Chapter 433: Chapter 433; Getting ready

Lu Yuze’s eyes returned to the mansion entrance. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as darker thoughts surfaced.

What if someone approached her with hidden intentions, a calculated smile, probing questions, or veiled challenges designed to test the new Mrs. Lu?

What if they tried to embarrass her in front of that sharp-eyed circle of women?

And the men...

There would always be those who watched too closely. Those who calculated opportunities. Those who mistook proximity for permission.

His gaze darkened.

"What if someone gets too close?" he murmured, voice low and controlled.

Ting Fei remained silent. He didn’t need to respond.

"Then they will learn their place," Lu Yuze added, the words quiet but absolute.

At that moment, Ah Ling approached from the side, holding a sleek black envelope.

"Master, the car is ready," he reported efficiently. "The invitation has been secured."

Lu Yuze gave a short nod. "Good."

Everything was prepared.

Now, they were only waiting for her.

He remained where he stood, one hand still in his pocket, eyes fixed patiently on the mansion doors. His posture was composed, but the quiet intensity rolling off him was unmistakable.

He would attend today.

Not for the charity.

Not for the networking or the subtle games of power.

But for Shuyin.

To stand beside her.

To make it clear, without needing to say a word, that she was his.

And that anyone who forgot that fact would regret it.

— — — —

The stylist stepped back with a satisfied smile, giving Shuyin one final, appraising look in the mirror.

"You’re ready, Mrs. Lu," she said softly, voice full of quiet admiration. "Elegant, but natural. Exactly as requested."

Shuyin studied her reflection. The jade-green silk dress flowed gracefully over her figure, the subtle sheen catching the light with every small movement. Her hair was styled in a soft, sophisticated updo with a few delicate strands framing her face. The makeup was flawless, glowing skin, defined eyes that made the jade of her dress pop, and lips tinted in a rich, understated rose. The blue diamond on her finger sparkled brilliantly, impossible to miss.

She looked every bit the composed, refined wife.

Yet beneath the polished surface, her pulse hummed with quiet anticipation.

"Thank you," Shuyin murmured, offering the stylist a polite smile as she rose from the chair. "It’s perfect."

She took a slow breath, smoothing her hands down the silk of her dress, then stepped out of the sitting room. The mansion hallway felt quieter now, the staff moving with discreet efficiency. Every step in her heels echoed softly against the marble floors, the delicate jade anklet catching the light with a faint shimmer.

As she walked toward the main entrance, a mix of nerves and excitement stirred in her chest. The event loomed ahead, the Orchid Charity gathering with its sharp-eyed women and calculating men. She knew eyes would be on her, especially with the ring now openly displayed on her hand. But more than that, she was aware of Lu Yuze waiting for her.

She could already imagine his gaze, steady, intense, and unmistakably possessive.

Pushing open the grand doors, Shuyin stepped out into the warm afternoon light. The parking lot stretched before her, cars gleaming under the sun. Staff moved about with quiet purpose. In the distance, she spotted him immediately.

Lu Yuze stood near the sleek black car, one hand in his pocket, posture relaxed yet commanding. Ting Fei and Ah Ling were nearby, but her focus narrowed instantly to her husband. The moment he saw her, his entire demeanor shifted.

His Silver eyes darkened with unmistakable appreciation. The relaxed line of his shoulders tightened slightly as he took her in, the jade dress hugging her curves, the elegant updo, the glowing skin, and the bold blue diamond glittering on her finger. A slow, subtle smile curved his lips, but it was the heat in his gaze that made her breath catch.

Shuyin felt a flush creep up her neck under his scrutiny. She walked toward him with measured steps, conscious of how the silk moved against her skin, the faint click of her heels, and the way his stare followed every movement.

When she reached him, Lu Yuze straightened fully, pulling his hand from his pocket. Without a word, he extended his arm, offering it to her in a silent invitation.

She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the solid warmth of his body through his tailored jacket. Up close, she caught the familiar woody scent of his cologne mixed with her own perfume, a perfect blend that felt uniquely theirs.

"You look... breathtaking," he murmured, voice low enough that only she could hear. His gaze dropped briefly to the blue diamond on her finger, then back to her face, dark with quiet satisfaction. "Perfect." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Shuyin’s lips curved into a small, private smile. Heat bloomed low in her belly at the raw approval in his tone. "Thank you," she whispered back. "I had a good assistant earlier."

A faint spark of amusement lit his eyes, but the possessiveness remained, deeper now, laced with something hotter. His free hand rose briefly, fingers brushing a stray strand of hair away from her temple with surprising gentleness. The touch lingered a fraction longer than necessary, sending a shiver down her spine.

Ting Fei and Ah Ling remained respectfully silent and at a distance, but Shuyin could feel the subtle shift in the air. Lu Yuze’s presence felt even more commanding with her beside him, as if the entire evening had suddenly become far more personal.

"Shall we?" he asked, voice calm, but the way his arm tightened slightly around hers told her he was already thinking about it later, when the event ended and they returned to the quiet of their room.

Shuyin nodded, squeezing his arm lightly. "Yes."

As they moved toward the car together, she felt the weight of his protection and the thrill of being claimed so openly. The nerves about the event were still there, but they were quieter now, overshadowed by the steady strength of the man walking beside her.

And the promise that, no matter what happened tonight, she would be going home with him.

The warm afternoon sun bathed the mansion grounds in golden light. It was just past 2pm, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from the garden nearby.

Shuyin stood beside Lu Yuze near the sleek black car, her hand still resting in the crook of his elbow. The jade silk of her dress shimmered softly with every small movement, and the blue diamond on her finger caught the light brilliantly. Lu Yuze’s gaze lingered on her with quiet intensity, his arm warm and steady beneath her touch.

Before they could step into the car, rapid footsteps echoed across the paved lot.

"Mommy! Daddy!"

Yuyan’s bright voice rang out first, followed closely by Chen Xiao’s excited shout. The two children came rushing toward them from the direction of the mansion entrance, their little legs moving as fast as they could. Yuyan’s hair bounced in neat ponytail, and Chen Xiao’s shirt was slightly untucked from all the running.

Shuyin turned, a warm smile instantly lighting up her face. Lu Yuze’s expression softened noticeably, the sharp edges of his usual composure melting into something gentler.

Yuyan reached them first. She threw her arms around Shuyin’s waist, pressing her face into the smooth silk of the dress with a happy giggle. "Mommy, you look so pretty! Like a princess!"

Chen Xiao skidded to a stop right after, wrapping his small arms around Lu Yuze’s leg. "Daddy, you’re going out? Take me next time!"

Lu Yuze chuckled lowly, reaching down to ruffle Chen Xiao’s hair with surprising affection. "Not this time, little one. But we’ll be back soon."

Shuyin bent slightly, careful not to wrinkle her dress too much, and cupped Yuyan’s cheeks with both hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. Be good and stay at home while we’re gone, okay? We’ll bring you something nice if you behave."

Yuyan nodded eagerly, then rose onto her tiptoes, puckering her lips for a kiss. Shuyin leaned down a bit as she was wearing high heels and pressed a soft kiss to her daughter’s forehead, then to her cheek. The little girl beamed and turned to Lu Yuze, demanding the same.

"Daddy, a good bye kiss!"

Lu Yuze obliged without hesitation, planted a gentle kiss on Yuyan’s forehead. Chen Xiao immediately pushed forward for his turn, receiving a warm kiss on the top of his head from both parents.