Chapter 1038: Only her Scent
Chapter 1038: Only her Scent
After leaving the formalwear boutique, Lu Han and Zi Yifan had every intention of dragging Lu Tian to lunch.
Unfortunately, the man in question had other plans.
"Bro, there’s a restaurant nearby that just opened."
Lu Han suggested as the three men stepped onto the sidewalk.
"Let’s grab something to eat."
"No."
Lu Han stopped walking. He stared at his older brother.
"What do you mean, no?"
Lu Tian calmly adjusted the cuff of his shirt.
"Exactly what I said."
Zi Yifan chuckled.
"Come on, Tian. It’s been a while since the three of us had lunch together."
Lu Han nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly! You’ve been spending all your time either at Lu Corps or with my Sister-in-law. Surely you can spare an hour for your own brother."
Lu Tian glanced at his watch.
"I have somewhere to be."
Lu Han narrowed his eyes.
"Where?"
"None of your business."
Zi Yifan folded his arms.
"Let me guess. You’re going to see Yue Ling."
Lu Tian didn’t answer.
He didn’t need to.
Lu Han threw his hands dramatically into the air.
"Unbelievable!"
He turned toward Zi Yifan.
"Did you see that? He didn’t even deny it!"
Zi Yifan laughed.
"At least he’s consistent."
Lu Han looked back at his brother.
"Bro, you see Sister-in-law every morning and every evening. Can’t you survive one afternoon without her?"
Lu Tian gave him an indifferent look.
"Why should I?"
Lu Han opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
For several seconds, he couldn’t think of a response.
Zi Yifan burst into laughter.
"Give up, Han. You’ve already lost."
Lu Tian retrieved his car keys.
"Enjoy your lunch."
"Wait! Bro!"
But Lu Tian had already turned away.
Without another glance, he climbed into his car and drove off.
Lu Han watched the vehicle disappear into traffic.
Then he slowly turned toward Zi Yifan.
"Did my own brother just abandon me for his wife?"
Zi Yifan patted his shoulder.
"Apparently."
Lu Han sighed dramatically.
"He’s not even officially married yet."
Zi Yifan chuckled.
"Imagine what he’ll be like after the wedding."
Lu Han shook his head.
"I don’t even want to think about it."
Meanwhile, Lu Tian was already driving toward Elegancy. He had no intention of returning to Lu Corps just yet.
Not when he had a much more important appointment.
One that involved a certain woman with beautiful bluish-green eyes.
After stopping by Elegancy to purchase a light meal, Lu Tian drove directly to De L’amour.
Several employees immediately straightened when they saw him.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lu."
He acknowledged them with a slight nod.
Behind the reception desk, Sophia looked up and smiled.
"Mr. Lu! What a pleasant surprise. CEO Han is currently in the design room."
Lu Tian glanced toward the elevators.
"The design room?"
Sophia nodded.
"She’s been working with the designers on her wedding gown."
He paused.
The wedding gown.
He had nearly forgotten that Yue Ling was having her mother’s dress altered.
For a brief moment, he considered going straight to find her.
But then he remembered how important the gown was to her.
He wanted the first time he saw her wearing it to be on their wedding day.
Standing in Ji Mansion’s garden.
Walking toward him beneath the winter sunlight.
The thought brought a faint smile to his lips.
"I’ll wait in her office."
Sophia nodded.
"Would you like me to inform her?"
"No."
He lifted the paper bag in his hand.
"I’ll surprise her."
Sophia’s smile widened.
"Of course, Mr. Lu."
Lu Tian headed toward the private elevators.
Just as he stepped inside, another figure hurried toward the closing doors.
"Wait!"
A hand reached between them.
The doors slid open again.
"Thank you—"
Liu Shan stepped inside while looking down at the documents in his hand. He had assumed the other passenger was an employee.
Unfortunately, when he lifted his head—
His entire body froze.
A pair of dark, indifferent eyes met his.
Lu Tian.
Liu Shan’s fingers tightened around the documents.
For a brief moment, he forgot how to breathe.
Lu Tian merely glanced at him before returning his attention to the elevator doors.
The silence was suffocating.
Liu Shan swallowed hard.
"Mr. Lu."
No response.
He quickly pressed the button for the top floor.
"I didn’t know you were stopping by today."
Lu Tian kept his eyes forward.
"I’m not here for you."
Liu Shan’s mouth closed.
’Of course you’re not.’
He forced an awkward smile.
"Right. Of course."
The elevator began ascending.
Neither man spoke.
Liu Shan stood perfectly still, but his mind was anything but calm.
He could hear the faint hum of the elevator.
