The next morning, Cecilia made a point to get up early.

Her painting was finally finished; she needed to deliver it to the gallery that morning.

She quickly freshened up. Little Rice Ball was still fast asleep, and Xavier Fostern had already changed, walking out of the bathroom.

Cecilia wore a black mermaid dress that accentuated her graceful curves. Her long hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and she applied light makeup, adding a touch of maturity to her usual look.

She was a bit nervous about the speech she had to give at the exhibit, so she did her best to appear composed as she dressed.

Xavier Fostern approached, bending slightly to embrace her from behind.

His large hands wrapped around her slender waist, resting over her lower abdomen. Cecilia leaned back into his arms, placing her hands on his, which he gently clasped.

"Baby, you look beautiful today."

In the mirror, the girl’s eyes and features were soft, a tiny beauty mark perched on her nose, lips rosy against her fair skin.

Cecilia frowned slightly and took a deep breath. "But I’m a little nervous."

"Hm?"

She turned around, looping her arms around Xavier Fostern’s neck. Her glassy eyes betrayed a hint of worry as she gazed up at him obediently.

"I’m afraid I’ll mess up the speech. Why is it that you always seem so relaxed on stage, without preparing too much?"

Xavier Fostern smiled, patience in his voice. "Don’t be nervous. Just tell everyone why you held this exhibition—your intention, your original inspiration, your vision. Speak from the heart; that’s all you need to do."

"You’ll do great. I’ve seen all the hard work you’ve put in."

He meant every word. He'd witnessed Cecilia’s diligence and dedication at every step. This was a girl with a resilient, delicate heart.

Hearing his reassurance, a wave of calm washed over Cecilia. She nodded. "Alright, I’ll just share what’s truly on my mind."

"And if you slip up, it’s fine. Who would dare say my wife didn’t do well?" Xavier Fostern added playfully, a hint of possessiveness in his tone.

She scrunched her nose. "So proud of yourself."

"Yes, proud. But you’re my pride, too."

With just a few sentences, he eased her worries. Cecilia let out a soft breath, feeling noticeably more relaxed.

Xavier Fostern fished a delicate box out of his pocket. Inside was a dazzling diamond necklace, its gemstone sparkling in the morning light.

"It’s gorgeous..."

With gentle hands, he fastened the necklace around her neck, lifting her hair aside. "Merry Christmas. Do you like it?"

Cecilia’s eyes glimmered as she nodded. "I love it."

Little Rice Ball was still sound asleep as the two headed downstairs. Cecilia followed Xavier Fostern into the studio.

Her painting was still covered with a dust cloth. She’d been waiting until it was finished to share it with him.

"Honey, I want you to be the first person to see this painting."

"Sure."

She removed the cloth.

Xavier Fostern’s gaze was instantly drawn to the girl in the painting, bending gently to tie the ribbons of her ballet shoes in the early morning light.

The background was dark, like an abandoned warehouse or a storeroom. The girl balanced on a tiny wooden stool, her instep arched in a graceful curve.

Her knee was bent at a sharp angle, calf perfectly straight. A ray of sunlight streamed through the window, sifting through her slightly curled hair tied back at her nape, tracing her beautiful shoulders and spine.

She wore a simple camisole and a white skirt, both a bit worn out, but the ballet shoes looked lovingly preserved.

At first glance, it seemed like she was dancing in a grimy, dilapidated warehouse. But at a second look, it was clear: the little girl was bathed in the morning light of her dreams.

The thick, vintage layers of oil paint gave the piece a heavy tone, but made the interplay of light and shadow even more striking.

Xavier Fostern was silent, and Cecilia grew a little anxious. Quietly, she asked, "Zhiyen, is there something wrong?"

Xavier Fostern turned, pulling her into his arms, and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.

"There is a problem."

"Huh?"

"It’s too beautiful. I almost don’t want to let it leave our home for the exhibit."

His words made Cecilia laugh. Looking at her work, she, too, felt proud.

"Did you know, back when I lived at the the Zane family’s place, their slaughterhouse was on the outskirts, so there were hardly any neighbors nearby."

"At one point, they got so busy they hired extra hands."

"One of the families had a daughter two years older than me."

"She was wonderful... She loved ballet, and her parents supported her. Even with barely enough to get by, they scraped together money for her dance shoes and classes."

"She often practiced in the storeroom out back. I saw her so many times — in the mornings, she’d slip on her ballet shoes by the window."

"It was so beautiful..."

As Cecilia recalled those days, a distant look crossed her face. In that dark time, the older girl had been like a glimmer of light shining through her world.

She envied that girl’s supportive family, and admired the way she chased her dream.

Xavier Fostern held her close, listening to her gentle voice tell the story. Seeing no sadness left on her face, his heart eased a bit.

"Yes, I think it’s beautiful too. But you’re the most beautiful of all."

"Stop it," Cecilia said, standing on tiptoe to peck his cheek. "You may be flattering me, but I’m still sending the painting to the exhibit!"

Xavier Fostern helped her take the painting down, shrugging. "Alright. After all, it’s not a portrait of my wife."

He tilted his head. "Baby, will you paint yourself next time?"

Cecilia grinned. "Sure, but you’d better treasure it!"

Xavier Fostern called for Lao San, asking him to bring the painting to the exhibition first. Aunt Xu had already prepared breakfast downstairs.

Since both Xavier Fostern and Cecilia would be busy at the show’s opening, Little Rice Ball would stay home under Aunt Xu’s care.

"Sir, Madam, please have breakfast."

"Alright, I’ll go get Little Rice Ball — he’s probably about to wake up."

Just as Cecilia was about to head upstairs, Xavier Fostern gently pressed her into a seat at the dining table.

"I’ll go. You eat first."

Aunt Xu smiled secretly at the couple’s sweet, natural affection for each other.

Once Xavier Fostern headed upstairs, Aunt Xu set a bowl of warm soy milk before Cecilia and smiled. "Madam, Sir treats you so well. And he’s a wonderful father too."

Cecilia smiled, her voice soft. "Yes. He really is."