immediately find you to tell you that I would take responsibility. I regret that when you needed me most, I was nowhere to be found.

His voice was hoarse and low, heavy with self-reproach and remorse. My tears fell uncontrollably down my cheeks.

I don’t blame you... I shook my head, my voice choking. It was me who ran away... because I was afraid...

I know what you were afraid of. He stood up, walked to my side, and knelt, taking my hands in his. You were afraid that I didn’t love you, that I was only with you because of the children. You were afraid of the rigid rules of high society, afraid of losing your freedom, afraid of becoming nothing more than my shadow.

He looked straight into my eyes, every word clear and resolute: Jiang Shiwei, listen to me carefully. I love you. Not because you are the mother of my children, but simply because you are you. I loved the naive and courageous you from five years ago, and I love the resilient and independent you of today. I will never use marriage or family to bind you. The Huo household does not have such restrictive rules—because I am the primary rule of the Huo household. You can continue your design career, meet friends, and live the life you desire. And I will always stand behind you, acting as your strongest support. So, Jiang Shiwei, my Mrs. Huo—

He took the velvet box containing the pink diamond from his pocket and opened it once more before me. Are you willing to give me a chance... to love you for the rest of our lives?

Under the starry sky, his eyes sparkled brighter than the diamond. I looked at him, tears streaming down my face, yet I wore the brightest smile of my life. I nodded vigorously.

I am willing.

He smiled then, looking like a child who had just received his favorite piece of candy. He stood up and gently slid the ring, a symbol of our eternal promise, onto my ring finger. Then, he pulled me into a tight embrace.

Wife, he whispered against my ear, his voice soft and lingering, I love you.

I held him back, burying my face in his chest, and whispered, I love you too, husband.

After that formal confession on the rooftop, the final distance between Huo Yunting and me completely vanished. We became like any other pair of deeply enamored lovers—sweet to the point of being nauseating. Every morning, he kissed me goodbye, and every night, he kissed me goodnight. He drove me to and from work personally, and at noon, he would have his chauffeur bring me lunch boxes he had prepared himself. My colleagues went from initial shock to admiration, and eventually, to acceptance. They all said I must have saved the entire galaxy in a past life to be able to marry someone like Huo Yunting—someone so handsome, wealthy, and devoted to only one person. Every time I heard this, I just smiled without answering. They had no idea that the cold, reserved man who was so decisive and ruthless in the business world was, at home, as childish and clingy as a toddler. He would get jealous if I looked at another man for a second too long. He would pout in the living room like an abandoned husband whenever I worked overtime. And he frequently competed with the children for my attention.

Mom, will you tell us a story tonight? Jiang Zimo held his comic book, his eyes full of anticipation.

No! Huo Yunting immediately pulled me into his arms and declared domineeringly, Tonight, Mom belongs to Dad!

Jiang Zimo and Huo Ju'an stared at each other, their expressions synchronized in mutual disgust.

Dad, don’t you feel embarrassed!

Exactly! You’re acting like such a child!

What do you kids know? Huo Yunting said loftily. This is called marital passion!

I watched the three of them bickering and laughed until my stomach ached. A life like this was truly wonderful. Warm, noisy, and full of the simple breath of reality. It was our one-year wedding anniversary. He had been preparing for days, acting all mysterious and refusing to tell me what he had planned. On the day of, he took me to the beach. As the sun set, he had transformed the sandy shore into a magnificent outdoor party. There were balloons, fresh flowers, a live band, and a long table draped in pristine white cloth laden with delicacies. Our family and friends were all present: the elder of the Huo clan, Madam Xu, my parents, and my best friends. The two little boys were dressed in smart suits, looking like tiny princes running about in the crowd.

Do you like it? Huo Yunting hugged me from behind and whispered into my ear.

I do. I leaned against his chest, watching the vibrant scene, my eyes turning red. Thank you, Huo Yunting.

Thank you for what?

Thank you... for giving me a home.

Silly, he kissed my hair. This is your home, too.

During the party, everyone was in high spirits. The elder was surrounded by his two great-grandsons, laughing until his eyes crinkled. Madam Xu held my mother’s hand warmly, chatting away and even discussing when to go shopping for their future granddaughter. My best friend was beside herself with envy.

Jiang Shiwei, you really are the life winner! A handsome, wealthy, and devoted husband, smart and obedient children, and understanding, generous in-laws... What kind of good karma did you accumulate to deserve this?!

I only smiled, looking toward Huo Yunting, who was chatting with friends not far away. Just then, he looked over at me. Our eyes met, and he raised his glass toward me, his gaze brimming with love and adoration. My heart was instantly full. When the party ended, he led me to a small wooden cottage by the sea. Inside, candles flickered beautifully, and the floor was strewn with rose petals. It was overwhelmingly romantic.

Huo Yunting, aren't you being a bit excessive today? I looked at the scene, feeling shy.

Not at all, he said, hugging me from behind and resting his chin on my shoulder. Because my wife deserves the absolute best that this world has to offer.

He turned me around to face him, his gaze burning. Wife, happy one-year anniversary.

Happy anniversary. I stood on my tiptoes and took the initiative to kiss him.

He was momentarily stunned before he took control, deepening the kiss. When it finally ended, we were both breathless.

Huo Yunting, I leaned against his chest, suddenly remembering something. How is your... allergy doing now?

He chuckled, his voice raspy and enchanting. It seems... it hasn’t been completely cured yet.

What?

I still need you to continue the treatment for me.

As he spoke, he swept me off my feet and headed toward the large bed in the bedroom. Tonight, we will proceed with a deep—and comprehensive—therapeutic session.

I looked at the flames burning in his eyes, my face turning crimson, my heart pounding like a drum. Five years ago, I had planned a scheme to steal his heart just to have a perfect child. Five years later, I was perfectly willing to fall into the trap named love that he had personally woven for me. I used to be allergic to marriage and wary of money. But he, with his love and tenderness, had healed all the anxieties and fears within me. He used to be allergic to women. And I, in turn, had become his only cure. Outside, the waves lapped gently against the shore, and the stars twinkled. Inside, the night was filled with spring, a beautiful dream. I thought to myself that in this life, we would forever be bound together, never to part. As for my own "allergy"... I suppose it would never be cured. Because the love I had for him had already seeped into my very bones—a condition for which there was no medicine in this world. THE END