𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟

20

It was New Year's Day, and Mrs. Sean had been eagerly preparing for the family gathering. She knew  Zhan would be bringing his husband, Yibo, and she was determined to make it a warm, inviting celebration. The house had been decorated with vibrant colors, and the kitchen was filled with the rich, comforting smells of New Year’s dishes. Her heart warmed at the thought of family coming together.

Earlier that morning, she’d invited Zhan to bring Yibo over, knowing how much Yibo had been through and hoping a lively gathering would help him feel included and loved. Zhan, fully aware of Yibo’s condition, had agreed. He knew the confinement of the villa was beginning to take a toll on him and their baby.

At 9 a.m., after a quiet breakfast, Zhan helped Yibo get ready. Though Zhan’s face held its usual serious expression, inside he felt a warmth that melted away his stoic demeanor. Seeing Yibo in his new outfit—a cozy red sweater, white trousers, and a soft, long white fur overcoat—made his heart swell with affection. To him, Yibo looked like a little prince, both adorable and elegant.

Yibo, with his pure innocence, clutched their cat close to his chest, gazing up at Zhan with phoenix eyes. Zhan, dressed simply in black pants and a red hoodie, took care of each little detail, helping Yibo into his socks and shoes, and adjusting his coat just right. Yibo couldn’t take his eyes off him, feeling his cheeks heat as he watched Zhan kneel in front of him, focused on his task. It was rare to see his gege in red, and he found the color suited him so perfectly, he could hardly look away. Zhan noticed Yibo’s cheeks turning pink.

“Are you cold?” Zhan asked, his voice low and caring. He placed a warm hand on Yibo’s cheek, gently rubbing his thumb across his soft skin.

Yibo shook his head, his eyes shining, and Zhan sighed with relief. Even though Yibo would often tell him he wasn’t cold, Zhan insisted on bundling him up warmly. He wrapped a scarf around Yibo’s neck, then leaned back to take a final look at him. Seeing Yibo all bundled up like a soft dumpling He felt satisfied, knowing he’d done his best to keep Yibo comfortable and happy.

“Let’s go!” Zhan took Yibo’s hand and guided him out to the car. He had left New Year’s gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Han, uncertain if they’d be back that evening, and soon they were on their way. As they approached  Sean’s house, Zhan could feel Yibo’s hand tense up, but he kept reassuring him with silent hug.

When they arrived at the Sean family home, it was already 11 a.m. The house was bustling with family, laughter, and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes. Only relatives were invited, with Yan Ting being the exception since he was practically family. The house buzzed with warmth and cheer, and Mrs. Sean’s face lit up when she saw Zhan and Yibo arrive.

“You’re here!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Zhan and Yibo. She gave Yibo a gentle pat on the shoulder, her smile comforting and warm.

Sensing Yibo’s anxiety in the large crowd, Zhan slipped an arm around him from behind, providing support and silently reassuring him.

Soon, a little girl in a pink princess dress ran over and wrapped her arms around Yibo’s leg. “Gege, are you my prince? You’re so pretty!”

Zhan chuckled softly, patting her head. “Weiwei, he’s your uncle, not a prince. Call him Uncle Yibo, okay?” He gently pinched her cheek with affection.

But Weiwei was not deterred. “Uncle Yibo! You’re so pretty!” she declared, completely ignoring Zhan and focusing all her attention on Yibo.

Lu Yan, Mrs. Sean’s nephew and Weiwei’s father, walked over and gently picked up his daughter. He noticed Yibo’s slightly swollen belly, a reminder of the baby on the way, and nodded to Zhan, indicating that Yibo should sit down. Zhan understood and quickly led Yibo to a comfortable sofa, making sure he was settled.