The rustling of the paper bag in Lu Tian’s hand.
And his own heartbeat, which seemed determined to burst through his chest.
’Does he know?’
The question had been haunting him ever since Xu Long revealed that Lu Tian suspected something.
They had been promised one week.
Or rather, Xu Long had promised them one week.
Lu Tian had never actually agreed.
And that distinction was becoming increasingly terrifying.
Liu Shan glanced sideways.
Lu Tian stood with his usual composed expression.
His posture was relaxed.
His gaze remained fixed on the doors.
There was nothing outwardly threatening about him.
Which somehow made everything worse.
’How can someone look so calm and still make me feel like I’m standing before an executioner?’
Liu Shan cleared his throat.
"Does Boss know you’re here?"
Before Lu Tian could answer, a soft chime announced their arrival.
The elevator doors slid open.
Lu Tian stepped out.
Liu Shan almost sighed in relief.
But before he could move—
Lu Tian stopped. His head turned slightly. Not enough to face Liu Shan completely.
Just enough to make it clear that his next words were meant for him.
"Not yet."
His deep voice was quiet.
Cold.
Liu Shan went rigid.
Two simple words.
Yet they carried a warning more terrifying than an outright threat.
Lu Tian didn’t wait for a response.
He continued down the corridor toward Yue Ling’s office.
Liu Shan remained inside the elevator.
Motionless.
’Not yet.’
He understood.
Lu Tian hadn’t exposed them.
Not yet.
He hadn’t demanded an explanation.
Not yet.
But his patience was running out.
Liu Shan slowly exhaled.
"Good heavens..."
He rubbed his face.
’One week.’
They had better find something substantial before that deadline arrived.
Because if Lu Tian decided to stop waiting, no amount of pleading would save them.
And worse—
If Yue Ling discovered that they had been hiding something involving the face of the man she had once loved...
Liu Shan shuddered.
He wasn’t sure which of the two frightened him more.
The King of Hell.
Or his own boss when she became truly angry.
One floor below, Yue Ling had just finished reviewing the alterations to her wedding gown.
Lian Ni Shang was still examining the stitching while Ju Suo checked the final measurements.
"That’s enough for now," Yue Ling said, gathering her belongings.
Both designers looked up.
"Boss?"
"You’ve been working since morning. Take a break."
Lian Ni Shang glanced toward the gown.
"But we still have—"
"The dress isn’t going anywhere."
Yue Ling smiled.
"Go eat something."
Ju Suo chuckled.
"She’s right. We’ve been staring at this lace for hours."
Lian Ni Shang sighed.
"Fine."
Yue Ling gave them an approving nod.
"And don’t overwork yourselves."
After exchanging a few more words, she left the design room.
Since her office was only one floor above, she decided to take the stairs.
A few moments later, she stepped into the top-floor corridor. That was when she noticed Liu Shan standing outside the closed elevator doors.
He was staring blankly ahead.
His expression looked unusually pale.
Yue Ling slowed.
"Liu Shan?"
No response.
She approached him.
"Liu Shan, are you alright?"
He startled.
"Boss!"
Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you standing here?"
Liu Shan blinked.
For one brief moment, he wanted to tell her everything.
About Liu Peng.
Choi Li Sun.
The resemblance to Lee Shin.
And the investigation they had been conducting behind her back.
The words nearly escaped him.
But then he looked into her eyes.
Those familiar bluish-green eyes that had finally begun to carry warmth again.
She was happy.
Truly happy.
After years of grief and everything that had happened with Ji Jingxu and Grandfather Ji, she was finally looking forward to something beautiful.
Her wedding.
Her future with Lu Tian.
Liu Shan couldn’t bring himself to destroy that happiness with information they hadn’t even confirmed.
He swallowed.
Then forced a laugh.
"Sorry, Boss. I’m fine."
Yue Ling narrowed her eyes.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Then why are you standing here like you’ve seen a ghost?"
Liu Shan’s smile stiffened.
’A ghost?’
He almost laughed bitterly.
’No, Boss. Much worse.’
’I just shared an elevator with the King of Hell.’
He cleared his throat.
"Just thinking about work."
Yue Ling studied him. She wasn’t convinced but she didn’t press further.
"Don’t overwork yourself."
Liu Shan nodded quickly.
"Of course."
He fell into step beside her as she headed toward their offices.
"How’s the wedding gown coming along?"
Yue Ling smiled.
"Almost finished. Just a few more adjustments."
"That’s good."
His expression softened.
"I’m glad everything’s going smoothly."
Yue Ling glanced at him.
"So am I."
Liu Shan looked at her for a moment.
