Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Chapter 1077: The King of Jealousy

By the time Yue Ling returned home, evening had settled over Imperial.

The last traces of sunlight lingered along the horizon, casting a warm glow over the quiet residential streets.

After a long afternoon of meetings, design revisions, and paperwork, she was looking forward to spending a peaceful evening with her husband.

However, the moment she stepped through the front door, she noticed something unusual.

Lu Tian was already home.

Through the glass doors overlooking the backyard, she spotted his tall figure pacing along the terrace.

A cigarette rested between his fingers.

Every few steps, he would stop, take a slow drag, and glance toward the house before resuming his restless movements.

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.

It was rare to see him like this.

He was a man who could remain composed in the most dangerous situations. Even when facing enemies, he rarely allowed his emotions to show.

Yet here he was, pacing back and forth like a man waiting for a verdict.

She knew exactly why.

A faint smile touched her lips.

’So he’s been thinking about it all afternoon.’

She shook her head and sighed.

After setting her work bag on the entry table, she removed her coat and shoes before making her way toward the backyard.

She opened the glass door but made no attempt to step outside.

Instead, she leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Did someone anger my Mr. Lu?"

Her voice carried a playful innocence.

Lu Tian stopped immediately.

He turned.

The moment his eyes landed on her, the tension in his expression shifted.

Relief appeared first.

Then anticipation.

Without answering, he extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray beside the outdoor seating area and strode toward her.

"Tell me."

Yue Ling blinked.

"Tell you what?"

"My love."

His voice was low.

She pressed her lips together, suppressing a laugh.

He had clearly been waiting for her to come home.

Lu Tian had left the office earlier than usual, hoping to find his wife already there.

Instead, he had arrived at an empty house.

He had tried occupying himself with work, but his attention kept drifting toward the conversation they had shared over the phone.

’There’s something I need to tell you.’

Those words had followed him home.

And the longer he waited, the more possibilities his mind supplied.

Now that she was finally standing before him, he had no intention of waiting another minute.

Yue Ling reached for his hand.

"All right, all right."

She gently pulled him inside and closed the glass door.

Then, after giving him an amused glance, she walked past him.

"Ning Xingyu asked me to have dinner with him tomorrow night."

She had barely taken two steps when a hand closed around her wrist.

Yue Ling stopped.

"What did you say?"

Lu Tian’s voice was dangerously quiet.

She turned her head.

"I said, Ning—"

"I heard that."

He interrupted before she could finish.

With a gentle tug, he drew her back toward him.

"I’m asking what your response was."

Yue Ling tilted her head.

The seriousness in his expression made her want to tease him.

Earlier that afternoon, Liu Shan had referred to Lu Tian as the King of Jealousy.

At the time, she had found the nickname amusing.

She had never personally witnessed him behave in a particularly jealous manner.

Even when she spoke about Lee Shin, Lu Tian had never shown resentment or insecurity.

Instead, he had listened with patience and understanding.

Perhaps Liu Shan had exaggerated.

After all, Lu Tian was a reasonable man.

Surely, he would understand that dinner with Ning Xingyu meant nothing beyond gathering information.

A mischievous smile formed on her lips.

"Do you want me to agree?"

Lu Tian’s eyes narrowed.

He stepped closer.

Yue Ling instinctively leaned back a fraction as his tall figure overshadowed hers.

"And if I said no?"

His face was now only inches from hers.

Their noses nearly touched.

Yue Ling felt warmth creep into her cheeks.

She cleared her throat.

"It’s nothing to worry about."

"Is that so?"

"Mm."

She rose slightly onto her toes and pressed a quick kiss against his lips.

"I just need some information he has."

Before he could respond, she slipped her wrist free and continued toward the stairs.

"He knows Yeye doesn’t have much time left."

Lu Tian’s expression changed.

Yue Ling continued walking.

"I suspect Ji Chu Hua told him. But I want to know what kind of arrangement they made."

Lu Tian remained where he was.

His brows furrowed.

’Ning Xingyu knows about Grandfather Ji’s illness?’

That was not something the man should have known.

Only a handful of people were aware of the old man’s condition.

And if Ji Chu Hua had deliberately shared that information, then there was undoubtedly something more behind it.

Lu Tian understood his wife’s reasoning.

But there was still one question she had conveniently avoided.

He watched her climb the first two steps.

"My love."

"Mm?"

"You still haven’t answered me."

Yue Ling stopped and turned.

"I just told you."

