Chapter 65

Echoes of the Past, Whispers of Love

Xiang spent an eternity, it seemed, sharing stories and laughter with her parents, both those of her past life, Mr. and Mrs. Li, and her present. The love that enveloped her was a warm, comforting embrace, a reassurance that she was cherished, no matter the life she lived. As her other parents bid her a fond farewell, a sense of belonging settled within her as she remained with Mr. and Mrs. Li.

Meanwhile, Wen Xia sat in his room, a veil of melancholy draped over his features. The echoes of his past, the weight of unspoken emotions, pressed heavily upon him. A soft knock broke through his reverie. "Who is it?" he asked, his voice a low murmur. "It's me," Xiang replied, her voice gentle as a summer breeze. He granted her entry, and she stepped into the room, her presence a beacon of light in his shadowed world.

Wen Xia stood by the window, gazing out at the twilight sky. Xiang approached him, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and trepidation. "Master," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "I... I remember so much from our past life." She paused, her eyes searching his. "May I... may I say something?"

Wen Xia turned to her, his gaze intense. "Speak," he said, his voice husky.

Xiang's cheeks flushed, but she met his gaze with unwavering sincerity. "I believe... I believe I'm falling in love with you again."

A flicker of surprise crossed Wen Xia's face. "What are you saying?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"I know exactly what I'm saying," Xiang replied, her voice gaining strength. "I love you, Wen Xia. Whether it's the echo of our past or the truth of this present, my heart belongs to you." She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to touch his cheek. "It always has."

She closed the remaining distance between them, her arms wrapping around his neck. Wen Xia hesitated for a heartbeat, then his arms closed around her, pulling her close. He had yearned for her touch, for her presence, for so long. The years melted away, and they stood there, locked in an embrace that spoke of unspoken love and long-awaited reunion.

Xiang looked up at him, her eyes filled with a love that transcended lifetimes. "I love you, Wen Xia," she whispered. "Do you... do you love me?"

A long silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions. Then, Wen Xia's voice, rough with emotion, broke through the silence. "Yes, Xiang. I love you. I think... I think I've always loved you."

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. "Whether it was yesterday, today, or a lifetime ago, my heart has always been yours."

They spent the rest of the night lost in each other's arms, sharing stories of their past and dreams for their future. Wen Xia carried her to the bed, and they lay entwined, their bodies and souls united in a love that defied time itself.

The first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains when Wen Xia awoke. Xiang lay nestled in his arms, her face serene in sleep. He gazed at her, his heart overflowing with a love he thought he had lost forever. "If only time could stand still," he murmured, his voice filled with longing. "If only we could stay like this, forever."

As if in response to his words, Xiang's eyes fluttered open. She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling like the morning star. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice soft as a caress. "If only every morning could begin like this."

She snuggled closer, her arms tightening around him. "Wen Xia," she said, her voice filled with a playful lilt, "will you ask my parents for my hand in marriage?"

Wen Xia chuckled, a warm, rich sound that filled the room. "And if I do," he teased, "do you think they'll agree?"

Xiang's eyes narrowed playfully. "You'll make them agree," she declared, her voice filled with mock severity. "Or I won't speak to you again." She started to rise from the bed, feigning anger.

Wen Xia's hand shot out, capturing her wrist. He pulled her back, his eyes filled with amusement. "Don't be angry, little one," he said, his voice laced with tenderness. "I was only teasing you. I know what I have to do."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. "I'll win their approval, and we'll be married soon. No one will ever separate us again."