In the second-floor office.
Chen Lin locked the door with a click.
He turned around and looked at Li Xiaoyue, whose eyes were still red and whose face was full of self-reproach. His heart ached for her, and he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"It's all right. It's over now," he soothed her gently.
That familiar embrace, carrying a crisp, reassuring scent, instantly broke through every last bit of strength Li Xiaoyue had struggled to maintain.
She could no longer hold back. Tears poured out like floodwaters bursting through a dam. She wrapped her arms tightly around Chen Lin's waist and buried her face deep against his broad chest, her voice choked with overwhelming guilt.
"I'm sorry, Xiao Lin... I'm so useless. All I do is cause you trouble!"
She hated herself, hated her weakness, hated how helpless she was.
Every time, she was nothing but a burden, forced to watch Chen Lin shield her from everything while she could do nothing herself.
"Silly girl." Chen Lin gently stroked her silky hair and lowered his head to kiss away the tears at the corners of her eyes. "You're my woman. Doing anything for you is only natural."
His voice was deep and resonant, every word flowing like a warm stream through Li Xiaoyue's chilled heart.
She lifted her head and gazed through her tears at his handsome face, her heart overflowing with emotion and love.
As they gazed silently at each other, the atmosphere in the office began to grow intimate.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow. Even the air seemed to simmer with heat.
Chen Lin's gaze darkened, and his breathing grew heavier. He lowered his head and kissed her soft lips again.
This kiss was no longer merely