Lu Tian took a slow step toward the staircase.

"You told me why he invited you."

Another step.

"But you haven’t told me what I asked."

He reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Did you agree to the dinner?"

Yue Ling blinked.

Then she smiled.

"I did."

Lu Tian went still.

For several seconds, he simply stared at her.

Then his eyes narrowed.

"Should I be worried?"

Yue Ling tilted her head.

"Worried about what?"

Lu Tian climbed another step.

"That my wife is going to dinner with another man."

Yue Ling laughed.

"Tian, are you hearing yourself?"

He said nothing.

"You make it sound as though I’m seeing another man."

His expression darkened.

"From where I’m standing, it certainly sounds like it."

Yue Ling stared at him.

Then a smile slowly spread across her face.

"Well, it shouldn’t."

She descended one step, bringing herself closer to his eye level.

"Because there’s only one man in my life."

She slipped her arms around his neck.

"And he’s standing right in front of me."

Lu Tian’s expression softened, though the displeasure in his eyes remained.

Yue Ling leaned closer.

"Besides, I’m only going to gather information."

His hands settled naturally at her waist.

"If you need information, there are other ways to obtain it."

"I know."

"Then why agree to dinner?"

"Because Ning Xingyu believes he has something valuable enough to make me accept."

She paused.

"And I want him to keep believing that."

Lu Tian studied her face.

The faint smile on her lips told him she had already considered the risks.

She was not walking blindly into the situation.

She was allowing Ning Xingyu to think she was.

He sighed.

"Fine."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Fine?"

"Fine," he repeated reluctantly.

He knew better than to argue once his wife had made a carefully considered decision.

But that did not mean he liked it.

"However, you’re not going alone."

Yue Ling smiled.

"I wasn’t planning to."

Lu Tian’s gaze sharpened slightly.

"I know you’re capable of protecting yourself... But that doesn’t mean I won’t have someone watching the situation."

"I understand."

"And if anything feels wrong, you leave."

"All right."

"Immediately."

She chuckled.

"Yes, Mr. Lu."

He narrowed his eyes at her amused expression.

"You’re enjoying this."

"A little."

Lu Tian sighed.

Yue Ling laughed softly and withdrew her arms.

Then she turned and continued upstairs.

"You know, you’re actually more understanding than I expected."

Lu Tian followed closely behind her.

"What do you mean?"

She smiled to herself.

"I heard someone call you the King of Jealousy."

His eyebrow lifted.

"Did you?"

"Mm."

"And who would that be?"

"Does it matter?"

"Very much."

Yue Ling laughed.

"Well, I thought you might get a little jealous after hearing about Ning Xingyu."

She glanced over her shoulder.

"But you seem perfectly reasonable."

Lu Tian’s expression became unreadable.

Yue Ling continued.

"I honestly don’t understand why anyone would give you that nickname."

She stopped halfway up the staircase and turned toward him.

"You’re not jealous at all."

For a moment, Lu Tian simply looked at her.

Then one corner of his mouth slowly lifted.

"Oh, they’re definitely not wrong."

Yue Ling blinked.

He climbed another step.

"I’m very jealous right now."

She studied his face.

"Really?"

"Mm."

"But you don’t look jealous."

His smile deepened.

"Would you like me to prove it?"

Yue Ling opened her mouth.

Before she could answer, Lu Tian bent down and swept her over his shoulder.

"Ah!"

Her world tilted.

"Tian!"

He secured an arm around her thighs and continued climbing the stairs.

Yue Ling grabbed the back of his shirt to steady herself.

"What are you doing?"

"Proving a point."

She burst into laughter.

"Put me down!"

"Not yet."

"Tian!"

"I believe you wanted to know why they call me the King of Jealousy."

Yue Ling laughed harder.

"You’re being unreasonable!"

"Possibly."

He reached the second floor and headed toward their bedroom.

"But my wife seems to think I’m incapable of jealousy."

"That’s not what I said!"

"Close enough."

He nudged the bedroom door open with his foot.

Yue Ling expected him to carry her toward the bed.

Instead, he walked straight toward the bathroom.

She lifted her head.

"Where are we going?"

"To shower."

She blinked.

"Shower?"

"Mm."

"Together?"

"Unless you’d prefer I leave you alone with your thoughts about Ning Xingyu."

Yue Ling laughed.

"Tian, you’re ridiculous."

He didn’t set her down. Instead, he headed to the shower to turn on the water before turning back.

He set her carefully on the marble counter.

