*Runze's POV*
The walk back to the house is a blur.
I don't remember stepping down from the stone pavilion, nor do I remember navigating the curving garden paths. All I feel is the cold, sharp weight of my phone tucked tightly into my palm, and the steady, unobtrusive shadow of Ling Yue walking a half-step beside me.
Every few seconds, my thumb twitches against my phone, staring down at the dark, inactive screen.
We cross the stone terrace and slip back inside through the side doors.
As we step into the main foyer, Mrs. Wen emerges from the adjacent hallway carrying a basket of fresh hand towels. The moment her eyes land on my face, her warm expression falters, replaced by immediate concern.
"Back so soon, Young Master?" she asks, looking between the two of us. "Is everything alright?"
I force a small, practiced smile, letting one hand rest over the slight swell of my bump. "I'm fine, Mrs. Wen. Just... I think I'll head up to the study for a bit."
