As they were getting ready to leave, Father Li called Yancy Shaw into a room for a brief conversation.

After leaving the Li house, Lauren Shaw pulled him aside and asked, "What did my dad say to you?"

Yancy Shaw lowered his gaze to her. "He told me to treat you well and not let you suffer any grievances."

Her parents’ wishes were simple—they just wanted her to be happy and not have to endure hardship or compromise herself anymore.

Lauren Shaw glanced back at her family home, a faint smile playing across her lips. Her parents had once said the same thing to Yvonne Sung, but Yvonne Sung had never cared; those who feel truly loved act without fear, never worrying about losing anything.

Yancy Shaw took her hand as they walked toward the car. Watching his tall figure, Lauren Shaw felt a deep sense of safety rise within her.

Something deep inside told her that this was a man she could trust her life to.

With him, she could let down every guard and just be herself.

The drive was smooth, and neither of them spoke. Sitting in the passenger seat, Lauren Shaw was getting drowsy.

Yancy Shaw turned to look at her. "If you’re tired, get some rest. I’ll wake you when we get home."

Lauren Shaw opened her eyes and looked at him. They were waiting at a red light. His left hand rested casually on the steering wheel, his index finger tapping lightly on the edge. In the glow of the streetlight, his hands looked especially flawless.

Yancy Shaw glanced over at her carelessly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Lauren Shaw was confused. "Looking at you how?"

He smirked, eyes glinting playfully. "With that not-so-innocent look."

Lauren Shaw felt her cheeks heat up and turned to gaze out the window. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

A low chuckle filled the car just as the light turned green. Yancy Shaw didn't tease her any further and focused on driving.

When they returned home, two men were waiting by the door. At first, Lauren Shaw thought they had the wrong floor—until she recognized one of them as Doctor He.

"Miss Li?" Henry Mills looked at Lauren Shaw, then at Yancy Shaw. "What’s going on here…?"

If someone told him Yancy Shaw had brought a woman home, that would be the first time he’d seen it in all the years they’d known each other.

"Looks like we’re interrupting something here," Henry Mills said, shooting a suggestive look at both of them.

"Yancheng, aren’t you going to introduce us?" The speaker was Sean Snow. The three of them had been close friends since childhood—thicker than thieves.

Lauren Shaw pressed her fingerprint to unlock the door. "Please, come in and have a seat."

She thought nothing of such a gesture, but her casual action left the two men frozen at the threshold, staring at her in disbelief.

Did they really just see her unlock the door with her fingerprint?

"Come on in," Yancy Shaw said from the doorway, glancing at them.

Henry Mills’s peach blossom eyes darted around, and he stroked his chin. "It’s been a while since I’ve been here. Seems a little different now."

"How so?"

Henry Mills leaned closer and whispered, "Now it has a woman’s touch."

Lauren Shaw poured several cups of tea and set them on the coffee table.

Sean Snow watched her, half in awe. Yancy Shaw was notoriously difficult to approach—how had she pulled this off?

"Let me introduce you—this is my wife, Lauren Shaw."

Henry Mills nearly spat out his tea.

Sean Snow was the first to recover his composure. "Congratulations."

Yancy Shaw then introduced his friends to Lauren Shaw.

Henry Mills couldn’t hide his shock. "You kept something this big from us?"

Lauren Shaw helped smooth things over. "We just got our marriage certificate a few days ago. We hadn’t figured out how to break the news to you yet."

Thinking about how short a time he'd actually known Lauren Shaw, Henry Mills blurted out, "You two got married in a flash?"

Both Lauren Shaw and Yancy Shaw nodded.

Henry Mills could only shake his head in disbelief—his expression said it all.

Lauren Shaw sat for a while and then went to her room.

After she left, Henry Mills shot Yancy Shaw a suspicious look. "You’re serious?"

He’d never even seen this guy date, and suddenly he’d gone and gotten himself a wife? Who wouldn’t be shocked?

Yancy Shaw replied coolly, "What do you think?"

"Do your parents know?"

"I haven’t been home yet," Yancy Shaw replied, glancing at the closed bedroom door.

Henry Mills gave Sean Snow a meaningful look. "Looks like someone’s going to be heartbroken."

Sean Snow said nothing.

His cousin Eva Snow had always had a crush on Yancy Shaw. Not long ago, she had been having tantrums, insisting she’d only ever marry him. The old man at home had almost exploded with rage over it.

If she found out he was married now, who knew what drama would ensue.

The men chatted in the living room for a while. Henry Mills suggested a drink, but Yancy Shaw refused—said it was late and time to rest.

After sending his friends off, Yancy Shaw entered the bedroom. Lauren Shaw was already in bed, sound asleep. She must have been exhausted from work.

He sat down by the bed, gazing at her sleeping face, lost in thought.

Lauren Shaw seemed to be dreaming, her brows furrowed, murmuring softly in her sleep.

He leaned in closer, his face just above hers.

Suddenly, she awoke, her eyes flying open to meet his.

Their faces were so close that she could feel his breath tingling against her skin.

Yancy Shaw’s eyes seemed to draw her in like whirlpools.

Lauren Shaw instinctively closed her eyes, waiting for what would come next.

But nothing happened.

"You get some sleep. I’ll go take a shower."

She opened her eyes to see Yancy Shaw heading for the bathroom. Listening to the sound of running water, she could feel her heart pounding.

Was he about to kiss her just now? Should she have pretended to stay asleep?

She was an adult. She might not have much firsthand experience, but it’s not as if she didn’t understand what was going on. She’d watched enough of those idol dramas in college with Claire Xu, and even some racy foreign films. The thought brought a flush to her cheeks.

When the water finally stopped, she shut her eyes tight, sensing the bed sink under his weight.

A strong arm pulled her into an embrace—and then, nothing more.

Lauren Shaw didn’t know how she’d fallen asleep. When she woke in the morning, the space beside her was empty.

She could hear the shower running again.

He was probably getting ready for the day.

Yancy Shaw had been a perfect gentleman. All he ever did was hold her while they slept—not once had he gotten handsy.

She’d even braced herself last night, but nothing had happened.

Maybe Yancy Shaw wasn’t interested in her physically after all—maybe she was the one reading too much into things.

The thought made her blush with embarrassment.

The bathroom door opened. Yancy Shaw came out, towel around his waist, bare-chested, droplets of water tracing down over his abs toward his hips…

Lauren Shaw couldn't help but stare. She had to admit, the man’s physique was to die for.

Claire Xu had always told her about the ‘8-1-8’ perfect male figure, and by her estimation, Yancy Shaw definitely fit the bill.

"You’re awake?" Yancy Shaw’s voice snapped her out of it.

Lauren Shaw quickly tore her gaze away. "Yeah, I’m up."

Yancy Shaw looked at her with a half-smile.

Under his gaze, she felt a bit embarrassed, so she rolled over and buried her face in the blankets.

Oh, the shame—she’d just gotten lost admiring his looks.