Chapter 10: Love Beyond Shadows
From that day, everything changed.
Royalty asked her out properly, not as a transaction, not as collateral—just as a man who wanted her.
"You're free," he said, voice gentle but firm. "Your family's debt is gone. You don't belong to me because of it. You belong to me because… I love you. And right now, that's bigger than anything else—bigger than money, bigger than power."
Feifei felt tears prick her eyes. Relief, joy, and desire all mingled at once. "I… I accept," she said.
He grinned, tugging her into his arms briefly, laughter in his eyes. "Good. Because I've been waiting for that moment far too long."
The mansion no longer felt like a cage. The city no longer felt dangerous. All that mattered was her and him, side by side, free from shadows, free from threats, and finally free to love.
_______
The morning sunlight poured through Feifei's bedroom window, but she didn't want to move. Royalty had stayed the night, and the warmth of him still lingered — the way he draped himself casually across the chair, one booted foot resting on the edge of the bed, his gaze on her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.
"I could get used to this," she said, stretching lazily.
"You mean me staring at you like a man who's lost his mind?" he teased, voice low, eyes dark.
"I meant the breakfast in bed," she shot back, though her cheeks warmed.
He laughed, a deep sound that rumbled through the room. "Breakfast isn't ready yet, but I could fix that if you promise not to distract me."
Feifei raised a brow. "Distract you? Me? That would never happen."
Royalty's smirk widened. "Right… sure. And I suppose you didn't notice me hovering over you last night, making sure you didn't move too close to the edge?"
"I noticed," she admitted, hiding a smile.
"And?"
"And it made me think… maybe you're a little obsessed," she said softly.
"Maybe," he murmured, stepping closer, brushing a finger along her jaw. "Or maybe I just… can't help myself."
Her stomach twisted, a mix of adrenaline and desire. "I don't know if that's healthy."
"You're right," he said, leaning down, voice teasing. "It's not. But I don't do healthy."
⸻
Later, they drove to her parents' house. Royalty behind the wheel, Feifei beside him, her hand brushing his every so often, deliberately.
"So…" she said after a long stretch of quiet. "Are you going to scare my parents with your… charm?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You think I need to? I'm Royalty. Charm is my default setting."
Feifei laughed, shaking her head. "We'll see about that."
When they arrived, her parents stared at the luxury car, the neat suit, the calm, commanding presence of the man she had been staying with. Royalty stepped out first, offering a polite nod, but there was no mistaking the subtle intensity in his gaze — like he was both protective and claiming her without words.
"Mom, Dad, Royalty," Feifei said, voice small but steady. "We….we are in love now
Her father narrowed his eyes, mother's hand on her chest in cautious worry. "Royalty… the same dangerous man that took you away from us," her father said, and Feifei wanted to crawl under the table.
" Royalty replied smoothly, giving her a sideways grin. "But I assure you, I'm here for one purpose: to keep your daughter safe."
Feifei stifled a laugh. "And apparently steal my sanity in the process," she whispered under her breath.
Royalty glanced at her, eyebrow raised. "What was that?"
"Nothing!" she said quickly, flushing.
By the end of the afternoon, her parents were warmed by his charm — if still wary — and Feifei felt a weight lift. The debt, the danger, the uncertainty — all of it finally seemed manageable.
As they drove back to the mansion, Feifei rested her head on his shoulder. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
"I know," he said, wrapping an arm around her. "And you love it."
"Maybe," she admitted, hiding a smile.