Bound By It (Xianwang)

Most Awaited Happily Ever After

5 years later

"A-Yuan, my baby, come to Grandpa..." Mr. Wei cooed, lifting little Yuan and settling him on his lap as he gently fed him another spoonful of cereal, the toddler giggling in delight.

"Good boy, A-Yuan is such a good boy. Now, have another bite," Mrs. Wei chimed in, her eyes soft with affection as she leaned in closer, smiling.

Wei Wuxian

My parents had started visiting us more often ever since A-Yuan came into our lives. They adored him completely, to the point where they'd spend hours playing with him, refusing to leave until they were satisfied that he'd had enough of their attention.

"Aww... my Yuan is the cutest. Doesn't he look exactly like A-Xian when he was little?" Ma asked, turning to my Pa, who nodded in agreement with a proud smile.

I smiled back at them, but out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Wangji letting out a long sigh. Then, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, he remarked, "Looks like he'll grow up to look exactly like his father," and under his breath, he muttered, "I hope it won't be difficult to distinguish between them."

I stifled a laugh, trying to keep my face straight. I had heard that couples start to pick up each other's traits when they live together for years, but Wangji was slowly starting to sound more like Jiang Cheng every day. Whenever my parents were around, he didn't seem to care much, and I couldn't blame him for that. When they made comments like this about Yuan, he often responded with a sarcastic remark or rolled his eyes, like he did just now.

Lan Wangji

Of course, I rolled my eyes at that. Why wouldn't I? They genuinely believed A-Yuan was born through surrogacy, that he was their son's blood child. But the truth is, he doesn't resemble either of us, A-yuan was adopted. Except Cheng ge, Xian ge and me, no one knew about it....Ah, Xue yang too because he is nosey.

I watched them fawn over him, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Part of me was glad they were kind to A-Yuan, showing him the love he deserved. But another part of me was worried that their behavior towards him might turn upside down if they come to know someday.

Wuxian glanced at me, catching my eye, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. He knew exactly what I was thinking, and that silent understanding between us was enough. We had built this family together, with or without their approval, and I was content with that. But it didn't stop me from feeling a bit of frustration every time they tried to fit him into their neat little boxes.

Mrs. Wei, oblivious to my internal thoughts, continued doting on A-Yuan. "Look at his eyes, so bright and full of life, just like A-Xian's at that age!"

If only they knew... 

After that day, five years ago, Wuxian and Wangji had finally registered their marriage officially. They were surrounded by all of Wuxian's friends who had been there when they got married in Gusu, as well as Wangji's father, his aunty, Song Lan, and Xingchen, who had traveled from Gusu to be part of the celebration. They even hosted an after-party in the café where everyone who was closest to them had gathered. The only absentees were the Jiang couple and Wuxian's parents, who had refused to attend.