But before she could move away, his arms settled around her waist.

His dark eyes held hers.

"Perhaps."

He brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"But I think my wife needs a reminder."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Of what?"

He leaned closer.

"I cannot control the men who admire you from a distance."

His lips brushed against her temple.

"But pursuing you is an entirely different matter."

Yue Ling smiled.

"And what do you intend to do about that?"

Lu Tian’s gaze lowered to her lips.

"Make sure they know that you are mine."

Before she could catch her breath, his lips captured hers with a hunger he could no longer hold back.

She smiled against his mouth at his affectionate display and returned the kiss with equal fervor, her arms circling his neck to pull him closer.

His hands roamed over her body, caressing every curve, every dip, as if memorizing her through touch alone.

Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, pulling him flush against her.

When she felt his hardness press against her core, a groan escaped her lips, swallowed by his kiss.

"See what you do to me?"

He murmured against her mouth, his hands already working at her clothes with barely restrained impatience.

"Then show me."

She whispered back, helping him shed the fabric barriers between them.

Within moments they were both rid of clothes.

Skin against skin.

Feeling her readiness for him, he gave her no time to think before positioning himself and thrusting inside her in one smooth motion.

A satisfied groan rumbled from his chest as her heat enveloped him completely.

"God, Yue Ling."

He breathed, his voice rough with pleasure.

Her head fell back as his thrusts deepened, each movement deliberate and consuming.

One of his hands cupped her breast, thumb circling her nipple, while his other hand splayed across her lower back to hold her steady against him.

His lips found hers again, then traced a burning path along her cheek, her jaw, down the column of her throat.

He made sure to leave his mark on the most visible places.

"Lu Tian."

She gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

"Don’t stop."

"Never," he promised against her skin.

Suddenly, he gripped her thigh firmly against his hip and lifted her from the counter in one fluid motion.

She clung to him as he walked toward the running shower, and each step he took drove him deeper inside her, the movement and angle making her cry out.

"Oh god—"

Her moans echoed off the bathroom tiles, unrestrained now in the privacy of their home.

"That’s it, my love."

He encouraged, his voice strained with his own pleasure.

"Let me hear you. Let me hear what I do to you."

Steam billowed around them as he stepped into the shower, and immediately he pressed her back against the cool tile wall.

The contrast of temperatures—hot water cascading over them, cool tile against her back, his burning body against her front—made her gasp.

He continued his relentless rhythm, pouring every ounce of his love and desire into each thrust.

Water streamed over their joined bodies, and he watched her face with dark, intense eyes—the way her lips parted, the flush spreading across her cheeks, the way her eyes fluttered closed in ecstasy.

"Look at me."

He commanded softly, and her eyes opened to meet his.

"I want to see you when you come apart for me."

His thrusting increased until her breath hitched and her body tensed.

"Tian, I’m—I’m going to—"

"I know, my love. I’ve got you."

He increased his pace more, his own control fraying.

"Come for me. Let go."

She shattered with a cry of his name, her body clenching around him rhythmically.

The sensation pushed him over the edge, and he buried himself deep as his own release crashed through him, groaning her name like a prayer.

They stayed locked together, trembling, as the warm water continued to rain down on them. He pressed his forehead to hers, both of them breathing hard.

"I love you," he whispered, pressing soft kisses to her lips, her cheeks, her eyelids. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

She murmured, her fingers threading through his wet hair.

"Always."

He carefully lowered her legs to the shower floor, keeping her steady as she found her balance. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close as the water washed over them both.

"You’re incredible," he said softly, tilting her chin up to look at him. "Do you know that?"

She smiled, exhausted and sated and utterly content.

"You’re not so bad yourself."

He laughed, the sound warm and full of affection, and reached for the shampoo.

"Come on. Let me take care of you."

The bathroom was quiet except for the soft sound of running water.

Warm steam gradually gathered against the glass walls of the spacious shower, blurring the marble beyond.

Yue Ling stood beneath the gentle spray, her dark hair damp against her shoulders.

Lu Tian stepped closer, brushing a few wet strands away from her face.

For a moment, neither spoke.

As if they had poured everything into the intense act they just shared.

Then Yue Ling looked up at him.

"Are you still jealous?"

"Very."

She smiled.

"Even after I told you there’s nothing between Ning Xingyu and me?"

"I never doubted you."

His answer came without hesitation.

Yue Ling’s expression softened.

Lu Tian cupped her cheek.

"It’s him I don’t trust."

