The night was unusually quiet. The house had already descended into silence after the chaos she had caused earlier downstairs. Now, in the master bedroom, silence reigned.
Shenzhi' had just finished his shower, the fresh scent of soap clinging to his skin as he stepped out of the bathroom. The dim glow of the bedside lamp painted the room in a soft warmth. His eyes were instantly drawn to the figure lying on the bed.
There she was. His wife.
Her hair spilled across the pillow like a dark waterfall, her lashes casting faint shadows against her cheeks. Her breathing was even, calm, like the soft rhythm of a lullaby. For the first time that day, he allowed his lips to soften into a rare smile. He admired her silently, every detail of her sleeping form etched into his mind as though she were the most delicate painting.
Just then...
A soft knock interrupted the moment.
The maid entered quietly, bowing her head.
"Master… Young Master Yichen still refuses to sleep. He has been crying nonstop, calling for Madam. He… he is asking if his mother is going to leave him."
The calmness in Shenzhi's face vanished, replaced by a faint crease between his brows. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he ordered, "You may leave. I will handle him."
The maid bowed again and slipped out, leaving Shenzhi' to straighten his robe and walk toward his son's room.
The closer he got, the faint muffled sobs became clearer. His heart tightened at the sound. When he opened the door, the sight that greeted him pierced deeper than any blade.
Yichen sat curled up on his bed, clutching his little stuffed toy so tightly that his knuckles had turned pale. His small face was blotchy, his cheeks stained with tears. His nose was red, his eyelids swollen, and his ears flushed from how hard he had been crying. His little chest heaved as though each sob was tearing him apart.
The moment the boy's watery eyes lifted and saw him standing there, Yichen let out a broken wail.
"Baba…" he cried, stumbling from the bed and rushing forward, his arms outstretched.
Shenzhi' immediately bent down, scooping the trembling child into his arms. Yichen clung to him desperately, sobbing into his chest.
"Mama… mama doesn't want to stay anymore? She doesn't want Yichen anymore?" His voice cracked with each word, the anguish in his tone far too heavy for a child his age.
Shenzhi's chest tightened, his arms instinctively tightening around the small, shivering body. He stroked the boy's back gently, speaking low and firm.
"Don't say that. Mama is fine. She's just resting. She hasn't gone anywhere."
But Yichen only shook his head violently, his tears soaking his father's robe.
"No! Mama doesn't love me anymore! Mama doesn't want to stay!" His cries grew louder, his body trembling with fear.
Shenzhi' sighed, kissing the top of his son's head. "Listen to Baba. Mama is sleeping. If you want to see her, you must calm down. Wash your face, change into your pajamas, and then we will go together."
But Yichen refused. His small hands clutched tighter at his father's robe as though afraid he'd be left behind. His sobs grew harsher, more heartbreaking.
Seeing his son's desperate state, Shenzhi' didn't press further. Instead, he shifted him in his arms and walked straight toward the master bedroom.
The door creaked softly as they entered.
There she was,sleeping peacefully, untouched by the turmoil around her. Her delicate face was serene, and in that instant, even Shenzhi' felt the tension in his chest loosen.
"See?" he whispered, lowering his gaze to his son. "Mama is here. She isn't going anywhere."
Yichen's sobs softened, though his eyes remained watery. With trembling little hands, he slid down from his father's arms and climbed onto the massive bed. His toy was still clutched tightly in one hand as he crawled closer.
When he reached her side, he hesitated. His small lips trembled, and then, as though unable to restrain himself any longer, he collapsed into her arms.
"Ma…ma…" he whispered brokenly, tears falling onto her nightgown. He hugged her tightly, sobbing quietly this time, careful not to wake her.
His little body shook with every suppressed sob, his tiny shoulders heaving. But despite the heartbreak in his cries, there was relief too as if simply being near her was enough to mend his fragile heart.
At the door, Shenzhi' stood silently, his hand resting on the frame. His sharp eyes softened, his lips curving faintly.
In that moment, watching his son's desperate yet tender devotion toward his mother, he couldn't help but feel a warmth bloom in his chest. A silent acknowledgment.
This child… loved her more deeply than anyone else.
And perhaps, just perhaps, he himself wasn't far behind.