Sang Ning held onto He Siyu's arm, matching his slow and steady pace as they walked through the crowd and stepped onto the floral bridge.
He Siyu’s body was slightly tense, his steps measured and deliberate, while Sang Ning walked steadily beside him, her grip firm.
The two ascended the stage and stood at the center.
The officiant asked, "Mr. He, do you take Miss Nan as your wife? To love her until the end of your days, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?"
He Siyu’s dark eyes locked onto hers. "I do."
For this life and every one after, never to part.
"Miss Nan, do you take Mr. He as your husband? To trust and never abandon him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?"
His grip on her hand tightened, his heartbeat quickening.
She squeezed his hand in return, lifting her gaze to meet his dark eyes, her lips curving into a smile. "I do."
The officiant announced, "The couple may now exchange rings."
A pair of wedding bands was brought forward by the flower children.
Under the watchful eyes of the guests, they slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers.
"With this, I pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations!"
He Siyu stepped forward, bending slightly to press a kiss to the corner of her lips. Sang Ning’s lashes fluttered, her body tensing for a moment as a shower of rose petals cascaded around them.
Thunderous applause erupted from below the stage. Old Madam He’s vision blurred with emotion as she wiped away tears. "I’ve finally lived to see A-Yu and Sang Ning marry."
He Jinxing patted her hand gently. "Grandfather and Mother would be overjoyed if they were here."
"Yes… The He Family has faced so much misfortune over the years. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a celebration," Old Madam He said, smiling through her tears. "Sang Ning is our family’s blessing."
He Xingzhou watched the newlyweds kiss beneath the rain of petals, his gaze lowering slightly to conceal a flicker of melancholy.
He turned his head and noticed He Yun'an staring intently at He Siyu.
A pang of guilt struck him.
At the neighboring table, Gu Xingchen clicked his tongue in amusement. "He Siyu’s acting so serious I barely recognize him. Getting married must’ve rewired his brain—look how nervous he is, ha!"
He turned to laugh, only to find Ji Yan’s eyes reddened, silently wiping away tears as she watched the couple.
"Hey, what’s wrong?" Gu Xingchen fumbled, his hand hovering awkwardly before retreating.
Ji Yan dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. "I’m just moved."
Gu Xingchen’s brow twitched. What was there to cry about?
She hadn’t even shed a tear at their own wedding.
Ji Yan sniffled. "Ningning’s been through so much. But in the end, she married the one she wanted."
Gu Xingchen’s expression darkened instantly.
Who else would she have wanted to marry?!
Amid the lively chatter below, He Siyu loosened his embrace, straightening slightly to put a small distance between them, his dark eyes meeting hers.
"Nan Sangning."
"Hmm?"
He smiled. "We’re married."
—
By ten in the evening, the wedding reception was nearing its end.
Sang Ning had changed into a more comfortable gown—a water-blue strapless chiffon dress, her wavy hair half-braided and cascading down her back, soft and ethereal.
She stood beside He Siyu at the entrance, bidding farewell to the guests.
"Bye, Ningning!" Ji Yan, thoroughly drunk, swayed unsteadily. She had been both elated and melancholic today, drinking far beyond her usual limit.
Gu Xingchen steadied her. "Sorry about this. She got a little too excited and overdid it. I’ll take her home now."
Before she could start causing a scene.
Sang Ning frowned. "How could you let her drink so much?"
She had been too busy all evening to keep an eye on Ji Yan, only to find her in this state now.
Gu Xingchen sighed. "You try stopping her. Don’t worry, I’ll get her back safely."
Sang Ning nodded. "Then…"
She nearly said, "Take care of her," before catching herself.
Right. They were married.
"Have a safe trip," she amended.
Ji Yan waved dramatically, wailing, "Ningning, you have to be happy! Don’t forget about me!"
Sang Ning: "..."
He Siyu’s brow furrowed.
Gu Xingchen laughed nervously. "Just drunk nonsense!"
He promptly covered her mouth and bundled her into the car.
As the guests trickled out, He Siyu exchanged polite farewells while stealing glances at Sang Ning beside him.
She stood quietly, a serene smile on her lips, nodding occasionally but speaking little.
Yet, his heart swelled with an indescribable warmth.
Now, she was his wife.
Noticing his gaze, she looked up. "What is it?"
He tightened his grip on her hand, smiling. "Nothing."
Suddenly, the tranquility was broken by the glare of headlights.
While all other cars were departing the estate, a lone Rolls-Royce arrived late, pulling up to the main entrance.
Sang Ning turned in surprise as the door opened.
It was Pei Songhan.
He Siyu’s eyes cooled instantly.
Pei Songhan approached, his demeanor as composed as ever. "My apologies for being late."
He Siyu smirked, pulling Sang Ning closer by the waist. "Not at all. Our wedding isn’t over yet."
He emphasized the word "wedding."
Pei Songhan’s gaze faltered slightly, the sight of them standing together far more piercing than he had imagined.
"A gift," he said, offering an ornate box.
A server hurried forward to accept it.
He Siyu replied casually, "Thanks."
Sang Ning nodded politely. "It’s thoughtful of you to come all the way from Australia, Mr. Pei."
Pei Songhan’s lips twitched. "I wouldn’t say I rushed back."
He had agonized for days.
Only at the last moment had he decided to attend—too late to witness the ceremony.
But even so, he had needed to see her.
One last time.
After a pause, he murmured, "Congratulations."
He Siyu met his gaze evenly. "Thank you."
Sang Ning felt his grip on her waist tighten.
Pei Songhan pressed his lips together. "I’ll take my leave, then."
Sang Ning nodded. "Safe travels, Mr. Pei."
As the Rolls-Royce disappeared into the night, Sang Ning finally turned away—only to find He Siyu’s darkened gaze fixed on her.
"Feel like escorting him further?" he asked coolly.
Sang Ning: "..."
She ignored the jab, changing the subject. "Old Madam He has left too. Let’s go home."
He caught her hand. "Don’t deflect."
She rose onto her toes, pressing a kiss to his lips.
His eyes flickered, but he remained stern. "You’re just placating me."
She kissed him again, then blinked up at him with those clear, luminous eyes.
His throat moved, tension coiling through him. The restless irritation in his chest dissolved, replaced by something far more urgent.
Suddenly, he cupped her face and kissed her fiercely.
Her hands clutched the back of his suit jacket as she melted into him.
In the quiet of the estate, only their mingled breaths filled the air.
When he finally pulled back, his dark eyes burned into hers. "I love you so much."