"I know."

"And I don’t like the idea of him believing he has a chance with you."

She laughed quietly.

"Then he has a rather disappointing future ahead of him."

Lu Tian’s mouth curved into a faint smile.

"Good."

He lowered his head and kissed her.

It began gently, a familiar touch that carried the warmth of coming home after a long day.

Yue Ling slipped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss.

The water continued falling around them.

When he drew back, she caught the front of his chest with her fingertips.

"Is that supposed to be your warning?"

"Not quite."

"Oh?"

His lips brushed her forehead.

Then her cheek.

And finally the corner of her mouth.

Yue Ling’s smile grew.

"Mr. Lu, you’re being rather possessive tonight."

"Only tonight?"

She laughed.

"Fair point."

Lu Tian’s arms tightened around her, drawing her closer.

"Yue Ling."

"Mm?"

"Tell me something."

She raised her eyes.

"What?"

"Do you have any idea how difficult it was waiting for you to come home?"

Her teasing expression softened.

"I didn’t mean to make you worry."

"I know."

He rested his forehead against hers.

"When you told me there was something you needed to discuss, I kept wondering what had happened."

Yue Ling gently touched his face.

"And then you found out about Ning Xingyu?"

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"My cousin sent me a message."

Yue Ling blinked.

Then she laughed.

"Of course she did."

"She wasn’t pleased with the way he looked at you."

"Neither was I."

Yue Ling brushed her thumb along his jaw, easing Lu Tian’s expression.

"You should have called me."

"I almost did."

"Why didn’t you?"

"Because I trust you to tell me what matters."

Her heart warmed.

She leaned forward and kissed him.

This time, she lingered.

When they parted, Yue Ling smiled against his lips.

"Then let me make something clear."

Lu Tian watched her.

"I didn’t agree to dinner because I was interested in Ning Xingyu."

"I know."

"And I certainly don’t intend to hide anything from you."

"I know that too."

She tilted her head.

"Then why are you still jealous?"

Lu Tian gave her a look.

"Because knowing all of that doesn’t make me enjoy another man pursuing my wife."

Yue Ling laughed softly.

"You’re impossible."

"Only when it comes to you."

He kissed her again.

His hand moved slowly along her back, holding her close as the warmth of the shower surrounded them.

Yue Ling relaxed against him, her earlier amusement giving way to tenderness.

For all his intimidating composure, Lu Tian had never hidden how deeply he loved her.

He could face danger without flinching.

He could make decisions that affected entire companies without a moment’s hesitation.

Yet when it came to her, even the smallest threat to their happiness could unsettle him.

She drew back just enough to meet his eyes.

"Tian."

"Mm?"

"You don’t need to compete with anyone."

His gaze softened.

She smiled.

"There’s no competition."

For a moment, he said nothing.

Then he lowered his forehead to hers.

"Say that again."

Yue Ling chuckled.

"Which part?"

"The part where I win."

She burst into laughter.

"You’re unbelievable!"

Lu Tian smiled.

"Indulge me."

She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"There’s no one else, Lu Tian."

Her voice softened.

"Only you."

The teasing disappeared from his expression.

He looked at her for a long moment before kissing her with a tenderness that made her close her eyes.

Outside the shower, steam continued to gather across the mirrors.

Inside, the worries of the day gradually faded beneath quiet laughter, whispered affection, and kisses neither seemed eager to end.

Lu Tian eventually drew back and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"You’re mine, Han Yue Ling."

Yue Ling smiled.

Then she gently caught his chin and lifted his face until their eyes met.

"And you’re mine."

His smile deepened.

"Always."

She kissed him once more.

And for the remainder of their time together, neither had any desire to hurry.

Once they finished washing, Yue Ling emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a soft robe, her damp hair falling over her shoulders.

She headed to her closet room to change with Lu Tian following behind. One towel around his waist and another draped around his neck.

She glanced at him through the full-body mirror in the room as she began drying her hair.

"Well?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Well, what?"

"Are you satisfied now, Mr. Lu?"

Lu Tian approached her from behind and slipped his arms around her waist.

He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder.

"Not entirely."

Yue Ling stared at his reflection.

"You’re still jealous?"

"Mm."

She laughed.

"After all that?"

He smiled.

"I never said jealousy was reasonable."

Yue Ling shook her head.

"Liu Shan was right about you."

Lu Tian’s smile slowly faded.

"Liu Shan?"

She froze.

Then realized her mistake.

