Chapter Twelve

Outside the door, Mu Yuyin hesitated, her expression complex. After a long moment of indecision, she finally summoned her courage, raised her hand, and knocked softly—three times.

The door opened, but the person standing before her was not the one Yu Wenxi longed for day and night. Instead, it was a man with a head of dazzling golden hair, sky-blue eyes, a tall, slender figure, and an elegant air about him, his lips curled in a mischievous smile.

"Are you looking for Lan?" Arthur’s smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, but suddenly, his expression shifted to one of feigned innocence and helplessness. "But what can I do? I don’t know you, so—" The wicked smile returned to his charming face. "She won’t see you." With that, the door closed with a click.

Mu Yuyin, rebuffed, was so angry she wanted to pound on the door. But then she hesitated—what if security thought she was crazy and threw her out?

Oh, forget it. Maybe she’d try again another time.

"Arthur, I thought I heard someone knocking," Ying Yue called as she stepped out of the bathroom in her robe.

"Dear, just someone knocking at the wrong door," Arthur replied, pulling her into his arms. He breathed in the unique freshness that lingered after her bath, resting his head gently against her neck.

"Don’t move. Just like this—let me hold you quietly, all right?" His voice was soft, like a whisper in a dream.

Ying Yue thought she must have misheard, until she felt his warm breath, gentle and comforting, against her neck.

Her brow furrowed slightly. Was it her imagination, or was there a hint of sadness in his embrace? Could a man as roguish as he was really feel sorrow? She turned her head slightly, trying to see his face.

"Don’t move," he commanded, his tone and arms both possessive, holding her little head firmly in place. His eyelids drooped, and something complicated flickered in his eyes—gone before she could catch it.

Sitting quietly in his embrace, Ying Yue felt a strange power come over her, making her stop struggling. It was as if a sense of peace had settled over her. Within the confines of his arms, she felt a gentle warmth surrounding her, even a faint ache in her heart.

An ache? Her heart gave a sudden jolt. How could this be? She hurriedly dismissed the thought. No, impossible. She was supposed to hate him—how could she feel sorry for him? Yes, it was hate, surely.

"Dear, have you fallen for the comfort of my warm embrace?" His teasing laughter reached her ears.

Snapping back to herself, Ying Yue broke free from his arms and gave him a complicated look.

Arthur, this dangerously charming and elegant man—what kind of person was he, really?

He reclined on the bed, his shirt half unbuttoned, revealing a strong, flat chest. One hand supported his handsome face, his expression mesmerizing, leaving Ying Yue in a daze.

"Why are you looking at me with such adoration?" he asked with a wicked grin. "Don’t tell me you’ve only just now realized you’re madly in love with me?" He suddenly sat up, his lips brushing her earlobe as he breathed softly.

Ying Yue’s face turned as red as a freshly cooked lobster, glowing with heat.

Arthur’s heartstrings trembled. The slightly hooked tip of his nose lightly brushed against Ying Yue’s delicate nose, his movements slow and full of unspoken intimacy. Ying Yue felt as if steam might burst from her cheeks; she was at a complete loss for words.

What on earth was this man trying to do?

Ying Yue’s heart was a tangled mess, and in that confusion, she failed to notice the fleeting tenderness in Arthur’s eyes.

She was lost—completely lost in the ambiguous atmosphere he had so carefully constructed. Her heart drifted in a haze.

Meanwhile, in another room, Mu Yuyin paced restlessly. What should she do? What could she do? Baby had been missing for days—if anything happened, what would she do?

—Author’s note—

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Wishing everyone happiness and family togetherness!