After everything she had endured, he sincerely hoped the wedding would be perfect.
It was the least life could give her.
As they approached her office, he glanced toward the closed door.
"Oh, Boss."
"Hm?"
"You have a guest."
Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.
"A guest?"
She hadn’t scheduled any meetings.
"Who?"
Liu Shan sighed.
"Your husband."
The change in her expression was immediate.
A beautiful smile appeared on her face.
"Lu Tian?"
Liu Shan nodded.
"He arrived a few minutes ago."
Yue Ling chuckled.
"He didn’t tell me he was coming."
"Apparently, he wanted to surprise you."
She smiled even more.
"That man..."
Without another word, she quickened her steps toward her office.
Liu Shan watched her go. His smile slowly faded.
For a moment, guilt weighed heavily on his chest.
’Boss...’
He wanted to call her back.
Wanted to tell her that something was wrong.
But he remained silent.
’Just a little longer.’
He lowered his gaze.
’Please let us find the truth before you have to know.’
Yue Ling pushed open her office door.
The first thing she noticed was the familiar tall figure standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lu Tian had his back toward her.
His broad shoulders were outlined against the pale winter sunlight, one hand resting casually in his trouser pocket.
He appeared to be admiring the snowy cityscape.
Yue Ling smiled.
"Tian."
The moment he heard her voice, he turned.
His previously indifferent expression softened immediately.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"You’re done?"
Yue Ling closed the door.
"Mm. What are you doing here?"
Lu Tian walked toward her.
"Can’t a husband visit his wife at work?"
She laughed.
"Of course he can."
He reached her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Yue Ling naturally rested her hands against his chest.
"But you have your own company to run."
Lu Tian lowered his head and rested his forehead against her shoulder.
"So?"
She chuckled.
"You can’t keep appearing here at random hours of the day."
His arms tightened slightly.
"Nothing keeps me away from my wife."
He paused.
"Not even work."
Yue Ling laughed again.
"You’re becoming increasingly unreasonable."
"Only when it comes to you."
She leaned her head against his.
For a moment, neither moved.
Lu Tian closed his eyes and breathed in her familiar scent.
It was subtle.
Clean.
Comforting.
Nothing like the overpowering perfume he had encountered earlier.
His expression relaxed.
Yue Ling gently stroked the back of his head.
"Alright, Mr. Lu."
She smiled.
"Why are you really here?"
He lifted his head.
"I brought you lunch."
Yue Ling blinked.
"Lunch?"
Lu Tian nodded toward the white couch.
"I stopped by Elegancy."
Her eyes brightened.
"Oh? What did you get?"
He studied her expression then his lips curved.
"Judging by that smile, I came too late."
Yue Ling paused.
She had indeed grabbed something light from the cafeteria earlier but she hadn’t expected Lu Tian to visit.
Seeing her reaction, he chuckled.
"You already ate."
"Just a little."
He guided her toward the couch.
"Then you don’t have to eat more."
Yue Ling sat down. Her gaze immediately settled on the paper bag resting on the coffee table.
She reached for it but Lu Tian gently caught her hand.
"If you’re full, leave it."
Yue Ling gave him an incredulous look then she playfully smacked his hand away.
"Mr. Lu."
"Hm?"
"After all this time, I thought you would know that I never turn down a precious meal."
Lu Tian’s lips twitched.
"Of course I’ve noticed."
Yue Ling smiled triumphantly.
"Good."
He leaned back.
"I simply didn’t think it was gentlemanly to point out how much my wife enjoys eating."
Yue Ling froze. Then she turned toward him.
"Lu Tian!"
He laughed.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Are you saying I eat too much?"
"Did I say that?"
"You implied it!"
"I would never."
His expression was perfectly innocent.
Yue Ling stared at him for a split second before she burst into laughter.
"You’re impossible!"
Lu Tian smiled and began unpacking the food.
Inside were several carefully prepared dishes, including some of her favorites.
The familiar aroma immediately caught her attention.
"Oh, that smells good."
Lu Tian handed her a pair of chopsticks.
"Eat."
Yue Ling accepted them.
Then she paused.
"Wait."
He looked at her.
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
Her brows drew together.
"Why not?"
"I went to get my tuxedo."
Yue Ling’s expression brightened.
"You went already?"
He nodded.
"With Lu Han and Zi Yifan."
She laughed.
"Those two accompanied you?"
"They insisted."
"And you didn’t have lunch afterward?"
"They wanted to."
"But?"
"I wanted to see you."
Yue Ling’s smile softened.
She looked at him for a moment before reaching for another pair of chopsticks.
"Then we’re eating together."
Lu Tian chuckled.
