Chapter 25: Drawn Into His Embrace

Fu Hanning's tall and imposing figure suddenly froze, his dark eyes flashing with an unexpected emotion.

Gu Yining's almond-shaped eyes were bloodshot, a flood of grievances welling up from deep within her heart.

She had lost her mother when she was only ten years old, and her mother had been killed by her own father.

Why couldn't she receive even a bit of love?

Just a little.

Seeing the tears brimming in her eyes, Fu Hanning's throat tightened.

His hand, resting by his side, felt awkward and out of place.

What grievance could a woman intent on climbing into his bed possibly have?

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Gu Yining turned to leave, leaving behind a slender and forlorn silhouette.

"Li Feng, investigate her thoroughly, including the true purpose of her visit to that doctor today. I want to see how many secrets she's hiding," Fu Hanning said, his thin lips curving slightly.

Li Feng nodded respectfully. "Understood, young master. I'll begin the investigation immediately."

**At 10 PM**

Gu Yining had yet to return.

Li Feng had already compiled a complete investigation report and handed it to Fu Hanning.

Seated on the sofa with his legs crossed, Fu Hanning held a premium cigarette in his hand.

The white smoke spiraled and dissipated in the spacious living room.

"Young master, this is all the information we could gather. It's all here. The young lady has never been favored in the Gu family due to her looks and mediocre talent. Gu Tingyuan abandoned his first wife, Chen Huilan, along with his two daughters to marry the young lady's mother. When the young lady was ten, her mother passed away, and Gu Tingyuan immediately brought back Chen Huilan and her daughters to the Gu family. Since then, his perfume business has flourished."

"I discovered that the perfume formula used in Gu Tingyuan's perfume company is entirely different from the style he created in his earlier years. It seems he stole it from the young lady's mother. On the day she proposed to you, she faced numerous misfortunes, including being expelled from school..."

"Through the recording monitored by our hidden device in Xie Suyun's clinic, we learned that today she discovered her mother's death was likely linked to her biological father, Gu Tingyuan. Her own father had killed her mother, a grudge she may not know how to repay... Sigh, she really is a pitiful girl."

Li Feng had initially been displeased with the way this woman had so easily become the mistress of the Fu family.

But now, after his thorough investigation, he couldn't help but feel some sympathy for her circumstances.

She was only twenty.

She didn't deserve this.

After hearing Li Feng's brief report, Fu Hanning felt a mix of emotions swirling in his heart.

He tossed the report onto the table and supported his forehead with one hand. "Send someone to find her."

"Yes, young master."

Li Feng was about to dispatch someone to locate Gu Yining when she walked in, wearing a black T-shirt and a face smeared with unattractive makeup.

It seemed she had grown accustomed to disguising herself with an ugly facade.

Even upon returning to the Fu residence, she never removed the birthmarks that marred her face.

Gu Yining entered the room, casting a tired glance at Fu Hanning before heading straight upstairs.

"Stop!" Fu Hanning, feeling completely ignored, naturally felt displeased.

Gu Yining halted, turning to look at him. "Is there something you need, Mr. Fu? If it's about treatment, then please don't bother; I'm clearly not to your liking."

The housekeeper, the servants, and even Chen Ma, who was somewhat familiar with her, were all left in shock.

This doctor had become far too arrogant, daring to speak to the young master in such a manner.

"Come here!" Fu Hanning's voice was sharp, exuding an irresistible authority.

Reluctantly, Gu Yining dragged her tired legs over.

In the next moment, a large hand snaked around her waist, drawing her into a solid chest.

Gu Yining found herself seated on Fu Hanning's lap.

The suggestive posture stunned everyone in the room.

This was the first time the young master had been so intimate with a woman.

Gu Yining's heart raced, caught off guard by the unexpected closeness. She could feel the warmth radiating from Fu Hanning's body, a stark contrast to the coldness he often exhibited.

"What are you doing?" she stammered, a mixture of confusion and embarrassment flashing across her face.

Fu Hanning met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Why do you always insist on pushing me away?"

She was taken aback, trying to process his words. "I... I'm just trying to give you space. I thought you wanted distance."

"Distance? Is that what you think I want?" His tone softened slightly, revealing a hint of vulnerability that made her heart flutter.

"I don't want to be a burden," Gu Yining admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"But you are my wife," he replied firmly. "Whether you like it or not, that's the truth."

Gu Yining's breath hitched. The realization of their bond hung heavily in the air.

"And if I want you by my side?" she asked, meeting his gaze steadily.

Fu Hanning's grip on her waist tightened, and he leaned closer, their faces just inches apart. "Then perhaps it's time you stop hiding behind that mask."

The atmosphere between them shifted, filled with an unspoken understanding.

Gu Yining's heart raced as she contemplated what that meant for them. Could they truly bridge the gap that had formed between them?

In that moment, the distance began to fade, replaced by a warmth that enveloped them both.

"Okay," she said finally, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty. "I'll try."

Fu Hanning nodded, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. Let's take it one step at a time."

As they sat there, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.