Gu Liang's second pregnancy unfolded peacefully, Surrounded by love and care from the entire family. Unlike the first time— When he struggled alone in a cold marriage— This time, he was wrapped in warmth, His body and mind resting in a comfort he had never known.
Emma's love grew deeper and quieter with the life growing inside him— Like ancient roots, Twisting gently into every inch of their shared life.
She seemed to know his body better than he did. If Gu Liang glanced at the fruit bowl, Emma would immediately stop what she was doing, Wash, peel, and place the fruit in his hand.
If he woke at night with a leg cramp, Her warm palms were already there, Massaging with perfect pressure— As if she'd been waiting for him.
She could even detect the subtlest shifts in his pheromones. When he was calm and happy, His white tea scent carried a sunlit warmth. When he was tired or stressed, It turned faintly bitter.
Emma always noticed. She responded with quiet comfort— A touch, a presence, Sometimes just a silent embrace.
This wordless understanding gave Gu Liang profound peace. He didn't need to explain. Emma simply knew.
Her love was no longer clumsy or performative. It had become instinct— A natural rhythm of care.
This time, "prenatal bonding" became a family-wide ritual.
Emma didn't just talk to the baby. She played soft classical music and nature sounds, Let them drift through the room while Gu Liang rested or worked.
She even picked up her paintbrush again— Not for business sketches, But for playful, colorful drawings To "cultivate the baby's aesthetic."
Ai Nian was the most enthusiastic participant. He believed the baby could hear him, And every day, he'd press his cheek to Gu Liang's belly, Reporting his adventures in a sweet, serious voice.
"Baby, I'm your big brother." "I ate yummy carrots today!" "Look, it's a dinosaur! Roar!" "Hurry and come out—I'll share my toys!"
Gu Liang would watch his son's earnest little face, Then glance at Emma beside him, Sketchpad in hand, eyes full of warmth.
And he'd think— This must be what happiness looks like.
Emma's cedar scent would soften during these moments, Like snowmelt in spring, Flowing gently around him and the children.
Emma and Gu Liang also found a new rhythm in their careers.
Emma delegated more, Trained capable successors, So she could spend more time at home.
Gu Liang shifted First Heart Capital's operations— Focusing on strategy and remote decisions, Leaving more time for the perfumery studio and rest.
His scents changed with his heart. They became gentler, warmer, stronger.
"Lighthouse" became a classic. His new creations brimmed with sunlight, grass, and children's laughter.
Emma was always the first to test them. Her senses—sharpened by their bond— Could detect the emotional threads woven into each fragrance.
Her feedback was intuitive, Often unlocking new inspiration.
They were no longer business rivals or reluctant allies. They were soulmates— Creative partners.
Emma's boldness and Gu Liang's sensitivity Built a future that was both stable and full of imagination.
One summer night, They walked slowly through the garden. The air was fragrant. Gu Liang's belly was visibly round, And he supported his back with one hand.
Emma's arm stayed steady around him, Her gaze resting on his profile.
Under the moonlight, His skin glowed softly. His expression was peaceful.
Emma's heart surged with love.
She stopped, Turned to face him, And cupped his face in both hands.
"Gu Liang," Her voice was low and clear in the night, "Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming."
Gu Liang tilted his head, curious.
"I think about who I used to be," Her eyes grew distant, Tinged with regret and gratitude.
"Selfish. Cold. Unable to love. I almost… Almost lost you forever."
Her fingers traced his cheek, As if confirming he was real.
"I can't imagine who I'd be without you and Ai Nian. Probably still that mess in a bar, Drunk and thinking life was meaningless."
She inhaled deeply, Her eyes shining.
"You changed me, Gu Liang. You and our children taught me what it means to care, To belong, To love."
"My love for you," She said slowly, "Isn't a blazing fire anymore. It's like the trees in this garden— Roots deep in the soil, In our lives. Not always bright, But strong, Quiet, And irreplaceable."
Gu Liang listened, Moonlight dancing in his eyes.
He placed his hand over hers, Cool fingertips steady.
"I know," He whispered, Smiling gently.
"I feel it. Your love isn't in words— It's in the way you instinctively protect me, In your gaze when you look at me and the kids, In the studio you built for me, In the sky you hold above me."
He stepped closer, Rested his forehead against hers, Their breaths mingling.
"This kind of love— It makes me feel safe. And happy."
Their pheromones blended silently in the night— Cedar and white tea, No longer separate.
Together, They formed a warm, unshakable world That held them, And the child soon to arrive.
Love, deeply rooted, Cannot be torn away.
It's not just passion. It's habit. Understanding. A bond etched into bone.
Emma knew— Her love for Gu Liang had become part of her life itself. Like breath. Like heartbeat.
Ordinary, Profound, And precious.
And with the birth of their second child,
It would keep growing—
Branching,
Blooming,
Sheltering the future they were building together.