Little Ai Nian grew like a seedling bathed in love and sunlight— Changing day by day. At three months old, he could lift his head steadily, His round black eyes curiously scanning the world. His favorite thing was being lifted high by Emma, Laughing in crisp, delighted giggles.
That laughter was the sweetest music in the house— Capable of washing away all fatigue.
Emma's love for Gu Liang deepened alongside their child's growth. It was no longer just words or daily care, But something etched deeper— Into action, into permanence.
One night, after putting Ai Nian to sleep, They curled up on the sofa watching an old movie. Gu Liang, tired from a day of parenting, Rested drowsily against Emma's shoulder.
Emma's gaze fell on the faded temporary mark at the back of his neck— Once hers, now softened by pregnancy and time. A wave of emotion surged in her. Not possessiveness, But a longing to reaffirm their bond, To offer unwavering protection.
She leaned down, Her lips brushing the soft gland.
Gu Liang trembled slightly, Awakened, But didn't move.
"What is it?" he asked softly.
Emma lifted her head, Her eyes steady and deep.
"Gu Liang," she said, voice low and serious, "Let me mark you again. Not temporary— Permanent."
A permanent mark between Alpha and Omega Was deeper than marriage— An irreversible fusion of pheromones, A vow of complete belonging, A promise that would never fade.
Gu Liang froze. He looked into her eyes, Saw the sincerity, the love. His heart thudded.
He had once rejected her mark, Even viewed the one from his heat as shame.
But now…
He paused, Then nodded slowly, Firmly.
No hesitation. No fear. Only trust.
Emma's heart overflowed. She leaned in, Gently, reverently, Bit into the gland.
Unlike before, Her touch was tender, Her pheromones infused with love and care— Slow, steady, unwavering.
Cedar and white tea fused completely— No longer separate.
The moment the mark was complete, They both felt it— A tremor in the soul, A sense of wholeness.
Gu Liang collapsed into Emma's arms, Wrapped in a new, profound sense of safety.
Emma held him tightly, Like a treasure reclaimed, Whispering again and again:
"Gu Liang, I love you. This life, the next— Only you."
Beyond their companies and First Heart Capital, Raising Ai Nian became their most cherished shared endeavor.
Emma applied her sharp mind and discipline to parenting— Tracking every milestone, Researching recipes, Ensuring balanced nutrition.
Gu Liang focused on emotional connection and artistic growth. He read picture books aloud, Told stories in a gentle voice, Taught colors in the garden, Played piano notes in response to Ai Nian's babbles.
They divided tasks seamlessly. Emma handled the "hardware"— Physical care, safety, nutrition. Gu Liang nurtured the "software"— Emotional warmth, habits, sensory exploration.
They often discussed parenting late into the night. Sometimes disagreed, But always found common ground— Driven by the same goal: To raise Ai Nian healthy, happy, and free.
This shared purpose drew them closer. Emma was captivated by Gu Liang's patience and wisdom. Gu Liang found peace in Emma's reliability and tenderness.
On Ai Nian's half-year birthday, Emma prepared a surprise.
She rented a glass conservatory restaurant, Filled it with Gu Liang's favorite white irises. No guests— Just the three of them.
When Gu Liang entered, Holding their son in a tiny suit, He was stunned.
Emma stood in a tailored suit, Smiling in the center of the flower-filled room. The table was set with elegant dishes. Beside it, a covered easel.
"What's this?" Gu Liang asked.
Emma walked over, Kissed their son's chubby cheek, Then took Gu Liang's hand.
She lifted the cloth.
A painting. An oil portrait of the three of them— Emma embracing Gu Liang from behind, Gu Liang holding a laughing Ai Nian, The sunlit garden behind them.
Their faces glowed with joy. Their eyes met, full of love.
The colors were soft, The light tender.
"You painted this?" Gu Liang was speechless.
Emma nodded shyly. "I've been learning in secret. It's not perfect… But I wanted to capture our happiness."
Gu Liang's eyes filled with tears. He looked at the smiling Emma in the painting, Then at the real one— Nervous, sincere.
The last shadow of the past dissolved.
He reached out, Touched the canvas, Voice trembling.
"It's beautiful… The best gift I've ever received."
Emma exhaled, Her smile radiant.
She handed Ai Nian back, Then pulled a velvet box from her pocket, And knelt.
Gu Liang's heart skipped.
Inside were not new rings, But a pair of platinum bands— Simple, elegant, Engraved with their initials and Ai Nian's birthday.
"Gu Liang," Emma looked up, Eyes burning with devotion.
"I know we're already married. But this time, I want to propose again. Not out of duty. Not out of contract. Just out of love."
"Will you spend the rest of your life with me and Nian Nian? Let me prove my love to you— More each day than the last."
Ai Nian, sensing the moment, Waved his tiny hands, Babbling joyfully.
Gu Liang's tears fell— But he smiled, Bright and full.
He raised his ringed hand, Voice clear:
"I will."
Emma slid the ring onto his finger, Then stood, Embracing him and their son tightly.
Outside, stars shimmered. Inside, love bloomed.
A permanent mark. A shared mission. A gift of devotion.
Emma carved the word love Deeper each day— More vivid, more real.
She was no longer the Emma who didn't understand love.
She was Gu Liang's Alpha. Ai Nian's mother. A woman immersed in joy, Loving her partner more with every sunrise.
Their story continued— With love, With growth, With every ordinary, precious moment.