"I thought you were full."
"Not anymore."
He raised an eyebrow.
"How convenient."
Yue Ling gave him a playful glare.
"Do you want to eat or not?"
"Yes, wife."
She laughed and began arranging the dishes between them.
Soon, the two were enjoying lunch together.
For a while, their conversation drifted between ordinary things.
Work.
The wedding preparations.
Madam Lu’s enthusiasm.
And Grandfather Ji’s delighted reaction to the confirmed wedding date.
It was a peaceful moment.
Neither of them wanted to rush.
After finishing their meal, Yue Ling leaned comfortably against the couch.
Lu Tian gathered the empty containers and placed them back into the bag.
"So," she began.
He glanced at her.
"How did your tuxedo fitting go?"
"Fine."
"That’s all?"
He nodded.
Yue Ling laughed.
"You’re giving me absolutely nothing."
"What would you like to know?"
"Did you find something you liked?"
"Yes."
"Did you try on several?"
"One."
Yue Ling blinked.
"One?"
Lu Tian nodded.
"I liked the first one."
She stared at him then laughed.
"Of course you did."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What’s wrong with that?"
"Nothing."
She shook her head, amused.
"I just imagined Lu Han and Zi Yifan dragging you around the entire boutique."
"They tried."
"And?"
"I ignored them."
Yue Ling laughed harder.
"Poor Lu Han."
Lu Tian smiled faintly.
"He’ll survive."
She leaned closer.
"Was there a saleswoman helping you?"
"Only to settle the bill."
Yue Ling nodded thoughtfully.
Then a mischievous smile appeared.
"That explains it."
Lu Tian looked at her.
"Explains what?"
She tilted her head.
"When you hugged me earlier, I noticed a faint sweet scent on you."
His expression changed but Yue Ling continued teasingly.
"I was wondering whether a pretty saleswoman had been helping my husband with his fitting."
Silence.
Lu Tian stared at her.
Then his eyes slowly darkened.
Yue Ling blinked at the sudden change in his expression.
"Tian?"
Without warning, he stood.
She watched in confusion as he removed his overcoat.
Then his suit jacket.
He placed both on the nearby chair, fighting back the urge to throw them on the floor.
Next, he loosened his tie.
Yue Ling straightened.
"What are you doing?"
Lu Tian didn’t answer.
He pulled the tie free.
Then reached for the buttons of his dress shirt.
Yue Ling’s eyes widened.
"Tian!"
She hurriedly stood and caught his hands.
"What are you doing?!"
Lu Tian looked down at her. His expression was unusually serious.
"They’re contaminated."
Yue Ling blinked.
"...What?"
"My clothes."
He glanced toward the discarded jacket with obvious displeasure.
"They’re contaminated."
For several seconds, Yue Ling could only stare.
Then she slowly asked, "Why would you say that?"
Lu Tian’s jaw tightened.
"Your cousin."
Yue Ling paused.
"My cousin?"
He nodded.
"I ran into her at the boutique."
Yue Ling’s eyebrows rose.
"Oh?"
"She kept trying to approach me."
His expression darkened further.
"And touch my arm."
Yue Ling stared at him. Lu Tian continued.
"Her perfume was overpowering and disgusting."
He glanced at his clothes again.
"Apparently, some of it got onto me."
Yue Ling’s lips twitched. She finally understood.
The sweet scent she had noticed earlier hadn’t come from a saleswoman.
It had come from Ji Chu Hua.
And her husband was now attempting to remove his clothes because of it.
Yue Ling pressed her lips together.
She tried not to laugh.
Failed.
A soft chuckle escaped her.
Lu Tian narrowed his eyes.
"What’s funny?"
"Nothing."
She shook her head. But her shoulders trembled.
Lu Tian stared at her.
"Yue Ling."
She covered her mouth.
"I’m sorry."
Another laugh escaped.
"You really don’t have to take off your clothes just because I mentioned a little perfume."
Lu Tian’s expression remained serious.
"I don’t want anyone else’s scent on me but yours."
Yue Ling looked at him.
Something warm spread through her chest.
She knew how indifferent Lu Tian could be toward other women.
But she hadn’t expected him to react so strongly to something as insignificant as perfume.
She gently caught his hands again.
"Tian."
He lowered his gaze.
"It’s alright."
"No."
His stern response made her smile.
"It’s just perfume."
"I don’t like it."
Yue Ling chuckled.
"You’re being dramatic."
Lu Tian looked at her for a moment.
Then, without warning, his arm slipped around her waist.
He pulled her against him.
"Ah!"
Yue Ling gasped in surprise. Her palms landed against his chest.
