Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 41

Following the grand wedding celebration, the Jiang family’s mansion was bathed in golden light, with laughter echoing through the expansive halls. The joyful warmth of the ceremony still lingered in the air like a fragrant trace of spring. Since the newlyweds’ private residence was still under renovation, Jiang Wan and Han Zaijing temporarily settled into the Jiang estate.

This arrangement was met with silent approval—if not relief—from Jiang Wan’s parents, who were reluctant to part so soon with their beloved daughter. Hosting the couple under their roof, even if briefly, softened the ache of letting her go.

Amidst the cheer of toasts and familial chatter, Jiang Nuan sat quietly in a corner of the living room, her eyes occasionally drifting toward Han Zaijing. Her expression remained unreadable, but inside, her heart twisted with tangled emotions. Han Zaijing was no longer just a passing figure in her memory—she was now her brother-in-law, bound to her sister by the sacred vows of marriage. And yet, between them lay a secret—a past marked by a fleeting, forbidden entanglement.

Jiang Nuan knew she couldn’t carry this hidden weight forever. For the sake of familial peace, and for Jiang Wan’s happiness, she needed to speak with Han Zaijing. The timing had to be discreet, the words carefully chosen.

As the evening wore on and guests gradually trickled out, the noise dwindled into a comfortable hush. Soft music played in the background, mingling with the clink of teacups and low voices. Slipping away under the guise of needing fresh air, Jiang Nuan left the living room and made her way toward Han Zaijing’s study.

The door was slightly ajar, a warm light spilling out into the dim corridor. She hesitated for a moment at the threshold, steadying her breath, then raised her hand and knocked softly.
“Come in,” came Han Zaijing’s voice from within.

Jiang Nuan stepped inside and saw Han Zaijing seated at the desk, a book open in front of her. Though her fingers held the pages, her gaze was distant—unfocused. When she noticed Jiang Nuan, she set the book aside and offered a mild, polite smile.

“Jiang Nuan. Is something matters?”

Jiang Nuan closed the door gently behind her. Her hands were clenched tightly at her sides. “Zaijing… I wanted to talk. Just the two of us.”

Han Zaijing’s smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of tension. She straightened in her chair. “What about?”

Jiang Nuan stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. “About what happened between us. I think… I think we need to let it go. For my sister’s sake. For the family’s peace.”

She inhaled deeply, bracing herself against the tremble in her voice. “That night—it’s in the past now. You’re her husband. And I’m her sister. I don’t want that night to ever resurface… or ruin anything.”

Silence hung between them like a drawn curtain. Han Zaijing’s eyes searched hers, as if measuring the weight of the words. Then she nodded slowly, a note of apology in her expression.

“You’re right,” she said softly. “It shouldn’t have happened. I should’ve been more careful. I’m sorry, Jiang Nuan. I’ll make sure it never becomes a shadow over the three of us.”

She paused, then added gently, “And you don’t have to call me brother-in-law. Just use my name. We’re still family… and friends.”

Jiang Nuan exhaled, visibly relieved. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she offered a faint smile. “Thank you, Zaijing.”

Their brief exchange ended with the quiet grace of mutual understanding. Jiang Nuan turned and left the study, her steps lighter than before, her conscience a little less burdened.

Late that night, back in the softly lit bedroom, Jiang Wan and Han Zaijing settled into the quiet intimacy of married life for the first time.

Jiang Wan emerged from the bathroom dressed in a black silk nightdress, its thin straps resting delicately on her shoulders. The fabric clung gently to her curves, shimmering faintly under the moonlight that spilled through the window. Her skin, smooth and luminous, glowed against the darkness of the room. Her slender waist swayed slightly with each step, exuding an effortless allure.

Han Zaijing, already seated on the edge of the bed, looked up and was momentarily stunned by the sight. A subtle heat flared in her chest, a hunger stirred by both desire and adoration.

As Jiang Wan approached, Zaijing stood and wrapped her arms around her wife’s waist, drawing her close. The scent of Jiang Wan’s shampoo—floral, soft, familiar—drifted upward and made Zaijing’s breath catch.

“Are you still adjusting?” Jiang Wan asked softly, her voice a hushed murmur as she gazed out the window at the glittering skyline. The happiness in her eyes was unmistakable.

“With you beside me,” Zaijing whispered against her ear, “everything feels just right.”

A faint blush crept across Jiang Wan’s cheeks. She smiled and leaned into her partner. “I’m so tired… My calves are sore from those heels.”

Zaijing glanced down, then gently knelt and began to massage her ankles. “Here?”

Jiang Wan hummed in relief, her body relaxing into the touch. Their eyes met. A quiet warmth passed between them.

She nestled into Zaijing’s shoulder, her fingers lightly brushing along her partner’s collar. The soft glide of her hand sent a ripple of tension through Zaijing’s body. Her heart pounded faster as a familiar heat began to rise.

Zaijing reached up to brush a strand of hair from Jiang Wan’s face, her fingertips lingering on her cheek before tracing down to her lips. Then, slowly, she leaned in and kissed her—tender at first, then deeper, more consuming. Jiang Wan responded with equal fervor, her arms winding around Zaijing’s neck, pulling her closer.

Their kiss grew urgent, their bodies moving instinctively toward each other. Zaijing’s hands slid along Jiang Wan’s waist and then curved around to her hips, savoring the feel of her. Jiang Wan gasped softly against her lips, her breath quickening.

In one fluid motion, Zaijing reached behind and switched off the bedside lamp.

The room fell into darkness, the only illumination coming from the moonlight that bathed their entwined silhouettes. The night stretched long and quiet, the sound of the city fading beneath the heartbeat of two women beginning a life together—one breath, one kiss, one promise at a time.