The morning sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting golden patterns across the dining table.
The faint aroma of congee and steamed buns filled the air.
Jiang Rui sat at the head of the table, reading the newspaper with his usual composure. His expression was calm too calm like a lake that hid its storms beneath the surface.
When Meilin entered the room with Xiaoya's tiny hand in hers, the servants froze.
It had been years since anyone had seen Madam Meilin hold her daughter so gently.
Good morning," she said softly.
Jiang Rui's eyes flicked up briefly, then back to his paper. "Morning.
Just one word. Cold, polite, distant.
Xiaoya, however, was all smiles.
Daddy, Mommy's eating breakfast with us today!" she announced proudly, swinging Meilin's hand.
The maids exchanged shocked glances. Even Jiang Rui paused mid-turn of the page.
"Is that so he said finally, his tone unreadable.
Meilin smiled faintly, hiding her nervous hands under the table. She picked up her spoon, her fingers trembling slightly. She hadn't shared a table with them in years not before her death, not after her heart had grown cruel and blind.
Xiaoya leaned toward her bowl, giggling. "Mommy, this is your favorite red bean porridge! Remember?
Her heart clenched. She didn't remember not because she'd forgotten, but because she'd never cared enough to notice before.
Yes," Meilin said gently, "I remember.
She took a small bite, and warmth spread through her chest the kind that came from family, not from food.
Jiang Rui folded his newspaper slowly, watching her through calm, unreadable eyes.
"You seem… different," he said finally. "Is something wrong?
Meilin froze.
Her heart raced, but she forced a small smile. "Nothing is wrong. I just realized I've made too many mistakes.
He arched a brow, clearly unconvinced. Mistakes?"
She looked at him really looked and for the first time, saw not the distant husband she once resented, but the man who had silently loved her even as she destroyed him.
Yes," she whispered. "Mistakes I intend to correct.
The silence that followed was heavy, yet soft like a wound finally breathing again.
Xiaoya tugged at her sleeve. "Mommy, can we go to the garden after breakfast?
Meilin smiled and brushed the girl's hair lovingly. "Of course we can.
Jiang Rui's gaze lingered on them on the sight of his wife gently touching their child's hair. Something in his eyes flickered, a light almost lost. But then, just as quickly, he masked it behind his usual calm.
Do whatever you wish," he said quietly, standing. "But don't expect things to change overnight.
His words were sharp, but his voice trembled faintly at the end.
He turned and walked away, leaving the faint scent of sandalwood in the air.
Meilin watched him go, her heart aching. She had once ignored that back the back of the man who cooked for her, defended her, and loved her even when she didn't deserve it.
Now, she vowed silently, she would follow that back until he turned around again.
Jiang Rui," she whispered to herself, "I'll earn your forgiveness no matter how long it takes."
Outside, Xiaoya tugged her hand again, laughing.
And under the bright morning sun, Meilin smiled for the first time in years truly smiled.
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End of Chapter 3
🌸 Watch out for Chapter 4 — "The Garden of Forgotten Promises." 🌸