"Tian!"
His other hand settled at the small of her back. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Mrs. Lu."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Hm?"
"Did you lock the door?"
Yue Ling blinked. The sudden question caught her completely off guard.
"The door?"
Lu Tian nodded.
She glanced toward the entrance.
"No. Why?"
One corner of his lips slowly curled into a smirk.
"Because I need you to sanitize me."
Yue Ling stared at him.
Then her cheeks turned pink.
"Lu Tian!"
He chuckled at her reaction.
His arms tightened around her waist, drawing her closer until there was barely any space between them.
Yue Ling looked up at him.
"You’re not serious."
"Very serious."
He lowered his head and brushed his lips against her cheek.
A gentle kiss.
Then another, closer to the corner of her mouth.
Yue Ling’s fingers curled against his shirt.
"Tian..."
He paused just enough to look into her eyes.
"The only scent I want on me..."
His voice lowered.
"...is yours."
Yue Ling’s heart fluttered.
Despite his teasing expression, there was unmistakable sincerity in his words.
Lu Tian had always been particular about personal boundaries.
He disliked unnecessary physical contact, especially from women who attempted to approach him with intentions he had no interest in entertaining.
Ji Chu Hua’s persistent attempts to touch him had already irritated him.
But discovering that her perfume had somehow lingered on his clothes—
And worse, that his wife had noticed—
had been the final insult.
He didn’t want another woman’s scent following him home.
He didn’t want Yue Ling to mistake it for something else.
And he certainly didn’t want anything associated with Ji Chu Hua lingering between them.
He only wanted his wife.
Her warmth.
Her familiar fragrance.
The quiet comfort of having her close.
Lu Tian brushed his nose lightly against hers.
"Go lock the door."
Yue Ling’s eyes widened.
"Why should I?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Because I don’t want anyone interrupting us."
She laughed.
"You’re in my office, Mr. Lu."
"I’m aware."
"And I still have work."
"It’ll be quick."
Yue Ling shook her head.
"You’re impossible."
Lu Tian’s lips curved.
"Only for you."
He leaned down and captured her lips in a lingering kiss.
Yue Ling smiled against his mouth before gently pushing against his chest.
"Wait."
He reluctantly lifted his head.
"What?"
She glanced toward the door then back at him.
"You’re seriously worried someone might walk in?"
Lu Tian’s expression darkened slightly.
"Your assistant has a habit of appearing at inconvenient times."
Yue Ling blinked. She watched the seriousness in his expression intensify, and she burst into laughter.
"Liu Shan?"
"Who else?"
She covered her mouth.
"He’s my assistant. Of course he comes into my office!"
Lu Tian narrowed his eyes.
"He should learn to knock."
"He does knock!"
"Not always."
Yue Ling laughed harder, remembering the time Liu Shan walked in on them.
"Are you still upset about that?"
Lu Tian didn’t answer, but the look in his eyes said enough.
He had no desire to experience another interruption from Liu Shan.
Especially not when he was holding his wife.
And if the assistant dared to barge in at the wrong moment again—
Lu Tian’s eyes narrowed.
’Perhaps he doesn’t need those eyes after all.’
Yue Ling noticed the dangerous glint in his expression. She immediately caught his face between her palms.
"Lu Tian."
"Hm?"
"Whatever you’re thinking, stop."
He looked at her innocently.
"I’m not thinking anything."
"Liar."
He chuckled.
Yue Ling shook her head, smiling helplessly. She rose onto her toes and kissed him.
"There."
Lu Tian raised an eyebrow.
"What’s that for?"
"Sanitizing you."
His lips twitched.
"That’s all?"
"Mm-hmm."
He considered her answer then slowly shook his head.
"Not enough."
Yue Ling laughed.
"You’re becoming greedy."
"When it comes to my wife?"
He pulled her closer.
"Very."
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Then what am I supposed to do with you?"
Lu Tian lowered his forehead against hers.
"Keep me."
Her expression softened.
He brushed another kiss against her lips.
"Forever."
For a moment, Yue Ling simply looked at him.
Then she smiled.
"That’s already the plan."
Lu Tian’s eyes warmed. He leaned down and kissed her again.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the winter sun shone over the snow-covered city.
Inside, Yue Ling remained comfortably wrapped in her husband’s embrace, laughing softly whenever he attempted to steal another kiss.
And somewhere beyond her office, Liu Shan was still trying to recover from his encounter with the King of Hell.
Fortunately for him, he had no intention of disturbing his boss anytime soon.
Because if he had known what Lu Tian was thinking—
He would have made absolutely certain to knock.
Twice. Maybe even thrice.