---
"Young Master... Young Master..."
Liang Yexuan's brows furrowed faintly.
A distant voice echoed through the mist of his dream, drawing him away from the warmth that lingered in the dark.
It had been so vivid... the soft skin beneath his fingertips, the way her breath had hitched when he kissed her neck, the feeling of her arms tightening around him...
He opened his eyes slowly.
"Young Master," Jin Shu repeated, standing at the side of the bed.
Liang Yexuan blinked, eyes adjusting to the soft light pouring in from the floor-length windows. He sat up, the sheets slipping down his bare chest, and looked around.
Alone.
His fingers brushed over the space beside him.
Cold.
Empty.
It had just been a dream?
A blush crept across his sharp cheekbones. The warmth of her touch, the sweetness of her breath, the way she whispered beneath him—
He exhaled deeply, pressing his hand to his forehead.
What kind of dream was that?
It had felt so vivid, so real.
But the strangest part was he couldn't see her face, no matter how hard he tried to remember.
What the hell...
"What time is it?" he asked, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.
"Seven thirty," Jin Shu answered.
"Damn it," he frowned as he muttered under his breath, tossing the covers aside.
Minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in a crisp black suit, he descended the grand staircase.
The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the halls.
There was nobody in the living room except the servants.
---
Outside, two black cars waited. His bodyguards straightened upon seeing him.
The door swung open, and he stepped in. Jin Shu followed, sliding into the front passenger seat.
As the vehicle glided down the driveway, Jin Shu handed a black folder over the seat.
"Here are the latest results of the investigation," Jin Shu said as the car smoothly glided onto the road.
Liang Yexuan took the file and began flipping through it, his sharp gaze skimming every page.
"Have we had any contact from... the girl?" he asked suddenly looking up.
Jin Shu paused. "No, Young Master. She hasn't reached out."
Liang Yexuan looked out the window. The city passed by in a blur.
So stubborn... he thought, a faint smirk playing on his lips. But interesting.
He closed the file.
Moments later, he rolled down the window slightly and lit a lighter.
The flame kissed the corner of the folder and the document turned to ash, curling into gray fragments that danced out into the wind.
---
In a grand estate in the suburbs—the Su Family Mansion—tension was thick.
Su Zhenghao sat stiffly on the leather armchair, his lips pressed into a scowl.
His wife, Li Yan, sat beside their daughter Su Meilin, who looked both guilty and indignant.
"How stupid can you be?" Su Zhenghao exploded. "Did I raise a fool?"
Liang Yexuan had not not said a word since the post making them anxious.
What did he think?
Did he find out?
The silence made the Su Family anxious.
It was frightening more than retaliation.
Su Meilin shrank back, biting her lip.
She was dressed in a soft pink dress, trying to look as innocent as possible.
"I just wanted people to know... I'm his fiancée! Why should I hide it when everyone's already speculating? Also, we've been engaged for two years." she mumbled.
Her father's face darkened. "Speculating? Do you even know who he is? Liang Yexuan isn't a man who appreciates being backed into a corner. If he retaliates, I won't be able to shield you. Not even your mother's tears can save you."
Li Yan stood up, glaring at her husband. "Why are you shouting at our daughter? She did it because she loves him. Do you know what that feels like?"
Su Zhenghao was speechless at this stupid mother and daughter.
He stood up in a huff and stormed out, slamming the heavy door.
Li Yan, her mother, turned to glare at the door before wrapping an arm around her daughter.
"Ignore your father. You only did what you did because you love him," she said softly.
Su Meilin sniffled, leaning into her mother's embrace. "He'll understand, right? He'll know I only did it for us."
---
Three days later...
Dreamlight Gallery buzzed with quiet excitement.
The elegant storefront, nestled between art cafés and designer boutiques, shimmered under the morning sun.
Lin Yue stood in front of it, her long black dress dancing with the breeze.
Over it, she wore a soft beige trench coat, simple but graceful.
Her hair was half tied, the rest tumbling down her back in soft waves.
She looked up at the sign that had just been fixed above the entrance: Dreamlight Gallery — Letters in cursive, dipped in gold.
Her lips curved in a soft, satisfied smile.
Months ago, she'd never imagined this day would come.
Months ago, she was even struggling with rent.
Months ago...
After everything she'd been through... this felt like her first breath of freedom.
"Lin Yue!"
She turned to see Mo Yuwei stepping out of a sleek cream BMW, her stilettos clicking against the pavement.
Beside her was a tall man with a confident posture and intelligent eyes.
"Yuwei," Lin Yue greeted warmly.
Her gaze then flickered to Chen Linfei curiosly.
He looked familiar.
Lin Yue smiling warmly. "You came."
Mo Yuwei laughed. "Of course I did. You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?"
She gestured to the man beside her. "This is my husband, Chen Linfei. You two actually met before—when we were buying the paintings for the first time."
Chen Linfei extended his hand politely. "Congratulations on the gallery, Miss Lin."
"Thank you," Lin Yue said, shaking his hand.
---
The trio stood together, watching workers make final touches— arranging decorative potted plants, adjusting lighting inside, and laying down a crimson carpet at the door.
Mo Yuwei glanced around, impressed. "It's stunning. You did a wonderful job."
"I just wanted to create a place where art feels alive," Lin Yue replied softly.
As they chatted, a gentle breeze rustled the trees lining the sidewalk.
Mo Yuwei glanced at her watch. "It's almost ten. Are you expecting many guests?"
"Just a few friends from my previous job and some new clients. Nothing big."
They walked closer to the gallery entrance.
Suddenly, a hush fell.
A low purring sound grew louder from down the road.
A series of luxurious cars rolled slowly down the narrow street.
Black Mercedes. Bentley. Rolls-Royce.
One after another.
Heads turned.
Even the workers paused.
Gasps echoed among the small crowd.
Lin Yue blinked, confused.
What... was going on?
The cars pulled to a stop right in front of Dreamlight Gallery.
Every eye was glued to the scene, the sense of anticipation tightening in the air.
---