Feng Suyin blinked.
She hadn't expected that. Him saying family. It stopped her breath for half a second.
This marriage was supposed to be convenient. Practical. She knew that. And truthfully? She felt a little guilty. Like she was using him. She knew how he felt about her. She just didn't think she deserved that kind of devotion. That kind of dedication.
But his words landed somewhere soft in her chest. She couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her ribs. Low. Quiet. Uninvited.
"That's kind of you to say." She looked down at her hands. Her fingers were twisting again. She made them stop.
"I'm your husband." His voice was soft. Certain. "It doesn't matter that this started as an agreement. You don't have to deal with everything alone."
She forced a smile. Hoped he couldn't hear how forced it was.
"That's assuring to hear. Thank you, Ji Yuzhe."
