(Jin Guangyao/Reader) You're my sun, my universe

Chapter 20: The reveal

You stood still for a moment, feeling as if you were hallucinating his words, "What?"

Meng Yao paused, as if allowing you time to process the reveal, of which you did eventually...albeit slowly. Hesitantly, you repeated aloud, the words feeling off on your tongue, "Qin Su... is your sister?"

Until that moment you still had the firm belief that you must have misheard his words, and yet his hesitant nod of confirmation not long after, left you recoiling from the revelation.

"B-But...How...?" you stammered, your emotions swirling in a turmoil of shock and confusion.

A sigh escaped Meng Yao's lips, carrying with it a sense of weariness that seemed to etch lines on his face. "I'll explain" he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his words.

Meng Yao explained how Qin Su and he had conceived a child before their wedding night. After months of planning between both families and various efforts he had finally received approval to marry Qin Su. However, just before their wedding night, Madam Qin had privately called him to meet to inform him of their relation.

Meng Yao's face contorted into a complicated blend of sorrow and hesitation as he confessed, "I...I couldn't break the marriage. It had reached a point of no return. If I ended I without any valid justification, the consequences would have been dire."

It was here that Meng Yao paused, glancing at you while anticipating your response, be it one of repulsion or horror. However, amidst the whirlwind of thoughts, you found yourself unable to process it all. Nevertheless, despite the horrifying nature of the event, an unexplainable feeling of happiness and relief flooded into your heart.

What?

Time seemed to still as the silence enveloped the room. Meeting his gaze, you instantly recognised the vulnerability etched in his expression. In a gentle, reassuring tone you murmur, "It's okay. You don't need to explain. I understand...I'm on your side.".

With utmost tenderness, your fingertips grazed his cheek, offering comfort. Relief flashes across Meng Yao's features.

"But..." you continue.

"Yes?" Meng Yao replies, as if hesitant and afraid of what else you would say.

You clear your throat and speak in a soft murmur, hesitating only for a moment before asking, "Then...you don't love Qin Su?" Though a part of you knows this question stems from selfishness and should not be your focus, you ask it anyway. The truth is that in that moment, you cared about nothing else.

It was the only thing you wanted to know.

Meng Yao's eyes, filled with tenderness locked onto yours without hesitation as he firmly stated, "I do not. The only one is you."

The thumping of your heart echoed loudly in your ears, a rapid rhythm of which mirrored the whirlwind of emotions that were unleased by this confession.

Happiness. Hope. Love.

You suddenly close the distance, bringing your lips together for a kiss that surpassed all others. It made your heart flutter with joy, leaving behind any lingering doubts and insecurities. In this beautiful moment you realize that your love is not only felt but also reciprocated.

Love. Love. Love.

***

The two of you had found yourselves in the kitchen, the soft thumping of cooking utensils was heard as you prepped a meal, one of which held special memories for the both of you. It was Meng Shi's favourite meal, chicken congee.