Behind her, Lu Tian’s eyes narrowed.

"So he’s the one who called me the King of Jealousy."

Yue Ling pressed her lips together.

"...Perhaps."

Lu Tian stared at her through the mirror.

A dangerous smile appeared.

"I see."

Yue Ling turned in his arms.

"Tian, don’t trouble him."

"I haven’t said anything."

"That expression says otherwise."

He chuckled then leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Don’t worry. I’ll remember his contribution."

Yue Ling laughed helplessly.

’Poor Liu Shan.’

She had a feeling her assistant would soon regret giving her husband that nickname.

Lu Tian drew her closer.

His expression gradually became serious.

"About tomorrow..."

Yue Ling looked up.

"Mm?"

"I want Liu Shan to send me the location once it’s confirmed."

She nodded.

"Of course."

"And I’ll have someone nearby."

"I expected that."

He studied her face.

"You’re not going to argue?"

"Why would I?"

She smiled.

"I’m not going there to prove I can handle Ning Xingyu on my own. I’m going because I want answers."

Lu Tian nodded slowly.

"Then we’ll get them."

Yue Ling’s expression softened.

She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest.

For a moment, they stood quietly together.

Then she spoke.

"Tian."

"Mm?"

"Thank you."

He lowered his gaze.

"For what?"

"For trusting me."

Lu Tian kissed the top of her head.

"Always."

His arms tightened gently around her.

Yue Ling closed her eyes. A small smile touched her lips.

She gave him a quick kiss before moving away to put on something comfortable.

He did the same, and then the two walked back to the bedroom.

Pulling back the comforter, Yue Ling slipped beneath it, eager to rest after the long day.

However, before she could pull the covers over herself, the mattress dipped.

A familiar shadow fell across her.

Yue Ling looked up just as Lu Tian settled above her, supporting his weight on his arms.

Her brows drew together.

"What are you doing?"

Lu Tian smiled innocently.

But the dangerous mischief glimmering in his dark eyes betrayed him.

"I’d say it’s still too early to go to sleep."

Yue Ling stared at him.

Then she glanced toward the window.

Although the curtains were drawn, darkness was already visible through the narrow gaps.

She slowly turned back to him.

One look at his expression, and she knew exactly what he had in mind.

Her cheeks warmed. She swallowed a hard gulp.

"I mean... we just... can’t we..."

Her cheeks burned hotter with each stumbling word that fell from her lips.

Lu Tian chuckled at her flustered response, the sound low and warm.

He leaned closer to her, his breath ghosting across her skin.

"I haven’t finished proving why I’m worthy of being called the King of Jealousy."

He pressed himself against her, and her cheeks burned until she was certain she resembled a tomato.

"Tian!" she shrieked.

They had just done it in the shower. How could he possibly be hard again?

Lu Tian looked at her with an expression of perfect innocence.

"We wouldn’t want to disappoint your assistant, would we?"

His fingers traced the curve of her body with agonizing slowness, sending a shiver down Yue Ling’s spine.

He leaned down and rubbed the side of her face with his nose, his lips barely brushing her skin.

"Hm? What does my wife think?"

Yue Ling opened her mouth to answer, but his lips sealed her voice away before she could form a single word.

He kissed her with the same hunger he’d shown in the bathroom, consuming and relentless.

"I take that as an agreement."

He murmured through the kiss before deepening it further.

Her hands came up to his chest, whether to push him away or pull him closer, she wasn’t entirely sure anymore.

His touch was intoxicating, his kisses stealing every rational thought from her mind.

"You’re insatiable."

She breathed against his mouth, but there was no real protest in her voice.

"Only for you."

He whispered back, his hands sliding beneath her sleepwear.

"Only ever for you."

Soon they discarded their clothes onto the floor, forgotten in the heat of the moment.

The heaviness of their breathing filled the room, mingling with whispered words of love and desire.

He worshipped her with his touch, his kisses, his body, proving once again that his jealousy was born from a love so deep it consumed him entirely.

And she surrendered to him willingly, meeting his passion with her own, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony beneath the soft glow of the bedroom.

Outside, the night settled peacefully over Imperial.

For now, the two remained wrapped in the comfort of their home.

But tomorrow evening, Yue Ling would sit across from a man who believed he had discovered a weakness he could exploit.

What Ning Xingyu failed to understand was that her acceptance had never been an invitation.

It was an opportunity to discover just how deeply he had entangled himself in Ji Chu Hua’s schemes.