Page 291

They hadn't registered their marriage, and Shen Baili's mind was a tangled mess.

Chapter 115

"We're not married. We just live together," Shen Wan said, drawing her daughter down to sit beside her on the bed.

Shen Baili gripped her mother's hand, her pinkie trembling slightly. "Mom, is it because of me?"

Was it because of me that you accepted Xie Chengyue's pursuit?

Was it because of me that you entered the Xie Family this way?

Was it because of me that you've had to work so hard?

Was it because of me that you endured so much hardship and gave up your freedom?

Heartache and guilt engulfed Shen Baili like a tidal wave. She struggled to breathe and held her mother's hand tight, refusing to let go.

"No, Suìsuì." Shen Wan's voice was firm. "This was my choice."

"Because of you, Mom is very happy."

"Mom wanted us to be even happier, so I agreed to bring you with me to live with Uncle Xie."

Shen Wan looked into her daughter's eyes. It was as if spring itself lived in her almond-shaped eyes, warm and gentle.

Shen Baili gazed into her mother's eyes. She was her mother's spring.

"There are two people I love most in this world." Shen Wan held her daughter close, her voice soft. "Myself and Suìsuì."

Without hesitation, Shen Baili said, "I love you and myself most, too."

Shen Wan corrected her. "You should love yourself most, then love me."

Shen Wan had once loved Su Bowen more than herself. It had taken her a long time to find herself again, and for a while, that experience had left her fixated on loving and being loved.

She would always put herself first, and she hoped her daughter would do the same.

"Mom, you have