Sunlight filtered through the carved wooden panels of the Lu estate's grand sitting room, casting golden shapes across the polished floor. It was a rare morning—no business deals, no urgent emails, no political maneuvering. Just family.
Liyana smoothed her dress and glanced at Damien, who stood beside her with quiet pride etched across his face. Today wasn't about headlines or reputations. It was about what mattered most—their union, their future, their families.
Mrs. Xu reached across the coffee table and offered tea to Madame Lu, who accepted it with a graceful smile.
"I can't believe we're finally planning this," Madame Lu said, her voice warm with nostalgia. "Feels like only yesterday when Liyana used to visit and steal Meilin's candies."
Lu Meilin, now elegantly dressed but still mischievous, grinned. "Correction: I gave her those candies, Nai Nai. Willingly."
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere softened.
Mr. Xu leaned forward, setting a thick binder on the table. "We've coordinated with the wedding planner. The garden venue in Hangzhou is confirmed. Private, secure, and serene. Just what Liyana wanted."
Madame Lu nodded approvingly. "And Damien?"
Damien gave a quiet nod. "That's where I want her to walk down the aisle."
Liyana's eyes flicked to him briefly, her expression unreadable—but her fingers, resting beside his on the couch, brushed his lightly in silent understanding.
On the other side of the room, Lu Yuhan leaned into Mira, who had been invited as part of the bridal planning support team.
"You think they'll let me wear a red suit?" he whispered.
Mira chuckled. "Depends. If you walk Liyana down the aisle, maybe."
"Tempting."
"You're not walking me down the aisle," Liyana interjected playfully, overhearing them.
"You sure?" Yuhan raised a brow. "I'm younger, better looking, and dramatically fond of you."
"She already has a father for that role," Mr. Xu cut in, with a wink.
More laughter. It was easy. Natural. For once, the Lu and Xu families weren't two empires—they were one.
As the wedding logistics were reviewed—guest list finalizations, security details, menu sampling, traditional vs. modern ceremonies—Ruoxi slipped in with a tablet in hand.
"Sorry I'm late," she said, sliding beside Damien. "I finalized the RSVP portal. Also, Damien, Aiden Zheng's team sent over the video montage he's gifting you both. It's beautiful. He even composed a track for it."
Liyana blinked. "He didn't have to."
"He wanted to," Ruoxi replied. "He said, and I quote, 'Finally someone worthy of her.'"
Damien's jaw ticked slightly, and Meilin's eyes sparkled.
"Gege's jealous," she teased.
"I am not."
"You definitely are," Yuhan added.
Liyana just laughed softly.
Ruoxi, unfazed, continued, "Also, we should discuss dress rehearsals. And the vows. Do you both plan to write them?"
Liyana and Damien exchanged a glance.
"I will," Liyana said.
"Then I will too," Damien replied, his gaze steady on her.
Later that evening, when most of the logistics had been discussed and everyone sat in the warmth of post-lunch tea and light conversation, Grandpa Xu stood slowly.
His cane tapped once on the marble.
"I want to say something." His voice carried quiet command. "I've lived a long life. Built companies. Seen wars and peace. But nothing is more important than seeing my granddaughter smile with a man who will protect her, challenge her, and stand beside her."
He turned to Damien. "You have tested me. And I've tested you. And now, I give you my granddaughter's hand—not as a business arrangement, but as a man entrusting the most precious person in his life to another."
Damien stood and bowed low, with rare solemnity.
"I will protect her. Honor her. Even when she terrifies me," he added, earning a small smirk from Liyana.
Grandpa Xu chuckled. "Good answer."
Madame Lu dabbed at her eyes. Mrs. Xu simply reached for her daughter's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
As the families slowly disbanded to the dining hall, Damien lingered behind with Liyana.
"I meant every word," he said quietly, as she stared at the koi pond in the courtyard.
"I know," she whispered. "I did too. When I said yes."
He turned to her. "Next week, you'll walk toward me. And everything changes."
"No." Liyana looked up at him, her eyes steady and unflinching. "Everything already did."